ESCs Cheap vs Expensive

[bagwaa]

I've seen a lot of drivers swear by more expensive ESCs over "cheaper" options, I say "cheaper" because they are still a lot of money, but not as much as say £200.

The ESC I run at the moment is a Sky RC Toro 120a, I was curious to know if there is a difference between something like that and the Team Orion Vortex ESCs which seem to be around £180+

I guess for me it the question would be, does the more expensive ESC make the car handle better and/or easier to drive in any way? personally, I think the answer will probably be no, but was curious to know if investing in a higher end ESC is actually worth the money.

Thanks

[johnboy]

I run Toro Esc and swear by them. Have used LRP flows and found no performance difference.

[neallewis]

I've got 6 Skyrc Toro 120's, had 8, killed 2, and a new hobbywing XR10 pro.

The Toro's are great, barring some QC issues that were popping new ones some months ago (I didn't experience this, but know of a few who did).
One toro I reverse connected, the second failure was after over a year of running in 4wd, and I exceeded its component tolerances, running a hot (5.0T, ESC has a 5.5T limit) motor on a very sunny day on longish grass, and it blew in my regional final as I was moving up the field. Yup it let me down, but I had my moneys worth up to that point.

You'll be surprised at how many other "premium" esc brands are based on the same platform at the skyrc toro, basically from the same OEM factory in China. Similarly you can buy cheap hobbyking speedo's that have been proven to be the "same" as orions, for a fraction of the price, yet people still buy the orions, and their warranty process has proven terrible for some, I've heard. Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRMoj1WDyEs
nRMoj1WDyEs

I replaced that failed ESC in my 4wd with a hobbywing XR10 pro, which should be good for the hotter motor, and has a "better" (than none with a toro bought from China) warranty through MB models and Hobbywing. It's performed excellently so far, but I could have bought three toro's for the same money. Whats the better value here? I do know that if i break it, I can send it back to hobbywing for repair, but is that worth 3x the cost of one I was very happy with? Basically I paid more so the chance of it failing again in a regional final was reduced somewhat, and if it did fail, I know i can get it fixed. That's also good value, if you can afford the much higher asking price.

In terms of feel, well, its subjective. The hobbywing is meant to be newer, more advanced and better performing, but I've pretty much got it feeling the same as the Toro did, which I was always able to get them set how I liked.

Most badly setup speedo's I've encountered at club meetings are user setup error in either the ESC settings, calibration or transmitter setup. Once setup right, they all work well.


Buy what you can afford, not what you think the brand will give you, and spend the money saved on tyres.

[bagwaa]

thanks for the replies, another thing I have also been looking into is Motor, I run a 6.5T motor on a tight indoor track, i've recently purchased an 8.5T as I am starting to think 6.5T is too much on such a small indoor track (WBMCC). But the same applies here, I hear people say that X brand of motor is "smoother" than Y brand

[neallewis]

thanks for the replies, another thing I have also been looking into is Motor, I run a 6.5T motor on a tight indoor track, i've recently purchased an 8.5T as I am starting to think 6.5T is too much on such a small indoor track (WBMCC). But the same applies here, I hear people say that X brand of motor is "smoother" than Y brand

But you can change how a motor feels by ESC settings, so maybe what they perceive as a motor being smooth is actually the speed controller.

I have had one brand of motor that was like an on/off switch being applied and got really very hot, so it was moved on at quite a loss to me very quickly. (edit: so i guess that confirms the statement you made above about brand x being smoother than brand y, however, i do think its mostly speed controller setup). I think motors matter when you are blinky stock racing in TC or 12th, and that then becomes a money game of buying the most expensive and of changing them often so performance doesnt drop off. It's far less critical in buggies as you can make a slower/higher wind motor really quick with lots of boost and turbo setup on ESC, and change how it feels with punch, current limits and breaks.

Mostly you can tune the feel or any motor with ESC settings. You can be over motored for a track. Certainly smaller and less grippy tracks can benefit from a much tamer, higher wind motor. An 8.5 certainly sounds more sensible if the track is small and tight.

