ProModeler ESCs

[Dr. M]

UPDATE: I was able to download and view the data log using the Turnigy Superbrain PC software (also manufactured by HiFei)

I got it here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...n%20ESC(3).rar

Attached a picture of the data log as proof. I know it looks weird, that's because I was testing the soft start (on the MSH iKon) and making adjustments... many times....

[Dr. M]

Maiden flight on my Goblin Speed: complete success! :

In spite of a few technical setbacks, I maidened the GS in the driveway this morning. Low HS, stock 3d settings on the iKon, governor ON, canopy OFF. She lifted effortlessly into a stable hover IGE and just sat there with a low whirl. Lovely.

All in all about 5 min of hovering IGE at 1600, 1700, and 1800 rpm. Motor and ESC barely got over 77F (25C), cyclic and collective feel crisp, connected, and responsive. I can tell I'm going to love the ProModeler cyclic servos. The ESC soft start is a bit rough on the very first pulses, causing the tail to deflect about 20° on hard pavement. But after that, the rest of the spool up is smooth.

Yes, it was a gentle hover, with the canopy off, and it was a cool day (~45F); however, I am pleasantly surprised with the performance of this unknown ESC and motor. I do have that fiery experience with a big brand ESC, so don't hold it against me if I'm initially skeptical of all these FET-packed devices.

ESC log from the maiden attached.


If you'll notice, the ESC stops logging data when the throttle signal drops to the "closed" position. That's a nice touch. I always thought those Castle logs are silly recording blank data while you fiddle around doing your preflights and walking to the flight line...

[z_man_95]

Originally Posted by Dr. M

Hi guys,

Anybody using these? I have recently purchased a 200A version for my Goblin Speed build. The setup program looks pretty straight forward, except the Governor part: the only options appear to be: Auto, Low, High. Am I to understand that Auto means Off?

I'm planning to use an external governor (iKon), so I'd like to set up the ESC as if it were on a plane - no soft start, no gov, fast throttle response.

Also a bit of a conundrum is how I'm going to connect it to the motor, but that's another issue. I'm seriously considering soldering the motor wires directly to the ESC PCB.

What size connectors are you using in the pic? How did you end up connecting the motor?

[Dr. M]

Those are 6.5mm bullets. I connected them by looping the ESC wires toward the motor bullets. There are pictures of it in this build thread: https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=592356

But this is what it looks like when it's all done:

[Dr. M]

First real flight at the field today: Nothing fancy, just some light putting around to break in the mechanics:



And here's the ESC log for the ProModeler 200A ESC: it handled 1900RPM quite well. Max temps about 90F on the log, but the heatsink felt more like 100F.

[Dr. M]

Speed runs at 2000RPM, not flat out WOT, but pretty close. Pulling peak current above 110A

[Dr. M]

Upped the ante again today with a couple of flat out speed runs, and two massive inverted punchouts. Max currents at 154A.


I'm starting to become suspicious of the temperature sensor on board the ESC. The heat sink felt more like 120°F than the 93°F logged in the data. Unfortunately, I recently lost my IR thermometer, so I can't verify that with hard data, but I'm pretty sure I can tell the difference between luke-warm and too-hot-for-bath temperature.

In any case, the ESC handled the abuse quite well, even if it actually went 10° higher than recorded, that can still be considered "cold" by ESC standards. For example, the CC 75A ESC in my Protos routinely gets to 140°F in the summer, the way I fly it... and it's been doing that for over 250 flights over 2 seasons.

And, BTW, the Goblin Speed has absolutely zero airflow over the ESC.

[rfauske]

Does it work fine with the fbl based governor ?

[Dr. M]

Originally Posted by rfauske

Does it work fine with the fbl based governor ?

So far so good. I do think I need to up the gain on the FBL governor, looking at that last log.

[TheKingPhisher]

Thanks for the update..sounds like a good ESC.

[Dr. M]

First flights at 2300RPM today on the Goblin Speed with the PM ESC. Current peaks over 170A. The ESC worked very well, but I'm most impressed by the PMAX motor keeping its cool (pun intended) with currents over 1.5x its max rating. As you can see from the log, ESC temps never exceeded 35°C (95F).



Also, looks like this HS is the top I can run with the current gearing on the GS, as the governor tops out the throttle during the speed runs going at max collective. Any more HS (or pitch for that matter) and HS would start to drop.

[rfauske]

I am trying to configure my promodeler 100HV for a MD6 that I have. But what settings did you use when using external governor and did you use the softstart in the esc ?

[Dr. M]

I didn't do anything special for external gov. Using the regular helicopter settings (no brake) and the ESC soft start. I found that the soft start of the external gov on the MSH iKon was too hard for the little feet on the Goblin Speed, so, rather than risk a tip-over on spool-up, I'm using the ESC soft start instead, which is modestly better. The first few pulses on these ESCs are pretty hard, so make sure your blades are tight, otherwise they may fold with those first few kicks.

I'll take a look at the actual settings tonight and post the details.