Stock ESC issue

[Duclover]

Hello all....I've picked up a slightly used BJ a month ago and I've put maybe 9 runs on it so far but seem to be having an intermittent esc problem. I do have the programming module and am running lipos but after hooking up the batts, transmitter and Rx switch I am no longer getting the single arming chirp and off to the water. Instead I'd say I'm having to wait a full 5 seconds then it gives me 4 alerts in a row the first two being a lower note. If left on it will chirp every 1-1.5 seconds five times then repeats itself with 2 cirps instead of the one. Does this strike a bell with anyone? Thanks as always!

Duc

[Jesse J]

did the esc get hot? it may have burned out the BEC. This is what my other ones do when the rx battery pack is not attached or the rx is turned off. Try unplugging everything, then reattaching and reprogramming. Do it in the order the instructions say. Then see if it keeps doing it.

[Duclover]

Jesse,

Yep, the first thing I did was break out the programming module and start adjusting several options to see if that made a difference but to no avail. The esc hasn't even had the opportunity to get warm with every run as well as the motor. I mean they have truly been cool to the touch after every run. If I have blown the esc then thats somewhat all right with me as I have been looking at the Hydra 120 and potentially a new motor. However, I was also thinking about picking up a 4-5 NiMh pack to run the servos and give me a little longer run time but was concerned as to the weight. I don't think that would add too much weight but again....I'm still learning vicariously.

Any advice as to a motor option should i decide to go to the Hydra and running 2 2s 5000mah lipos? As of right now all I have done is remove the tub and batt tray, installed styrofoam to the hull and canopy for floatation, the lipos ofc, put an Octura 642 B&S, the Fuller's hardware will be in next week and reinforced the hull as well. I'm thinking the only items (minus the Fuller's) that I haven't tweaked are the electronics! Thanks for taking the time- Duc

[Jesse J]

Ok, don't abandon ship yet. You said it was slightly used, meaning someone else may have blown the internal BEC. Try this before blowing $250 on motor/esc. Besides this motor/esc combo is great in my opinion. You also said that it was intermittent, might want to expand on this...

My suggestion: get yourself a 6" servo extension (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXL287&P=ML) and cut the red wire. Then attach this between ESC and your rx pack (no don't worry about the extra speck of weight). This will tell us if the ESC is faulty or just has a burned out BEC.

If you decide to go with a bigger and way more expensive ESC that is not necessary for your application, then I would still stay with that motor, personally. The motor and that stock ESC can even handle 5S (being careful with propping up too much), so its not a bad set up.

Why do you want the $180 Hydra? They are definitely cool looking and respectable, but not necessary for this set up. Are you trying for super speeds? If so, there is a plethora of threads on different set ups, pros cons and also videos, so do some research before upgrading what I would say is a pretty good setup.

[Duclover]

Thanks for the advice Jesse! As it turns out I have fixed the issue but still don't know exactly what the problem was. Lets start from the beginning....when I said intermittent I meant that it had this same issue before I could get "my" first run in. After playing with the transmitter (also purchased after I receipted the boat as the original Proboat Tx and Rx were faulty- replaced with HPI Tx/Rx). I had reversed the throttle on the Tx and got it to work. I don't know why but it appears that somehow the esc went back to original setting and until I switched the reverse switch (again) I was not getting prop rotation. Since then I have purchased a new set of Losi lipos and am pleasantly surprised to track a 46mph run on my 10th run. I am anxious to get the Fuller's hardware so I can be done with this stock knuckle flex shaft as this is my second one. I believe that has some effect in the cracking of the shaft tubing on the underside of the hull.

Side note- one of the capacitors (4 tubes at the electrical output of the esc) has, for lack of a better term, pushed out nearly 1/4 inch, and is now no longer waterproof let alone safe. I believe this is going to expedite my purchase of a new esc.

In regards to the Hydra...I plan on purchasing a new esc+motor strictly for sport boating as I am currently looking for local boat clubs/racing. I have plenty of experience with offroads, planes, helis and hovercraft and have learned that I like to upgrade to a medium+ setup rather quickly and train from there. This stock setup proved to be the same so I have been researching different set ups and have come to the conclusion that you are correct. The Hydra is more than I need. I feel that the OSE X-power brushless will be plenty of power with 100 amp max and 70 continuous. Do you or anyone with a experience have an opinion of new motor running the X-power esc, x642 b&s and running 2-2s 5000 lipos by chance?

