Castle Creations Mamba Max pro Q&A

[Reevsey]

Hi Guys

http://www.rcracer.com/electronics/633-castle-creations-mamba-max-pro

I am now running these speedos and have been very impressed, The smooth low power delivery is excellent and the spec can rival any other brand on the market in my opinion. The software is also very easy to use!

If anyone has any questions just ask

Si

[ghost2212]

Hi Guys

http://www.rcracer.com/electronics/633-castle-creations-mamba-max-pro

I am now running these speedos and have been very impressed, The smooth low power delivery is excellent and the spec can rival any other brand on the market in my opinion. The software is also very easy to use!

If anyone has any questions just ask

Si

I'm thinking of getting one of those. What mode are you using.

Brett

[Reevsey]

For Brushless you have two options

Smart Sense - This starts the motor in sensored and then one running switches to sensorless. Main advantages are nice smooth throttle response, it runs cooler due to sensorless being more efficient and generating less heat
Sensored Only - This is like an LRP etc in that it always runs the motor sensored so starts smooth but at fully acceleration is less efficent and generates heat. The real benefit of this mode in the Mamba Max speedo is you have a cheat mode which means at a set RPM you can change the motor timing up to 50 degrees!!. This makes your car a rocket ship!! and is a denfinate unfair advantage if running a standard spec class!
I am currently running Smart sense but if i was running to a motor limit or a stock spec class Cheat mode is the only way :thumbsup: I have run cheat mode and my car was to fast........:p

Si

[charlessito]

i am using the mm pro with flux 5700kv sensorless motor, i just feel the binding is not there. change to my novak 7.5t sensor still does not perform like my other sensor only esc. why is it so? using it for drifting and need many sudden throttle and braking. just not as binding as novak or my lrp. Is not the lipo cause i have have tried orion35c and ip 40c and they are both new. have the latest download as well . Can you help?

[pugboy]

Hi Guys

http://www.rcracer.com/electronics/633-castle-creations-mamba-max-pro

I am now running these speedos and have been very impressed, The smooth low power delivery is excellent and the spec can rival any other brand on the market in my opinion. The software is also very easy to use!

If anyone has any questions just ask

Si

I have one of these and although only ran for 1 meeting up to now, very impressed, running in xx4 with 6.5 indoors at worksop. Very smooth delivery and very adjustable. I ran in Smartsense mode and it came off with both motor and esc only luke warm.

An absolute bargain IMO if it continues to perform and is reliable.

[Marvin]

I use an MMP with a nice Tekin T8 1400KV motor in my 1/8th scale - no problems as yet, and I always have liked Castle's products - just wish the MMM was sensored.

[Danny McGee]

For Brushless you have two options

Smart Sense - This starts the motor in sensored and then one running switches to sensorless. Main advantages are nice smooth throttle response, it runs cooler due to sensorless being more efficient and generating less heat
Sensored Only - This is like an LRP etc in that it always runs the motor sensored so starts smooth but at fully acceleration is less efficent and generates heat. The real benefit of this mode in the Mamba Max speedo is you have a cheat mode which means at a set RPM you can change the motor timing up to 50 degrees!!. This makes your car a rocket ship!! and is a denfinate unfair advantage if running a standard spec class!
I am currently running Smart sense but if i was running to a motor limit or a stock spec class Cheat mode is the only way :thumbsup: I have run cheat mode and my car was to fast........:p

Si

Mine are on the way so what settings am i running Si?

Also, does it fit better in the CR2 remember im not running a short servo until spektrum bring one out :) Chop Chop Spektrum...

Are you still using Losi motors? Or are you giving their motors a test too?

[Reevsey]

Mine are on the way so what settings am i running Si?

Also, does it fit better in the CR2 remember im not running a short servo until spektrum bring one out :) Chop Chop Spektrum...

Are you still using Losi motors? Or are you giving their motors a test too?

Well settings i am running so far are
Lipo cut of 3.2v per cell
Brake amount 100%
Drag break 20%
Punch control 0%
BEC 6v
Deadband - Smallest setting
Start power - low
motor timing highest 20%
Motor type - Smart sence
I am also running a positive throttle curve at the start to give more low end power, needed to make it feel like an LRP as i have spent so many years running their products.

