Winch Controller - Relay Driven - External Power

[heyok]

NOTE: This is the original thread for this product.
The new one is here: 4 Amp Relay Output Winch Controller
Please post there instead.

This is the brute force method of motor control.
These controllers don't have the voltage limitations that the normal winch controllers have!

Rather than relying on semiconductor components to take care of power switching, these units make use of relay contacts. This means super low "on" resistance which ensures that the maximum amount of power will be delivered to your winch.

These controllers are recommended for servo winch operation but they will work on 3Racing and RC4WD DC powered winches too.


** So just how much voltage can these things handle? **

ADDED March 24, 2014: There are two parts to this question as there are two power supplies involved. There is the power that runs the winch, and there is the power from the receiver. Do not exceed 6 volts of receiver power or the winch controller will not operate.

The contacts in the relays all exceed 20 volts. This is way more voltage than any servo winch or 3Racing etc winch can safely work with.
Keep in mind that as you increase the working voltage, you increase the current flowing through the relay contacts to your winch motor.

There is a size here to suit most needs. If you don't see a controller with the capacity you are after, let me know and I will try and meet your needs.



Plug the controller into a free three position or linear channel on your receiver. Connect a battery that you want to run the winch to the other connector. The white wires get soldered to your winch motor.

The controller only uses a small amount of power from the receiver to power its signal decoding electronics and to operate the relay coils.

When the winch is not winding in or out, the relay contacts provide a short across the motor to "brake" the winch load which helps to keep the line from winding out.

Pricing:

• 2 Amp Relay Winch Controller $30
• 4 Amp Relay Winch Controller $40
• 10 Amp Relay Winch Controller $50
• 16 Amp Relay Winch Controller $60

Rather than build all the above items, I've decided to concentrate on the 4 Amp Relay Winch Controller. There is a small change: Power from the winch will now come from a double deans style connector to make it easy to power the winch from your existing battery.



Part Number: 3PWR4 4 Amp Relay Winch Controller $40
Need a JST connector? Order Part No. 3PWR4JST

If you really feel like you need one of the other sizes of controller, you can probably convice me to make you one.

[Metal Masher]

Would the 2 amp unit be ok to use with a 3racing winch on a 3S Lipo?

[heyok]

Originally Posted by Metal Masher

Would the 2 amp unit be ok to use with a 3racing winch on a 3S Lipo?

I believe it would. I haven't actually measured how much current a 3racing winch would use when it is stalled but my guess is that it would be less than 3 amps. If you could verify this with your winch, then we'd know

[Erin]

will the 2 amp fit inside the servo case, and the rest externally?

So, instead of a battery, we could also power with a bec, correct?

[heyok]

Originally Posted by Erin

will the 2 amp fit inside the servo case, and the rest externally?

So, instead of a battery, we could also power with a bec, correct?

Yes, I think it will just barely fit inside the servo case.
Yes you could power it from a BEC or a battery.

[heyok]

Added a note about voltage handling to the first post.

[RusT808]

This is the thread I meant to quote.

[heyok]

Originally Posted by RusT808

This is the thread I meant to quote.

Sounds good!

[bob1961]

with these 4 units what are the max voltage of each one or are they set some how like a BEC........bob

....

[heyok]

Originally Posted by bob1961

with these 4 units what are the max voltage of each one or are they set some how like a BEC........bob

....

The relay contacts are rated for something like 125VAC - that's something you are never going to see in a crawler. Realistically, you might power your winch from a 3S Lipo or similar.

If you look closely at the pictures, you can see that I have a Deans connector soldered onto each one. Just plug in what ever size pack that you would like to use to power winch and away you go!

[bob1961]

oh ok, wasn't sure at first....also with your high voltage 7 volt winch controller are they made in 2p and 3p as well....just gathering info for what i need from our pm .......bob

....

[heyok]

I can make a two position controller of which ever version you would like. Just have to add $5 to the price.
Cheers,
Al

[bob1961]

kool i will be in touch, hopefully many times ........bob

....

[MiniMorris]

Are they 3 posistion controllers?

[MiniMorris]

Originally Posted by Metal Masher

Would the 2 amp unit be ok to use with a 3racing winch on a 3S Lipo?

Anybody had a chance to test this? Im curious too!

[heyok]

Originally Posted by MiniMorris

Are they 3 posistion controllers?

Yes, they are three position controllers. I could also make a two position version if one was wanted.

[heyok]

Here is a new picture of the 4 Amp Relay Winch Controller. This one seems to be the most popular.





The servo in the background is just to give an idea of size.

[Highmark]

I'm running a 7995tg off 14.8v (4C Lipo), would you recomend the 32amp controller, or would the 10 amp be sufficient? I've heard these servos can draw up to (or around) 10 amps at stall on 7.4 volts, but I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.

Thanks!

[heyok]

Thanks for posting. It is reminding me to edit that first post as I don't have the 32A relays anymore. Now I have to use 16A relays.

Wow, you run that 7995TG on 4S! it must get hot!
If you are pushing things that hard, you might as well go big and get the 16A contacts. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Thanks,
Al

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by heyok

Thanks for posting. It is reminding me to edit that first post as I don't have the 32A relays anymore. Now I have to use 16A relays.

Wow, you run that 7995TG on 4S! it must get hot!
If you are pushing things that hard, you might as well go big and get the 16A contacts. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Thanks,
Al

I may burn one up - in the name of science! If I have issues I'll just bring it down with a BEC. I've heard of some other guys runnign their QS 8274's off 4c (those run on servo motors), so I'm going to see how this works out.

Anyway, sent you a PM.

Thanks!