MGM Compro 160
 

I'm very interested in this new MGM Compro 160 amp speed controll.I have an Emaxx with a Lehner XL2000 and a 9918 that has major brake-fade.I read that this MGM has 16 cell capabilities or 5s lipo packs and best of all a built-in low voltage cutoff for lipo.Has anyone tried this controller yet? Just user friendly is it? I'm at an excellent point to buy but I'd like some real world experience and/or feedback before i make this move.ALL pros and cons are welcome. Thanks

If this thing is really the way you discribed it, then I guess I'm gonna get one instead of the Mamba Maxx.

Haven't heard of this one yet.
Are you sure it's a car controller?

Mike has it for sale here.The description refers to it as "perhaps the ultimate 'big truck' brushless controller". What is this Mambo Maxx?

Its computer programmable with dual heat sinks and more rc car oriented. Supposedly its able to disable the prop brake and enable coasting. If its all it sounds like, and knowing my mgm it should be. Looks like a great controller. Very affordable for the stats.

The Mamba Maxx is a car/truck controller that is made by Castle Creations. The thing is capable of 120 amps continuous and 400 amps surge. It can handle both brushless and brushed motors and it is also made in america which makes services pretty easy just like Novak. The design is similar to the Hacker master controller and the Schulze U-Force controller with the capability to handle 16 cells and you get the choice of soldering the wires you desire on the posts specified for the motor and battery leads.

Monster, what is the dimentions of the Compro 160 controller BTY?

Mike sent me this PDF a few weeks ago. Since he's carrying them now and I think he's gone to Monster Madness (so won't be around to post for a couple days), I don't think he'll mind me attaching it here.

This PDF has a little bit of the technical and a couple pictures to give you a better idea.

Thanks, looks very helpful.

Re: MGM Compro 160
 

I run a 2000XL with the warrior 7020, and I don't get any break fade. I know breaking hard will cause the controller to heat up fast, so just try to break a little less hard and less often (eg. changing down into first gear). The mgm160 might be better, but it can only accomodate 16cells, and on 16cells the 2000XL is going to run pretty slowly. I run mine with 18 and I am planning on using 20 (GP2000's) when I've got the cash.

Maxxdude,how many mph are you getting with your XL2000 on 18 cells?

my guess it will run 45-50 mph with ease. it has got 1800 watts with good batteries.

About the MGM pdf, does anyone here run this mount friendly MGM controller?

I like what I see but Im afraid to be the guinea pig

I spent the day with RC-Monster Mike at Monster Madness yesterday. He ran a 16016 with both a Feigao and a Lehner. I think it performed very well under the conditions (nearly 100F ambient temps). With a few measurements, I didn't find the controller over 160. On average, the controller stuck around 130-140, which is great in 100 degree weather.
We had some programming options to work through, but I didn't see any other specific issues with the controller. I went home with one of the new 8012 controllers in this style, which will end up in my Brushless Jato in the next week.

I'll let Mike give his verdict on this controller after he has run it in the mains today.

Mike is happy to be his own guinea pig :)

Nothing wrong with that..

That sounds promising. Which Feigao and Lehner motors did he use?

Serum thats awsome LMAO !!! That s from a old block buster commerical it was great.

Mike will have to let you know which motors worked out when he's back on the forums.

Here's what the MGM 16016 looks like in Mike's hands as it decends into one of his monsters :)

I like it! Make a L-bracket for where the 2nd motor went and it should look great right there.

Computer programmable? I can't see anywhere in the manual where it says that. To my knowledge, the computer programmable ones aren't due for a while still. Do let us know if this is for sure computer programmable.

As purchased, they are NOT computer programmable. This may be a future option. Mike pointed out to me that it has a spot/port for possible computer connection.

any idea on when the computer programmable will be out? i like the mgm's but i refuse to buy another controller that i have to program with the radio

Looks like I missed this post for a while! The current MGMs are not yet computer programmable, but when they do become available(computer programmable car controllers), the current controllers can be upgraded for free(just have to pay shipping).
So far, I have used the 10L and Lehner 1940/8 turn motor, both on 5s Lipo. I have not gotten it anywahere near hot enough to thermal it, and I haven't run a fan on it at all (hot weather, too). Overall, it is a great controller, but it has a few differences from the warrior that take some getting used to (been running BK controllers for years). One thing I noticed, is that when moving along and hitting the brakes, it will provide smooth brakes all the way to stop, and won't go into reverse until the brakes are released and then re-applied. This is good in most cases, but I sometimes apply brakes in more than one interval (slow down, let off the brakes and coast, then slow down again), which is tricky-once the controller goes back to neutral and back to brakes, reverse is engaged!. This caused me a few endos before I realized what was happening. I suppose I could tap the throttle before braking to get around it, but it is a bit different than my typical driving style (and old habits die hard!). I have tried several (well, all) of the programming parameters and they work as designed. When using the lipo cutoff parameter, I was indeed getting cutouts upon voltage drop(for racing, I use the nicd/nimh mode, so I don't get the cutouts). I still need to work with it some to be as comfortable as I am with my BK controllers, but the controller itself seems bulletproof and is nice to mount as well.