CR2 no issue, xx4 can be a tight, i have removed the fan case and mounted the fan on the heatsink to get it under the shell.

Yes to Losi motors you will not catch me taking those out ;- ) Not had a chance to see a Castle motor yet let alone try one as i understand there maybe some new ones in the future.

But in a nut shell, the software so far i have found to be 100% reliable, the speedo's have always worked as asked and there is loads to change if you want or you can just keep it simple also. This speedo can also handle 25v for those nutters who want to make the car nutter fast!!!

Si

[Gayo]

Si, could you post pics from the ESCs on your cars? I'd like to see how they look on a race car, not only on some alloy E-Maxx madness :p

[CODMAN]

Revsey, increase your start power setting. That way you won't need to have a positive throttle curve (or at least not as much).

On my MM, I have it set to high, and actually tune it down a bit at the beginning of the throttle curve (I'm running the castle motors that are very very "Torquy")...

Anyways, just food for thought! i,d love to get one of the MMPs with a Tekin 5.5 or 6.5T motor for 4wd... But honnestly, my MM and castkle motors just work so well for me I can't justify the expense...:)


Well settings i am running so far are
Lipo cut of 3.2v per cell
Brake amount 100%
Drag break 20%
Punch control 0%
BEC 6v
Deadband - Smallest setting
Start power - low
motor timing highest 20%
Motor type - Smart sence
I am also running a positive throttle curve at the start to give more low end power, needed to make it feel like an LRP as i have spent so many years running their products.

CR2 no issue, xx4 can be a tight, i have removed the fan case and mounted the fan on the heatsink to get it under the shell.

Yes to Losi motors you will not catch me taking those out ;- ) Not had a chance to see a Castle motor yet let alone try one as i understand there maybe some new ones in the future.

But in a nut shell, the software so far i have found to be 100% reliable, the speedo's have always worked as asked and there is loads to change if you want or you can just keep it simple also. This speedo can also handle 25v for those nutters who want to make the car nutter fast!!!

Si

[Gnarly Old Dog]

i am using the mm pro with flux 5700kv sensorless motor, i just feel the binding is not there. change to my novak 7.5t sensor still does not perform like my other sensor only esc. why is it so? using it for drifting and need many sudden throttle and braking. just not as binding as novak or my lrp. Is not the lipo cause i have have tried orion35c and ip 40c and they are both new. have the latest download as well . Can you help?

What do you mean by 'binding'? Have you tried reducing the neutral deadband setting? One thing I've found is that the standard deadband is quite wide and I've tightened mine up to get a more positive feel around the neutral point.

Low speed driveability is simply awesome - no cogging with my Xcelorin motors in either my TC or by CR2 Buggy.

I've not yet used the CHEAT mode cos I've not got a PC to run the Castlelink software but even with the inbuilt firmware settings, the ESC is ultra smooth but very powerful also.

I'm loving it...

[Reevsey]

Revsey, increase your start power setting. That way you won't need to have a positive throttle curve (or at least not as much).

On my MM, I have it set to high, and actually tune it down a bit at the beginning of the throttle curve (I'm running the castle motors that are very very "Torquy")...

Anyways, just food for thought! i,d love to get one of the MMPs with a Tekin 5.5 or 6.5T motor for 4wd... But honnestly, my MM and castkle motors just work so well for me I can't justify the expense...:)

Will give that a go and let you know how i find it.

Cheers

[CODMAN]

Castle has got a programming card coming out, for those without PCs or laptops... I think it sells for 30$ US... Don't know if it sets everything on the ESC, but definetly usefull for trackside adjustments...


What do you mean by 'binding'? Have you tried reducing the neutral deadband setting? One thing I've found is that the standard deadband is quite wide and I've tightened mine up to get a more positive feel around the neutral point.

Low speed driveability is simply awesome - no cogging with my Xcelorin motors in either my TC or by CR2 Buggy.