[chris24jt]

im sure the top drivers might notice a difference but the rest of us may not....

personally i use a vampire sr1+ in 4wd and in all other cars i use hobbykings turnigy trackstar turbo 120amp that Neal linked to the video review.

cant fault any so far and personally would recommend the cheap one - if unsure just buy two and still have change in your pocket.

if its a tight track go for slower motor, will be much easier to drive - can also add turbo/boost if needed later

[DynaMight]

I tend to go down the cheaper end of the market, especially these days with easy import from China etc.

I got a new 4WD at the beginning on the year, I didnt want to spend a lot on it to be honest so I ended up getting a 120amp ESC from eBay for £13.50 delivered. I heard it could be flashed with Hobbywing software etc, so I took the risk.

Plugged it straight into the HW programme box and flashed the MOD software, chucked it in my 4WD with a 6.5t HPI motor that I was given (no boost or turbo but still quick enough!) and its ran perfectly all season. Even survived a heat without a fan on a very hot summers day.

Maybe I was lucky, maybe not but it performs exactly the same as my proper HW v2.1, just £60 cheaper. I've now bought another as a spare.

[neallewis]

Maybe I was lucky, maybe not but it performs exactly the same as my proper HW v2.1, just £60 cheaper. I've now bought another as a spare.

That's the key thing with the cheaper stuff, have some spares in your box ready to go, as you can afford to. I kept buying toro's for every car and spares, so have quite a few. I did buy one from the UK skyrc channel via my local shop, and it was identical to the ones from China. A lot of stuff from china now isn't so cheap due to £/$ rates however.

Those HW v2.1/SP v2.1 clones are cheap as chips and work great with the HW software on. I've upgraded a few for people.

[bretts]

+1 for Neal's SKYrc recommendation. I got a black alloy case one.

I love mine, and the PC software works well too!

[dikke hond]

I bought a couple of Speed Passion Rev 1.1 about 4 years ago. Installed the latest software on them. Never had any problems with them but always had the feeling that the Rev was not smooth enough for me. Tried different setups and once tried to update the software to stock1 but ended up with a malfunctioning esc... I could only change the dragbrake after that :thumbdown:
I bought the Rc concept a few months ago and couldn't be happier:thumbsup:. Maybe it's the newer software because latest software update from SP is from 2014...
Price wise they are about the same but I will never go back to SP

[neallewis]

I bought a couple of Speed Passion Rev 1.1 about 4 years ago. Installed the latest software on them. Never had any problems with them but always had the feeling that the Rev was not smooth enough for me. Tried different setups and once tried to update the software to stock1 but ended up with a malfunctioning esc... I could only change the dragbrake after that :thumbdown:
I bought the Rc concept a few months ago and couldn't be happier:thumbsup:. Maybe it's the newer software because latest software update from SP is from 2014...
Price wise they are about the same but I will never go back to SP

4 years is a long time in terms of development in electronics and software.
Did you try re-flashing it? You can put the correct hobbywing software on the old SP esc's, where the models are similar.

The RC concept ESC's are a much later generation, and do perform excellently.

[matt]

After a long break I've just got back onto racing and I went for a track star gen2. The last speedo I had was a lrp sphere comp 2007 and looking forward to Sunday for its first run. Really like the program box over counting the flashes of the lrp.

[dikke hond]

4 years is a long time in terms of development in electronics and software.
Did you try re-flashing it? You can put the correct hobbywing software on the old SP esc's, where the models are similar.

The RC concept ESC's are a much later generation, and do perform excellently.

I'm not aware that you can re-flash a SP Rev 1.1 with HW software. I know it's possible with MuchMore software. Didn't tried it though.
I don't know how old the software is from RCC but I bet it's younger then the latest update from SP (2014):lol:

[bigalbi]

After a long break I've just got back onto racing and I went for a track star gen2. The last speedo I had was a lrp sphere comp 2007 and looking forward to Sunday for its first run. Really like the program box over counting the flashes of the lrp.

