As it turns out from the number of improvements and ideas posted on the Inventions Page, our PPG community has many resourceful and ingenious pilots. One of them is Ferenc Galambos from Hungary.
In this article, he will present his home built PPG. From what we are about to see, some of his ideas and engine improvements could be successfully implemented by serious PPG manufacturers.
Alex Varv
Here is what Ferenc Galambos reports from Hungary:
For the average person in Hungary, the factory made Powered Paraglider Motors on the Hungarian market are too expensive.
Together with a group of other pilots and PPG enthusiasts, we decided to build our own machines. Because of the price, we used the Solo 210 engine.
The paramotor I present, was originally built by Mr. Laszlo Gulyas.
General data:
-Engine: modified Solo 210 with Tillotson carburetor
-Reduction: 1: 2,5
-Propeller: 48" two blade
-Engine frame: steel
-Propeller cage: light two piece steel construction
-Harness: UP
-Hook-in points: high
-Paramotor weight ("wet"): 28 Kg (61 Lb)
During the first engine tests, the pull starter broke and after several repairs, I have discarded it completely. I came to the conclusion that an electric starter will be easier to use on the ground or in the air. I bought a crown wheel and a starter motor. Now the engine is easy to start and works like a dream.
I also replaced the originally installed Walbro carburetor with a Tillotson:
Since the Solo engine vibrates significantly, I installed an additional flywheel on the ignition side.The flywheel is made of brass and weights 0,9 Kg (1,98lb) Now the engine works much better:
The power source for the electric starter is a 12 Volt 4 Ah sealed lead-acid "Varta" battery. After sealing, this battery can be installed in virtually any position without the danger of leaking. The battery is mounted on the top of the paramotor in a very accessible spot.The bungee cord keeps the battery firmly in place:
The switch box holds a 25Amp relay inside. This starter solenoid switches the power to the starter upon pushing the starter button:
The redrive ratio is 1:2,5. I used a 48 " propeller which gives me the thrust I need:
The throttle was purchased at a bicycle store at a convenient price. It is cheap, strong and very ergonomic:
Not it is time to present my machine:
As seen below, there is no harness attached to the machine yet.The visible straps are only for ground handling purpose. They also help on the take off run keeping the paramotor firm on the pilot's back:
Please, note the distance bars.They are held by a pair of pipes welded on the frame:
The cage comes apart very easily:
Rear view of my machine:
The fuel tank comes from a YAMAHA scooter (6litres= 1,5 gal):
I have flown this machine for a year now and I like it very much.
However, I have never flown a factory made PPG yet.
Ferenc Galambos
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