Help with switching to 3s

[Louisbaby]

Ok so I need some help with the motor/ESC combo for my new kit. I've always just stuck with the standard stick pack or 2S LIPO, but I read about you guys using 3s for extra wheel speed, and low down power.

So my question is: Will the standard Axial 27turn brushed motor handle 3S? And my second question is, what cheaper ESC can handle 3s?

I don't need to point out that I live in South Africa, so more than likely I'll have to import the motor and ESC.

But please give me some advise guys....

Thanks

[OTHGbronco82]

Motor should be fine. But, if you want to upgrade to a really good motor a Holmes Hobbies motor in the same amount of turns would be a good choice. A torque master would be a good start. As for an esc, the Castle creations sidewinder is cheap-ish esc that can handle 3s. I have one in my scx and it handles 3s no problem. I'd get the castle link to so you can program it from the computer. So much easier.

[1967Typhoon]

What ESC do you have now? It has been shown that the AE-2 ESC can handle 3S just fine with the addition of a $20 Castle BEC. It's a smart move to have a BEC in a crawler anyways, so it may be a good idea to look at picking one up.

[Louisbaby]

I don't have anything yet. Just recently made my mind up on the G6 kit. So I have a blank canvas to start with...

In fact I don't even have 3S LIPOs. I might have to borrow one from my dad for the test...

[allanon1965]

I ran the stock axial esc on 3s for many months with a BEC and a holmes hobbies 30T torquemaster expert motor with no issues, I eventually upgraded to a mamba max pro and a tekin redline 13.5 brushless combo and have been very happy with that once I set the timing on the motor to zero(due to reverse rotation)

[Louisbaby]

Ok without sounding like a complete noob, I am running a BEC in my other SCX10, but only on the steering servo. How would I connect the castle BEC to the Axial AE-2 to make it 3S compatable?

[robertjpjr]

Originally Posted by Louisbaby

Ok without sounding like a complete noob, I am running a BEC in my other SCX10, but only on the steering servo. How would I connect the castle BEC to the Axial AE-2 to make it 3S compatable?

Running a BEC just reduces the strain on the ESC internal bec. The ESC can't handle all the demand of running the motor, servo and extras you may have.
So the external bec, which in most cases in much more capable than the internal bec, handles the brunt of the electrical needs. Reducing strain on the ESC, thereby reducing heat and extending the life of your ESC.
There are many threads dedicated to this topic in great detail, but it seems like you are doing it right.
Either run the bec to your receiver at the appropriate voltage or straight to the servo.
Remove the ESC red wire if wiring to the RX.

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by robertjpjr

Running a BEC just reduces the strain on the ESC internal bec. The ESC can't handle all the demand of running the motor, servo and extras you may have.
So the external bec, which in most cases in much more capable than the internal bec, handles the brunt of the electrical needs. Reducing strain on the ESC, thereby reducing heat and extending the life of your ESC.
There are many threads dedicated to this topic in great detail, but it seems like you are doing it right.
Either run the bec to your receiver at the appropriate voltage or straight to the servo.
Remove the ESC red wire if wiring to the RX.

What he said and....I run Tekin FXR on 3s with 45T lathe motor or Traxxas Titan 21T geared 13/56 (32 pitch) and CCBEC set at the max my servo can handle (7.4 Volts with Hitec HS-7950TH) and run the power directly to the servo is the best way to do it. Leave the red esc wire attached. I'm using Holmes HObbies RX (receiver) bypass adapter harness: Holmes Hobbies LLC

[Louisbaby]

Ok thanks, so the BEC is basically just to bring the 3s (11.1v) down to the correct voltage for the receiver? The way I'm using it, it's to provide the servo only with more grunt 6v/6a.

But the one question I have, is the AE-2 specs say it can only handle 2S. That is my real concern...

I build my own BECs, using a voltage regulator. They work very well, but for this I think I'll use a proper BEC...

[Johnnysplits]

Originally Posted by Louisbaby

But the one question I have, is the AE-2 specs say it can only handle 2S. That is my real concern...

It will work on 3s provided that you disable the power from the ESC to the receiver when using a separate BEC.

[1967Typhoon]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

It will work on 3s provided that you disable the power from the ESC to the receiver when using a separate BEC.

Yup, just follow the instructions that come with the BEC as far as wiring goes and you are all set.

[rcmedic]

I've run my AE-2's on 3s. I own three of them now, and any time i can snag one off of a classified ad i do. Great esc's