+1 for the trackstar gen ii's. I have 6 of these on various motors, 2wd and 4wd from 5.5t down to 17.5t for me and my boy. In 2 years no failures, no problems or blips. Programmer works great, temps are well controlled etc.. etc..

I know some people don't like Hobbyking (taking trade from local boys and stuff) but money talks and I haven't got a bottomless pit to draw on.

[fivepointnine]

I noticed a night and day difference when I switched from SP Reventon pro 1.1EX's in all my buggies to the Absima CTS10. So much smoother, and much better options through the program box also.

[200sx]

I've tried both cheap and expensive ESCs over the last few years but keep going back to the 120a track star gen2. It runs cooler than any other ESC I've tried and has plenty of options to adjust power delivery

[mattr]

I've got a toro 150A and a Tekin RX8. With hindsight i'd not have bothered upgrading to the Tekin.
The Toro does everything the Tekin will do, and more. For much less money.

On the plus side, i only paid about 50 quid for the tekin. "Second hand"

It was still in the box......

[vrooom]

I notice between cheap esc and motor is smoothness. and cheaper esc may not last as long as expenisve ESC.

I switched from speed passion(what a POS) to dual sky esc, night n day difference was noticed on smoothness.

I tried those cheap 120A esc. its great! but it wouldnt fit in my old buggy. mmm

[oldschooldriver]

Has anyone some experience of the HobbyKing X-Car Beast Series ESC 1:10 Scale PRO 120A?

Liking the look of the Toro 160A as well as the Toro 120A, but not sure if the extra is worth it?

[rossiracer]

I have run the beast series esc and it is very good as long has u can get the program box has u cannot change settings without it

[IzaakKuze]

Hi...i am a new user here. In my case one toro I reverse connected, the second failure was after over a year of running in 4wd, and I exceeded its component tolerances, running a hot motor on a very sunny day on longish grass, and it blew in my regional final as I was moving up the field. Yup it let me down, but I had my moneys worth up to that point.

[Danosborne6661]

Naff all in it.

The SkyRC ESC's are brilliant because they're affordable. I wouldn't ever buying a LRP/Nosram/Orion, they're SO expensive and after trying them there's no performance in it what so ever.

I've even ran REALLY budget ESC's like the Bullistorm 120's that were around a few years ago, I think they were £16 a go and even accepted the Hobbywing software!

I run an aluminium cased SkyRC now. It's affordable but has the lovely aluminium casing which is robust and keeps my electrics cool :)

[Backforfun]

have you got a link to the alloy case one ??

[mattr]

http://www.skyrc.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=206

http://www.rcmart.com/ts120a-procomp-brushless-champagne-gold-aluminum-p-59672.html?cPath=1560_1021

(I have shortcuts for it, as it's quite likely to be my next ESC......)

[neallewis]

http://www.banggood.com/SKYRC-TORO-TS120A-Brushless-Sensored-ESC-Support-Bluetooth-p-83221.html

http://www.banggood.com/SKYRC-TS120A-ESC-Upgrade-Version-With-Aluminum-Case-p-970353.html

http://www.banggood.com/SKYRC-Program-Box-Six-In-One-Functions-RC-CarBoat-Parts-SK-300046-01-p-937725.html

http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-parts/pp_340027.html

http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-parts/pp_340026.html

http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-parts/pp_340767.html

[leelar]

You can get the plastic case one cheaper on eBay but I can got rhe alloy case of from banggoog great service

[lee.willows]

Gents,

I have a couple of HW v3.1 and looking at what you are writing these "cheaper" esc look bang for your buck good. Can I use my HW program card with this esc and also update the software to the latest HW version using my laptop?

They look really well made and if they "fail" after putting hot motors out of spec in them, then that isn't to bad.

Any help you can give is appreciated.

Cheers

[Danosborne6661]

Depends what cheap ESC you decide to go for Lee.

I've previously purchased some of the £16 120a ESC's on ebay and I've put the Hobbywing software on no problem.

[jpmatrix]

My hobbywing v3.1 has just died so went and purchased a cheap hobbywing clone.

I've previously had the X-car 120amp from hobbyking and that lasted 2years in my Durango410 and then sold It on. It ran faultless.

