Mamba MONSTER Max!!!

[JohnRobHolmes]

http://holmeshobbies.com/skin1/images/Guido.jpg (http://holmeshobbies.com)

Alright guys, I have official word about the MONSTER MAX from Castle! They are done!
We have all stock in the version 3 controllers now, the bugs have been fixed and they are now solid as can be.


This is the ESC we have all been waiting for. Mamba Monster is here. Finally, a bulletproof Castle controller for MONSTER TRUCKS AND 1/8th Scale Conversions. Is your truck ready?


2.2" x 1.9" x 1.4"
6.5mm bullet connectors
6s lipo/25v maximum
estimated 200a continuous (more than your rig can handle)
Integrated Switching BEC
Totally Castle Link Programmable (included)


This sucker will break your E-maxx. It will make your sister cry. It will power me on my electric motorcycle without even getting warm. I just wish it would make me a sandwich.


What are you waiting for? Get in line for the biggest release of the year!

http://holmeshobbies.com/files/d_128.jpg (http://holmeshobbies.com/product.php?productid=201&cat=0&page=1)

[2JSC]

Although I have no use or foreseeable use, I WANT ONE! :D

[dorji]

Cool, its about time they finally released this monster"thumbsup"
I just placed my order, and I can't wait to try it out in my brushless savage.:twisted:
Thanks for the discount"thumbsup"

[firebat45]

Dammit, I already preordered 2 with Castle. Seriously thinking about a third from you, that's an awesome price. Maybe I can cancel my Castle order, I'd rather buy from you anyway.

Also annoyed by the late May release. They just keep putting it off longer and longer...

Still totally psyched about getting them, though.

EDIT - Actually, I'll let some other people get the deal. I'd feel bad eating up 2-3 of the 25 slots. Still might buy one though...

PPS - JRH, you've got an email from me. Tried ordering through the site and ran into problems. I blame Canada.

[Rckcrwlr]

Ordered...I know exactly where this is going... ;)

[Nerve]

Thanks for the chance.. :twisted:
heh

I can bet a buddy of mine would be ordering one from our LHS sometime soon.
Thanks for the info JRH!

[rc4x4nut]

So the castle link is included with the controller? Because I have a new link and CC BEC just sitting here.

Went ahead and ordered one anyways.

[JohnRobHolmes]

From the last I heard it does come with the Castle link.

[rambuller84]

Is there any reason to run this instead of the Mamba Max in any kind of crawler?

[firebat45]

Bragging rights, not having to run a CCBEC, so less wires/cleaner install?

I won't be putting mine in crawlers, that's what Sidewinders are for.

JRH - Did you get my email?

[JohnRobHolmes]

Only if you want to safely run over 4s lipo. Or if you want your crawler to be 30lbs or go over 70mph on 6s lipo. You could make a crawler to haul you around in too.

[JohnRobHolmes]

Bragging rights, not having to run a CCBEC, so less wires/cleaner install?

I won't be putting mine in crawlers, that's what Sidewinders are for.

JRH - Did you get my email?

I haven't yet responded to emails from yesterday or today, so if it is in there probably so. Otherwise I can't say because I don't know who you are :lol:

[Tanis]

I haven't yet responded to emails from yesterday or today, so if it is in there probably so. Otherwise I can't say because I don't know who you are :lol:
He's a cool guy;-)"thumbsup"....I'm no real help.:)

[firebat45]

I haven't yet responded to emails from yesterday or today, so if it is in there probably so. Otherwise I can't say because I don't know who you are :lol:

My email is the same as my forum name. :) I figured you probably hadn't gotten around to them yet, don't worry about it.

Has anyone actually verified that this is brushed compatible? I'm assuming it is, but I'm just noticing that it doesn't mention it on the product page, and I haven't heard anything about it and brushed motors.

[Cloak]

Ordered one from you too, John.

I figure I should support the vendors that support my go-fast addiction as well. "thumbsup"

[dezfan]

I want one, but I need to check first!:lol:

[skid plate]

I can see it now, a car hauler for the scale nationals, with 15 scalers on it doing 40 plus mph.
WOW!
"thumbsup"

[braceysdad]

John, what motor do you recommend running with it on a sand rail?

[Freq E Tag]

Just a little user review for those that are interested....

