A better way to wire anti-spark device

[1945dave]

I copied this from the Castle Creations FAQ Web site. So now I am even more confused.


When I plug in my high voltage battery pack (4s-12s lipo, 12-20 NiMH) into my Phoenix HV or Phoenix-125, etc. controller there is a large spark. Why?

The spark is your friend. If ever you plug your pack into your controller and you don’t see the spark, contact tech support at [email protected] or (913) 390-6939 and send the controller in for repair. Your capacitors will need to be changed. NEVER fly if you do not see the spark, especially with high voltage applications! The higher the voltage, the bigger the spark should be. Remember, the spark is your friend!!!

[egneg]

There are better ways to check the caps than a huge connector melting spark.

[twissted]

These speed controls came with this installed and is something that is found on the new fightercat speed controls.

[1945dave]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]85614[/ATTACH
These speed controls came with this installed and is something that is found on the new fightercat speed controls.

Help me understand what I am seeing. How exactly does the resistor connect before the main power?

[twissted]

I changed the picture so that it has arrows that point to the anti spark that these speed controls come with. also if you look at the youtube vids I think it is covered there as well.

[1945dave]

I changed the picture so that it has arrows that point to the anti spark that these speed controls come with. also if you look at the youtube vids I think it is covered there as well.

Okay, I could see the resistors without the arrows but what I don't see is how the resistor lead connects to the batteries before the main power plug. Is there two ends on the black leads?

[twissted]

Watch this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFL31atTPuE

[Basstronics]

Remember if the anti spark is always connected you are adding unneeded resistance to the circuit. Basic electrical theory for resistance in parallel.
A 50 ohm resistor always connected in parallel is adding 25 ohms of resistance to the circuit, not taking account the bullet which will add a little bit as well.

I disagree.

Electricity 101.

Electric will follow the path of least resistance.

If you hook up the resistor at first it will flow thru and charge the caps. When you hook up the primary positive there will be no current thru the resistor as there is more resistance there than the primary wire.

So hook it up and leave it or remove it. Doesn't matter much.

[KartRacer]

Interesting thought

Keep in mind that that "crack" you hate can save you an ESC. If you plug in a normal pack and get no spark, then your caps are bad and the ESC will blow soon. Seems to me a small price to pay to save an ESC, you just have to replace a pair of plugs once or twice a year. I wonder if there is a correlation between ESC failure and the use of anti-sparking devices.......


.

I hate the crack also, but I'm not at all used to it. But it is a very interesting thought that it provides confirmation that the caps are indeed sound. Think I,ll work without the extra leads for now.

[capnswanny]

There are better ways to check the caps than a huge connector melting spark.

Visual Inspection can turn up some failures, but it's not a sure bet.
A Huntron Tracker could check the Cap in circuit, but you'd have to map one out before it blew...and they are a pretty spendy tool.
Pulling the Cap to test is a real pain in the rear.

If I don't see a spark I discharge the Cap and try again. I've found the Caps bad on two AQ60 ESC's (older ones) this way and was able to replace them before any other damage occured.

I can think of better ways but they sure aren't easier!
What did you have in mind?

[Shooter]

Wouldn't a light bulb act as both an 'anti-spark' and a 'cap tester'?? You could watch the bulb brighten at first and then slowly dim. A separate plug, like egnegs, would be best I think.

[SweetAccord]

Spark.jpg

[steveo]

I disagree.

Electricity 101.

Electric will follow the path of least resistance.

If you hook up the resistor at first it will flow thru and charge the caps. When you hook up the primary positive there will be no current thru the resistor as there is more resistance there than the primary wire.

So hook it up and leave it or remove it. Doesn't matter much.

u r 100% correct only if the resistor was in series would the resistance be present

[fla350tt]

I disagree.

Electricity 101.

Electric will follow the path of least resistance.

If you hook up the resistor at first it will flow thru and charge the caps. When you hook up the primary positive there will be no current thru the resistor as there is more resistance there than the primary wire.

So hook it up and leave it or remove it. Doesn't matter much.

I am sorry sir but this theory is not true. explaination below

[fla350tt]

u r 100% correct only if the resistor was in series would the resistance be present

I will chime in hear as I have a little knowledge in this area being an electrician and remembered hearing someone talk about this in class(when your older you like learning new stuff).Currnet will travel all paths of resistance, even in parallel circiuts. ex. your house lights, receptacles all are parallel. everything thing works at the same time and all have different resistances. so if you leave the resistor pluged in it will consume some energy from your battery.

so better to disconnect the resistor

here is a good link for better explanation: http://www.mikeholt.com/technical.ph...ce?%20(2-8-2K)