Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 10:21:49 am

Title: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 10:21:49 am
If I remember rightly, I'm sure I read somewhere that certain esc's and some 2.4gHz radios aren't compatible...any info on that?

My Atlantic tug came with a 27mHz radio installed, which I've swapped out for a Planet 5 2.4gHz radio. Switched on, bound the rx/tx, and the rudder works perfectly. Set the esc up according to the instructions, all the led's flashed in the right order...but it doesn't work when the tx is operated. If I remove the esc plug from the rx, the motors will spin briefly, then stop. I've tried the esc in all the rx sockets...still nothing.


I don't really want to use the supplied tx/rx, it's a 27mHz AM set, which doesn't work properly on our local little lake, we get interference problems on 27mHz for some reason, plus the tx is tiny and I can't hold it properly.


Any ideas, guys? I can't return the tug, because I've modified a lot of it already, so the returns policy would be void now. The only other thing I can do is swap the esc for an Mtroniks one...


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: malcolmfrary on July 24, 2014, 10:40:58 am
Does the ESC work OK to a servo tester?
It might be that it wants to see a full voltage swing on the control pulse from the RX.  Not all RXs supply this, but if the ESC lights flashed according to the instructions, it should be working.  Unless the input is working OK but the output side of things has died.
Then theres the modern trend with new RX designs to send out information much more frequently than the old stuff.  Early gear was locked to 50 pulses per second which was what was transmitted.  An ESC intended to work to 50/sec might well rely on a longer blank period between pulses to work properly.  If it doesn't get them, it might just sulk.
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 10:44:00 am
Hmm...I don't possess such a thing as a servo tester.  :embarrassed:


Maybe it is just sulking, then...I forsee an Mtroniks replacement coming.


Thanks for that,


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: inertia on July 24, 2014, 10:51:30 am
Rich
I've had a Planet T5 for testing ACTion stuff for several years; I even use it in boats! As far as I can tell there's no problem with the signal pulse rate or voltage as Malcolm mentions - a P94 would detect such a problem and yet that dual ESC works fine with a T5.
It rather sounds like it's a faulty or incompatible speed controller. If you really want to find out, try it again with the old 27MHz radio. If it works then it's a compatibility issue; if it doesn't then it's bin fodder. All academic, of course.
You've answered your own question in the last sentence. Often the simplest and most obvious solution is the best one.
Dave M
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 10:58:49 am
Thanks Dave,


I've never had a problem with Planet radios and Mtroniks esc's before. It's probably a cheapie Chinese esc that doesn't like British weather...I did have a ferret around on RC Groups just now, and several guys have reported issues with the esc's fitted to these boats, one chap even has his melt before his eyes when he switched it on...bit off putting, to say the least.  ;D


I've just ordered a Viper 15 from Mtroniks, so I'll swap it over once it arrives, all should be well then. I hope..stand by for much swearing if not.


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: unbuiltnautilus on July 24, 2014, 01:58:04 pm
I up radioed one of these once, and can confirm that the SC only works with the supplied Tx/Rx combo. Tried in on a 27mhz set to no avail, first time I had come across this. So either bundle it in with the Tx and Rx or throw it out the window.
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 02:18:07 pm
There's the answer I've been searching for...cheers skip, much appreciated.  'twill be filed under B1N, I need the plug off it.


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 24, 2014, 05:32:08 pm
Hey, Alan...how the 'kin wotsits do you remove the deck on these things?


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: unbuiltnautilus on July 25, 2014, 09:21:22 am
Some of the screws are hiding under the bollards and fittings around the hull edge. these need to be prized off the deck ( or snapped, depending how angry it makes you %) ), others are under silicone bungs. feel around inside the hull to find the fixings if you cannot locate them all.
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 09:35:53 am
I've just that second removed the deck...thanks mate. Surprising how much room there is in there...I'm thinking of a much bigger battery pack now, twin esc's for individual motor control, maybe even a B&Q door buzzer for a hooter. I'm getting carried away here now, think I need another cup of Yorkshire's finest...


Oh, and you were right about the esc, it worked fine on the original 27mhz radio, but not with the Planet. It's now filed under B1N...


Thanks mate, appreciate the help.


Rich
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: malcolmfrary on July 25, 2014, 11:03:27 am
Hmm...I don't possess such a thing as a servo tester.  :embarrassed:

Cheap and handy.  Every home should have one.
Title: Re: ESC not binding?
Post by: inertia on July 25, 2014, 11:39:07 am
http://www.componentshop.co.uk/servo-tester.html (http://www.componentshop.co.uk/servo-tester.html)
Verily I tell thee 'tis good kit, sir!  8)