Back at it. Arkmodel Type VII.

[Guest]

I've seen a number of Mtroniks esc's develop faults, often to do with the power stage, going slow, no reverse, saw one catch fire and nearly destroy the boat it was in(fit fuses). Also seen owner experience problems with radio interference/ range. These issues went away once the boats were refitted with microgyros esc's . They're made with high quality components which do their job with plenty of headroom. I believe that Mtroniks sail a little closer to the wind.

The lower spec Mtroniks have BECs rated at 1.2A, enough for a couple of servos, but you're pushing your luck running more. Some of their higher spec esc's like the viper range have a 2A BEC which should be enough for most boats unless you're running some very thirsty servos. However the viper range are more than double the cost of a better specced unit from microgyros.

[sam reichart]

thanks, Andy. I'm getting one of Dave's cylinders, so I'll have to see what he ships with them. I was asking Bob Martin about components needed, and he sad it all I need to add is batteries, failsafe, pitch controller and my receiver. I should hopefully see a unit next week or so...

[PaulC]

That's interesting, Andy. I'd not heard of any issue with Mtronk ESCs. I ran a Viper 10amp for years in my Permit with no problems at all (two servos). I will say it did tend to get hot at the end of the run. But I just figured that was part of it. Are there particular models (amp rating) ESCs that had the issues you are referring to?

[Guest]

10 and 15 amp versions.

[salmon]

I did have a problem with a 10 amp, but replaced it with a MicroGyro and issues went away. The biggest issue was jittery servos and sluggish response on throttle. That being said I have Mtroniks in my other subs and not issues.

[wlambing]

Paul,

There was some discussion of Mtroniks eating themeselves here, maybe a year or so back. I had one leak all its magic smoke out in my Marlin cylinder. That's one reason why that model is a shelf queen and may soon occupy space in the local trash incinerator. Fair trade, all the energy expended in it converted to energy to keep lights on in the area.

[JWLaRue]

There was a batch of the 10 amp Mtroniks that "escaped" from the factory that were substandard/defective a couple of years back. This has been pretty well established to have been a one-time thing. Perhaps your ESC was one of those, Bill?

I just checked my Mtroniks....they're the 15 amp variety. One of them is even used with my OTW Seehund that uses an Engel piston, which is something of an amp consumer when operating. Maybe that's why they work for me?

-Jeff

[wlambing]

My life! I'd definitely be one to get an "escapee"!! Just because I could!
B^/

[PaulC]

That's a shame, Bill. I'll have to keep an eye on mine. Any idea if there were affected serial numbers that could be checked?

[wlambing]

Paul,

I don't think they are serialized, and it went to its doom long ago. It wasn't a new one either. On the other hand, I have been running a Traxxas Rooster for 20 years in different boats and it just keeps going!
I imagine a 15a Mtroniks Sub would work just fine.
Good luck, B^)

[thor]

Bill,
You're not saying that you're going to trash the Marlin?

[wlambing]

Considering it. Too flimsy, too ugly, too annoying.

B^/

[thor]

If you are serious about trashing it, please PM me? I would like to talk to you about acquiring it from you. The FRP version will be coming soon. The deck work is 95% complete and will be going off to Jeff for PW work.

Sorry to hijack your thread, Sam!!!

[sam reichart]

No worries Matt. I don't mind. I learned some stuff, so it's all good.
My cylinder gets here on Wednesday, and I decided to go with Bob Martin's photoetch set for the added detail. I doubt that I'll use much of the lower hull pieces where you have to cut out the plastic and replace it with the photoetch. I am planning to use all the deck photoetch, and everything for the tower.

[sam reichart]

My photoetch, ballast system, and other components get here tomorrow. I gotta give a big shout out to Bob Martin (Nautilus Drydocks); he's been absolutely great to work with on getting all the "stuff" together to get this build underway.
if I can ever remember my photobucket password, I'll post some pics of the photoetch sheets for this model.