MPI servo regulator install

[redbeard]

Here's how I installed my 6 volt MPI servo regulator. I wanted to bypass the BEC in my TR2, and didn't want to run a RX pack. I decided to make this install a plug in, and have the regulator powered by the main 6 cell pack that runs the truck.
First I soldered a female and male Deans connector back to back.

Then I cut off the female plug on the regulator.

Next I wired the black wire from the regulator to - on the Deans, and red from the regulator to a switch and then to + on the Deans.

A little bit of shrink tube and its done.

Plug the Deans adapter in between the ESC and the battery, plug the out put of the regulator into the RX, turn on the switch and go. On the TR2 you just need to leave the switch in the off position. The switch in the adapter I made allows you to turn the truck on and off without having to up plug the battery, and it shuts the regulator off so it doesn't drain the pack.

[SVEN]

I love the 'back to back' Deans plug. Never even thought of that...now I won't have to waste wire anymore for my regulators.

How much input voltage does that regulator handle and where did you get it?

[redbeard]

I ordered it direct from MPI. this regulator only dissipates 10 Watts, so the higher the input voltage the lower the amperage output. According to the graph on the instruction sheet, at 7.2V in it will do 10A.
Here is the link http://www.maxxprod.com/mpi/mpi-21.h...lt%20Regulator

[redbeard]

Originally Posted by SVEN

I love the 'back to back' Deans plug. Never even thought of that...now I won't have to waste wire anymore for my regulators.

Also, if you ever need to move it to a different truck or want to uninstall it, unplug and/or plug in. EASY.

[Offroader5]

I am not understanding something here...this whole thing with regulators is a new thing for me to comprehend...if you leave the switch of the TR2 in the "off" position, how does it get powered up? The only line to the TR2 is the battery connection...but the switching of the TR2 is done onboard internally isn't it?

[redbeard]

Offroader5, I know it seems like it shouldn't work that way, but in the TR2 instructions it says to leave the switch off if using a RX pack. The servo regulator is taking place of the RX pack, by providing current from the main pack.

[JohnRobHolmes]

The ESC will still draw a bit of current when the battery is plugged in, even in the "off" position. That particular MPI regulator is still my favorite. For 6-7 cells nimh on a main pack, the output is killer! 10 amps continuous and 20 amps peak!

[calyakker]

I'm new to the regulator thing so forgive me if this is a dumb question. But, why would you want to bypass the BEC on a TR2 when it puts out 6V and 5Amps. Isn't that enough?

[Highmark]

In most cases yes, but for people who run robot servos or quarter scales it isn't enough power.

Also, this is a great idea for people who use brushless systems which often have low BEC numbers.

[redbeard]

Originally Posted by calyakker

But, why would you want to bypass the BEC on a TR2 when it puts out 6V and 5Amps. Isn't that enough?

No, it isn't enough. Not enough for a 5955 and a 985, I know this, found out the hard way.....POOF!

[RXcrawler]

Who sells this MPI regulator? Is it's spec better than the novak one?

[f150dan]

All you have to do to bypass the BEC on a TR2 is cut the red wire on the reciever plug and then solder that extra red wire coming out of the ESC to the red wire on the reciever plug. Thats it man. I heard about that straight from the tech guys at Tekin.