This one pictured was only £16 with free postage
From eBay. It didn't say if it was a hobbywing clone or it ran hobbywing firmware but just by looking at the pics and it's internals I went and bought it.
Plugged in the program card and it had 205mod hobbywing firmware installed, so just updated it to the 930mod (latest update).
I've tested it in the tm2 and it's very smooth and punchy. All the wires come presoldered to the esc tabs so no messing about. I've got a v3.1 hobbywing in my tm4 and can't see any difference to the cheap version.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/jpmatrix/Mobile%20Uploads/5032CB41-9CCF-49D7-9F99-3AA6BC1BF798_zpsjnqhsxyw.jpg (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/jpmatrix/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5032CB41-9CCF-49D7-9F99-3AA6BC1BF798_zpsjnqhsxyw.jpg.html)

Link to eBay..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131983190700

It says it's uk based but I got mine within a week.

You can get it £11 from Asia if you are not worried about how long it takes to get here.

Quite frankly, it's mind boggling how cheap esc are now. How the fook can they manufacture it for £11 send free through the post and make a profit???

[200sx]

The mark up on rc electronics is huge when compared to most other electronics. Imagine if orion/LRP/reedy made PC motherboards, they'd cost thousands!

[jpmatrix]

Well just finished installing electrics

:o:o

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/jpmatrix/Mobile%20Uploads/6FE0B538-5F92-4750-A4E3-71342FBDC9E9_zpsk9urvckl.jpg (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/jpmatrix/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6FE0B538-5F92-4750-A4E3-71342FBDC9E9_zpsk9urvckl.jpg.html)

[neallewis]

Gents,

I have a couple of HW v3.1 and looking at what you are writing these "cheaper" esc look bang for your buck good. Can I use my HW program card with this esc and also update the software to the latest HW version using my laptop?

They look really well made and if they "fail" after putting hot motors out of spec in them, then that isn't to bad.

Any help you can give is appreciated.

Cheers

No Hobbywing software does not go on these, and the hobbywing progbox doesn't work, sorry.

[fidspeed]

hobbywing software will go on these cheapy ESC

but it is the earlier V2.1 series not the later v3 esc as Neals previous post

regards dave

[neallewis]

hobbywing software will go on these cheapy ESC

but it is the earlier V2.1 series not the later v3 esc as Neals previous post

regards dave

I'm talking about Toro 120's, which won't take any hobbywing software, as per lee's question. The cheapo v2.1 hobbywing/Speed passion GT2.0/2.1 clones are different and of course will take it with the hobbywing program box.

I've you have spare Hobbywing v3.1's not sure why you'd want to regress to these v2.1's though? The v3.1 is much better.

[MattW]

It all depends what it is that you're looking to do with it. Running off road, primarily pretty close to blinky, I'd guess that there are a lot of speedos that will be "OK".

However, 18 months or so ago, I was asked to do some speedo testing for a manufacture / distributor who was looking at introduce an ESC. It came from one of the bigger OEM companies in China, and there is no doubt that it "took inspiration" from Hobbywing v3.1 (It wasn't one of the 4/5 Sky RC speedos that are available from different brands!!). All I can say, is running modified touring car outdoors it needed a bit of work!! The power delivery wasn't pretty, it would light up wheels pretty much when ever you wanted to. On the one hand you could say "wow" look at the power it has, but on the other hand there was no doubt that the lack of finesse was making it slower around the track.

I did this testing comparing this ESC against Hobbywing v3.1 and Much More Fleta Pro - and honestly both of those were night and day ahead.

I haven't seen any clone ESC's that will run any of Hobbywing's V3 and above software, just that from the v2 - which would have stopped development 5-6 years ago.

[jpmatrix]

It all depends what it is that you're looking to do with it. Running off road, primarily pretty close to blinky, I'd guess that there are a lot of speedos that will be "OK".

