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Thread: Mamba Max vs. Sidewinder (specs/bec)

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Old 04-30-2008, 06:18 PM   #1
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Default Mamba Max vs. Sidewinder (specs/bec)

I have been unable to find definitive specs on the Max and Sidewinder.
I was wondering if the Max has advantages over the Sidewinder that would
be important for crawling. If there aren't any biggies, it seems the Sidewinder would be better just based on price.

Also, I believe that the Max and Sidewinder have 6v 3a BEC's.
I will only be running 1 steering servo (no rear steer). Will the 3a cause a problem? If so the new Castle BEC would be great. I just don't want to buy it
if it isn't necessary.

Thanks for your help!
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Old 04-30-2008, 06:58 PM   #2
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Not completely sure for 1 servo. I've been told I deffo need the Castle BEC (to go with my new MM), but I have 2 x 5645 servos running (4ws).

From what I hear the Castle BEC is a "must" for glitch-free high power servo-action AND full ESC control.
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:01 PM   #3
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Have you checked out Castle's web site? It might help you with specs....
http://www.castlecreations.com/produ...cts_drive.html
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:05 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by montana.matt View Post
Have you checked out Castle's web site? It might help you with specs....
http://www.castlecreations.com/produ...cts_drive.html
Great idea... but I couldn't find any complete specs lists. Knowing me, I probably looked right at it and didn't see it!! If anyone knows where Castles complete product specs are, please let me know!
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:12 PM   #5
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I recently purchased a sidewider for my ax-10, along with a cc bec, but I to had the same question do I need the ccbec when only using one hi-tec 645 for steering. So I emailed castle heres the response:


It's a 5v output, 3A linear regulator. Definitely disable it and use the
CC BEC on a crawler. To disable the BEC on the controller lift the tab
on the servo connector and pull the red wire out. The CC BEC is a
switching regulator and can handle higher voltage and current than the
linear regulator on the SW.

Joe Ford
Product Specialist
Castle Creations
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:13 PM   #6
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You have to remember, the Max has the Castle Link built in. The Sidewinder does not.

That is an extra 20-25 bucks right there.

I wouldn't run either w/o an external BEC. The bec's on them are very weak.

Adding a Castle bec will bring the servo to life. I run a 5995 on steering, a 645 on dig, and a 645 on my suck down winch, all with the Castle BEC with great results but it will work wonders even if you are running only 1 servo.

Last edited by Scattman; 04-30-2008 at 07:16 PM.
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:30 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scattman View Post
You have to remember, the Max has the Castle Link built in. The Sidewinder does not.

That is an extra 20-25 bucks right there.
So if I understand you correctly, you don't need to buy the Castle Link if you own a Max?
Then all you would need is the software and a mini USB cord. Do you have to buy the Castle Link software?
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Old 04-30-2008, 07:57 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RevoRacer View Post
So if I understand you correctly, you don't need to buy the Castle Link if you own a Max?
Then all you would need is the software and a mini USB cord. Do you have to buy the Castle Link software?
You are correct and the software is free. You'll love it once you use it. It is super easy to use and you will love being able to adjust the throttle curve.

Last edited by Scattman; 04-30-2008 at 08:00 PM.
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Old 04-30-2008, 08:13 PM   #9
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Thanks Scattman!! That is exactly what I wanted to know.
My choice just got a whole lot easier! I'm goin with the Max!
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Old 04-30-2008, 08:32 PM   #10
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Remember though,to set the voltage on the Castle Bec, you will need to either get a Castle Link, order the BEC from JRH on here http://holmeshobbies.com/product.php...&cat=13&page=1 and have him set the voltage, or borrow one from somebody.

If you wanna save a few bucks, order from John and have him set the voltage for ya.

I run a Mamba Max in almost every elec. rig I own. It is a very versatile esc. I could probably get by with a Sidewinder except that I run a 7700kv in my T4 that I club race and a Sidewinder doesn't have enough oomph for that and I am limited to 7.4 in that class. Lotta guys even run them in E-Maxx's with great results if you watch the gearing and temps.

I am currently running my Castle BEC at 6.8 volts.

Last edited by Scattman; 04-30-2008 at 08:34 PM.
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Old 04-30-2008, 08:46 PM   #11
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I was trying to make the same decision and went with a Sidewinder. I like the slightly smaller size and don't need the added capacity in my crawler, so I saved a few bucks. I was planning on buying the Castle Link anyway to have to program the BEC, so that wasn't a huge issue. The stock BEC was OK, but going to a Castle BEC really woke up the steering. I've been very happy with both purchasing decisions.
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:15 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scattman View Post


Remember though,to set the voltage on the Castle Bec, you will need to either get a Castle Link, order the BEC from JRH on here http://holmeshobbies.com/product.php...&cat=13&page=1 and have him set the voltage, or borrow one from somebody.

If you wanna save a few bucks, order from John and have him set the voltage for ya.

I run a Mamba Max in almost every elec. rig I own. It is a very versatile esc. I could probably get by with a Sidewinder except that I run a 7700kv in my T4 that I club race and a Sidewinder doesn't have enough oomph for that and I am limited to 7.4 in that class. Lotta guys even run them in E-Maxx's with great results if you watch the gearing and temps.

I am currently running my Castle BEC at 6.8 volts.
I didn't realize that I needed a Castle Link to setup the BEC.
Soooo, if I have to buy one anyway maybe I will just get the Sidewinder and save a few bucks.

Why can't I ever make up my mind??
Thanks for your input to Mortimer!
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:37 PM   #13
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You're welcome. Its a tough call, as the savings aren't huge. The deciding factor for me was that I'll never, ever put enough power through my Sidewinder to kill it. It doesn't even get warm running a 55t on 3s lipo.
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:45 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mortimer Snerd View Post
You're welcome. Its a tough call, as the savings aren't huge. The deciding factor for me was that I'll never, ever put enough power through my Sidewinder to kill it. It doesn't even get warm running a 55t on 3s lipo.
That sounds good because I am going to use a 9.6v 8 cell saddle pack.
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Old 04-30-2008, 11:20 PM   #15
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So, if I bought a MM I still have to buy a USB cable?
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Old 04-30-2008, 11:27 PM   #16
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It comes with the USB cable and the Castle Link software.
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Old 04-30-2008, 11:31 PM   #17
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That's what I thought. I read the thread and my pessimist kicked in and I got all huffy.
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