Another Quark Question

[neweuser]

Ok guys. I'm pretty much set on this thing. The Only thing that scares me, is that people have been smoking them. I really don't want to spend 280.00 on a controller that people are saying it makes a funny noise, or they have burned it out, or something like that. Has anyone ran these and have had a great success story?

[Procharged5.0]

I'd like to know too! I sold my stock E-Maxx and my EVX ESC went with it so I'm committed to the brushless set-up for my Super-EMAXX now and I was planning on the Quark Monster 125B!

[BrianG]

No problems here so far. Runs a little warm for my liking though so I added a heatsink. All is well now...

[Procharged5.0]

How did you add a heat sink? and btw I was looking at a 9XL how do you like the 10XL an how many cells are you using with it?

[neweuser]

Sounds good. Anyone else know about it?

[BrianG]

Here's a pic. I posted it before but can't remember which thread. I secured the heatsink using thermal epoxy (not regular thermal compound) for the best heat transfer. It stays much cooler - around 12-15 degrees.

I plan on using 5s Lipos. Currently using 12 NiMH just to get around, and seems to go very well, although I haven't hit top speed.

[neweuser]

I remember that. Very nice! Where'd you get the heat sink? In your opinion, will the Quark handle 6s lipo(2 3s2p)

[Procharged5.0]

Thanks! I have a similar plan although I'll likley use the 9XL unless I can afford the extra $$ for the Lehner.

[coolhandcountry]

I like the smoothness of the quark. I have fried one and got a problem with the thing at first plug up on 6s lipo. It is like it is to much for the controller. I running a 80b as well. I think the 125b has no problem with 6s lipo

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by coolhandcountry

I like the smoothness of the quark. I have fried one and got a problem with the thing at first plug up on 6s lipo. It is like it is to much for the controller. I running a 80b as well. I think the 125b has no problem with 6s lipo

when you say that you had a problem with first plug up. was that with the 80b? or the 125b? Because i'm getting the 125b and plan on going to 6s later on.

[coolhandcountry]

I never tried a 125b. It was on the 80b. It only did it on 6s to.

[neweuser]

Cool. I think I'm sold.

[BrianG]

According to the item description on this site, both the 125B and 80B are supposed to take up to 18 cells or 6s lipo (~22v). That makes sense since both use very similar circuits and FETs; the 80B just uses few FETs for less current capability. However, both lipos and NiXX have higher voltages when fully charged, about 25v. Of course, that full charge wouldn't last long, but it's still higher at first. So, I hesitate to run things to their max ratings (even though I'm sure they figured in a safety margin). Personally, I'd go no higher than ~21v at full charge, which is 5s lipo or 15/16 cells, just to be sure.

As far as where I got the heatsink; it's just a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum angle bar acquired from Menards (like Home Depot, Lowe's, etc). I then attached some computer memory heatsinks to the top of that to give the heatsink a little more surface area for dissipation. The thick angle bar gives the ESC more thermal mass, which helps pull the heat away from the ESC itself.

[neweuser]

So maybe i'd be better getting the 12020?

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by neweuser

So maybe i'd be better getting the 12020?

Yes and no. Yes because it handles almost as much current, no because it does not have a built-in LVC for Lipos, is not as smooth running, less programming options (out of the box - not sure what is possible with the BK software and PC cable), is not as easy to mount, and definitely needs to be padded since the circuits are right there under the shrinkwrap.

Since the Quark says it is rated for 6s/18 cells, you could use it and if it blows, it would be under warranty as it was being used as instructed.