As always your input is beyond appreciated and will always be reciprocated.

Happy boating!
Duc

[sn00p]

Here try this 1st. connect up your batteries whilst holding the throttle to full. This will set the ESC min/max/rest of your TX throw.

Power up with throttle held then wait for beep. now quickly let go of the throttle. now remove batts. reconnect back up and i bet you get the prop to spin up.

As for the stock ESC im not a fan as i blew mine on 5s and x642... i didnt remove the bec wire and replace with a RX pack so that was probably the issue. I ended up buying 1 of these....

http://cgi.ebay.com/SEAKING-90A-Water-Cool-Brushless-Motor-Programmable-ESC_W0QQitemZ230328878490QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Parts_Accessories?hash=item230328878490&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

And have to say im VERY happy with the item. Can run on upto 6s and has a 6v super bec...

If you get that esc running OK theres nothing wrong with them and have nice features and you can always re-water proof it with a little Silicon. Try and get a marine grade sikaflex like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sika-Sikaflex-291-Fast-Cure-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ320341949825QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

[Duclover]

Thanks for your input snOOp,

Have a question for you in regards to the bec on/off switch. I have drilled through the transom to install an on/off switch to the stock esc bec and am wondering if the Seaking esc has one as well? Don't mean to come off as a newb but the photos I've found of it don't offer much in the way of info outside of the unit itself. And just out of curiousity what upgrades, if any, have you made in the way of the motor?

Totally side tangented....do you or anybody know if the stock motor is a mere 2 poles or more? I've read the programming module pamphlet and have been scared into NOT using the high timing mode for fear of causing damage to the unit, though at this point I'm almost ready to take a .22 hollow point to it and calling it a day.

As always- thank you
Duc

[sn00p]

Ah yeah NO on off switch. Im not too fused i didnt outside mount 1 so i had to open her up to switch off so i just disconnect batteries.

When i blew my ESC i did have it set for the high but i noticed lots of other people also running it like this... that may have been the issue or the fact i didnt RX pack the bec??? either way ive id myself of them problems and its far less of a worry taking her out now.... Ive had several rescue missions and it isnt fun when your miles from home and dont have a dingy in the car lol... now i just pack the dingy with the rest of my kit and a long pole JUST incase.

Whatever you do make SURE you tap that hatch on.... at 5 and 6s this things shift and the steering can be very tweeky... ive submerged her several times lol

[Jesse J]

I feel that the OSE X-power brushless will be plenty of power with 100 amp max and 70 continuous. Do you or anyone with a experience have an opinion of new motor running the X-power esc, x642 b&s and running 2-2s 5000 lipos by chance?

Duc, I must repeat: I think that is a great motor. It is low KV so it can take the higher voltage you are talking with lower amperage - sounds pretty good match for the X power. Maybe an 8L or something similar if you feel the need for upgrading. I am sure others running race set ups will be of better help, I am only running sport for now.

[Duclover]

Duc, I must repeat: I think that is a great motor. It is low KV so it can take the higher voltage you are talking with lower amperage - sounds pretty good match for the X power. Maybe an 8L or something similar if you feel the need for upgrading. I am sure others running race set ups will be of better help, I am only running sport for now.

Thanks Jesse, for now I'm going to stick with the stock motor but the esc is officially in dire need. Doing some research on the X-Power as well as the Seaking that Sn00p referred to.

Thanks,
Duc

[sn00p]

run that ESC this weekend with great success. 5s using the bec on the ESC and NO reported problems. Boat run like a dream even in the severe wind and chop...

Ive just uploaded vids to youtube and will post back with details asap.

[sn00p]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk1LLXrkwpw

[sn00p]

Heres a vid of the original ESC cutting... A major rescue mission ensued for the next 4-5 hrs lol...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk6BumzS0H8

[sn00p]

soldering the 10 gauge wire is another story