Got to drive an Emaxx today with the Monster System in it, running 6S A123 setup.

All I can say is..... WOW. I have NEVER seen this much power in an electric vehicle ever. PERIOD.

Cruising at 30Mph... nail the throttle... pulled 3 (Three) wheels in the air and was going 50 before I knew it. Not near enough space to get to top speed (whatever the heck it is... lol)

After 15 minutes of total abuse the motor and speedo was barely warm to the touch!

Amazing. As soon as John gets them, buy one, it is by far the ULTIMATE in speedos.

~Freq

[Cloak]

As someone who already has stupidly powered e-vehicles, I'm looking forward to this just so I can bump up the voltage on all of them. My 5s will be 6s where I have room. :)

Hell, my buggy alone is going to have as much packed on as it can.

[dezfan]

Hey Johnrob, any Monsters in your closet yet??????:twisted:

[JohnRobHolmes]

Got word that Castle just shipped them. They oversold the controller so I have stopped all backorders since I will not receive my full allotment. There may be a few straglers available after backorders are taken care of, but not likely. Thanks for the support, and all backorders should be shipping out by early to mid next week.

[Cloak]

Sex in a box . . . received. :D And to think I have to wait until after karate to go run it in my e-8ight.

[dorji]

got mine to"thumbsup"
thanks for the great service:)

[Cloak]

I just ran my Losi e-8ight with this installed and I'm giggling like a little girl the whole battery pack. First run I spun the pinion loose. Once I got that all sorted, even with the open diff I can just about pull wheelies. This was with my Zippy 4S lipos. I'll try the 5S tomorrow and hook it up to the Eagletree logger then.

The esc and battery are cold (under 100F) and the 8xl I have in there is a bit hot (right around 180F after speed runs). I should probably have the 10XL in there, but what the hell. I already own that one so why not run it. :D

Glad I purchased 2 of these. My e-revo is getting the other one in as soon as it comes. Looks like I'm going to sell that Schulze or keep it as a backup now. :D

Thanks for selling these and shipping them out quickly, John. If my video camera battery wasn't dead and it wasn't so dark out, I'd have night video, even if I had to duct tape some flashlights to the body.

[WheelChair]

You ROCK JRH!!! "thumbsup"

This Monster is INSANE! :shock:

Is the fan supposed to spool up slowly when you turn it on, then stay at full even if its not doing anything?

Not a problem, it works great, just thought maybe they used a thermo-sensing fan because of the slow spool up.

Had to go out and get some larger shrink wrap for them HUGE connectors.
It would be cool if it came with at least the wraps for the motor connectors.

....The box says I need 2 more A123 cells.... :twisted:

Then again, being A123 is 3.3v nominal and 3.6v peak, Could one get away with running 7 A123 on a geared down S-3032?

Will a S-3032-8 handle that kind of voltage? I would think so...

23.1v nominal and 25.2v peak.
I know the limit of the Monster is 25v, but it might just work.

I need to test my drive train. So far its held!

Thanks again JRH!
WC

[JohnRobHolmes]

You can run 7 cell a123. The 3032 will be pushed really hard above 15 volts, so use 2 more cells at your own risk on it.

Glad you guys enjoy! I am liking mine, and I haven't even put it into the emaxx yet. Just high voltage fun in my crawlers so far.

[Cloak]

The most impressive to me is going from that Schulze that cogs like crazy at low speed to this butter smooth takeoff with the Monster. It feels like a crawler on the low end.

[JohnRobHolmes]

They really did smooth it up a lot. The extra amperage overhead also allows for smoother startups. The burst should be around 800 or 900 amps for a split second.

[red jim]

So what is the voltage/amps of the bec?

[JohnRobHolmes]

5.5v 3a I believe.

[skellyo]

This thing rocks!

http://skellyo.com/CRT/

[cotharyus]

Just wanted to let you know I got mine in the mail JRH, thanks! I have to admit, I've spent so much time away from here recently, that I didn't know about this thread at all - I just caught information that they were shipping, and checked your website, and could order it there, so I did. I've got some heavy voltage on the way from Maxamps and a 36x60 medusa ...going to see what the MGT conversion says about that :)

[low82]

A question for those who have one:
Are the 6.5 mm connectors (for the wires) in the box too, or should I buy them separately?