I've not yet used the CHEAT mode cos I've not got a PC to run the Castlelink software but even with the inbuilt firmware settings, the ESC is ultra smooth but very powerful also.

I'm loving it...

[Gnarly Old Dog]

Thanks for the info Codman.
I may wait to see what the card can offer but TBH, this ESC is sooo good that I've been considering buying a netbook just to run the software on it.

[CODMAN]

I know what you mean (although running a regular MM). Everytime I go racing, I borow the offices laptop for trackside...;)

Thanks for the info Codman.
I may wait to see what the card can offer but TBH, this ESC is sooo good that I've been considering buying a netbook just to run the software on it.

[pugboy]

I am a bit confused about the punch control, start power and then throttle curve (whether one overrides the other). I had mine on 20% punch, low start power (because it said in the help section this was best all round) and then linear throttle. It was very smooth but there did seem to be a slight lag on the initial throttle, not sure if this is down to the deadband which i had left at default (0.1 sec I think). I guess it's just a bit of trial and error until it feels right. Useful to hear these views though.

[ghost2212]

I am a bit confused about the punch control, start power and then throttle curve (whether one overrides the other). I had mine on 20% punch, low start power (because it said in the help section this was best all round) and then linear throttle. It was very smooth but there did seem to be a slight lag on the initial throttle, not sure if this is down to the deadband which i had left at default (0.1 sec I think). I guess it's just a bit of trial and error until it feels right. Useful to hear these views though.

The punch is what limits the starting power so if you have 20% punch then it will limit the punch by 20%.

[pugboy]

If the punch limits the punch, ie start power then what does the start power limit?!:D

Chris

[Battle_axe]

surely the punch limmits the curent (AKA the severaty of the motor) at any point in the throttle range where as the start power will change how the motor peforms from a standstill or verry slow speeds

[Ferret]

If the punch limits the punch, ie start power then what does the start power limit?!:D

Chris

Start power is the amount of power the controller sends to the motor when it is stationary. Because the controller doesn't have any feedback from the motor when it isn't turning, it sends a fixed amount of power which is defined in the start power setting. The only reason to increase the start power setting is if there is cogging when starting from a standstill. In other cases it should be as low as possible.

The punch control limits the power at all times but it usually makes a difference in the lower rev range where the motor's torque is high.

Avner.

[Freakypen]

Hi I take it we need the castle link to set everything up properly? Also it says that the castle link has problems with windows vista-anyone tried it yet?Cheers-Paul

[Reevsey]

yes you will need the castle link to change all the settings, mine works on vista with no issues, if you go onto the castle website it explains how to get the software to work with vista

[Reevsey]

Got one fittted in my xx4 now, gave it its first run on sunday at stotfold with my 2wd settings transfered across. The speedo ran like a dream and i was yet again really impressed!!

For £129 great value!!:thumbsup:

[Hog]

Would the MMP be compatable with say a Novak 13.5 motor? I'm interested in trying one of these as an alternative to my Novak GTB, which feels a bit tired.

Finally - do you have to have the PC link or is it just a lot easier to set up with it?

Cheers,
Dave.

[pugboy]

Would the MMP be compatable with say a Novak 13.5 motor? I'm interested in trying one of these as an alternative to my Novak GTB, which feels a bit tired.

Finally - do you have to have the PC link or is it just a lot easier to set up with it?

Cheers,
Dave.

It's compatible with any sensored or sensorless 1/10 motor, so yes will be fine with your 13.5. It is definitely worth having the link as it's alot easier. You can set up manually but it's a bit awkward at a meeting cause you are listening out for beeps so you have to sit there with your ear glued to the car! Get the link, it's free anyway.

[Hog]

Cheers Pugboy - I'll have to see if I can "borrow" one of the company laptops once I have the pennies to give Horizon a bell :D

[ryanlownie]

Can't wait to get these in, really want to try one myself in 1/10. Horizon are out of stock right now I believe but apparently have more due in within a week.

Also check out the field link:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=CSEFPROCAR

Horizon don't have these in yet but they are popping up in the USA and are to retail at £24.69 in the UK. Note how you can program the CHEAT mode from the card!

