Mamba Max vs Quark Observations

[hyperasus]

Makes me wonder if Mamba Monster Max will be the same way.

"current limiting feature" this would be a nice setting in the Castlelink software. Maybe someday.

[BrianG]

Yeah, but current limiting is a double edged sword. On one hand, it would save the ESC on rotor lock or extreme loads. But on the other hand, motors can pull up to 5 times their rated current on startup (which is why you see the capacitor on the side of industrial AC motors). It would have to be a delayed current limit.

[BrianG]

I did a comparison a while back between these ESCs and determined that I liked the startup routine of the Quark better. Just a reminder, both of these have VERY similar potential since they use the same FETs and number of them. Actually the older MM used the same FETs, the newer MMs use different FETs now, but still close enough hardware-wise.

Anyway, I updated the firmware on the MM to the latest version (1.20). I then ran both ESCs through some very low speed running by setting my radio throttle EPA so the motors just barely turned. As expected, they ran really slow. When I loaded both ESCs (by holding the tires with varying resistance manually) they exhibited the same behavior by chattering lightly until either the resistance was removed or an increase in throttle input overcame the resistance.

Now, this is probably technically considered "cogging", but I associate cogging with heavy current flow, high ESC heat, and chewed gears. This was nothing like that at all. Current from the battery did not rise much at all during this. Even if I manually turn the motor backwards during this chattering, the ESC didn't freak out at all. Of course, I wouldn't recommend doing that normally, but this was for testing after all.

All I can say is wow! From my perspective, it seems that Castle either hired Quark's old programmer, or they really did a LOT to the firmware. I just tested the MM this way to be fair to the Quark spec-wise, but from general running, the V3 MMM seems to act the same way.

FWIW, I just thought I'd share my $0.02.

wow good find! one place i see where this would be an issue is with crawling. Sometimes you want to hold a position...this feature would make that difficult.


Also sorry for jacking the thread but i didnt wanna mke another topic...

you updated the Monster Max 1.2 software to the mamba max?

[BrianG]

Yup, just verified version 1.20. It's not listed on Castle's MM revision document, but it's there. Must have simply applied the firmware fixed they did to the MMM...

Originally Posted by BrianG

Yup, just verified version 1.20. It's not listed on Castle's MM revision document, but it's there. Must have simply applied the firmware fixed they did to the MMM...

saweet...gotta go grab my maxx from the trunk!

[Unsullied_Spy]

Originally Posted by Andrew32

saweet...gotta go grab my maxx from the trunk!

V1.2 is a good upgrade. Runs smooth and cool for me. I actually preferred the old method of cranking up power when it needs it. Sure if you have a locked rotor or something it could be a problem but you shouldn't be holding the throttle down if you know it's messed up. IMO it was useful.

[BrianG]

As for crawling: Yeah, might not be the best crawler ESC in BL mode, but may work a lot better in brushed mode. Also, I have all my ESCs set for low start power and at least 50% punch control, so that may have something to do with it. The purpose of the test was to compare the starting algorithms, and if you see my original post from wayyy back, you can see it changed quite a bit.