Originally Posted by BrianG (Post 179451)

Seems like it would be easier to simply rob the brains from a MMM and make your own bullet-proof power PCB. With the exception of a couple of my "wish list" items, it looks like they all could be met with better FET hardware.

Originally Posted by BrianG (Post 179246)

I agree with some of the sentiment here. An "elite" MMM would be nice, but the market would be so small that price would have to be really high to compensate.

But since we are talking "wishlist" here, I would like:

• 10s to 12s version.
  
  
• Opto (no BEC). I'll add my own.
  
  
• 200A capable. 200A is plenty for all but the most abusive systems. Maybe make the power PCBs potentially stackable for those few insane people who need 12S @ 400A. After all, who doesn't need almost 24HP in a vehicle.
  
  
• Retain the single layer power PCB. It's nice to have the heatsink on ALL FETs, not just a top layer. If stacking PCBs, use the HV series heatsinking method.
  
  
• Use a couple more caps for the setups that need it because of wire length. If the wires end up being short, that's ok, more caps won't hurt.
  
  
• NO FAN needed. But, for those who insist on using them, add some fan mounting threads to the heatsink, or an optional add-on fan mounting bracket.
  
  
• Taller heatsink. Might as well make use of the airflow inside our vehicles. I do like the current fin design itself, so keep that.
  
  
• Use a case that totally encloses the circuitry, but exposes the heatsink. Use o-rings or something around the wires/bullet connectors to help keep dirt out of the case.
  
  Or maybe even make the case out of aluminum kinda like the Quark 125B, and attach the heatsink to that. Make the bottom a plastic access panel to remove the guts if necessary. Changing heatsinks if desired would be a snap. Add mounting tabs for those who want to screw it down.
  
  And if the case is perfectly square, allow the bottom panel (where the mounting tabs are) to be rotated 90* to put the tabs where we need them.
  
  
• Retain the Castle Link programming method, but add the option of a programming card for those without laptops in the field. This would be a seperate order accessory. Or make the card included and the Castle Link cable the accessory - whatever.
  
  An added programming port (not using the throttle cable) would be nice, but only if it was a port in the case that had a cover (not another wire sticking out).
  
  
• Use bullet connectors for the wires. We can use matching bullets or solder our wires directly into the bullets as we see fit.
  
  
• Add a link cable to allow two ESCs to be used in Master/Slave mode for dual motor setups.
  
  
• Keep the exceptional customer support Castle is known for...

Originally Posted by Pdelcast (Post 180135)

Oh, and by the way -- I started working on a larger MMM last weekend. Making it a pet "off the clock" project. My biggest issue right now is justifying the cost of tooling... but we'll see. :)

Patrick

Originally Posted by DRIFT_BUGGY (Post 180163)

:oh: A bigger MMM, could this be the Mamba Monster Max or Mamba Mega Monster

Originally Posted by Pdelcast (Post 180165)

I think the official name will be MMMM. :lol:

Originally Posted by Pdelcast (Post 180135)

Yeah, good luck on that. First of all, the hardware isn't simple -- believe me, it's not just sticking some FETs and drivers on a board and wiring them together. Do you know what dV/dT induced turn-on is? Where it can happen? Do you know what current-induced shoot through is? Anyone can create a 10 or 20 amp MOSFET based controller -- but when you get over 100A and the induction voltages are HUGE -- that's when it becomes difficult. Believe me, I've been doing power design for over 20 years and everyone thinks it's easy UNTIL THEY TRY IT.
The first time you see a MOSFET turn on and destroy a controller, while the gate being held off by a driver, and no voltage on the gate, -- then you might know what I'm talking about.

And software -- there's six man-years of development time (and two patents) in the Mamba software. It's not really something that can be slapped together in a couple of weekends.

Oh, and by the way -- I started working on a larger MMM last weekend. Making it a pet "off the clock" project. My biggest issue right now is justifying the cost of tooling... but we'll see. :)

Patrick

Originally Posted by GriffinRU (Post 180183)

I do not know?
One day... and probably with less effort.
But I do have respect for what you done and still doing, but I am bummed that you treat me as an idiot with solder iron or amateur - whatever you call it.



Nice, when you were starting your carrier I was modeling fet's...dv/dt... :)
Yeah I am hearing that allot about software and not from you only, just 2 patents

At the end I was trying to give you a hand, while you slapped it. Sorry my friend now I do not care what you a planning to do, as long as you make them I can tweak and improve them. And who knows maybe one day I will open my own company, but as for now I have no plans to do that.

Originally Posted by Pdelcast (Post 180185)

Whatever. You started this by calling ME ignorant, not the other way around.

So good luck making your own HV controller buddy.

Originally Posted by GriffinRU (Post 180188)

As you noticed I was referring to CC, not YOU in person. And the reason for that is simple, you are the owner of the company and might not have time to read threads or posts from everyone and especially paying attention and getting too deep in details. You might have done that in the past, while now you have bigger responsibilities, therefore your employers must do their homework and provide you and your engineers with better feedback.
If you took it personally, than I am sorry for my English, I was aiming more towards them or flaws in that system.

And, thank you.

Originally Posted by GriffinRU (Post 180188)

You might have done that in the past, while now you have bigger responsibilities, therefore your employers must do their homework and provide you and your engineers with better feedback.

Originally Posted by Cain (Post 180191)

Patrick,

As the owner, I have a question concerning the first edition mamba monsters.

The first editions were shipped with hardwiring to the circuit board, though, as advertiseed at online and local retailers it shows plugs.

Since it voids the warranty if we do any soldering on the board, will Castle Creations do free wire replacement for these first run of ESCs since the later ones will have plugs as they were advertised?

Also, as the outages appear to be quite signficant enough to hold up any further delivery of MMMs, for those concerned about there unit, can they sign up for a replacement plan sort of like how other companies would require a credit card number, CC sends the new unit, you send the old unit back, and no charge is done to the credit card, that way people are not down about 1 - 2 weeks waiting for the units?