rjpilot

My Feedback: (5)

Just got a Hacker motor and Jeti- Hacker master 18-3p controller and a couple of Thunder Power Lithium 2100 11.4v packs.
Does anyone make a controller that can be programmed to cut off at about 9.6 volts, so I don't damage the cells?
I e-mailed Jeti, but have had no response as yet.
Thanks for any comments.
Ron Jahnig

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http://www.castlecreations.com has brushless controls that you can set the low voltage cut-off. I have 2 of the Phoenix 25's Both have worked great so far.

rjpilot

My Feedback: (5)

Thanks for the reply.
Will give them a call.
Ron

A10FLYR

My Feedback: (1)

Go with the Castle Creation units. I have 10 or 12 of the various brushed controllers and they have been flawless! Love "em.

rjpilot

My Feedback: (5)

Hi Dean;
Thanks for the reply.
I have e-mailed Castle to see if they have one that I can set to a cutoff voltage of about 9.3v or so, as Thunder power recommends not going below 3v per cell.
Thanks
Ron

Bob Payne

My Feedback: (8)

except for the 8th start problem right.?

Matt Kirsch

My Feedback: (21)

No. The 8th start problem has been identified and fixed. All new controllers are being shipped with the new software. You'd have to get one that's been sitting on someone's shelf for several months to find the problem. If you do find the problem, Castle will update the software and send the controller back to you free of charge.

rjpilot,

9 Volts is close enough. 3.0 Volts per cell is a very conservative estimate. In reality, you can draw the battery down to 2.7 Volts per cell with no ill effects. The difference is that the cells are far less likely to get out of balance if you set the lower limit to 9 Volts.

Bob Payne

My Feedback: (8)

What is there turn around time for fixing the controller, I've got several.?

SlyPilot

I have 4 planes and I've begun the switch to lipo batteries.

All my speed controllers have the BEC feature with a cut off at 4.8 V. And per this discussion we know that when flying a 2 pack poly system (or higher) that spec would drain the cell down well past the recommended 3.0 V cut off. Thus ruining the chemistry and my RC budget.

I'm open to any alternatives. Obviously, replacing all the hardware is not a favorite just because of the cost and wasted hardware. The fly, land, test-the-voltage, repeat plan is lam, since longer flight times is the reason I switched to Lipo.

Complicating the situation:
Most of my planes use cheap can motors and have various amperage ratings (5A-25A), but I am starting to transition to brushless motors that require a more expensive sensorless ESC.

QUESTION:
What are the best alternatives? What are the cheap alternatives?

MY ANSWER:
I thought of a spec for an inline BEC that could be inserted between battery and my existing ESC's to produce full voltage until a set capacity, then step the voltage down to 4.8V and trick the older circuitry into thinking the it's time to land and kill the motor. Of course, that's gotta be cheaper any other solution for it to work out.

I guess something's gonna have to give. Either me, my wallet or my Lipo cells. I wonder who will win.

Dr Kiwi

If you can only afford two controllers and don't mind carting around a bit of extra weight, I'd get a Pixie 20P or Pegasus 35P for the brushed motors (depending on your max. amp needs), and a Phoenix 10, 25 or 35 - against matched to what you think your requirements will be. Overkill on ESC ratings never hurt anyone!

Cheers, Phil

Castle Queen

Bob- Castle turnaround time for repair/software updates is currently 1-2 days.