Castle Hydra 240A or HV 200A?

[gyrotron]

Hi Guys,

I need your advice on choosing an ESC for a my 1st build project. I am building a boat on a 42" hull and I will be using a Turnigy AquaStar T20 3T (720kv in the Y(wye) configuration, 1280kv in the D(delta) configuration). I am planing on running 8S lipos and need to pick an ESC. I am debating between the Castle Hydra 240A and the HV 200A. I believe the 200 does not have a BEC and the 240 does but with the 240 I can only go as far as 8S. What would be the pros and cons of using one or the other for this application?

Thank you

[bill34207]

If you are planning to run 8s, the 240 is already at it's limits for voltage and it's never a good idea run an esc at it's limit.
You are correct in that the 200 does not have a BEC but it is rated for 12s so you can 9 or 10s without over stressing it. Chances are you will find the weight of a rx pack useful for ballast anyway.
Chances are that Castle will recommend diabling the bec and running a seperate rx pack on the 240 if running at max voltage as well. I don't know this for sure as I haven't loked at a manual on the new ice 240 but it seems to be a common practice with the other CC esc's I've owned. ie: the old 240 lv rated for 6s max recommends using a seperate rx pack if running more than 3s lipo.
If you don't mind giving up the data logging you could consider a Swordfish 240. It's a solid esc for up to 10s (rated for 12) and has the extra 40 amp capability if you feel you need it. It does not have a bec.
I have a Hydra Ice 200 as well as a couple of the SF 240's. They have all given me good service but imo the castle does have a smoother throttle.

[gyrotron]

If you are planning to run 8s, the 240 is already at it's limits for voltage and it's never a good idea run an esc at it's limit.
You are correct in that the 200 does not have a BEC but it is rated for 12s so you can 9 or 10s without over stressing it. Chances are you will find the weight of a rx pack useful for ballast anyway.
Chances are that Castle will recommend diabling the bec and running a seperate rx pack on the 240 if running at max voltage as well. I don't know this for sure as I haven't loked at a manual on the new ice 240 but it seems to be a common practice with the other CC esc's I've owned. ie: the old 240 lv rated for 6s max recommends using a seperate rx pack if running more than 3s lipo.
If you don't mind giving up the data logging you could consider a Swordfish 240. It's a solid esc for up to 10s (rated for 12) and has the extra 40 amp capability if you feel you need it. It does not have a bec.
I have a Hydra Ice 200 as well as a couple of the SF 240's. They have all given me good service but imo the castle does have a smoother throttle.

Hello Bill,

I will do some in depth research on the Castle HV 200A and the Swordfish 240A and make a decision soon. Warranty and customer support are important too. I appreciate your advice.

Thank you

[Fluid]

Chances are that Castle will recommend diabling the bec and running a seperate rx pack on the 240 if running at max voltage as well....

Chances are you should have looked before you posted. Castle ICE controllers work fine at max voltage with the internal BEC operational. The ICE controllers are not old Hydras. (I no longer run receiver packs when I run ICE controllers.) The rest of you post is good advice.


.

[bill34207]

You know how us good ole boys are. "hold my beer and watch this".

[gyrotron]

Chances are you should have looked before you posted. Castle ICE controllers work fine at max voltage with the internal BEC operational. The ICE controllers are not old Hydras. (I no longer run receiver packs when I run ICE controllers.) The rest of you post is good advice.


.

Fluid,

What BEC would you run/recommend with the ICE2 HV 200A?

Thank you

[oscarel]

Instead of getting a BEC and run the risk of it frying things why not look at HV servo. Most of the receivers nowadays will handle a 2s lipo. You can get the Hitec HS-5646WP for a little over $50 on ebay and they work great plus are waterproof.

[RaceMechaniX]

Get the 8S ICE 240, I have found them to be more reliable then the ICE 200's. They run just fine on 8S with the BEC.

[Jason4636]

[gyrotron]

Get the 8S ICE 240, I have found them to be more reliable then the ICE 200's. They run just fine on 8S with the BEC.

Tyler,

I will follow your advise and get the CC ICE 240A. Powerwise the plan is to run 4 x 4S packs for a 8S2P battery setup. Will I need anti-spark wires too?

Thank you

[RaceMechaniX]

Yes, or at least a charging resistor you can use when connecting packs.

[gyrotron]

Yes, or at least a charging resistor you can use when connecting packs.

Tyler,

This is what I am looking at in terms of adding to the ESC; CC Capacitor bank cas-011-0002-02 and antispark terminal bank hef-cap8mm. Do I really need both installed? If only one of the two is need which one and why?

Since I will be mounting the ESC on an alum plaftorm should I need to isolate the underside of the bank with a specific material or just a piece of plywood would do? Here is a pic of the preliminary ESC platform location made of plywood as a mock up. Do I need to get the platform closer to the motor rear? right now it is 2 1/2" away. I appreciate your comments and advice.

Thx

[RaceMechaniX]

You have one too many items there. I would run the Castle cap bank or the Etti HV cap bank. The cap bank with two caps on it is not what you want.

It's OK to mount the ESC directly to an aluminum plate, it's electrically insulated. The cap boards however will be insulation even if they are conformal coated. The distance looks fine, you want short motor leads, but not soo short it forces sharp bends or makes it a pain to disconnect.

Tyler

[gyrotron]

You have one too many items there. I would run the Castle cap bank or the Etti HV cap bank. The cap bank with two caps on it is not what you want.

It's OK to mount the ESC directly to an aluminum plate, it's electrically insulated. The cap boards however will be insulation even if they are conformal coated. The distance looks fine, you want short motor leads, but not soo short it forces sharp bends or makes it a pain to disconnect.

Tyler

What kind of insulation do you recommend using below the cap board? Will a coat of liquid plastic sufice?