Go LiPo or brushless?

Go LiPo or brushless?

Author
Discussion

Mario149

Original Poster:

7,774 posts

185 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
I ordered and built a 2016 Blackfoot a couple of months ago and fancy some more poke out of it. Main options seem to be to go with a brushless motor or LiPo (preferably both but don't fancy spending so much money in one go). I have previously upgraded models with Tamiya GT etc brushed motors so fancy something a bit different.

Seems like LiPo may be a good option as although it's similar price to going brushless (c.£50 for a 3S battery, quick charger and gubbins), it means that I could use the battery on my Bullhead and any other models I might buy with just the purchase of a few £s of connectors and a voltage alarm. Whereas if I go brushless, it's c.£50 a pop each time for a motor (c.£100 for 2 the Bullhead). Plus I'd be replacing perfectly functional, albeit cheap and basic, motors which I feel like I should just run until they die then replace with something fancy.

Thoughts?

andrewrob

2,913 posts

197 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
I'd go for the lipo if it was me. Better charging times, more capacity for the same size etc.
Are you sure you shouldn't be buying 2 cells though? Which speed controllers are you using?


Mario149

Original Poster:

7,774 posts

185 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
andrewrob said:
I'd go for the lipo if it was me. Better charging times, more capacity for the same size etc.
Are you sure you shouldn't be buying 2 cells though? Which speed controllers are you using?
I have been warned about 3 cells as apparently the diff on Blackfoots (Blackfeet?!) can be a bit fragile. The 2 cell LiPo combo pack is actually £10 cheaper. Is 3 cell a complete non-starter?

I have a Tamiya TBLE-02S ESC on the Blackfoot, can't remember what's on the Bullhead off hand...

andrewrob

2,913 posts

197 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
Mario149 said:
andrewrob said:
I'd go for the lipo if it was me. Better charging times, more capacity for the same size etc.
Are you sure you shouldn't be buying 2 cells though? Which speed controllers are you using?
I have been warned about 3 cells as apparently the diff on Blackfoots (Blackfeet?!) can be a bit fragile. The 2 cell LiPo combo pack is actually £10 cheaper. Is 3 cell a complete non-starter?

I have a Tamiya TBLE-02S ESC on the Blackfoot, can't remember what's on the Bullhead off hand...
Ah yes you won't be able to run a 3C on that speed controller. 2C will work fine, you're not going to see any real difference in performance but faster charging and a much larger capacity pack than you'd have with a NiMH for the same size and weight.

ETA and use a voltage alarm as you mentioned as the cut off on your ESC is below what's ok for a lipo

ftypical

457 posts

125 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
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If the BlackFoot of today has the same differential as that of yore, it’s worth noting that anything more than a 27t Single Mabuichi 540 was likely to blow it to bits. It was basically a Frog with different body and wheels/tyres.

nellyleelephant

2,708 posts

241 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
ftypical said:
If the BlackFoot of today has the same differential as that of yore, it’s worth noting that anything more than a 27t Single Mabuichi 540 was likely to blow it to bits. It was basically a Frog with different body and wheels/tyres.
To get around this, MIP make a much stronger ball diff that replaces the standard weak one. I know this as I fitted one to my sons Monster Beetle this evening! £50 though.

Mario149

Original Poster:

7,774 posts

185 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
I believe it's been improved along with the axles and shocks, and that people are running sensible brushless motors without too many probs

nellyleelephant

2,708 posts

241 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
Mario149 said:
I believe it's been improved along with the axles and shocks, and that people are running sensible brushless motors without too many probs
Afraid not. New driveshafts, but the same old crappy diff. You will melt it with a power increase unfortunately.

Mario149

Original Poster:

7,774 posts

185 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
Excuse for a further upgrade next month! #manmaths

nellyleelephant

2,708 posts

241 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
This is the diff, sorry, got the price wrong!

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/mip-super-ball-diff-f...

Mario149

Original Poster:

7,774 posts

185 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
Looks like it might be a an LSD as well?

nellyleelephant

2,708 posts

241 months

Tuesday 28th August 2018
quotequote all
You can tune the amount of slip by using different grease.


sausage76

360 posts

130 months

Wednesday 29th August 2018
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Don't go 3s you'll blow it to pieces.

2s will be fine but may also be a little to much. But get a decent esc and turn the power down a little.


Also no need to spend £50 on a motor ebya is your friend get them for about £10-20 and last for ages. Try Gool stuff

Edited by sausage76 on Wednesday 29th August 18:46