Looks like im going to buy a MMM, and just do the mod!

This looks simple enough to pull off, just take my time. Haha

Thanks guys!

I was almost certain that it was the switch because I have the same exact scenario on the blinking lights but it seems you might have encountered something else...by the way how did you clean the lead between connectors? Just thought something might got cut off....

Hope you get this fixed soon...

Brian dont feel bad about this. You clearly specified from the start that this is NOT an OFFICIAL mod and that it WILL VOID warranty. we are just lucky to get this mod otherwise we wont resurrect our MMM but then again we all do it at OUR OWN RISK. For the rest that wants to try this at home, make sure you DONT CARE about warranty...

Thanks Brian...

If many people are doing this mod with a moderate amount of success, then why on earth isn't CC addressing this themselves before resending the ESC's?

I'm sure they have enough broken one's by now to have figured out what's been going wrong & rectifying the problems.

I don't geeet it.

Thanks, but I can't help it. Many of the members here are fairly young and don't have a lot of disposable income, so when something goes wrong, they are out $150+.

Probably because they simply don't have the amount of runtime needed to statistically ensure a good batch. I'm sure they test the designs somewhat, but it's much easier to fix when something goes wrong than try to cover every possible eventuality. CC engineers are probably scratching their heads too. They must be wondering why this is so hard - after all, the MMM isn't the first ESC to have a built-in switching BEC.

As to why they don't simply release it in opto-mode; probably because it would be a black eye to the company. I know these issues isn't exactly good, but if they removed the BEC, they would be admitting defeat. From a programmer's perspective, I know I hate it when something I made breaks. Instead of giving up and removing the offending feature, I work and work at it until it doesn't break (essentially, making it idiot proof - the trouble is, they'll just make a better idiot :smile:). So, it may be somewhat of a pride thing. Also, I'm sure there is a lot of advertising and literature that states the MMM has a switching BEC. Wouldn't look good to downgrade.

Personally, I think they should do one the following options:

1. Use the V1 or V2 design, remove the BEC, and resell them with a packaged CCBEC. Maybe boost the price a little to compensate. Yeah, it would be more expensive, but still much less than anything comparable (Quark, MGM, Schulze, etc).
   
   
2. Design a new MMM with a linear regulator for the brains and still include the switching BEC for external servos only. That way, if the switcher goes bad, the brains will still work and people can use an Rx pack or external BEC to keep running. Not ideal, but certainly more palatable than a totally dead ESC. This would allow people to at least keep running while CC can figure things out.
   
   
3. Similar to option 2, remove the BEC and put in a linear regulator for the brains, but do not output that voltage to the throttle power line. Basically, like an opto-ESC. Then people can decide what to use (UBEC or Rx pack).
   

4. Steal the switching BEC designs of another company and implement them into the MMM and CCBEC...

Nice one Niel :lol:

I think the most safe for CC is #3 but not the best I guess

lol, they just over a suit for the "Made in the USA" thing, I don't think they want to go for copyright infringement! :smile:

its kinda funny in a way, its "made in the USA" but with imported parts...no wonder we have bad components

I don't know. There's no reason why CC shouldn't be able to get an integrated switching BEC working perfectly reliably and it's less hassle/space/mess than having an external one. Maybe they could integrate a switch that allows you to enable/disable the BEC, so that the option for a more powerful external unit is there? I just hope that they get this sorted quick, though, whatever they do. The V1s dying wasn't Castle's fault, but the V2s? I'd love to know what on earth is causing them to die...

Maybe it's just too much circuit in too small a space. Switching BECs are quite efficient (around 85% depending on load), but there is still some heat there. Maybe the ICs being used don't like any kind of heat nearby, especially since the FETs are right above it creating more heat. Or, maybe there is some inductive noise coming from the coil that is inducing a voltage in a really sensitive area. Who knows? I'm sure it is possible, just takes some time to iron out. MGM has done it, maybe they should take a peek at one of those ESCs to get an inkling of how others are doing it. Maybe there's something CC is not taking into account that would be obvious once they see another design. Maybe use a whole different approach and use an integrated design similar to KoolFlight or WesternRobotics.

I don't like any option that includes the CCBEC. I used that thing with my MM and had all kinds of glitching with my spektrum RX's. Swaped it out with a cheap-o novak regulator and all is well. CCBEC+Spektrum= trouble (for me at least).

The CCBEC is kinda noisy, but shouldn't be too bad, especially with Spektrum. I only use one in my Hyper8 and don't have any issues, but I also use a 1000uF 10v cap on the BEC power line...

I tried the cap, moved everything to change the wiring layout, etc, etc. Got glitches with 3 different RX's (SR3100,3001,3000). 2 times I had full out runaways, very scary to see your buggy going 45 mph leave the track & head off across a parking lot.

Perhaps it was that particular CCBEC? I've been using several CCBECs, some through Spektrum receivers.

So, my MMMv2 died and they're shipping a new one. I called toda,y and they said I could try your (BrianG's) mod on the bad MMMv2 with no affect on the warranty since it was already dead anyway. Sweeet.

I've been wanting to try to resurrect the dead one, but I was afraid to try 'til now.

Wish me luck!

Good luck bro!!
But i think the best way to remove the components is to use a small hobby knife or very small wire cutter and cut all the components legs one by one.

That, what i'll do with mine if he died.

