traxxas xl5 esc problem

[axelman]

I am new to the site and just got a used crawler that I think is a stampede based crawler and I am having problems with the xl5 esc. It was fine at first but now it turns fine but when I try to move forward or reverse the green light turns off and it wont move. I reprogrammed the esc for my remote and it will work for about 30 seconds and then do the same thing again. I thought it could be bad connections but i checked all the wiring and it looks fine. Any ideas?

[Trubble]

Originally Posted by axelman

It was fine at first but now it turns fine but when I try to move forward or reverse the green light turns off and it wont move. Any ideas?

green light........

check the front panel near the ON button, does it say something like "Low Voltage Detection"?

And are you running NiMh batteries?

[axelman]

I don't know if I just don't see something obvious but the on button is right next to the light that i am talking about on the xl5 esc and their isn't a spot on my esc that would tell me something like low voltage detection unless that is what the green light shutting off is supposed to tell me. Also I am running NiMh batteries for now. thanks

[chicostaxxs007]

try this
http://traxxas.com/video/Accessories...-Speed-Control

[axelman]

I have already tried that And it works for like 30 seconds and then doesn't work again. This probably doesn't matter but is it because I am running a futaba radio and receiver with a traxxas esc?

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by axelman

I have already tried that And it works for like 30 seconds and then doesn't work again. This probably doesn't matter but is it because I am running a futaba radio and receiver with a traxxas esc?

In general, you can mix/match brands of electronics with little to no issues.
I have a Futaba radio with Novak, Tekin & Castle Creations ESC's connected with no issues (not all at once......over a few different rigs).

[Trubble]

Originally Posted by axelman

I don't know if I just don't see something obvious

It'd say it on the front panel not up on top. Also note if you have the LVD, Traxxas would be in a black box, and waterproof would be on a blue background, the non-LVD one they'd both be in a white box. Found this post in a different forum.

Originally Posted by romian

No Lvd one:

Lvd one:

Your symptoms just sound like the classic thermalling/LVD issues.

What motor and servo are you using?

[axelman]

I have a futaba servo and I don't know what motor it has. I just bought it because it was a deal that i could not pass up. and also my esc does not say low voltage detection on it.

[Trubble]

Okay. Those ESC's can be kinda sketchy on hitting the low voltage cutoff early, but that wouldn't apply here.

Unless somebody else has got any ideas, my next three things to rule out would be,

1) which Futaba servo? Hopefully the tag's still up on top, probably hiding under the arm.

2) which motor?

3) you're running NiMh's, 6 or 7 cells right? With the 8 cell I cobbled together, my XL-5's won't even turn on.

[axelman]

The problem was that i just need bigger batteries what batteries do you guys recomend?

[Trubble]

For sticking with NiMh's;

Had excellent luck with Duratrax DTX 4600 NiMh's, like 'em a lot.

Kinda like my Traxxas Series 3, but I imagine the Series 4, (and rumored Series 5), would give longer runtime.

unimpressed with DTX 3800's and Reedy Wolfpacks (3600 mAh).

If you're wliing to learn how to handle them, there's always going LiPo......

[axelman]

yea I am thinking about going with lipos but they are very expensive.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by axelman

yea I am thinking about going with lipos but they are very expensive.

Actually, if you have a charger that will do them, they are CHEAPER than NiCD/NiMH for the size (small) weight (light) power!

Trust me, I still run NiMH in my 12th & 10th pan cars, only because I have them set up for it (balance & suspension). At some point, I will convert them to LiPO as well.