[JohnRobHolmes]

They are included in the box, but there were a few boxes on the first run where plugs were forgotten but Castle will send them for free. I am still waiting to hear about the second production run, as there was an issue with the BEC IC chip.

[low82]

Thanks, and one more question: Is there a drag brake (passive) in the Monster Max? I did not found any references about that. Maybe the reason is simple, everybody knows that... :roll:

Regards

[JohnRobHolmes]

Yep, there is a drag brake.

[danielk]

can it run this?
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/catalog/C80-100-A.jpg

[braceysdad]

can it run this?
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/catalog/C80-100-A.jpg

Why have you been in my wifes closet???

[danielk]

who do you think sold it to her?!

[KRAWLR4life]

John, what motor do you recommend running with it on a sand rail?

I have the same question...:roll::lol:"thumbsup"

[billdapart]

Hey John, I had another question on that Monster backorder issue if you can please email me. (think my email may have got spam-tossed)

Also, wish I had the cash for that Z00!.. thing looks fun, good luck with the sale.

[WheelChair]

Sometimes, its just not wheelin without H2O...


Anyone know anything as far as the Monster being waterproof? I realize the fan might not like it but have they coated the boards in epoxy like the MM and the M 25?


Sorry, just hard to have a motor capable of 2.5 HP and not point it at the mud.


WC

[Heavy]

Hey John, any news on the status of these bad boys?

[JohnRobHolmes]

WC- it is conformal coated but I wouldn't get it wet.

For a sand rail, you can select as big of a motor as you want. The wind will be determined by voltage, and size will determine your overall power. A 2,000 kv motor on 6s would be a blast and have really long runtimes.


The latest news- Castle is trying to determine the cause of a 30% BEC IC failure rate. The part is sourced from a factory that can't help them, so it is bouncing between bad part or design flaw. My ESC is still running strong. I would expect them to figure it out and do another run within 6-8 weeks, but that is totally a guess.

[PapaGeno21]

Hey John, it says you have 8 or 9 in stock.. Does that mean if I order one its going to ship, or is that a pre order or back order?

I am going to be buying the parts to turn my LST2 into electric. Still deciding on motors but im thinking a 9XL on a 4S 10,000MAH MaxAmps lipo. And of course the MMM...

Let me know!

[sLeigh_P]

Got word that Castle just shipped them. They oversold the controller so I have stopped all backorders since I will not receive my full allotment. There may be a few straglers available after backorders are taken care of, but not likely. Thanks for the support, and all backorders should be shipping out by early to mid next week.

I too, am waiting for delivery of a couple of these and would like a little update as well. Castle over selling their position doesn't help matters.

Leigh

[JohnRobHolmes]

The MMM had one hardware issue that is being resolved. One part was not holding up to quality control standards (A chip that Castle buys to control the BEC), so they are redesigning and figuring out the best way to resolve the issue.

I have taken down the 9 preorder and updated the product information to reflect the change. Once I get a lead on when they will be remanufactured I will give some updates. Mine is still running strong, but some of the units had an early failure because of the bad components which Castle could not control.

[PapaGeno21]

So when do you think you will have them in stock? This isnt something I will be getting this week, more like in a few weeks or so. If the MMM isnt in stock at the time, how is the Castle Hydra 120?

[JohnRobHolmes]

The hydra doesn't have brakes. I would suggest waiting if the MMM isn't done when you are ready to buy. A few weeks of patience will make sure you don't waste money and you get something made for a monster truck.

I am hoping 4 to 6 weeks on the redesign.

[WheelChair]

The MMM had one hardware issue that is being resolved. One part was not holding up to quality control standards (A chip that Castle buys to control the BEC), so they are redesigning and figuring out the best way to resolve the issue.

I have taken down the 9 preorder and updated the product information to reflect the change. Once I get a lead on when they will be remanufactured I will give some updates. Mine is still running strong, but some of the units had an early failure because of the bad components which Castle could not control.

This brings a few questions to my mind.

1.) Because I run a CC BEC there will not be a problem right?

2.) Does the problem only effect the BEC?

3.) Will castle be taking back version 1 and replacing it with the newer one?


