Trex 500 esp to 3gx conversion.

[sparky 2]

Hi I have just ordered the parts to change my trex 500 esp to FBL the heli is standard set up at the moment. Will I have to add a castle bec to this install as I have with the 450 pro ? Motor is the 500m and the esc BL60g 13 tooth pinion and will be flying 3d.

[acidla]

Hey mate,

Converting to FBL will make the cyclic servos work harder. Using an external bec will make things better as the Align esc that you have is rated at 3A cont and 5A burst which will not be up to the task.

[st200ol]

I know digital servos can be very power hungry but Align sell the 500DFC with the RCE-BL70G, so it must be OK for the job. I fly mine with the standard ESC with no issues so far.

If you have the cash then upgrade to a separate BEC, if on a budget stick with what you have until you can afford to upgrade.

[coolice]

I know digital servos can be very power hungry but Align sell the 500DFC with the RCE-BL70G, so it must be OK for the job. I fly mine with the standard ESC with no issues so far.

If you have the cash then upgrade to a separate BEC, if on a budget stick with what you have until you can afford to upgrade.

Hey buddy.

It all depends on the tyoe of flying you're doing as to if it's more advisable to fit a better BEC or not. You've got to remember the Align ESC's were originally bundled with flybarred models that did not exert as much flight loads back to the servos. FBL reduces the mechanical levers that lighten servo loads, so current draw increases.

The reality is if you can afford to fit a better BEC then I would suggest you do so for the safety of the model. An extra £15/20 now is better than a rebuild should you draw too much current from the ESC's BEC and brownout.
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[sparky 2]

Hi Ian I already have a 10amp castle bec the same as suggested to fit in the 450 I assume that would be ok ?

[coolice]

Hi Ian I already have a 10amp castle bec the same as suggested to fit in the 450 I assume that would be ok ?

Morning Mate.

Ah, you've got the smaller CC BEC shown here; Castle Creations | CC BEC and CC BEC Pro

I'd say it's marginal if I'm honest a T500, it's only got a 5amp continuous rating @ <24 volts (so 6s packs) and with a 3GX on V4 this could be on the edge if you're into spirited flying. This BEC works better on the 450's running 3s as it's output amps are then higher.

The Align 6amp BEC has been known to cause brownouts due to power drops, so if we say it's output matches the CC BEC @ 5 amps, we could potentially see problems.

However if it's working for your style of flying for now then you may be ok, but as you start to push the model more, maybe consider an upgrade in this area. Unfortunately this topic is a difficult one, as it will probably work all ok, but there will be one point where current draw spikes higher than usual and problems arise.
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[acidla]

Agree with Ian.

Castle Creations BEC PRO would be my choice.

[sparky 2]

Thanks for the info a bec pro has now been ordered.

Chris