However, 18 months or so ago, I was asked to do some speedo testing for a manufacture / distributor who was looking at introduce an ESC. It came from one of the bigger OEM companies in China, and there is no doubt that it "took inspiration" from Hobbywing v3.1 (It wasn't one of the 4/5 Sky RC speedos that are available from different brands!!). All I can say, is running modified touring car outdoors it needed a bit of work!! The power delivery wasn't pretty, it would light up wheels pretty much when ever you wanted to. On the one hand you could say "wow" look at the power it has, but on the other hand there was no doubt that the lack of finesse was making it slower around the track.

I did this testing comparing this ESC against Hobbywing v3.1 and Much More Fleta Pro - and honestly both of those were night and day ahead.

I haven't seen any clone ESC's that will run any of Hobbywing's V3 and above software, just that from the v2 - which would have stopped development 5-6 years ago.

Interesting.

So would you say that having an original hobbywing v2.1 with its latest firmware at the time have a different power delivery to a cheap clone that runs the same firmware?

To be honest, I couldn't notice the difference. The clone esc I tested seemed very smooth and progressive in the tm2 in comparison to my tm4 which has the v3.1 which imo is the best speedo I've owned. But then again, off road and on road racing is like night and day.

[bruce_rob]

Hi guys
What program card did you use for these cheap esc?
Thanks

[fidspeed]

hobbwing or clone of LCD multi-function program box
hope link works, give you some idea may need to update firmware in box before use

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=&_sc=1&_sop=7&_catref=1&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C 72%253A4908&_osacat=2562&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xhobbywing +lcd.TRS0&_nkw=hobbywing+lcd&_sacat=2562

[bruce_rob]

Thanks
How do you update the firmware
New to this brushless lark not raced for some time

[fidspeed]

get a box first it may not need updating I it does its easy to do after downloading HW software from internet its easy even I can do it !!

dave

[Dom9]

Ordered one of the £11 Chinese ESCs to have a look and see what it's all about.

Also bought one of the LCD program boxes linked above for updating the firmware etc which was £18.49 or something.

Looking forward to receiving them and having a play!

[dazp83]

The escs are very good for the money, some have dodgy build quality but I've been lucky.
For £30 the hobbyking xcar version is a better buy, if you buy the £4 dongle you can program on pc.

[Dom9]

£30 of new Chinese ESC and program box have arrived.

Both look good to my relatively untrained eyes.

Still waiting on some parts for my buggy and I shall give it a go!

[Dom9]

Just to bump this... Finally powered up my ESC, connected the programming box to the laptop etc.

Programming box took the latest firmware update no problem and talked to the cheap Chinese ESC no problem. Was able to change the settings and send them to the ESC and save it all under a new profile.

Yet to use it in anger, so nothing to report re. smoothness etc. But I can confirm that the programming card linked here does indeed talk to the £11 Chinese ESCs, which means you can put together some pretty cheap electronics to get you going.

[bruce_rob]

i have got one of these as well. i have yet to run this properly just a blast round the car back but all seems to run ok

good for the money

[Zoea]

I've just got a hobbywing 3in1 LCD Programme box and ordered an £11.60 120a ESC to have a go. They will take a while to arrive but I wanted some general ESC advice.

The only course near me is WLRC an on road track. I've just got a suitable roller and picked up a cheap orca vxx to go with it since I wanted something a little higher end for this use (any point?). I don't have the programme card for it though so it'll be left on blinky unless someone at the track has a box.

My other cars are a couple of team associated rc10b4 for bashing, an Durango DESC210 again for bashing, and a new bz-222 with cheap ESC currently that my new hobbywing-programmed ESC will probably go in first.

If I like it I'd like to get a few more and replace my other sensored ESCs;

-Novak GTB (have matching motor)
-Speed Passion Reventon R (have many matching motors) with programme box
-Castle Mamba Max Pro upto 6s (have matching fast motor) with castle link
-Losi Xcelorin 3/2s with some other random motor.
-Trackstar TS120a gen1 with coming skylink - usb and setup - and maybe a motor.

I would eBay them as brushless combos and hopefully make some coin and make some bashers happy with tried and tested setups.

So my question is is the bargain 120a better then these for bashing (or as good when setup)? Anything I should keep? Does this seem a good idea to you?

