BotBitz
10A ESC
Voltage: 3V–12V
Current: 10A peak
Dimensions: 0.91 x 0.71
x 0.32 inches
Weight: 9 g
Cost: $15 AUD
Comments: BotBitz approaches the ESC market from an
unusual angle. Their motor controllers are actually
reprogrammed Chinese brushless ESCs. The
reprogramming is used to convert them to dual direction
brushed motor controllers. Recycling these ready-made
mass-produced motor controllers and reprogramming
them puts BotBitz on the bottom of the price range
while still having a solid reliable ESC.
With a 10A rating, the BotBitz 10A ESC is well suited
for 1 and 3 lb fighting robots. If you’re looking for
advanced features, you’ll have to look elsewhere for now.
However, if you want a bare-bones ESC in a compact
easy-to-use package, the BotBitz 10A ESC is a
strong contender.
BotBitz
85A ESC
Voltage: 6V–24V
Current: 85A
(1 minute)
Dimensions: 2. 58 x
1.34 x 0.69 inches
Weight: 80 g
Cost: $75 AUD
Comments: This is the larger of the BotBitz
reprogrammed ESCs. With an absolute 200A maximum
and tests proving that it can handle 85A for a full minute
without melting or catching fire, the BotBitz 10A ESC is a
strong contender in the 12 and 30 lb classes if
you’re looking for a bare bones controller.
Holmes Hobbies
BR-XL
Voltage: 6V–25V
(2-6s lipo)
Current: 80A
continuous
Dimensions: 1.97 x
1.54 x 0.83 inches
Weight: 45. 6 g
Cost: $99.99
Features: BEC, regenerative brake, active hold brake,
Castle Link programmable.
Comments: The BR-XL is the least robotics-specific ESC
presented. These controllers were originally made for
high powered RC rock crawlers. The features that were
needed for these crawlers happened to closely match the
needs of 12-30 lb fighting robots, so over the last few
years they have seen widespread use. Unlike many RC car
ESCs, the BR-XL actually appears to live up to the
published specs, and has been used in the drive system
on 30 lb fighting robots with high powered drive
systems. These ESCs are durable, compact, and easy to
use. For a 12-30 lb robot, they are certainly worth
putting on the short list of options.
Holmes Hobbies has also recently released a BR Mini
rated for 30A continuous and 80A peak with otherwise
similar functionality and specs at a price of $69.99.
They look promising, but I have not yet seen
them in use in a robotic combat application.
Equals Zero Designs Ragebridge
Voltage: 12V–36V,
50V absolute limit
Current: 30A
continuous, 90A
peak with limiting
Dimensions: 4. 5 x
2.0 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 99 g
Cost: $185
Features:
Adjustable current
limiting, channel
mixing, flip control,
regenerative braking, BEC.
Comments: The Ragebridge is one of the newer ESCs on
the market, and it has quickly gained popularity. The
biggest feature on the Ragebridge is the adjustable
current limit. This feature allows you to tweak the
performance of the ESC to balance pure power vs.
reliability. This also reduces stress on motors and
batteries; when they’re limited, you’re never pulling the
sometimes massive peak current loads, while still getting
the vast majority of the usable power band of the motor.
Whether it’s due to the way the regenerative braking
code is written or just an aspect of how throttle ramping
is handled, the Ragebridge also has an extremely smooth
throttle response. For the 12 and 30 lb class, the
Ragebridge is a fantastic motor controller
option and should be considered in most
applications.
SERVO 12.2013 23
ADD TO WISH LIST ❒
ADD TO WISH LIST ❒
ADD TO WISH LIST ❒
ADD TO WISH LIST ❒