connecting ESC to battery

[Dillzio]

Hi all,

I've just got my 30A hobbywing pentium ESC off ebay, and the power connectors on it are only 8cm long. I was wondering what the best way is to connect these wires to the battery?

Normal bullet connectors seem the obvious choice, but if the power has to go through those silver colored metal connectors, then it just about defeats the purpose of my super sexy, gold plated, ultra low resistance Deans connector.

What is the usual way to run power to the ESC? I was thinking about just cutting the ESC wires back a bit and putting a Deans connector on it.

Also, is the type of wire you use important, other than the gauge? I've heard that the highly flexible silicone coated wire is the best, but that's 7.50 a meter from my LHS, and normal automotive cable is only $1.50 a meter.

cheers

[foo]

Just solder an extra piece of wire onto the ESC. A solder will have a better connection than any bullet / Deans connector. Just put some heat shrink tubing over the joints. Plus, it will be lighter!

The silicone wire will be lighter and more flexible (a big plus).

Don't buy from the LHS, go to a electronics store, will be 1/2 or 1/3 the price of the LHS (that's where they get their wire from anyway).

[Dillzio]

I tried a few electronics stores and none of them sell high flex silicone cable. I found a wholesaler that sells it, but only by the roll.

Another question, what is the best way to connect the motor to the ESC? Or do most people just solder and heatshrink that too?

[ginginho]

Jun 15, 2010 14:03:39 GMT 1 Dillzio said:

I tried a few electronics stores and none of them sell high flex silicone cable. I found a wholesaler that sells it, but only by the roll.

Another question, what is the best way to connect the motor to the ESC? Or do most people just solder and heatshrink that too?

Dillz, The silicone covered wire is used as it can withstand high temperatures, the battery leads may warm up when under load. I've seem images of an aircraft which was wired with household 30A ring main cable. Nearly all the insulation had melted off of the copper due to the cable heating up, the pilot was very lucky to not get a short which would have resulted in the loss of the plane (loss of control or potential fire from arcing). Some multimeters come with silicone cables for the probes, which is normally suitable. If you can source a cheap meter near you, it may work out cheaper to do buy that and butcher the leads.

[900dukess]

I found some silicon cable on aus eBay, theseller:the-rc-shed
I have purchased a couple of things from them and they are great, quick delivery

[Dillzio]

LOL, thanks for the tip. I actually bought 2 meters of 14AWG cable off his ebay store on Wednesday :-)

HeliElectric is another good seller in Australia: stores.shop.ebay.com.au/HeliElectric__W0QQ_armrsZ1

He also sells the silicone cable, but it's a bit cheaper at The-RC-shed