Hey All
I would like some recommendations on 80 amp ESC's capable of handling our 42V batteries as an alternate to CC Phoneix Ice 80 HV controller. I am very happy with tthe CC controllers but would like to research alternates. My preference would be with a built in logger but can also go to an Eagle tree system if required. I feel it prudent to at least consider alternates with the current state of CC recall and it would not hurt to have a spare and learn something in the process. Earl H I know you have done a lot of research in this area and would appreciate your input.
Regards
Dick

I have been using the YGE 90HV(200+ flights) and still have one of the discontinued YGE80HV's still going strong with 400 flights on it(knock on wood of course). No data logger though and right now F3Aunlimited does not have them in stock and of course they are pricier. They have a very reasonable weight too. Chris also has a video which guides you through programming it with the programming card that you will need. I feel having to use this datalogging stuff is somewhat overrated. For me, all I need is the static on the ground test with a meter to know whether I am operating within the limits.

I've run the Hacker 99 Opto as well with no problems in the past. I run Castle stuff, as well. They all work fine. I too, have a new in package 80HV that has gone back to Castle.

I haven't done much research in this area. I'm using the 90A Hacker Comp (Jeti) controllers with the F3A brake. These are the units that were included in the original Hacker Comp motor / controller package. I've used these for thousands of flights with the C50 Comp / Neu / Q80 motors and they've performed flawlessly. As long as they continue to give excellent service I probably won't try something else.

The currently available batch of controllers provide output voltage as a function of input pulse width (stick position). Four + years ago I suggested that a controller would better serve our needs (pattern flyers) if it controlled motor rpm instead. So far there's been no significant response to that from the controller manufacturers, but I'm still waiting. With this type system one would set the max motor rpm at full stick to something near what is currently available at the end of a flight (as battery voltage drops). This would provide consistent power relative to stick postion throughout a flight, avoiding the excess power presently available early in a flight when battery voltage is up and (probably) save power for later in a flight. Some might consider this to be very "YS like" in that a given stick position would always result in the same motor rpm -  then if we could get the battery to lose weight toward the end of a flight

Kontronik Jive 80+ HV. It just works. Big plus for watertight and shockproof casing. Also, strongest BEC anywhere. Adding a small supplemental battery to the receiver gives you instant dual-power security without the added weight and complexity of a dual-battery and regulator setup.

Dick,
  I understand your purpose for the data logging in your specific case but you may want to consider the older 85HV ESCs.  Last I looked, Chris Moon still had them in stock and they are still awesome.  Of course, no data logging but they are good ESC's also.  <br type="_moz"/>

I totally agree with Earl and have said the same thing. Lately I've heard that the Jive might have this capability next year. Can anyone confirm this?

Jim

Hi,
Kontronik already do an F3A Esc with Rpm control.
It is a variant of their Jive 120.
It is a little up in weight compared to some 80A options.

Brian

Hi Dick,

Castle 85HV - readily available
Castle ICE 80HV - recalled
YGE 90HV - more $$ than Castle and harder to get ( but more coming to me this month)
Jeti Spin 99 - more $$ than Castle and spotty availability from importer
Schulze - ??? New controller for F3A about 15 months late already. last I was told was 2012
Kontronik - more $$ than Castle (2X +) not sure about availability in US

what would you think of THIS

Hi All
I want to thank everyone for there input. Looks like the Castle 85 HV might be my best "Backup" as it's available and I have all the controllers!
Earl- I agree totally being able to set up for max RPM. I would also lIke to see the PHOENIX ICE SERIES have a programing option that allowed the logger to keep current data and drop the oldest data when full.
Thanks again to everyone.
Dick

g_mkoch
Looks like it's pretty heavy and power consumption for the fan could also be a negative.

My first choice would be Castle HV85 (no recording), but I would consider one of these in a pinch:

http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/De...#quickFeatures

Hey Chris
Ordered the Castle 85HV from you last night. I see from Castles web-site that this is a discontinued item. Hopefully they will contine to support the unit if I have any issues.
Regards
Dick

They don't, I sent mine (HV85) in under warranty and they sent me back a 110hv. I was not happy with that. I was happy with their service but expected to get back what I sent.

Tim

Tim
Thanks for the info. That would be acceptable to me if they sent an ICE HV 80 or let me swap for the HV80!
Dick

I had an 85HV fail and they sent me a 110HV as a replacement also. The Ice 80HV I wanted for a replacement was out of stock and not available (now I know why) but I'm happy with the 110HV for the plane it's in (Ulery Laser).
Dave

I think if you have an issue (with any controller), give them a call or email. Their service is pretty awesome, they're mostly guys who just like to fly planes too.

I had an issue early on with my ICE HV80 resetting itself. I emailed them, they said they'd heard of the problem but have yet to find one still in tact to inspect. I sent mine in, had a new one in hand before they even received my controller.

...a google search resulted in this [link=http://www.experiencerc.com/store/castle_phoenix_ice2_cseice280hv-p-9271.html]www.experiencerc.com[/link], a US retailer advertising Castle ICE2 80s for sale.

I also emailed them...a Antonio Jimenez ([email protected]) responded they do have ICE2 HV 80's in-stock

Thanks Glen
I will check it out.
BTW, do uou still want the 1010c Charger and balancer?
Dick

Dick, still interested, email me @ [email protected] with the terms. Do you fly most weekends? Sure would like to see the contra system fly up close and personal.