I'm new at this and mainly bashing with my brother so some consolidation seems like it would be cool. Thanks.

Sorry for the long post I don't post much.

[ducatikid]

Just to bump this... Finally powered up my ESC, connected the programming box to the laptop etc.

Programming box took the latest firmware update no problem and talked to the cheap Chinese ESC no problem. Was able to change the settings and send them to the ESC and save it all under a new profile.

Yet to use it in anger, so nothing to report re. smoothness etc. But I can confirm that the programming card linked here does indeed talk to the £11 Chinese ESCs, which means you can put together some pretty cheap electronics to get you going.

May I ask what motor you are using?

[Dom9]

Still haven't used it... In fact, my car is waiting for its rebuild/ refresh after an accident last time out. Christmas and work have got in the way the last few weeks.

I'll report back when it's all sorted.

[cheapskate]

Ive just bought a couple of these for me and my son but havnt bought the program box yet.
Does anybody have a link for manually programming the esc?

[Gtioli]

Have you guys had a chance to run these yet? I'm just looking for a 2nd ESC for 1:10 2WD buggy, have a Hobbywing V3.1 in the first (with programming box) and unsure what to buy, don't have funds for another hobbywing, but ideally would use same programming box. The eBay 120a ESC's are interesting, although would prefer ASAP as I'm impatient but haven't yet worked out difference from buying at the higher price form a UK seller or direct from Asia as based upon the shipping times they all ship from there?

[Danosborne6661]

Buying from China may take 4+ weeks. You can buy the same 120a ESC's for around £19 from the UK I believe and they seem good and also accept the Hobbywing software.

[watfordtrackwarrior]

i have 2x hobbyking xcar 120a speedos they are great in my opinion i have not flashed them with hobbywing software and they run great i have one in my b44.3 with a trackstar 8.5t and the other is in my bz222 pro mated up to a hobbywing xerun 10.5t the only issue i have had is breaks are not great they work but just not how id like tell me does it really make a difference when you do it coz im a great believer in if its not broke dont fix it:thumbsup:

[Zoea]

Going back to the cheap TSKY 120a ESCs that we were talking about in the thread, I bought two, had a chance to try one out last week.

Now, of the two I bought, one programmed/updated immediately, the other one seemed dead (not even a fan spin) until I connected it to another battery or something then the fan span and I tried again. Not sure if a quality control issue, a random glitch or whatever but they were not consistent.

I updated the programming box, updated the ESC to god-knows-what-think-it's-v3 software, and soldered it in to my DESC210. Now the problem with that model previous 120A ESC was that it worked fine with 4mm LIPO but didn't work at all with 5mm Lipo. It was a turnigy trackstar 120A Gen1 so I don't know if it was a design flaw or just something with my specific ESC but it didn't like over half my batteries. So I swapped it out.

Now I will say right now within 12 mins I had broken my model (hingpin hangar on the rear), but for the time it ran (little boost, default 21/24' turbo settings) it was smooth, fast, and punchy with a good acceleration and noticeably better than my Trackstar 120A Gen1. I haven't the program card for that ESC though so it presumably had no boost or turbo at all set.

However, it's good, I can vouch for it for 15 mins, and I'm glad I made the investment and am hoping for good luck with it in the future.

What's your current experience?

[mtbd500]

Has anyone some experience of the HobbyKing X-Car Beast Series ESC 1:10 Scale PRO 120A?

Liking the look of the Toro 160A as well as the Toro 120A, but not sure if the extra is worth it?

I was just about to write that I have used most of the big name esc over the years, tekin, lrp etc but now use the 120 amp xcar esc from hobbyking, flash it with the hobbywing / speed passion timing firmware and for me you can't beat it. Heavy duty components with full adjustability and They are £30!

