Futaba 3PM-MX Crawling Radio - Info and setups

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ZippoMan

Harley I saw in the specs for the RX that the input voltage should be 6V. That is why I was getting concerned. Ok so what I will do is set my CC BEC to 7.4V and disconnect the red wire on the plug to my AE-2. That will stop the battery from powering the ESC BEC. I should be good to go then. It will be nice to have the max out of that servo for sure. I am just in the early build stage of my kit so it will be a while. I just wanted to know in advance what is best. Thanks again! I am very glad I joined this place. I will think about buying a star soon. I know it isn't that expensive and this place has more knowledge than a magazine subscription.

Sounds like you've got it. Let me know if you have any questions.

[ZippoMan]

Oh one more question. Do I have to make a Y connector off the CC BEC to power both the RX and my Hitec servo?

Maybe this thread is all I need to know?

Definitive wiring diagrams for BECs Rx Servos Motors etc.

If I set the output of CC BEC to 7.4V and connect it to my RX will the RX now have the correct power for the Hitec servo? Should I just use the CC BEC to power the servo? Hmmm I really am confused.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by ZippoMan

Oh one more question. Do I have to make a Y connector off the CC BEC to power both the RX and my Hitec servo?

Maybe this thread is all I need to know?

Definitive wiring diagrams for BECs Rx Servos Motors etc.

If I set the output of CC BEC to 7.4V and connect it to my RX will the RX now have the correct power for the Hitec servo? Should I just use the CC BEC to power the servo? Hmmm I really am confused.

I wouldn't.

I would let the ESC BEC power the RX, let the external BEC run the servo. The ESC BEC is FINE for ALL RX's.

Some use a special Y connector to connect the servo signal wire (white or yellow) to the RX when running the external BEC direct to the servo.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ZippoMan

Oh one more question. Do I have to make a Y connector off the CC BEC to power both the RX and my Hitec servo?

Maybe this thread is all I need to know?

Definitive wiring diagrams for BECs Rx Servos Motors etc.

If I set the output of CC BEC to 7.4V and connect it to my RX will the RX now have the correct power for the Hitec servo? Should I just use the CC BEC to power the servo? Hmmm I really am confused.

I have a couple wiring diagrams I'll post later. For simplicity just run the BEC into the RX and disconnect the red wire from the ESC. That powers both the RX and Servo and is much cleaner. The RX has no issue with the power.

[ZippoMan]

Thanks Harley that sounds super easy to me! I love easy ways. I look forward to seeing your diagrams too. My mind is much less confused now.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ZippoMan

Thanks Harley that sounds super easy to me! I love easy ways. I look forward to seeing your diagrams too. My mind is much less confused now.

[ZippoMan]

I have another question. Is it normal to have to reverse the throttle channel on the Futaba 3PM-X? I connected all the wires correctly but once I hit the throttle I noticed it was going the wrong way and even the leds on the AE-2 were wrong. I pulled the trigger and the red led lit up and it was going in reverse, i then put the trigger in reverse and the green led lit up!! I figured out how to reverse the channel and it works fine now. I just wonder if I did anything wrong? Hmmmm is it not strange??

[Harley]

Yup. Normal.

Just depends on what way the ESC has the PWM signal programmed. The reverse has no effect on performance.

[MikeyBike]

I hate to revive an old thread but I was wondering if its possible to set this up with dual ESC's in a comp rig?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by MikeyBike

I hate to revive an old thread but I was wondering if its possible to set this up with dual ESC's in a comp rig?

No, this radio just doesn't have the programming for dual ESC's in the manor in which they would need to be run for competition.

I would suggest a 4PL.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by MikeyBike

I hate to revive an old thread but I was wondering if its possible to set this up with dual ESC's in a comp rig?

Contact LosiKid @ OverkillRC (click link in my sig) and get a WantAmix. I run one in my 2.2 MOA Bully with dual ESC's and a WantAmix with my 3PM-x.
Not quite as good as a radio that supports dual ESC mixing (like a hacked GT3B/GT3C or a Futaba 4PL, etc.) but sorta cheap if you already have a 3PM-x.