ORIGINAL: flyinsolo11
Just to make sure I have got it straight n my head, the ESC regulates how much power goes from the battery to the motor, right? The BEC basically protects the Rx and gear since there is such a high voltage?
Electronic
Speed
Control
The ESC controls the speed of the motor.
In some sense, yes...
From what I know, all ESCs have built in BECs. (correct me if i'm wrong) The BEC is there to reduce the voltage of the battery to a level that the radio gear can handle. Yes, the ESC is there to just pass on the power of the battery to the motor by interpreting the throttle commands of the receiver. The BEC (built in or not) is there to provide power to the radio gear from the motor battery.
You could get rid of the BEC if you have an onboard battery for your receiver and servos, but if we are talking about small aircraft, it makes sense to have a BEC (built in or not) and reduce weight.
Rafael