pardon my interruption, but.....
 

So I have a question.....I've read that if we are not planning on running more than 14 cells, we probably shouldnt use a UBEC, since it would add to heating isssues. Is this true/untrue, and why? I can see racers tending to use one to reduce weight, but we bashers may prefer runtime over the 10 oz of additional battery weight.

I am not sure how a ubec would add heating issues. Are you sure it was not refering to the bec in the esc. That would add heating issues to the esc. I run the ubec with no problems.

For hopes of a 20 minute runtime, the 10xl is your best bet. I should have the 5.5mm connectors back next week.

No, the article I was reading was referring to heat from increased current draw, especially if one is using higher powered servo's and such. But then does a UBEC provide power for the servos, or is it just for the reciever? I may need to do some additional surfing to get more info on this subject.

it provides power to the servos and reciever

Well you power the receiver then they send power to the servos. The ubec supplies 3 amps of power with a peak of 5 amps. It is not near nothing and I have not had a problem getting hot. The bec does the same but is in the esc. That has caused some people problems.

Coolhand - I'm not really sure what you meant by the last statement "The bec does the same but is in the esc. That has caused some people problems."

I think I'm going to use the stock power pack from my revo at first - at least that way I'll of provided the space for it on the frame and not regret it later.

A ubec is seperate from the esc. The bec is in the esc. Does that help? I can post a link of ubec.

Mike,

re: "For hopes of a 20 minute runtime, the 10xl is your best bet.". How many cells were you thinking when you made this statement? How many minutes would you guestimate an 8XL be with 12 race quality GP3700 matched cells by comparsion?

-Rob

The more cells the better for runtime. With 14 4200 or 4300 mah cells and a conservative gearing, runtime would be pretty long. A lot depends on tires, terrain and driving style, too. with 12 3700 cells and an 8xl, 15 minutes bashing time would be pretty achievable. I wouldn't expect more than 8-10 minutes on a track, though(race conditions), depending on the gearing, etc.

Any idea how many amps the 10xl would be pulling on an 18.5v lipo? I want to be sure I buy a lipo that can handle the current. Whats the max voltage for the 10xl?

gearing plays a role hear, along with tires. 50 or so continuous amp capability should cover you pretty well, though. The more the better, of course.