ESCs and a Mixer

[Peter Hawkins 2Participant @peterhawkins2]

 

I recently purchased the Action Electronics P40E mixer.

 

I have set it up as per the instruction sheet using two servos to check the disc positions.

This works fine, discs all pointing as per your diagrams and rudders operating correctly.The receiver was powered by a 4.8v battery.

 

I then disconnected the 4.8v battery from the receiver and plugged in the two Tornado Marine (50Amp forward & 20Amp reverse) ESCs

to the mixer output pins as dictated by the test servos. I have also removed the red BEC connection lead from one of the ESCs.

Each ESC is powered by its own Overlander LiPo 7.4V 3350 2S battery,both fully charged.

 

On switching on the ESCs the red led on the mixer lights up. I left the transmitter sticks alone for around 4seconds as advised,

the rudder servo then operates correctly BUT I am getting no response from the two 540 Mabuchi brushed motors, either in forward or reverse.

 

I rechecked with the two test servos and the 4.8 battery powering the receiver and all worked OK again.

 

Are my ESCs not compatible with the mixer or is it to do with the batteries powering the ESCs?

 

Edited By Peter Hawkins 2 on 27/11/2013 20:23:25

Edited By Peter Hawkins 2 on 27/11/2013 20:30:23

[Peter Hawkins 2Participant @peterhawkins2]

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Do the ESCs work without the mixer? Do they need calibrating?

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Sounds like it might be earth loops. Can't say for certain as the P40E version is later than my involvement with that mixer. The instructions always used to include a caveat that the ESCs should each have their own battery and that the Rx should also be run from its own power supply. Suggest you disable the BECs in both ESCs and run the Rx from the separate 4.8v battery. The drawings should show this unless they have been updated for P40E.

Dave M

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Just as an additional thought, it's not a good idea to use ESCs with reduced reverse speed/capacity because the degrees of mixing will be compromised, especially if you increase from low mix (25%) to full mix (100%). P40 was designed specifically for ACTion speed controllers, which have the same power capacity ahead and astern and no BEC. Swap your Tornados for a pair of P80's; wire the system up according to the manual and all should be fine.
Dave M

[Peter Hawkins 2Participant @peterhawkins2]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your prompt responses, Iain Lewis (Component Shop) said you were on a cruise.

Tried your first idea i.e removing both BEC wires and powering the receiver from the 4.8 battery.
Still no activity from the motors. Replace one of the ESCs with a servo and that works OK, so there is
power coming from the mixer. The mixer LED is lit OK.

I suppose BEC is not really needed on a boat, without motive power there isn't much response from the
rudder anyway. It's not as if the boat can plummet earthwards!! The only plus is that it stops completely draining the battery. Quite important when using LiPos I think.

It looks as if I shall have to try your second idea and purchase two P80s.

Thanks to all who responded to my posting.

Peter H

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