ESC overheating??? RC Noobie here!

[Cruzercru]

I recently bought a bixler 2 (ARF).
I put it together and plugged the esc into the motor, within 2 mins the esc was too hot to touch.
What do you think is wrong?

Note: i was running the motor with no prop at about 1/4 throttle for about 20sec but overheating didnt occur until about 2 min later, I was setting up the flaps in that time

 

[mjmccarron]

We need a little more info. What is the amp rating of the ESC, What battery? 2S or 3S? How many servos are connected and what type? A picture of your setup might be helpful. The more info you can provide, the better. I and many others are more than willing to help.

Mike

 

[Christopher14]

Welcome to the forum! I have several questions: What battery where you using? If you are using a higher voltage battery then what was recommended the ESC would get hot. Is the motor rubbing against the foam? If so that would cause it to draw more amps and consequently get the ESC rather warm.

 

[Christopher14]

Yikes! you came out of nowhere mjmccarron.

 

[Cruzercru]

-i'm running a 20 amp esc 3amp Ubec (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__15202__Hobby_King_20A_ESC_3A_UBEC.html)
-I have 6 servo's, 4 are the standard ones that come with the ARf plane (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=24474) and 2 are these (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...G9d_9g_1_8kg_0_09sec_Digital_Micro_Servo.html)
- i'm using a 3 cell 2100mah lipo 35C


After a few min it is too hot to touch even when the motor was't moving.
The only thing moving was the control surfaces (the servos), I was mechanically triming them.
The motor isn't rubbing on anything and has no prop on.

Should I get a bigger ESC such as a 30-40amp

 

[Christopher14]

I think your problem may be the Ubec. I would recommend getting a separate BEC, when a linear BEC gets over a certain temperature it shuts off. Which then leaves you with no control of the servos or the throttle, which is scary.

Here is a link to a BEC that would fit the bill rather nicely: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18789__5V_5A_UBEC_2_5S_Lipoly_7_2_21v_.html

 

[Cruzercru]

Thanks

Thanks for your help i will try that and get back to you when it is done.

 

[Christopher14]

Your welcome!

 

[mjmccarron]

Christopher14,
I do that sometimes. LOL

Another alternative is a SBEC whether it's in the ESC or separate. 6 servos is taxing on linear circuits, that whole ohms law thing. I never run more than 4 standard servos on a linear BEC. This is my current favorite for the price...

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor..._rotor_Brushless_ESC_2_4S_USA_Warehouse_.html

Mike

 

[Christopher14]

I have run six servos on that ESC in my FT Spitfire, but they where analog not digital. Digital servos draw noticeably more current then analog servos, thats how I got away with it.

 

[Cruzercru]

mjmccarron i will stick with the BEC for now because I cant get that in Australia but thanks for your help

 

[Cruzercru]

Ok thanks Christopher14