550 ESC up in smoke :(

[bulldog5046]

Well, this put a damper on my fun with the new 550.

I plugged the 3GX unit into the laptop to check the firmware and update it. I intentionally avoided V3.0 as I've read about power brown outs with it on the older ESC's

so, updated to 2.1 and before I knew it smoke was billowing from my ESC

any tips on what I can replace it its or why the hell it happened?

i'm guessing this is going to cost me a significant amount to put right on a heli that was only 300 quid

[tomatwalden]

No idea why that would happen, but I'd suggest you think about replacing it with a Talon 90 ESC as the 550's are shipping with them now. Reason being, the built-in BEC delivers 9A continuous (20A peak) - so plenty for v3.0 of the 3GX software.

It's a bargain too at £70-odd quid.

[ghost2212]

Well, this put a damper on my fun with the new 550.

I plugged the 3GX unit into the laptop to check the firmware and update it. I intentionally avoided V3.0 as I've read about power brown outs with it on the older ESC's

so, updated to 2.1 and before I knew it smoke was billowing from my ESC


any tips on what I can replace it its or why the hell it happened?

i'm guessing this is going to cost me a significant amount to put right on a heli that was only 300 quid

Can you get any pictures?

It's most likely not worth repairing the ESC depending on what's failed, If so I would say get a YEP 100A speed controller. Has a Better BEC, Governor that works and is a great price.

[bulldog5046]

This appears to be the damage...
image.jpg

[xygax]

You were lucky thats another one that i have heard about since yesterday is the 3GX and servos still working yesterdays wasnt the whole lot had let the smoke out....

Steve

[bulldog5046]

Smoke was just from the esc. If I find the rest isn't working the sodding thing can go in the bin.

[xygax]

dont do that i have home for a 550 airframe

Steve

[ghost2212]

This appears to be the damage...
[ATTACH=CONFIG]56496[/ATTACH]

Look's like just the FET's for the motor so hopefully your radio gear is ok assuming the Voltage regulator hasn't crapped out and gave them too much voltage as well.

It's not worth repairing the ESC, better to just get a new one Hobbyking YEP 100A (2~6S) SBEC Brushless Speed Controller (UK Warehouse)

You'll also need the Programming card Hobbyking YEP ESC Programming Card (UK Warehouse)

From the UK warehouse so won't take long to arrive, It's also a better ESC than the align.

[Jamez]

I will fight you for it after my tail ball incident...

[tomatwalden]

Look's like just the FET's for the motor so hopefully your radio gear is ok assuming the Voltage regulator hasn't crapped out and gave them too much voltage as well.

It's not worth repairing the ESC, better to just get a new one Hobbyking YEP 100A (2~6S) SBEC Brushless Speed Controller (UK Warehouse)

You'll also need the Programming card Hobbyking YEP ESC Programming Card (UK Warehouse)

From the UK warehouse so won't take long to arrive, It's also a better ESC than the align.

Align aren't shipping the 550 with that ESC anymore (because of the extra power draw of the 3GX under v3). New 550's come with the CC Talon 90 ESC/BEC which isn't exactly expensive either! The Talon has a governor, bailout mode etc. It really is a bargain for the money I think ...

It comes in two versions - the "stock" Castle one (with 5.5mm bullet connectors) and the "Align version" with 4mm bullet connectors for Align motors.

[ghost2212]

Align aren't shipping the 550 with that ESC anymore (because of the extra power draw of the 3GX under v3). New 550's come with the CC Talon 90 ESC/BEC which isn't exactly expensive either! The Talon has a governor, bailout mode etc. It really is a bargain for the money I think ...

It comes in two versions - the "stock" Castle one (with 5.5mm bullet connectors) and the "Align version" with 4mm bullet connectors for Align motors.

So does that I just linked, It's also less than twice the price!

[dynoman]

Common problem with the Align 70A ESC, seen this a few times and one of our club members had his do it brand new which took out his HeliCommand, all servos etc. The options given above are far better.

[bulldog5046]

Look's like just the FET's for the motor so hopefully your radio gear is ok assuming the Voltage regulator hasn't crapped out and gave them too much voltage as well.

It's not worth repairing the ESC, better to just get a new one Hobbyking YEP 100A (2~6S) SBEC Brushless Speed Controller (UK Warehouse)

You'll also need the Programming card Hobbyking YEP ESC Programming Card (UK Warehouse)

From the UK warehouse so won't take long to arrive, It's also a better ESC than the align.

is this a result of me doing something stupid?

i unplugged one of the motor cables so it couldn't spin up, am I supposed to make sure I disconnect them all?

i do the same on all my smaller models and have never seen anything like this happen....

[tomatwalden]

So does that I just linked, It's also less than twice the price!

Yeah - I was just pointing out that Align use the Talon now. I think it all boils down to choice. Some people think I'm skimping and being cheap for not forking out for a Kontronic to power my Goblin. Personally, I think the CC Talon is fine for it and a fraction of the cost. I would have second thoughts though about a YEP/Hobbyking product - no justifiable reason why - just me!

You pay your money and you take your choice I guess! Personally I would go with the Castle, but a lot of that is to do with the fact that I now know it.

[tomatwalden]

is this a result of me doing something stupid?

i unplugged one of the motor cables so it couldn't spin up, am I supposed to make sure I disconnect them all?

i do the same on all my smaller models and have never seen anything like this happen....

I always unplug them all - no idea if that makes a difference though ... Steve (xygax) would have a good idea I'd imagine.