Hey,Mike is that the correct picture in the description of the MGM 160 controller or is it a cube shaped unit?

There's a picture in this thread, about 6 or 7 posts previous, of the one Mike was using at Monster Madness.

The pdf file and picture of the actual controller being mounted in the e-revo are accutate, actual pictures of the controller. It is "cube shaped", though it is a little tricky to see the full unit in the picture of me mounting it. the PDF file on the first page shows exactly what is looks like. For an idea on size, the heatsink in the picture batfish posted is an "L" size.

Mike

Can you NOT turn off the reverse function and race forward only? When running lipo with the MGM160 how many volts does the speed control provide to the receiver/steering servo?

The reverse cannot be disabled on the MGM controllers. The BEC is rated for 12 cells and provides 5 volts to the servos.

Mike,
Can the BEC be disabled? UBEC provides 6v, right? Also, is the fact that the controller isn't sealed an issue for you? I know some people on RCForums were concerned about dirt getting on it and causing a short.

I'm trying to decide between this or a 9920, using a 7xl with 4s lipos.
Thanks!
--Jonathan

The BEC can be disabled by removing the red plug from the servo lead. The UBEC does in fact provide 6 volts to the servos. As far as the controller being sealed-neither the BK controllers or MGM controllers are sealed. Mount it in a location that is less prone to dirt/weather(sound advice no matter what electronics are involved) and things will work out fine.
The 160 amp MGM can take a bit more punishment that the 99 amp warrior(duh, more amp handling capabilities) and has a smaller footprint.
I prefer the BK controller, mostly because I have been using them for years and am comfortable driving with them. I can't seem to get used to the MGM. As far as features and amp handling capabilities, the MGM is the clear winner, though.

What country is MGM out of? Whats there customer support like? Does this controller come with COMPLETE instruction/manual?

Czech republic is where MGM is from. It does include a complete instruction manual as well. I only needed the support once(sent in controllers for upgrade), and didn't have any trouble. Anything overseas takes a little time, though.

So mike do you mean that MGM is better controller than BK 9920? Im planning to get a brushless system. For the motor ive decided on Feigao 8XL as im goin to use 6s LiPo. I was planning to get the 9920 till i read your post. But if MGM is better, i dont mind spending $65 more for a good controller. I mean good as in it doesnt get fried easily.

Better is a matter of opinion. The MGM 16016 can simply handle more continuous amps than the 9920 warrior, as well as having more programmable features. 6s Lipo, however, is beyond the specs of the MGM controller(5s Lipo or 16 nimh cell limit).

But an opinion from someone that is a pro and experienced like you should be considered seriously. I trust you mike. Then I think im going for 7XL and 5S (2s and 3s). Actually I think 6s Lipo is too much for my project. Dont think the Savage drivetrain can handle that much of torque and power.

Mike, am I not going to get dissapointed if I buy the mgm160 and not the 15020 esc? since it will save me hordes of bucks if the 160 mgm would go smoothly with the 1930/5 motor at 16.8V and behave as good as any top of the line esc.

I had sent my MGM Compro 120amp controller to MGM to be repaired after it stopped working in CAR mode back 2 1/2 months ago. After at least 3 emails to MGM, I have gotten no response. Right now Mike is helping me by contacting MGM about my controller. I just don't know why they aren't responding or emailing me that they have it. I included my email address for them to contact me. I did what MGM told me to do before I sent it out (when they WERE replying to my emails), which is to write "15USD" on the box so that it doesn't get stuck in customs. I just wish my luck was as good as Mike's!

Look at the bright side. Mike is on your side. I hope it works out for you.

The MGM 16016 would handle the 1930 motor pretty easily, actually. I have sent an e-mail to MGM for you, Travis, but haven't yet gotten a reply. I will call them Monday to follow up. :)
As I said, I prefer the BK controllers, mostly due to driving them for years and being used to the way the software works. The quirky thing about the MGM is that if you are driving forward and hit the brakes, it works perfectly, but if you go back to neutral and hit the brakes again-REVERSE is engaged! This caused me a couple endos before I realized what was happening. Awareness would(and will) of course prevent this mishap in the future. The MGM can also handle 4 pole motors better and has a higher rpm capability(150k vs. 100k with 2 pole motors), along with a Lipo cutoff.

Do you know if mgm is going to make a model with capability to handle more cells. It sounds nice but the 16 cell part.

16 cells/5s Lipo is pretty powerful, my friend! Some folks want more cells, but for most, this limit is more than they will ever need. I run 6s Lipo on a 1960 Kv motor and have to dial half of the power out to keep it on the track!