[Hog]

I assume the programming card does away with the need for a laptop at trackside?

If so I'd rather go that route when i can afford a MMP.

Ry - you will be stocking the MMP and the cards then?

[ryanlownie]

Yeah I'm not sure what Castle software gives you tuning wise so I cannot compare it to the card but it does look like it's got all the features you will need trackside. It also acts as a Castle Link.

I'll definitely be stocking them, hopefully the cards will arrive with the next lot of ESC's.

[Hog]

Great stuff - perhaps you'd be kind enough to post up when you have them in stock please Ry? :thumbsup:

[ryanlownie]

Yeah I'll post something up.

[pugboy]

Cheers Pugboy - I'll have to see if I can "borrow" one of the company laptops once I have the pennies to give Horizon a bell :D

There are usually a few people with laptops at meetings so if you can't get a programming card, just install the software on someone's laptop and away you go. It's top software, dead easy to use with help links to explain what each setting does.

[Hog]

Really keen to get one of these now.

I was looking to move to a Tekin RS Pro, but cost, combined with reports I've heard of overheating problems, really means the MMP looks like a really viable alternative :thumbsup:

[Gnarly Old Dog]

Dave,
I can't rate these highly enough - I've run one in my 4WD,2WD and Touring Car and it is very very smooth yet powerful.
You will not be disappointed.
The Field card looks good but I bit the bullet and bought a netbook so I could run the Castlelink software - it is really really easy and very comprehensive.

The scary thing is that you will be able to 'program' your 13.5T motors and they'll fly like a full-on modified. I saw a 10.5T at my local TC club (running my MMP speedo) and it was as fast as my 6.5T - no kidding. And that was with 15 deg Timing advance.

[Hog]

I'm sold on getting one of these now Gnarly. Gotta push for that pay rise!!

Out of interest - I've been doing some reading up on this, and it seems all the US sites quote their motors as 4600KV, 5700KV, 7500KV etc etc.

How do these compare with our method of quoting 13.5, 10.5, 8.5 etc etc.

Cheers.

[Marvin]

The stock Castle motors are non-sensored. 8.5T or whatever is less of a guide than the KV, it's little more than a random rating given by manufacturers to show you which is faster (from their own range). KV is far more important - higher KV = lower T.

Get a sensored motor locally, and just the MMP ESC - the Castle motors (currently) are motors for mucking around with - where sensored isn't required.

[Hog]

I use a Novak 13.5 at FORCC, and a Novak 5.5 when running mod - so I'm sorted for motors - it's just the ESC I want to get my hands on.

[Mutant]

It will go great dave, better than toast......

big upgrade from the old orange......

[Hog]

White toast or brown toast...........?

The old orange can go in something with 2wd I reckon.

[tony12795]

No laptop need now :-

http://www.horizonhobby.co.uk/autoonline/j24castle/j24_field_link/j24_field_link.html

Tony

[ryanlownie]

Now in stock:

Mamba Max Pro ESC (http://www.jespares.com/electric-models?page=shop.product_details&category_id=532&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=9130) - £124.99
Field Link Programming Card (http://www.jespares.com/electric-models?page=shop.product_details&category_id=532&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=9131) - £23.59

[TryHard]

Will say I've been running these in both 12th and TC... and they are very quick!
I was properly slaloming down teh straight last weekend as it had so much more straight line than anything else :D
Ok, I know it's not off-road, and Si and Andy are probably best placed to give the settings for that... but they do seem to be very versatile speedo, being able to handle up to 6s after all!

One slight word of caution on the programming card (although this is aimed more a spec class drivers than modified), is that you can't adjust the CHEAT mode RPM range with it, and I've been finding that a very useful tool to tune the speedo to different tracks for 10.5 TC and 12th.

Cheers
Ed

[David W]

Ime thinking about one of these for a xx4:

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpecification&ItemID=32320

1. Cant sus out if its sensored?
2. What is the 5700 motor in turns, ie 5.5t or 6.5t??????
3. Are they any good, compared to similar prices ie losi combo??

