A rotor resistor and switch combination may cause a starter/generator device to function as an asynchronous device when in a start mode. Thus, starting torque may result. A starter/generator device may include an exciter rotor winding, a main rotor winding, and a resistor and switch combination positioned between the exciter rotor winding and the main rotor winding to control a flow of current in the main rotor winding during a start mode of the starter/generator device. A method of optimizing starting torque of a starter/generator device without a start controller unit during a start mode may include providing a main rotor winding of the starter/generator device, and providing a control to control a flow of current in the main rotor winding during the start mode.