Mechanical brakes?

[its me]

Are there benefits to mechanical brakes? will using them help with motor/lipo/ESC life, im looking to see if there is a good advantage to them over engine braking. One of my current projects I am thinking of working mechanical brakes into the build, problem is id hate to go all through that trouble just to add weight to the truck. but if there are good benefits to it like a better array of ESC options (the current ones I keep on reading bad things about) less motor wear and or lower temps then its worth the work and weight I would love to get your guys input on this, I know of very few BL trucks using mechanical brakes.

Thank you in advance!

[Haldir]

It's exactly what you said less wear on the motor and ESC, batteries, etc.

[its me]

thanks man!

[cart213]

And, like you said, it gives you more esc options. I used to have a brushless MGT with mechanical brakes. I used a CC Barracuda 125 esc, which is made for boats, but it worked fine since I didn't need to use the esc's brakes.

Originally Posted by cart213

And, like you said, it gives you more esc options. I used to have a brushless MGT with mechanical brakes. I used a CC Barracuda 125 esc, which is made for boats, but it worked fine since I didn't need to use the esc's brakes.

how did you hook up the servo though? on the same channel as the ESC? I don't get how that is done...any pictures perhaps?

[cart213]

Here's are thread about the truck, but it doesn't have any closeups of the receiver wiring. I used a 3-channel receiver. Ch1 was for steering, Ch2 was for the esc and brakes, and Ch3 was for reverse. I used a Y-harness for Ch2. The esc was set up without brakes, and whenever I pushed the trigger to brake, the esc would do nothing, but the brake servo would activate.

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8135