[mtbd500]

i have 2x hobbyking xcar 120a speedos they are great in my opinion i have not flashed them with hobbywing software and they run great i have one in my b44.3 with a trackstar 8.5t and the other is in my bz222 pro mated up to a hobbywing xerun 10.5t the only issue i have had is breaks are not great they work but just not how id like tell me does it really make a difference when you do it coz im a great believer in if its not broke dont fix it:thumbsup:
Have you used the programming box to turn up th brakes?. They come as standard with about 70% brake activated, I also use that esc, I flash it with the hobbywing firmware and the brakes will skid if you have a powerful magnet in your motor .

[Zoea]

My second (now out of three) of these ESCs continues to be tempremental, it didn't power up when I tried to program it but did the next day from a different battery. Both were charged enough. Confusing.

Anyway, had one run in an RC10B4 with Speed Passion 7.5t v3 motor with one of the working ones, nice punch, nice speed, good acceleration. As long as these continue to work I am very happy so far. I have a feeling the quality isn't there though, ebay reviews are very bad now (1* out of 5 for 2 reviews) but if I'm lucky TSKY have done me a big favour.

Note to everyone: 120A TSKY ESC has the wires soldered on the wrong A B C connectors, the colours aren't the proper ones, be careful when you do you wiring to go by A B C not the colours.

Best wishes
Zoea

[Dyna]

After reading about these and a few people at my club using them i decided to buy some of these to try out. For the price of one genuine Xerun 120a Ver 2.1 i got five of the £ 11.80 copies. My theory being that if i get 2 or 3 good ones out of them it will be worth it, and they are perfect for clubnight buggies and vintage runners.

Once i'd found out about having to do the the 'motor wire swap' mentioned above to get them running properly, I powered a couple up a couple of weeks ago and tested outside. Perfectly fine, just needed a proper race day test.

So, last night at club i tested a copy on two identical 2wd Vega TRF201's, built exactly the same with Novak 7.5's, only difference being the speedos - one genuine Ver 2.1, one a £11.80 special.

I didnt even flash the software, just used the hobbywing cloned software that it came with as standard as a baseline, used a genuine HW 2-in-1 program box and set it up the same as the genuine Xerun. And i also left on the underpowered fan that comes with it, and kept the 14g wires.

I could not tell the difference. Really, the clone seemed as smooth and progressive as the genuine article straight out of the box. Just as fast, just as good on the brakes. It lasted half a practice, five heats and a 6 minute 'B' final - which i won btw :) - with no problems at all. Straight after the 6 minute final i checked to see how hot it was, and it was barely warm.

Result !

The only thing i can say is that the clone-car did sound slightly louder electronically on the brakes, if that makes sense. But as the brakes worked as strong and progresively as the original, i can live with that.

Speaking to other members that are using them, the only real blown failure was a very, very good driver that used one on his 4wd with a 6.5. That popped after getting extremely hot. His theory is there that he didnt bother swapping the factory 14g wires for 12g and there wasnt much ventilation around it compounding the heat problem. His thought are that if he had upgraded the wires, put a decent fan on it and had some good airflow around it, it would probably still be going fine now. One or two others are using them in 4wd with no problems, so they can last in 4wd if you get a good one and make sure its stays as cool as possible.

However, my personal thoughts are that if you do get a good one they are perfectly fine for 2wd buggies, but 4wd im not totally convinced on yet. Personally i wouldnt i'd risk them for Regionals or other bigger races on a 4wd, even with 12g wires, decent fan and good airflow. They may say 120a, but being sold for £11.80, i woudnt be suprised if they are more like 60a - 90a. So i'm keeping my genuine 120a Xeruns for my 4wd's, and the copies are now going in all my 2wd's and vintage runners.

It has been reported in the past that its a bit of a lottery if you get good ones or bad ones, but as others have previously said, if it initially lasts a few heats it will probably last as well as any other speedo. If it's going to blow due to sloppy workmanship, it seems to do it in the first 5-10 minutes of running, or 1-2 heats. And I've heard that some run and last fine but dont feel quite as fast or smooth as the originals, but they seem to be rare and are still useable in any case. They could have been early versions is my theory, as people i know that have got them in the last few months all seem to have good ones.

At the end of the day, you pays your money and takes your choice. I did, and im quite happy with what i got for the money.

