Brushed Speed Controller getting Hot

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

I've wired up my ESC to the receiver and battery (7.2v), motor and servo to test before installing in my boat.. Everything works fine but within seconds the esu gets very hot. Checked the spec of the ESC and it says it's ok with 7.2v. Purchased on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RC-Model-Ship-Boat-Waterproof-320A-R-C-Hobby-Brushed-Speed-Controller-ESC-BE-/382011529867?epid=731209255&hash=item58f1a95a8b:g:c2sAAOSwZG9WlcU2

Should I not take a chance and buy a different ESC, I dont fancy my trawler turning into a viking funeral.

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Hot ESU

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

Looks like one of DM's classic Awful Warnings ™, where Chinese Amps are subtly considerably different to our Western Amps. I don't suppose that you have a meter to check that actual current draw, do you?

While the item is heating up, does it operate properly? It might be worth running it on a test rig with some load to see if it will burn out.

Looking at the seller, they do respond to complaints. If the esc has a solid fail, (ideally a burnt out unit you can photograph) you can raise a case through Ebay. Chinese sellers will often refund your money to avoid getting a negative feedback. I would agree that it is not a good candidate for your model – unless you are doing one of Drake's fireships…

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Thanks Dodgy can you suggest a better ESU that would do the trick. My motor isn’t large (R280) for Aeronaut trawler.

Edited By Peter Brown 15 on 08/09/2017 21:46:41

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

There are several different types of R280 motor. Make sure yours is rated for at least 7.2v **LINK**

If you are sure that you have connected everything up correctly and that there is no appreciable friction in the drive-line then the ESC is faulty. Throw it away and buy one that's made in the UK. ACTion, Electronize and MTroniks all make suitable speed controllers. Just don't expect to get one for £7.66.

DM

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

Posted by Peter Brown 15 on 08/09/2017 21:45:58:
Thanks Dodgy can you suggest a better ESU that would do the trick. My motor isn't large (R280) for Aeronaut trawler.

Edited By Peter Brown 15 on 08/09/2017 21:46:41

 

As DM says, if you want reliability, go for a home-grown ESC. If you want low cost, go for a cheap Chinese. Though I have had no problems with the cheap Chinese ESCs I have used, if one does fail you may get a replacement or your money back, but that is usually at Ebay's discretion, and is only likely to happen if the ESC fails immediately it is used. And, as DM often says, one ESC at a higher initial cost can be cheaper than spending more money on several cheap ESCs each time they fail…

Chinese electrical equipment may be cheap because:

1 – they have rarely done the design work themselves, with its associated expense

2 – they may use low quality components and assemble with low-skilled labour

3 – they may skimp on quality control

This does not mean that all Chinese equipment is poor, of course, Much Western 'name brand' equipment is made in China nowadays. And with cheap unbranded kit, even if all three of the above issues apply the item may be perfectly useable. A replacement ESC of the type you already have MAY be fine. However, if you buy an item from any of the manufacturers DM mentioned it WILL be fine….  that is what you are paying the extra for.

 

Edited By Dodgy Geezer on 09/09/2017 07:50:30

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