choice of esc

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

what would be the best choice of esc for the mobile marine model T12 motor?

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

I've seen a number of tugs using a T12 with a 40 Amp ESC…

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

Thanks DG I shall probably use a pair of 40 amp Vipers

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

For two motors you could always use one of these – far more versatile. Check the reviews. I doubt if you need anything like a 40A ESC anyway. **LINK**

DM

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

That looks just the ticket Dave, thanks for the link.

Do you know if it can be programmed to slow the inboard motor in a turn?

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Without the on-board mixer mentioned in the link, you need one channel per ESC.

Then it is either one stick per motor OR a transmitter that can be programmed to mix, but with the hardware mixer in the boat, you use throttle and steering to tell the mixer how to distribute the instructions to the speed controls. Not only can it slow the inboard motor in a turn, that is its basic function.

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

Thanks for that Malcolm, that's what I am after.

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

Posted by Dave Milbourn on 14/02/2016 08:42:41:

…. I doubt if you need anything like a 40A ESC anyway….

DM

Yes – I have no indication that this is the 'correct' size – they were probably over-specified as Dave suggests. Over-specifying is quite common for ESCs…

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Simon

Have a read of the information sheet on the website. Not only will it slow down the inner motor, but you can chose two distinctly different types of mix (50% and 100%); vary the degree of mixing within each by a simple preset potentiometer, or use the unit for tank steering if you prefer. Mode selection is via two small DIL switches on the circuit board. I would guess that P94 has sold getting on for 8000 units since it was introduced in 2008. We had one customer who bought nine of them and I have almost a standing order with another customer who will take any refurbished ones from my workshop without question. O – and you don't need a multi-channel computer radio; a basic 2-channel set will do perfectly well.
There's a full article on marine motor mixing here **LINK**

DM

(Incidentally, I no longer have anything to do with the manufacture and sale of ACTion units, but I do service them pp Component-Shop, who are the new owners of ACTion Electronics).

Edited By Dave Milbourn on 14/02/2016 10:08:50

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Yes – I have no indication that this is the 'correct' size – they were probably over-specified as Dave suggests. Over-specifying is quite common for ESCs…

It's annoying that Mobile Marine Models, who sell the T12 and T24 motors, don't publish even the basic technical data on them. Come on, Bryan – you must know something!!

Dave M

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

Thanks Dave. Mobile Marine have responded to my enquiry and they tell me that 15 amp controllers are sufficient for the T12.

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

I found a post elsewhere that had the t12 drawing 2 amps on load to a 75 mm prop. Also quotes a 10 spike, presumably on start up.
Chas

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

That sounds about right, Charles, and thanks for the info. I feel for anyone who's shelled out over fifty quid for a 40A ESC when a quarter of that would do the job – and that's without buying Chinese!

DG is right. With so many suppliers these days quoting grossly inflated "continuous current" ratings for their speed controllers – particularly the brushless ones – there's a tendency for those folk who aren't clued up to purchase units which really don't suit the actual motors used.

DM

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

I have ordered your reccomendation Dave. I will then bench test the set-up before installation.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Simon

A good choice. All I can suggest is that you read the instructions right through before you try to connect the unit and use it – especially the part which tells you about preset R1. It must be all the way anticlockwise or the mixing will be reduced – to zero at the extreme. You would probably not be surprised at the number of people who've sent their units back because they didn't read this.
If I were a dishonest man I could make quite a nice little earner from just tweaking R1!

DM

[Simon PorterParticipant @simonporter93469]

Dave, I have had a good read of the pdf file and I will read all again when the parts arrive.

I have a fair amount of model building experience on both boats and aircraft but none of it is recent hence my lack of knowledge with regard to modern control systems. I will be using a hi tech optic 6 for the radio so that I can run a winch on the main tow and probably a fire monitor. I shall post a build log as things progress. Thanks again for you advice. Simon.

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