ESC auto-shutdown, were do i go wrong?

[lars_01]

I have a DF 32 clone , set up with a Lehner 2250/7, Hydra 240 LV and 2p5cells 5000mah. Speed is in the upper 40 to low 50 on a X648, cupped detunged and balanced by Chuck. Nothings binding in the driveline. Nothings warm and i can only put in around 500 mah in each pack after shutdown. The Eagle tree says 168A burst and temp on the hydra is only 126 degress. Timing is set to low on the Hydra.
Why is it shutting down on me only after 30-40 sec. Need help, please!
To Chuck: Your props are great, but havent been able to test them out!?

Lasse

[Fluid]

The most likely cause is the LVC. What is your setting?
I assume you are not using the BEC. If you are, don't - disconnect the red wire and use a receiver pack instead.


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[lars_01]

Thanks! But I´m not using the bec. I have the hydra set to 12v cutoff and a LiPo "saver" set to 16v.

[Fluid]

Your cells may have a large voltage depression under load - what is their 'C' discharge rating? There is the likely problem. Why on earth are you running two LVC devices? Remove the LiPo Saver and set the Hydra to 15 volts. My old LiPo Saver cutoff was not very accurate so I stopped using it (I only used it with ESCs lacking LVC circuitry anyway). I am pretty certain that will solve your issue. If it does then increase the Hydra LVC to 16 volts.
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[sailr]

I agree. Sounds like the Lipo Saver is taking priority. Lipos fall to 4V per cell REAL QUICK!

[lars_01]

Maybe your right. C-ratings are 30C. I use the second LVC becouse the Hydra manual says: setting 5=12V cut off. And i think 16V cut off is good with 5-cells LiPo!? I have a "old" Hydra 240 LV and i dont have a Castle Link Programming cable, is there a way to program higher cut off with my TX?

Thanks for your advice
Lasse

[Fluid]

First off, get the programming cable. Until then you can do some limited programming with the transmitter, the instructions below will tell you how. That is a challenging task to perform successfully - it's the reason I bought the cable!

http://www.castlecreations.com/support/documents/hydra_user_guide.pdf

Without the cable you are limited to 12V maximum cutoff, which is too low for 5S but at least your ESC should work. Time your run with a stopwatch and don't run for more than 2 minutes - then bring the model in and check the voltage or just recharge. Then you'll know how much capacity you use in minutes. Lots of us run without a LVC but you need to measure your run time to avoid cell damage.



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[sailr]

Absolutely excellent advice! I set my cutoffs at 3.2V whenever the esc allows it. Otherwise, go with the 3V, eg., 12V for a 4S . 16V for a 5S is just fine....slightly more than 3V per cell.

BUT, do as Fluid says. Turn off the LVC and time the run, etc.

[tharmer]

I always turn off the LVC.
-t

[lars_01]

Great, thanks! Ordered the cable from OSE today, along with a 5692-motor. I will try your advice this weekend and if it solves my problem. Get back to you with results.
Lasse

[sailr]

Let us know how that big-ass motor runs! I'm eyeing it for my 1/8th scale hydro.

[lars_01]

Problems solved!!!
Set the LVC to the lowest settings, got a 40s run, and all went dead!? Did not start again. Changed to an other ESC, all dead. Tryed the Hydra on an Lehner 2280/7 on the bench, all working. Put the 2280 in the boat along with the Hydra, got two minutes runtime, all working perfect and nothings warm. Put back 3200mah in the batts. Tryed the 2250 with different ESC and its dead!! Will send it to Germany for a check up. Thanks for your adivce, but the problem was the motor!
Lasse