The Spark...

[Checkmateguy01]

Almost every time i plug in my lipos to the ESC i get a pretty good size spark! Is this normal? My NiMh's would sometimes give a small spark, but these are real snaps. You can even see where there dis-coloring the bullets a little bit. Will it hurt anything? Lipo, and 5.5 bullet newbie here, as if you couldn't tell lol.

[iamandrew]

I think a lot of people here must be busy :P
Yes, dont worry about it. I found that plugging in the negative first, then waiting 5 seconds, then plugging positive in, i got a lot less spark .
I use 4 and 5S and dont have any spark Caps. Im not convinced yet if its a 'must need' item due to different esc manufactueres saying DONT USE ONE :S

[Diesel6401]

Like mentioned completly normal, it's that caps in the esc charging. Jan at kintec has a nice little anti-spark adaptor http://kintecracing.com/.

[Fluid]

While the spark is disconcerting (wait until you try a 10S pack!) and does erode the connectors, it is an important sign that your ESC is working properly. If you do not get a spark, it may mean your caps are toast. Continuing to run with bad caps will eventually lead to a burn down. It is a lot cheaper to replace a pair of connectors once or twice a year than to replace an ESC. The spark does not "stress" the ESC, even Castle recommends using the spark as a diagnostic tool.

The anti-spark device is a good way to lull yourself into thinking everything is A-okay, and is a lot more expensive than a few connectors. The way I see it, if you are afraid of the normal spark, perhaps you shouldn't be playing with FE boats. Call me weird......




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[JIM MARCUM]

I love the smell of sparking connectors in the morning! Also love replacing blown bullet connectors. Just call me SPARKY. My name is SPARKIE, STUPID SPARKY.

[Chilli]

Jan at kintec has a nice little anti-spark adaptor http://kintecracing.com/.

$15???

I made a few devices myself a few years ago for a couple bucks but I never use them. I like the ZAP because it makes the gas and nitro guys nervous.

[Checkmateguy01]

While the spark is disconcerting (wait until you try a 10S pack!) and does erode the connectors, it is an important sign that your ESC is working properly. If you do not get a spark, it may mean your caps are toast. Continuing to run with bad caps will eventually lead to a burn down. It is a lot cheaper to replace a pair of connectors once or twice a year than to replace an ESC. The spark does not "stress" the ESC, even Castle recommends using the spark as a diagnostic tool.

The anti-spark device is a good way to lull yourself into thinking everything is A-okay, and is a lot more expensive than a few connectors. The way I see it, if you are afraid of the normal spark, perhaps you shouldn't be playing with FE boats. Call me weird......
.

No i'm not afraid of the spark, i just wanted to make sure it was normal and not hurting anything that's all!! I've never got that much spark with traxxas or Deans connectors and NIMH batteries. I thought maybe it was jolting the ESC and could damage it. Now i know, all is good!

[electric]

Fluid is right about 10s, the most I have ever connected is 8s and I always paused to prepare myself for the POP. It always stopped all conversation around you if they were non-boaters. chuckle

[GTRhino24]

Like mentioned completly normal, it's that caps in the esc charging. Jan at kintec has a nice little anti-spark adaptor http://kintecracing.com/.

It's a little pricey, but it's very well assembled and I don't exactly trust my soldering enough to make it that pretty. Jan's stuff is tops.

[T.S.Davis]

$15???
I like the ZAP because it makes the gas and nitro guys nervous.

Worth it's weight in sparks. I have to confess though, anything over 6s scares the crap out of me too.