Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Peter Fitness on November 21, 2008, 11:35:51 pm

Title: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: Peter Fitness on November 21, 2008, 11:35:51 pm

Would anyone have some advice regarding a suitable size ESC to run two 540 5 pole motors together. I am building a Grand Banks cruiser with two props, which are mounted quite close together, so I don't think separate speed controllers would be much advantage. I normally use Mtroniks Viper 15s for individual motors, but am I right in thinking one of these units may be  overloaded running two motors?

Any suggestions welcome, and appreciated.

Peter.

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: malcolmfrary on November 21, 2008, 11:42:27 pm

Depends on the current draw of the motors, but I would consider the next size up.  Whether this would cost more that two '15s I don't know, but even close props are good for steering on the spot - see the later posts on the MV Riverdance thread.

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: Shipmate60 on November 22, 2008, 01:01:03 am

Peter,
Unfortunately the motors you are using span from mild to absolute animal.
It will depend on the number of windings around the armature.
Do you have any idea of the performance criteria.
If not try a viper with a 10 or 12 amp fuse.
Run her out gently.
Slowly build her up to full ahead and near but parallel to the pondside give her full astern.
If the fuse blows you will know you need a higher capacity controller and as she is close you should be able to recover her.

Bob

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: Peter Fitness on November 22, 2008, 01:16:15 am

Thanks Malcolm and Bob.

Bob, I don't have the performance specs for the motors, but they are not "animal" as you put it. The fuse idea is a good one, but I may just do what I normally do, use 2 ESCs. It will be a while before I reach the sailing stage, as I have just finished planking the hull.

Peter.

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: barryfoote on November 22, 2008, 09:01:15 am

Peter,

What you need is simply a P94 from ACTion Electronics. It is a mixer and two speed controllers in one neat little box and it works superbly. A pm to FLJ willdo the trick or look at the web site...

http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/

Barry

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: Peter Fitness on November 23, 2008, 02:58:46 am

Barry, that looks a neat piece of kit, but a bit too pricey for me, given the exchange rate at the moment.

Peter.

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: barryfoote on November 23, 2008, 08:37:17 am

Quote from: Peter Fitness on November 23, 2008, 02:58:46 am

Barry, that looks a neat piece of kit, but a bit too pricey for me, given the exchange rate at the moment.

Peter.

Spot on there. The exchange rate is really hurting us Ex-pats in Europe.

Barry

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: ivorthediver on November 30, 2008, 04:34:39 pm

Having learnt the hard way.... I recommend speaking to Dave [FLJ] on 0115 9607951  the advice and help he has given me has always been good and cheapest in the long run   O0

Title: Re: ESC for 2 motors
Post by: Peter Fitness on December 01, 2008, 01:01:12 am

I have been in contact with Dave by PM.

Peter.