Thank You!
WC

[JohnRobHolmes]

You can still have the problem with an external BEC, if the internal BEC on the MMM fails it won't work.

The problem only effects the IC of the BEC- something Castle could not control

Castle will repair any MMM that has a problem. If it is not repairable then it will get replaced.

[WheelChair]

You can still have the problem with an external BEC, if the internal BEC on the MMM fails it won't work.

The problem only effects the IC of the BEC- something Castle could not control

Castle will repair any MMM that has a problem. If it is not repairable then it will get replaced.


Sweet! "thumbsup"

I have run about 6, 4S A123 packs through mine....
Took the gear reduction off last night to see how it would do.

Have you run a 3032 on anything large and fast?!! :shock:

It throws my 18-20lb rig around like it weighs 4 ounces!

I can not get over the power!

My Monster got rained on at the finals last weekend too, never missed a beat.

WC

[PapaGeno21]

Brakes dont matter to me as I wont be using them through the motor anyways. Going to run a Y Harness like everyone else with the LST2 and run the actual brakes it would use with the nitro through the servo.

Most people are using the Hydra 120, but if you want crazy power there is the Hydra 240.

Also, then there is the MGM speed controls. I have a lot of looking around to do but I dont know if I am going to wait or not on the MMM. If its got bugs I think ill wait a few months and then get it once they are all sorted out. I dont want to wait for it, get it and then have it screw up on me you know. I would rahter get something that works, let them figurer it all out and then get it becuase I LOVE the programability the castles have.

Thanks for the help!

[JohnRobHolmes]

The big difference between the Hydra is the startup routine. The hardware is different and it isn't as solid on startup as the mamba line of controllers.

[PapaGeno21]

Alright, so do you know of a good speed control that can do what I need? Other than the MMM.

Do you have any of the MMM's you would sell me?

I need something within the month, and it needs to be able to handle at least 120Amps as the LST weighs like 15lbs loaded with electric parts..

[cotharyus]

JRH, Would the BEC problem that's going on with the MMM show a degraded performance, or would BEC just quit working? I'm curous because my servo's don't seem to be getting enough juice to turn my rig right.

[skellyo]

JRH, Would the BEC problem that's going on with the MMM show a degraded performance, or would BEC just quit working? I'm curous because my servo's don't seem to be getting enough juice to turn my rig right.

The BEC problem that has happened with the MMM results in a dead system altogether. The brains for the MMM run off of the BEC as well, so when it goes south, the whole unit does.

Also, the internal BEC in the MMM is not 6V, so if you're used to your servos running on 6V before the MMM, that could be the issue.

[cotharyus]

Thanks, that's probably it. Might be time to see if there's a meaner servo for less than 6v.

[skellyo]

Thanks, that's probably it. Might be time to see if there's a meaner servo for less than 6v.

Why not just add a Castle BEC? If you use a short servo extension with the red wire removed, you have isolated the MMM internal BEC to running itself only. Then, just add the Castle BEC set to your preferred voltage and you're set. I mention adding the extension so you still have the full complement of wires for programming with the Castle Link when you unplug the MMM from the servo extension cable. In this setup, the MMM BEC only powers it's brain board and the Castle BEC runs your Rx and servos. It'll be cheaper than replacing servos.

[cotharyus]

That's an idea. I might even have a good way to do that.

[PapaGeno21]

Heres my LST2 with the Hydra that I was told wont work.

http://media.putfile.com/ELST2

:lol:


Seen a MMM in person, beasty lookin thing. Ill get one eventually once the bugs are all worked out.

[cotharyus]

Nice Geno! Keep your eye out for pictures and information on what I can't decide if I should call an E-MGT or an RC8MT :)

[Tupers]

Damn the only thing stopping me from buying a nitro revo is this esc. It looks so cool in the E-Revo in the RCX pics. Incidentally does anyone know what motor is in the RCX E-Revo??

[Thorsteenster]

What gauge wire will the 6.5mm plugs hold?
I was looking at a Hydra too for a project, but I'll gladly wait for the MMM now that it's out.
I'm going to run it with a Neu.

[Thorsteenster]

6.5mm: 13-8ga

Amazing what you find when you look.
I need to get some motor opinions from you JRH. I know you've had problems with hotmail accounts, I'll try shooting you an email from work.

