From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Continued report on the operation and potential disadvantages of the Startix automatic starting system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168a\2\ img078 | |
| Date | 1st June 1932 | |
| -2- As soon as the engine starts, the starter torque and current is reduced so that the second solenoid operates, breaking the main switch circuit. At the same time, current is fed from the chassis generator (now operating) to a second winding on the second solenoid which holds the plunger down so long as the engine is rotating, thus preventing the contactor from making again and causing the starter to attempt to re-engage. The Startix solenoid coil fed from the generator in order to hold the main switch out, is so arranged that the main generator voltage available when the engine is merely idling and the cut out is not "in", is sufficient to send a current of sufficient strength to hold the solenoid down, thus preventing re-engagement of the starter. Startix also incorporates a unique and most important feature in restarting of the engine. Should the engine fire once or twice without getting away, the right time interval is allowed between the stopping of the engine and the reclosing of the starter switch in order that the motor and engine shall be at rest before restarting occurs. This time delay is controlled by the period of vibration of the contact arm which is released by the solenoid plunger springing back upon the engine stopping, and the generator ceasing to supply current to the winding. The whole scheme is very ingenious and is not actually so complicated as the description would tend to infer. We have a Startix unit opened up and should be pleased to demonstrate its action to anyone interested. Whilst not actually having tested the Startix unit we have examined its action and consider it has at least one serious disadvantage in that should the dynamo suddenly cease to function as occasionally happens due to the brushes sticking etc., there is nothing to prevent the starter switch closing and operating the motor which would be very alarming and would probably damage the flywheel gear teeth and the motor pinion. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/WST. | ||