ESC help

[zuki250]

Hey guys...

I am getting ready to pick up an ESC for my Optima Mid. I will be running a 13.5 turn brushless.....so how big of a speed control do i need? What amperage? 70? 120? Any help would be great

[Coelacanth]

30 to 60 amps is plenty. Anything beyond that is overkill.

[zuki250]

Even with a hungry servo? Cole dont you have some from hobbyking?

[Coelacanth]

Even with a hungry servo? Cole dont you have some from hobbyking?

I chose a Tacon 11.5T/Bullistorm 60A ESC (mix 'n' match, not a combo) for Barney, while OptiMutt is powered by a Leopard 12T/60A ESC combo. Both of those ESCs came with programming cards, but they have additional features that can be programmed manually (you'll see these options in the included instructions) that the program cards can't do.

I got the Tacon from HobbyPartz.com, the rest I bought from eBay. I got my radio and servo gear from HobbyPartz as well.

[Sixtysixdeuce]

30 to 60 amps is plenty. Anything beyond that is overkill.

I agree, so long as

1) you're not over-geared or running large tires, and

2) sticking to 2S LiPo or 6/7 cell NiMH

Really tall gearing or big tires will tax the ESC, and running 3S is a game-changer. I've fried a number of 3S-rated ESCs, even with appropriate gearing and tires. A 60A sensored with a 4,000KV 540, two 90A sensorless on a 3,500KV 550 motor and an 80A sensorless with a 3,300KV 540 can.

My new personal rule if I intend to use 3S is basically to make sure the ESC is rated for at least 4S if the vehicle weighs over 4 lbs. The only sub-100A ESC I haven't fried on 3S has been a Hobbywing 60A EZrun, but it also only saw a couple of packs before being transferred into a buggy with a 9T motor and always running 2S.

[Coelacanth]

He's not running 3S with his Optima Mid (I gathered this from messages we sent in PM). He just wants to update the electronics in a vintage Mid without blowing up the gearbox. A 60-amper is more than sufficient for that.

[Sixtysixdeuce]

He's not running 3S with his Optima Mid (I gathered this from messages we sent in PM). He just wants to update the electronics in a vintage Mid without blowing up the gearbox. A 60-amper is more than sufficient for that.

In that case, I agree. I would personally go for a Hobbywing EZrun 60A if sensorless, or a Dynamite Fuze 3780 (70A) if sensored. Both can be had for well under $50.