Now I understand "Puff"

[REDLINE1]

https://www.horizonhobby.com/rudder-pushrod-set--zelos-36-inch-twin-catamaran-prb286022

here's a link to the steering cables. Of coarse there on backorder

[mikiek]

Thanks REDLINE - just noticed today they are available. Ordered 2.

[mikiek]

Man I'm really getting nervous about plugging in some batteries this evening. Everything is in place but I don't have a warm fuzzy feeling. Fire extinguisher and garden hose will be at my side. Will be doing this outside in the driveway.

[vinnyp]

Good luck Mike. Hopefully, you puffed your last puff the last time.

[Prodrvr]

This is from page 1 of the "that'll learn ya" file. One good expensive mistake usually won't happen twice.

[mikiek]

At least not the same mistake

[mikiek]

Something I realized a little while ago. What is the purpose of the ESC on/off button?. Sounds obvious I know, however the ESCs smoked as soon as I plugged in the batteries. I never pressed the button to turn them on. Apparently the circuit is closed without pressing the button? Or is the button "downstream" from the ESCs? I would have expected battery, on/off, receiver, ESC, motor.

[fweasel]

That's an interesting fact, but not one I'm willing to test out myself.

[mikiek]

[mikiek]

Fire extinguisher - check
Hose with sprayer - check
Safety glasses - check

Plugged in 1st battery - we're a go flight
Plugged in 2nd battery - the usual pop/spark in the connector (scared the bejezus out of me) - we're a go flight

Turn on transmitter - check
Power up boat - man it's been so long I forgot how - read instructions - CHECK!!!!!

Steering - check
Throttle - check

Power down. Had to baby sit tonight so didn't get to the water. Will sneak a few laps in the morning before work. Still need to program. I hope this won't be problematic. The instructions keep mentioning flashing lights & beeps. I see the flashing lights but I have yet to hear a beep. Hopefully it's not the same pitch as the tinnitus in my ears.

Can't say this ordeal is over quite yet but I will say I am grateful for all the help and support I have received in this forum! Don't know where I would be right now without you guys

Thank you!

[vinnyp]

Mike,
I got a little chuckle out of the way you told of your powering up procedure.
Great that all seems ok. Have a good run tomorrow.

[Tamelesstgr]

Mike,

Always Always Always turn your transmitter on first before plugging in batteries. If something were to glitch and the transmitter was not on, you could instantly have two propellers spinning which can be very dangerous. Also, never turn off the transmitter before you have disconnected your packs for the same reason.

Ken

[mikiek]

Thanks for that Ken. I shoulda known. I have to do my sailboats in that sequence.

[TheShaughnessy]

Fire extinguisher - check

Plugged in 2nd battery - the usual pop/spark in the connector (scared the bejezus out of me) - we're a go flight


Thank you!

Man I had to lol after reading that. I put the connectors on a brand new car esc backwards once, fried it. It was race night and I wanted to race so i bought a new one from the shop only to have it go up in smoke during programming (that company no longer exist btw). Ever since then the pop/spark will give me a good jump if I'm not ready for it. I've also plugged in two batteries to each other instead of the esc, on more than one occasion sadly. Just thought I'd let you know you aren't the first one to screw up the wiring. It's expensive and discouraging but all this pain and suffering must mean there are brighter days ahead, ones that aren't lit by fire

I now follow a couple simple rule during battery hookups. 1 no talking, unless it's to your self about the colors of the wires. 2 check polarity twice and plug in once. The 2nd rule is a modification of measure twice cut once.

[TheShaughnessy]

my best guess on the on off switches is that they are only rated to a certain voltage, first the switches fried, once that happened the circuit closed and took out the esc.