[rbgerrish]

Damn the only thing stopping me from buying a nitro revo is this esc. It looks so cool in the E-Revo in the RCX pics. Incidentally does anyone know what motor is in the RCX E-Revo??

It's a Neu motor.

[JohnRobHolmes]

Backorders are now being filled today with updated controllers. The next shipment will have ESCs to sell on my site.

[DenverFJ]

Backorders are now being filled today with updated controllers. The next shipment will have ESCs to sell on my site.

Any idea when the next shipment will be in ?

Thanks,

Mark

[JohnRobHolmes]

Possibly in a few days now. Castle is still working on them.

[JohnRobHolmes]

20 in stock and ready to ship! Coupon still valid!

[toy4crawlin]

Does this mean it better for Supers than having a Mamba max :?:

I already have a Mamba Max for my super with BM16 motor and 8cell

Monster looks great why should I trade:?:

[JohnRobHolmes]

The Monster is for fast and heavy electric conversions. For crawling you won't need more than a Mamba Max.

[low82]

Dear John!

Is that ESC brushed compatible, and can run with only 7.2 volts? I know that this is a strange question, but I can't find Mamba Max or Sidewinder anywhere, and want to buy only Castle ESC.

Thanks

[JohnRobHolmes]

It is brushed compatible, and runs on 7.2v. I have done it!

[JohnRobHolmes]

Just got version three controllers in, they finally got the kinks worked out of the system. I hear there is an "ESC" coupon floating around that makes these so dang cheap I want to cry....

[Ripperfi]

Where do i get said "coupons?" I need 2 of them.

[JohnRobHolmes]

cough cough

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140803

one thread down

[Ripperfi]

Awesome, thank you. Hopefully I can get 1 this week.

[maui454]

I have a question I was planning on buying a mamba max for my crawler but for about 30.00 more dollars I can get the monster. Besides being total overkill could I run it on 7.4v and a 55t integy and have good results. This way if I want to go supersonic I can throw it in the emaxx and get in some trouble:-P

[JohnRobHolmes]

You certainly could run that. I have good supply of them too.

[maui454]

Cool so how do I get that coupon to work do I just put it in my cart and it automatically happens?

[JohnRobHolmes]

Enter the ESC coupon in the cart, scroll down.

[maui454]

Well ordered the monster I hope I don't regret it. For crawling that is.

[crawler4lif3]

I have a question, I am running this motor for my icelandic racer/formula offroad project, http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_221_222/products_id/23897

on a 3 cell. I know it says 2 cell max. My esc is a mamba max and im sure I fried it. Would this speed control handle it better? I also have a 7turn puller from you and will the esc handle it ok too?
Thank you for your help,
Jeremy

[JohnRobHolmes]

The MMM would handle it better for sure. It can also handle the 7t puller no problem.

[Black0ut3]

hey guys, i was wondering (actually i very desperate right now) you can answer a question for me.
I have a losi crawler. I got a MOA kit, 2 holmes hobby cobalt 454 pullers, about 8 3S lipo batteries from my heli, and one hell of a mistake.

I listened to a bone head from the hobby shop and bought a mamba monster (not a mamba max or mamba monster max). I thought that i could use it anyways, it 1/8th scale, looks powerful, dont have to worry about stuff.

Instead of me buying an external BEC, and driving another hour back to the hobby place to return the ESC and wait for a mamba max, could i not just use the mamba monster that i have?

someone commented before on this forum that its bragging rights, no CCBEC... its not that it was $30 buck more i could think of it as an investment.:idea:

[toy4crawlin]

CORRECTION


Why are you calling it a Mamba Monster Max ?

IT's a Mamba Monster. period

the lower smaller end ESC is a Mamba Max.

[JohnRobHolmes]

I have used the MMM in my crawler and had the benefit of no external BEC. Works fine, maybe just a bit large.


Castle changed the product name right before the release. I still call it the MMM to denote which it is.

[Black0ut3]

okay. So i bought a mamba monster. can i use it in my set up, or do i need to go and get a mamba max. the Hard Core crawler dudes are saying that i should take it back for a mamba max or a sidewinder. the LHS dont carry the sidewinder or the mamba max, and are order-able but it will take about 2 weeks. i dont have that time.