Anyone run their SCX-10 without a BEC?

[edan]

First I would like to state that I am new to this hobby and I am just trying to educate myself by asking this question. Second, I am not trying to challenge anyone….just learn what the correct way to run/modify my crawlers is.


I currently have the following:
Axial Honcho (AE-2)
Axial Rubicon (AE-5)


The only modifications to the electrics that I would like to make is that I would like to change both to a HiTec 7955 steering servo.
I see on the forum that a BEC is highly recommended. HiTec also recomends a Castle Creations 10 amp BEC for this servo.
The problem I am having is that Axial states that a BEC is not needed for these two crawlers. I have spoken with two different tech's from Axial and they both state the same, that this servo will work fine as the rest of the electronics will handle this without a problem.


So my question is has anyone just put a 7955 servo into one of the above crawlers? If so, have you had any problems?


Even with my evac system for my soldering station, I still have a bad reaction when I solder due to my asthma, so I am hoping to skip this if possible. (soldering in the BEC that is)


Thanks in advance

 

[Jus]

It will probably work just fine. Kind of a waste to run a servo like that off those two ESC's though. You won't get its full potential. Only ESC I don't run an external BEC on is the Holmes BRXL, unless it's a high voltage servo in which case you need the adjustability of the Castle BEC anyway.

 

[EeePee]

I read nothing other than the title of the thread.

I've ran a SCX on 2S lipo and a Tekin BR-1 and 35 turn motor and Airtronics ~200 ounce, 361 something servo for years.

 

[Brainanator]

It will probably work. Most newer receivers don't brown out as bad as some Spektrum models used to. Your ESC might get a little warmer, since the BEC is working hard. And you won't be getting everything you're paying for out of your servo. That's the deal breaker for me. A BEC will actually help cheaper servos too, until something breaks/wears out.
So in my opinion it's worth it to just upgrade the servo, and get a BEC later when you can. I have always noticed a good difference when I've gone down this path.

 

[FloridaCrawler]

Hey ok makes a bec you dont need to solder in. I think it's worth the money (what like 15-20 bucks). Those "techs" at axial aren't buying your parts for you so if you don't mind burning out the esc's internal bec (80 bucks?) then that there is a good reason to not run an external bec.

 

[edan]

Thank you to all who have replied.


I was not fully aware of the voltage issue as I took Axial as giving me all of the important information when I asked them if this would damage / work on my particular cars.


I have done more research due to your suggestions and I think I am beginning to understand what is required. For now, since I am only running the cars in the house after modifying them (suspension, tires, etc), I decided to install the original servo and finish my education on this issue before I mess something up.


Thanks again.

 

[cjmor1804]

i think it all depends on how many volts your servo needs compared to how many the ESC can provide.

when i had an AE-1 ESC, it was very under-powered for the stock servo - castle's BEC helped out alot for this setup.

since i upgraded to the AE-2 ESC and a traxxas 2075 servo, the external BEC isn't needed. from what i understand, the AE-2 was produced by castle and has a 5-volt BEC built in.

i don't think the AE-5 was produced by castle, but it does list the internal BEC having 5-volts.

personally, i don't think you need an external BEC, but either way, if you get the 10-amp external BEC the default setting is set at 5-volts, so if you need a higher voltage for your servo, you also need to get the castle link to change the settings from your computer.

 

[EeePee]

It's not volts as much as amperage that can be delivered.

 

[cjmor1804]

ok, here's the specs for the hitec 7955;

Current Drain (4.8V): 220mA/idle and 3.4 amps at lock/stall
Current Drain (6.0V): 300mA/idle and 4.2 amps at lock/stall

the AE-2 and AE-5 ESC are listed at 2 amps.

 

[edan]

“ok, here's the specs for the hitec 7955;
Current Drain (4.8V): 220mA/idle and 3.4 amps at lock/stall
Current Drain (6.0V): 300mA/idle and 4.2 amps at lock/stall
the AE-2 and AE-5 ESC are listed at 2 amps.”


I just ordered the HeyOK BEC today.

Cjmor1804,
Thank you for this as I had difficulty finding the information.