ESC Firmware Suggestions

[Brokenparts]

1.32 startup was slow and gutless on my 1717. Going back to 1.28, I think it was, solved the problem.

[Thomas Porfert]

New version of Castle Link 3.55.00 is available on the website with firmware version 1.45 for the Monster and Max Pro. From the firmware revision notes:

1.45 Beta 05/28/13
Monster and Mamba Max Pro:
Significantly increased startup torque and the delay of power from start.

Please try updating your Monsters and Monster 2's to V1.45 and please report back your findings. Thanks!

Thomas Porfert
Tech Support
Castle Creations

[JoFreak]

"Significantly increased startup torque and the delay of power from start."

So does this mean the start up is as soft as it once was?

[Pdelcast]

Originally Posted by JoFreak

"Significantly increased startup torque and the delay of power from start."

So does this mean the start up is as soft as it once was?

No-- the opposite.

Should say: "Significantly increased startup torque. Decreased delay of power from start"

[JoFreak]

"Significantly increased startup torque. Decreased delay of power from start"
So, does THIS mean the start up is as soft as it once was?

[Pdelcast]

Originally Posted by JoFreak

"Significantly increased startup torque. Decreased delay of power from start"
So, does THIS mean the start up is as soft as it once was?

No, it means the opposite.

It means the startup is faster and more torquey.

If you want a softer startup, you can use the link to decrease start power. This will slow down and soften the startup.

[outlaw]

After more testing / driving i really start loving the 1.45 on my MMP

question here
are there any changes made to the fan control ?
My MMP comes off the track with about 85F but the Fan run's

[Thomas Porfert]

There were some changes to the temperature control in the newer firmware versions. The fan will come on at a much lower temperature and the thermal protection will kick on at a bit lower temp. We actually found that on the MMP the thermal cut-off wasn't even working on some firmware versions.

Thomas Porfert
Tech Support
Castle Creations

[outlaw]

Thx Thomas !

good work so far on the 1.45
i like to have the fan on sooner !

*still dreaming about 1415 .5Y*

[bdebde]

Originally Posted by Thomas Porfert

There were some changes to the temperature control in the newer firmware versions. The fan will come on at a much lower temperature and the thermal protection will kick on at a bit lower temp. We actually found that on the MMP the thermal cut-off wasn't even working on some firmware versions.

Thomas Porfert
Tech Support
Castle Creations

So what firmware versions does the thermal cut off not work? I have many MMP's and rarely ever change firmware, and would like to know if I have one that should be upgraded.

[A RC Dude]

Wow, should have found this thread sooner!

I've been thinking it'd be ideal to have a plug in for the balance plug into the ESC. This would allow the ESC to monitor the voltage per cell and cut off as soon as the lowest cell reaches the programed voltage. This would prevent packs from killing cells when they drift apart over time and allow the cut off to be set lower for more run time. Plus the full (full-er) cycle would help prevent the crystals from building up in the battery over time, helping them last and behave better. Every LiPo I have thrown away (witch is a lot) has been because the cells would get so far out of balance that one cell would die way before the car cut off (I have had up to a .5 volt difference in cells).

I realize this would probably bring the production cost up slightly and make the ESC slightly larger, but I know I'd buy it for sure to stop worrying about ruining batteries... But with the whole digital age and 3-4.2 volts per cell, a microprocessor should be able to read that voltage hardwired onto a pin safely. Maybe this has already been tried, maybe not, but I would have thought this would already be on the market.

I apologize if this has already been mentioned, I'm on a tight-ish schedule and out of town right now.

[A RC Dude]

Can't edit post...

But I found this. Couldn't the same type thing be built inside an ESC and as soon as it's tripped, cut power?

[Pdelcast]

Originally Posted by A RC Dude

Can't edit post...

But I found this. Couldn't the same type thing be built inside an ESC and as soon as it's tripped, cut power?

Hi RC dude,

Sure, something like that could be built in to an ESC. Would add a bit of cost.

Even better is active cell balancing -- this is what is being used in a lot of electric (full-sized) cars today. When there is a weaker cell, power is sent from the stronger cells to the weaker cells (via a very complicated set of DC-DC converters) to keep the charge balanced throughout the discharge cycle.

I expect we'll see active charge balancers for hobby pretty soon.

Patrick

[SV6000]

Hi Patrick could we please please have a 1/5 car ESC that can handle 12s and 300Amps.

I would really love to see that as the only thing on the market at the moment that can handle that sort of power is from MGM.

[rcs2022]

An additional temperature sensor for the motor, can be plugged in to monitor motor temperature. This way we'll be able to have a thermal shutdown if esc or motor exceeds max temps.