[Hog]

One slight word of caution on the programming card (although this is aimed more a spec class drivers than modified), is that you can't adjust the CHEAT mode RPM range with it, and I've been finding that a very useful tool to tune the speedo to different tracks for 10.5 TC and 12th.

Cheers
Ed

That's a shame - I see you can alter the timing, but not the rev range. Oh well - back to the laptop idea then!

[Reevsey]

Ime thinking about one of these for a xx4:

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpecification&ItemID=32320

1. Cant sus out if its sensored?
2. What is the 5700 motor in turns, ie 5.5t or 6.5t??????
3. Are they any good, compared to similar prices ie losi combo??

Hi David, not 100% sure but that speedo is sensorless i think. The new Mamba Max Pro is the first real 1/10th off road race spec speedo that castle have done, all the others in the past have been great basher speedos but not aimed at the racer.

Si

[Reevsey]

At the weekend i was helping one of the team install a new Mamba max pro speedo in a 1/10th off road buggy and he was having issues getting the speedo to talk with his KO transmitter, it would find full power and full break but not neutral. We found that the speedo did not have the latest firmware and once updated it worked fine

So far i have found in issues like this it is one of two things

1. Start by checking the firmware ensure you have the latest 1.24
2. Ensure your Tranny settings are per the Castle creations instruction manual

Si

[TryHard]

Hi Si,

There's a 1.25 version of the software out now as well.
http://www.castlecreations.com/downloads.html

Regards
Ed

[Ferret]

Ime thinking about one of these for a xx4:

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpecification&ItemID=32320

1. Cant sus out if its sensored?
2. What is the 5700 motor in turns, ie 5.5t or 6.5t??????
3. Are they any good, compared to similar prices ie losi combo??

1. The Sidewinder ESC and all Castle motors are sensorless.

2.In terms of APM the 5700 is slower than both the 5.5 and 6.5, but in terms of torque and overall power it has more than them. I would say it is similar to the 5.5 overall.

3. I used to run a Castle 4600 motor (on LiPos) in my XX4 and I had to limit it's power by programing the ESC because it was too powerful. I'm not sure the Sidewinder ESC can handle the loads of a 4X4, I used a Mamba Max ESC.
I would recommend fans for the ESC and motor.
I run a Sidewinder in my 2WD.


Avner.

[David W]

ok thanks!

[2Quick]

Hi All
I got myself a MMP and just want to know what settings to try in cheat mode for 13.5 class or would someone share their settings. I'm running a 13.5 Ballistic motor.

Thanx in advance

[Gnarly Old Dog]

What type of car is this in?
CHEAT can be very powerful but do be careful not to over gear the motor with it and watch the motor temperatures.
I would recommend starting around 30 deg advance on a 13.5T and aim to start the timing ramp at around 8-9000 rpm.
As for FDR, I would gear one or 2 pinions lower than you would normally gear on a non-dynamic advance ESC. If you try to pull the same type of ratio, you may end up over gearing and can experience some motor stutter as you're effectively asking the motor to pull too higher ratio from standstill.

You will probably end up having to experiment a bit in order to find a profile and set up that suits you but once you do, I'm sure that you'll find it to be a very accomplished speedo.

Good luck

[2Quick]

What type of car is this in?
CHEAT can be very powerful but do be careful not to over gear the motor with it and watch the motor temperatures.
I would recommend starting around 30 deg advance on a 13.5T and aim to start the timing ramp at around 8-9000 rpm.
As for FDR, I would gear one or 2 pinions lower than you would normally gear on a non-dynamic advance ESC. If you try to pull the same type of ratio, you may end up over gearing and can experience some motor stutter as you're effectively asking the motor to pull too higher ratio from standstill.

You will probably end up having to experiment a bit in order to find a profile and set up that suits you but once you do, I'm sure that you'll find it to be a very accomplished speedo.

