Hello everyone I'm seeking some help with my Mtroniks Viper 10 Sub esc. I've been converting Revell's 1/72 Gato with David Merriman's kit for some time now and am approaching the end. She's seaworthy (though without a paint job) and has been going through ballast, steering, etc tests in my pool. The only problem is my speed controller keeps smoking out and I don't know why! I've been through two escs and a battery now, so I'd like to try and get to the bottom of it before I spend anymore money. I set up my sub just as Mr. Merriman recommended, with all of the radio components in the rear water tight compartment on a custom shelf, and set up the speed controller just as mtroniks recommended. I'm using a 11.1V 2200 mah lipo and I don't see any problems with my setup other than it's proximity to the receiver, but that shouldn't cause anything to smoke.... I'm open to any and all suggestions and I'll be happy to post pictures if someone would like them.

please post pictures.

based on specs, the viper 10 sub ESC is capable of handling 12 volts and 40 amps, so nothing you specifically state is improper in your setup. you state that you have smoked 2 escs and a battery, so something is not right.

have you posted any of these issues on the caswell site? they may have better answers over there.<br type="_moz" />

No I have not posted anything on Caswell... I was not aware they had an rc forum but I'll go try there! I don't know very much about speed controllers, but I think it may be overheating in the cramped space. I hate to spend money if I'm unsure of the outcome, but if no one can help me I may buy another esc and try mounting it outside of the wtc where it'll be cooled by water. Do you have suggestions for other speed controllers or should I stick with mtroniks?

I apologize for the giant pictures I'm new to forums in general and don't know how to make them smaller......

about the photos: not a problem, that's what scrollbars are for.

from what i can tell, your photos don't show anything unusual, I have had half a dozen mtroniks speed controls, 4 in subs, in smaller more confined spaces than yours, and they all worked fine. I would not recommend water cooling yours outside the WTC. that is simply setting up the WTC for leaks.

have you checked for any binding? the motor should turn relatively easy, that is the only thing i can think of that would be causing the ESC to overheat. remember, this is a submarine, there are no high amp high heat motors running here, these things go slow and should draw very few amps, and generate little or no heat after hours of running.

caswell's site, I do think you will have to register to post:

http://forum.sub-driver.com/

towards the very bottom is their "Technical Support and Tips"section. you can decide whether your questions belong in the mtroniks section or the D&amp;E miniatures section.

a couple other caswell links you should look at:

http://forum.sub-driver.com/showthre...c-s-Gato-build
http://forum.sub-driver.com/showthre...-Cabal-Reports
http://forum.sub-driver.com/showthre...s-Installation


that should be enough to get you started<br type="_moz" />

Ah silly me I didn't even think about binding being the problem! I do have quite a bit of binding but I figured I'd sort it out after I trimmed her for diving.... bad idea. Always learning in this darn hobby but I love it.I've been over at the Caswell site and they seem very knowledgeable, but I'm 90% sure binding is my problem. Thanks for your help!

This problem rings a bell with me. I thought Mtroniks & The Wizard had sorted this out? Wasn't it something to do with the ESC having a BEC with a lower rating than the motors? I thought we had new Mtroniks units in specially made for us with a larger BEC? I'll look into this if you PM me please.

Mike Caswell
Caswell Inc