Need response from a Castle tech for MMM question

Looks like im going to buy a MMM, and just do the mod!

This looks simple enough to pull off, just take my time. Haha

Thanks guys!

[TruckBasher]

I was almost certain that it was the switch because I have the same exact scenario on the blinking lights but it seems you might have encountered something else...by the way how did you clean the lead between connectors? Just thought something might got cut off....

Hope you get this fixed soon...

Brian dont feel bad about this. You clearly specified from the start that this is NOT an OFFICIAL mod and that it WILL VOID warranty. we are just lucky to get this mod otherwise we wont resurrect our MMM but then again we all do it at OUR OWN RISK. For the rest that wants to try this at home, make sure you DONT CARE about warranty...

Thanks Brian...

[Mozzy]

If many people are doing this mod with a moderate amount of success, then why on earth isn't CC addressing this themselves before resending the ESC's?

I'm sure they have enough broken one's by now to have figured out what's been going wrong & rectifying the problems.

I don't geeet it.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by TruckBasher

Brian dont feel bad about this. You clearly specified from the start that this is NOT an OFFICIAL mod and that it WILL VOID warranty. we are just lucky to get this mod otherwise we wont resurrect our MMM but then again we all do it at OUR OWN RISK. For the rest that wants to try this at home, make sure you DONT CARE about warranty...

Thanks Brian...

Thanks, but I can't help it. Many of the members here are fairly young and don't have a lot of disposable income, so when something goes wrong, they are out $150+.

Originally Posted by Mozzy

If many people are doing this mod with a moderate amount of success, then why on earth isn't CC addressing this themselves before resending the ESC's?

I'm sure they have enough broken one's by now to have figured out what's been going wrong & rectifying the problems.

I don't geeet it.

Probably because they simply don't have the amount of runtime needed to statistically ensure a good batch. I'm sure they test the designs somewhat, but it's much easier to fix when something goes wrong than try to cover every possible eventuality. CC engineers are probably scratching their heads too. They must be wondering why this is so hard - after all, the MMM isn't the first ESC to have a built-in switching BEC.

As to why they don't simply release it in opto-mode; probably because it would be a black eye to the company. I know these issues isn't exactly good, but if they removed the BEC, they would be admitting defeat. From a programmer's perspective, I know I hate it when something I made breaks. Instead of giving up and removing the offending feature, I work and work at it until it doesn't break (essentially, making it idiot proof - the trouble is, they'll just make a better idiot ). So, it may be somewhat of a pride thing. Also, I'm sure there is a lot of advertising and literature that states the MMM has a switching BEC. Wouldn't look good to downgrade.

Personally, I think they should do one the following options:

1. Use the V1 or V2 design, remove the BEC, and resell them with a packaged CCBEC. Maybe boost the price a little to compensate. Yeah, it would be more expensive, but still much less than anything comparable (Quark, MGM, Schulze, etc).
   
   
2. Design a new MMM with a linear regulator for the brains and still include the switching BEC for external servos only. That way, if the switcher goes bad, the brains will still work and people can use an Rx pack or external BEC to keep running. Not ideal, but certainly more palatable than a totally dead ESC. This would allow people to at least keep running while CC can figure things out.
   
   
3. Similar to option 2, remove the BEC and put in a linear regulator for the brains, but do not output that voltage to the throttle power line. Basically, like an opto-ESC. Then people can decide what to use (UBEC or Rx pack).
   

[suicideneil]

4. Steal the switching BEC designs of another company and implement them into the MMM and CCBEC...

[TruckBasher]

Nice one Niel

I think the most safe for CC is #3 but not the best I guess

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by suicideneil

4. Steal the switching BEC designs of another company and implement them into the MMM and CCBEC...

lol, they just over a suit for the "Made in the USA" thing, I don't think they want to go for copyright infringement!

[ptt81]

its kinda funny in a way, its "made in the USA" but with imported parts...no wonder we have bad components

[Dagger Thrasher]

I don't know. There's no reason why CC shouldn't be able to get an integrated switching BEC working perfectly reliably and it's less hassle/space/mess than having an external one. Maybe they could integrate a switch that allows you to enable/disable the BEC, so that the option for a more powerful external unit is there? I just hope that they get this sorted quick, though, whatever they do. The V1s dying wasn't Castle's fault, but the V2s? I'd love to know what on earth is causing them to die...

[BrianG]

Maybe it's just too much circuit in too small a space. Switching BECs are quite efficient (around 85% depending on load), but there is still some heat there. Maybe the ICs being used don't like any kind of heat nearby, especially since the FETs are right above it creating more heat. Or, maybe there is some inductive noise coming from the coil that is inducing a voltage in a really sensitive area. Who knows? I'm sure it is possible, just takes some time to iron out. MGM has done it, maybe they should take a peek at one of those ESCs to get an inkling of how others are doing it. Maybe there's something CC is not taking into account that would be obvious once they see another design. Maybe use a whole different approach and use an integrated design similar to KoolFlight or WesternRobotics.

[RBMike]

I don't like any option that includes the CCBEC. I used that thing with my MM and had all kinds of glitching with my spektrum RX's. Swaped it out with a cheap-o novak regulator and all is well. CCBEC+Spektrum= trouble (for me at least).

[BrianG]

The CCBEC is kinda noisy, but shouldn't be too bad, especially with Spektrum. I only use one in my Hyper8 and don't have any issues, but I also use a 1000uF 10v cap on the BEC power line...

[RBMike]

I tried the cap, moved everything to change the wiring layout, etc, etc. Got glitches with 3 different RX's (SR3100,3001,3000). 2 times I had full out runaways, very scary to see your buggy going 45 mph leave the track & head off across a parking lot.

[MetalMan]

Perhaps it was that particular CCBEC? I've been using several CCBECs, some through Spektrum receivers.

[kulangflow]

So, my MMMv2 died and they're shipping a new one. I called toda,y and they said I could try your (BrianG's) mod on the bad MMMv2 with no affect on the warranty since it was already dead anyway. Sweeet.

I've been wanting to try to resurrect the dead one, but I was afraid to try 'til now.

Wish me luck!