[fidspeed]

I think ive read fans maybe 12v rated not 5v I have some ill check if so it will explain poor fan performane but im not 100% sure

I have a few and well happy with them
dave

[DynaMight]

I took some pictures of a real HW v2.1 vs a £11 Chinese one.

HW is always the left one.

http://i.imgur.com/L8b1IU4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hd9jItX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QOpnpBL.jpg

[K-Brewer]

Whats the difference

[MattW]

Does the China £11 jobbie "claim" 120A?

[Aire valley]

The cheap one looks cheap..! :lol:

[mark christopher]

Does the China £11 jobbie "claim" 120A?

If they do there is no way its would cope for long with the lack of fets

[MattW]

The cheap one looks cheap..! :lol:

Who'd have thought :woot:

[MattW]

If they do there is no way its would cope for long with the lack of fets

I know, that's why I asked!!

[Northy]

Half as many FETs on the cheap one - and probably poorer spec too.

It looks to me like the BEC might actually be better on the cheap one though! :woot:

G

[pugs]

Half as many FETs on the cheap one - and probably poorer spec too.

It looks to me like the BEC might actually be better on the cheap one though! :woot:

G

I agree....the fets are actually simlar spec, but the lack of them is going to generate some heat very quickly:lol:

[Zoea]

I just bought two of these, £8.50 delivered each. They seem to be the same ESC as the TSKY (exactly judging by the pics) but no sticker.

There is only one left at time of posting but maybe they will offer them again :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ESC-Sensored-Brushless-Speed-Control-for-1-8-1-10-RC-Car-RC-Car-120A-Buggy/322696396733?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ESC-Sensored-Brushless-Speed-Control-for-1-8-1-10-RC-Car-RC-Car-120A-Buggy/322696396733?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)

PS I have bought around 3 before and 2 worked fine I was unlucky with the 3rd but got most of my money back so not too bothered. For £8.50 if you have the hobbywing program card to update it it's a billy bargain.

[dazp83]

Took some photos of the xcar hobbyking 120a vs the generic eBay 120a.
The cheaper one is on the left.

[Dadio]

There's a long thread on rcgroups forum about the cheap blue 120a ESC from China , the consensus is 3s will kill it and any lower than a 10.5t will as well ,the fan is particularly allergic to 3s despite them claiming to 3s safe . Other than that some people have had good experiences and others not , it's performance claims are exaggerated but within limits they work.

[Ross]

I'm after a cheep esc for a 2wd. Im looking at the Trackstar Turbo V2, I think it's the later one of the ESC in Neils posted.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/trackstar-brushless-turbo-120a-esc-v2.html

Cheers

[fidspeed]

I have few of the blue cheap ones
a racing pal is using one in a b3 in vintage class at worksop indoor masters on a tekin redline 7.5 without a fan done 5 meetings so far without a hitch cheapest racing your gonna get

would I trust in 4wd with a hot motor and hard thumbs im not so sure :D

cheap enough to play with Im very happy with mine
dave

[Danosborne6661]

I'm after a cheep esc for a 2wd. Im looking at the Trackstar Turbo V2, I think it's the later one of the ESC in Neils posted.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/trackstar-brushless-turbo-120a-esc-v2.html

Cheers

For that sort of price I'd just get the alloy cased SkyRC ESC!

[MarcF]

Has anyone tried the Hobbywing quickrun 120a speedo? they look a reasonable buy at circa £43

[Ross]

For that sort of price I'd just the alloy cased SkyRC ESC!

Cheers Dan ;)

[dazp83]

That quicrun 120a looks a good buy, I may try one.

[DarkHawk]

The Turnigy Trackstar gen 2 120a esc is excellent and only £55

[Ross]

Has anyone compared the 120 amp Toro against the Trackstar Gen2 120 amp. If so how do they compare and can you use the same program box.

[Wig]

Has anyone compared the 120 amp Toro against the Trackstar Gen2 120 amp. If so how do they compare and can you use the same program box.

I preferred the Gen2. I could never get the program card to work on both.

[Ross]

I preferred the Gen2. I could never get the program card to work on both.

Ok cool, thanks.