Good luck

Thanx
Will try it in my 1/10th touring car MI3

[graham]

Hi can someone tell me how to setup the cheat mode timing?
its just i need to understand where to put the rev range in and out .if my 13.5 lrp x12 revs to 21000, do i set the timing , to come in at 18000 and on to 21000
as im just looking for more top end.

i understand gearing and temps (ie gearing high =more temps )

so can someone HELP

Graham

[GIRLYPANTS]

Im no help but just got to say Im running my stadium truck on mamba max esc and 5700kv brushless, which is like a 3.5 turn motor, my mates nitro cars and trucks cant keep up at all. I wont have any other brushless combo for racing or bashing, too many good points with it.

[graham]

So i guess no one knows what is the correct way to do it.

[Gnarly Old Dog]

So i guess no one knows what is the correct way to do it.

Hi Graham,
Sorry but been away on holiday. Hope this isn't too late.

I've never been totally sure at what rpm my motors rev up to but I guess you may have yours hooked up to a data logger or rpm sensor?
Basically, all I have done is experimented using different amounts of advance to come in a different rpm ranges depending on the length of the straight.
If your motor revs to 21000 but is only getting to that point a 95% of the way down the straight then you'll want it to come in much earlier.
I would recommend, with a 13.5, to start with a TOTAL system advance of approx 35-40 degrees and get it coming in at around 12,000 rpm. When I say a total system advance - that includes the inbuilt motor advance which, on the X12 can be quite alot so I understand.
So try approx 22 - 26deg advance on the ESC to come in a little lower than you initially thought - basically, don't get it to come it so late along the straights that you just boost yourself past the turning apex at the end of them - normally, the main straight is the easy on to set for - it's the shorter straights in the infield which is where you need to optimise your advance point for.
Oh - and do keep an eye on motor temps and stay as cool as you feel comfortable with but always below 85deg - my motors run at approx 55-60 degC after a 5 minute qualifier outdoors.

Hope this helps

[liam]

My MMP hasnt been updated yet but it wont bind to my KO but will bind to my cheap 27htz handset

What ive noticed when running it yesterday is that the power is abit unpredicable...almost like glitching

i dont know if this is becuase my MMP is still in smart sense mode but at lower speeds there seems to be a delay of a second or so before the ESC acceleration kicks in

ive set the bandwidth to small and punch to med

Ill wait and update the firmware on the esc and see what happens there...it maybe that this smartsense function isint as efficient with my motor as it could be

[mali]

Im seriously considering one of these but would like some first hand info off you guys.

have any of you experienced servo or radio glitches?

I have read on other forums that they struggle with digital servos, and working with spektrum radio gear. i just wondered if anyone here has experienced the same as its only this issue thats putting me off buying one. :)

[losi madness]

i have used them with loads of handset etc all fine in my 5 handsets

[Dingbat]

I've just set up the mamba max pro with a spektrum DX6i,
It didn't want to set up at first until i realised i had the throttle channel reversed.
Once i put it back to non reversed it works a treat.

[Gnarly Old Dog]

Im seriously considering one of these but would like some first hand info off you guys.

have any of you experienced servo or radio glitches?

I have read on other forums that they struggle with digital servos, and working with spektrum radio gear. i just wondered if anyone here has experienced the same as its only this issue thats putting me off buying one. :)

I've been using the MMP for almost a year now - with no issues.
What I think you have read up is whereby very high torque / high speed digital servos can draw so much current (you don't get all that performance for free) that they actual cause the Rx to momentarily go low voltage and brown out - the Rx recovers but may need to re-bind itself.
If your ESC is providing the BEC to the Rx - then all ESCs have a max current capability on their BEC circuit - often no more than 3A. Castle Creations do also produce a dedicated BEC device that will deliver upto 10A - more than enough to keep any power hungry servo happy.

Generally speaking, it is the servo that causes the issue. The MMP has found a lot of friends in the US in 1/8 Electric or Rock Crawling applications - both of which generally use very powerful servos. I've had no issues in my 1:10 buggies or TC with the MMP.
Hope this helps

[jensen]

I have bought a low spec netbook and wondered if anyone knows if there is a way of geting the mamba max software to run on linux?

Asus Eeepc Netbook only has 2gb hard disc and i think windows xp would swamp it although i have read that it would work.