EC5 connectors

[gorn]

HobbyKing sells the EC5, but Im pretty sure they list them as EC4.
They are 5mm though, as you will see in the comments section underneath the product.
I bought 20 pairs, at about $1.40US per pair.

[heliboy88]

Originally Posted by OnTheSnap

HobbyKing is converting all batteries to the new XT60 connector. This looks like a great connector and the price is right at HK. I just ordered a bunch to try them out. If I like them, I'll convert all my batteries.

Do you think it is enough for the Protos? Cus it is only rated for 65A constant, i think the Protos pulls more amps than that right?

[JustPlaneChris]

The Protos won't pull anywhere near 65A constant. Average current draw is usually in the 20A range (or less) with periodic spikes into the 60-80A range.

[OnTheSnap]

Chris is right on as usual. The comment on the HK website is that all 3000mah packs and below will start to ship with the XT60 connector which is rated for 60A. While I hit 80A peaks during aggressive maneuvers, it's really the continuous/average that we're concerned about, not the short bursts.

[TJinGuy]

EC5 are for bascially 8-12S applictions, they work awesome, no need for a small 6S bird though, the ec3s' in this case are more then enough for Protos 6s applications.

That thinking is backwards. The largest current draws are going to be on a 600 with 6s packs. They can average 50A or more. Move to a 10s 600 and the average amp draw will drop 40%.

As for EC5 connectors, they are just 4mm bullets in a housing. The EC3s are just 3.5mm bullets in a housing. I prefer to just use the bullets. They are available on eBay for really cheap, like 50 pairs for $15 shipped.

[heliboy88]

Chris and Snap, thanks a lot for clearing things up. So, how much Amps do you think the Protos with stock motor and 6S lipo will pull(spike) in the "worst case scenario"?

[OnTheSnap]

I've hit peaks of 70-80A.

[JustPlaneChris]

I've seen over 85A, but only during drag racing punchouts.

You're overthinking it. Any of the popular connectors will work fine, you will just have to find the style that you like the best when it comes to installation and use.

[OICU812]

EC5 are nearly 20 grams the pair, so bit to heavy. I took off the EC3s as they were a PITA imo, so I go back on that. Recently put on the HK XT60, these I like, they fit dam tight but can handle all the curent and are just a touch larger then the Deans, these are what I will now run for sure on my Protos, Logo 400 and my 450 helis indeed.

[06graphite]

Originally Posted by OICU812

EC5 are nearly 20 grams the pair, so bit to heavy.

Really? The weight of 20 paper clips is too much for a Protos? How much does an EC3 connector weigh? How about the HK XT60 connector? I'm willing to bet that the difference in weight isn't that much.

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but I think it's a bit absurd to even think about the weight of the connectors that we're using unless we're talking about a high performance sail plane where the weight really counts.

If the weight is going to make a difference, just boost the rpm's by 10-20 rpms and you should be all set. although you might lose 1.3 - 2.7 seconds of flight time because you had to increase your head speed to compensate for the additional weight of the connectors.......

[OnTheSnap]

Remember OICU flies hard 3D and he's trying to wring out every gram of weight to optimize his machine. For us mortal pilots, 20g doesn't matter.

[trickybit]

My take is that if you shorten your wires, you get to fixate on every other gram... :-)

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by 06graphite

Really? The weight of 20 paper clips is too much for a Protos? How much does an EC3 connector weigh? How about the HK XT60 connector? I'm willing to bet that the difference in weight isn't that much.

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but I think it's a bit absurd to even think about the weight of the connectors that we're using unless we're talking about a high performance sail plane where the weight really counts.

If the weight is going to make a difference, just boost the rpm's by 10-20 rpms and you should be all set. although you might lose 1.3 - 2.7 seconds of flight time because you had to increase your head speed to compensate for the additional weight of the connectors.......

Weight of ec3 and xt60 is under 6 grams with both connectors, so it is alot of difference actually, 13-15 grams worth.

[heliboy88]

Originally Posted by OnTheSnap

I've hit peaks of 70-80A.

Thanks for sharing Snap

Originally Posted by JustPlaneChris

I've seen over 85A, but only during drag racing punchouts.

You're overthinking it. Any of the popular connectors will work fine, you will just have to find the style that you like the best when it comes to installation and use.

So, i won't think about it anymore and GO for it. Thanks a lot Chris.


Merry Christmas and Happy Flying everyone

[Ensonic]

Hi,

do you have an idea how to avoid the spark at connecting the battery to the ESC? On normal connectors you can install a "anti spark" resistor but I have no idea how to do this with the EC5...

[TJinGuy]

The spark is normal and not a problem, no need to stop it. Besides it always makes the guys flying 3s planes jump when you connect up 50V! Think of it as a feature, not a drawback

[Ensonic]

But it hurts the connectors... After 50 Flights they are so damaged that you have to exchange them. Quite expensive...

[TJinGuy]

Na, it only damages the outer edges of EC5s, the main contact areas are fine. I have 300 flights on my 12s 550e and the XT60s work as well as new. Yes rims are charred some but the main contact points are like new.

[desertstalker]

Originally Posted by TJinGuy

Na, it only damages the outer edges of EC5s, the main contact areas are fine. I have 300 flights on my 12s 550e and the XT60s work as well as new. Yes rims are charred some but the main contact points are like new.

+1

Spark will jump from the edge of the female to the end of the male connector. neither of these parts are actually connected when the connector is completely engaged. The sides of the male contact the inside of the female.

A little pitting on the ends shouldn't affect function.