To add a BEC or not...

[OffShore_RC]

Should I add a BEC to my ESC or should I leave the ESC stock?

I am saving up for a HK Genesis and I will be getting a Castle Creations Hydra 240A ESC.

I will be running a 3S lipo and plan on running the stock motor initially, until I get used to the handling. Then I plan on upgrading the motor and possibly running 4S or 5S.

Are there any pros and cons of running a BEC, besides not being able to run anything greater than a 3S lipo?

Here are the BEC specs for my particular speed control:

Cells w/BEC:
5-12 NiCad/NiMh
3S LiPo

Cells w/o BEC:
5-20 NiCad/NiMh
6S LiPo

[runzwithsizorz]

Though I would not do it, many people have stated they had no problems running a Hydra240,*LV* on 6s. On 3s, 4s, and even 5s you really shouldn't *require* it. Especially if the batteries you have, or, are about to purchase have a good amount of MAH.
That being said, with a cost of only around $25, and if you can save money on shipping by combining with an order, I'd go ahead and pick one up. Consider it a cheap insurance policy, whether you use it now, or later.

[OffShore_RC]

Though I would not do it, many people have stated they had no problems running a Hydra240,*LV* on 6s. On 3s, 4s, and even 5s you really shouldn't *require* it. Especially if the batteries you have, or, are about to purchase have a good amount of MAH.

Does it make a difference if I run a 3S 65C 5000 mah lipo? That's what I am planning on buying, as I don't have any lipos at the moment. My proboat Apache runs on Nimh batteries.

[runzwithsizorz]

Does it make a difference if I run a 3S 65C 5000 mah lipo? That's what I am planning on buying, as I don't have any lipos at the moment. My proboat Apache runs on Nimh batteries.

Sorry I misunderstood. With 3s+ 65C you really don't have much headroom. My advice, receiver pack, or separate BEC. No if's, and's, or but's.

[Boaterguy]

he has 325A at his disposal, I don't think over drawing is a big deal.

[BHChieftain]

I believe the CCHydra 240A ESC manual states that the internal BEC is good up to 3S only.
I run 4S and added an external BEC.
Chief

[ice_spy]

with a cost of only around $25.

How about these ones.... any good ?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/200569098395?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Boaterguy]

either of these http://fightercatracing.com/index.ph...id=37&Itemid=1

[ice_spy]

So to answer Offshore Rc, an internal bec are not very reliable, and only good for LV set ups.
external bec's have a safer fail rate and can handle HV set ups. They are for applications where no room is availble, weight issues or ease of set up.
And no bec with seperate rx batt is for maximum fail safe, no current draw from your main batt/s and safer arming when plugging in power.
??? are these all the pro's and cons of bec or no bec.?

[pyroM!KE]

Why buy a bec when you can get a nimh rx pack for the same price? These are what I use.. There 5 cell 6volt..Just plug it right into the rx and be done.. http://gshobby.com/node/212979

[TheShaughnessy]

if it were me I'd get the bec. I spent 25 bucks on a CC BEC but it is programable from 5-9 v with a castle link,plus it is castle so i trust it. The biggest advantage i see over a rx pack is not having to recharge. Nothing worse then getting to the lake with all you main batts charged only to find you rx pack is dead, or even worse your rx pack drops voltage and starts picking up stray signals and sends your boat into the shore line. I've ran separate rx packs before and weight aside i wouldn't go back now that i use an external bec. Try to avoid internal bec's unnecessary added stress to the esc. I wouldn't get the one you linked on E bay. Its only 5 v output, my opinion is that only 5v can cause range issues.

[Fluid]

If the OP is getting a Hydra ICE240 (he does not specify) then he does not need an external BEC. That ESC supplies reliable BEC power up to 8S.


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