Wow! I would have never thunk it! Good luck, sounds like you have nothing to lose!

i should call then ;)

BrianG : Maybe it's just too much circuit in too small a space. Switching BECs are quite efficient (around 85% depending on load), but there is still some heat there. Maybe the ICs being used don't like any kind of heat nearby, especially since the FETs are right above it creating more heat. Or, maybe there is some inductive noise coming from the coil that is inducing a voltage in a really sensitive area.


never would have thought of that, but you know this makes alot of sense. coils, transformers, energized parts, etc.... do indeed create magnetic fields that can and WILL induce voltage onto most conductive material. do you really think it could just be a case of oh $#!* duh!why didnt we see that? like i have said before im no electronics specialist or engineer of any kind, but i do vork with high voltage. induction is real and can kill you, but at this scale all the same principals apply.

i say they give BrianG o job if he figures it out!! :yes:

That's great to know :mdr::mdr:. Now i don't have to worry about anything when I do the mod (whenever my MMM arrives).

YAY!
woo hoo. hopefully they offer a 1yr replacement for free if it stops working modded or not. im sure that the problem would be identifed quicker!

also that means they are just chucking them out or recycling parts which cant get damaged by the mod... or else they wouldnt be suggesting it at all.

Keep in mind that he said I could screw around with mine because it was already dead, and because he knew in advance that it was stock when it died. I don't want to imply that everybody can go crazy with mods.

If you plan on modding the circuit board, you should probably call first to make sure it's okay to do without killing the warranty.

I haven't had a chance yet with mine, btw. Hopefully today though.

Thanks for the clarification. If that's the case, I'll run it stock until it craps out and then call them to inform I'm doing the mod on a dead MMM. I'm hoping it will work stock though :lol::lol::party:.

Well, it didn't work for mine. I gave it a go though. Bleh. I must have fried something.

I modded mine and failed... they took it back even then :yes: gotta love great CS and morals

Brian, how is your V1 doing? Well, I think I killed mine. I couldnt wait for the UBEC so I tried an RX pack. Tested it and everything checked out. After 15mins of bashing. I went to check temps, batts were ambient, motor was 130-140 but ESC was about 145-150. FANS were constantly on. Anyway, I tried again but this time there was cogging and truck can barely move. Kicked WOT and she move 2-3feet and stopped. I could still see lights on ESC and fans are still on but it just wont move. :neutral:

I took everything back and checked it via CC link and MMM still ok. Tried to connect to RX pack but now she just blink the lights no motor tones no arming...Any idea?

Hehehe I think I just made an expensive paper weight.... :lol:

TruckBasher, if you have a custom cut-off, try setting it to auto-lipo. I know that's been an intermittent problem for some of us.

Good luck!

Yup know that...but thats not it....it seems that I killed the power going to the brain...

I am a bit concern to those who will do the mod cause it might be the long term effect of this mod....brushless IIRC had the same issue after he desoldered the 4 components...so its hard to say at this point.....

:oh: i'am tired of all this blowned MMM.
Mine is no arrive yet and i'am scarred.
My revo is parked since 3 week because i've no controller in it, and i think that it'll parked for another somes week after my MMM test:whip:

I think that i'll save my money all winter long and try another MGM next summer, but it's not a warrentie to run MGM............................................... ..

Its a good idea to hold on those controller at this point....I think my MMM is really just a paper weight now and rather than sending it back to CC I will just buy a new MM (unless Patrick will cover warranty so Ill just pay for shipping) :lol:

Anyway, the 2nd MMM is due to arrive next week so I will try another setup with UBEC for the servo/rx but no mod an the MMM and let its own BEC run the brains.....hopefully it will last longer...

By next summer, these MMM's will be working perfectly. I'm very optimistic about that.

Wow, I'm starting to get a little concerned here. My V1 has been working ok so far. Since the mod, I have run it 3 times I guess total run time around 1 to 1.5 hrs. I will be running it again tomorrow afternoon as well as my V2. Fingers crossed.

Regards,
Joe Ling

My V2 has about 2 hrs of total runtime before it give up....I hope this is just an isolated incident and that my way of driving is the cause....

I definitely think that MMM will soon be more reliable...but I think they need to redesign the whole BEC+Brains setup.....

This mod is good but I think (just my opinion), that once those components are remove the MMM has reduced its efficiency to limit voltage going to those IC....either that or I fried the one doing the limiting...worst is I killed the main brain because of incorrect voltage....

Did you run it on 4s or 6s:whistle:

I only run it on 6S A123 close to 5S lipo....

btw the voltage im talking about is the BEC supplying the ICs and Brain

Looks like I will be doing the mod. One of my 2 V2s died, and I would like to get it running, if only to use as a backup...

I think I will stick to a rx pack, as that is already setup nicely in the lst, complete with an on/off switch. And the addl weight is neither here nor there in that heavy truck.

I may also call castle, and see if they will send me a replacement v2 with a mailer. Save me a few bucks on return postage maybe??? What is their number for things of this nature?

Does anyone know what the max voltage the MMM "brains" can run on? I was thinking about doing this mod to my dead V2, but instead of using an external BEC or Rx pack I was thinking about running the whole thing on a plug that would tap into the main pack balancing plug and just run it off of 2 cells in the main pack. I know my servo and Rx can handle the 2s voltage, its just a matter of if the MMM brains can take the full 2s charge voltage. Would 8.4V fry it?


Before anyone points out that I will be draining 2 cells and creating an imbalance..... I know. But I have an excelent charger that balances the cells perfectly no matter how badly they are out and I run a high enough LVC setting that I dont think it will be a problem.

Brian,

How is your OPTO modified controller doing? Still running OK?

I was on the phone with a CC tech this morning and what he was telling me seems fishy. He told me that on my V2 that has a misbehaving BEC (sometines works and puts out 6.4v and sometimes only 2.0v depending on what it feels like doing), if I disconect the red wire on the Rx cable and power the Rx with another power source that the MMM will run. He said the the "brains" run on 3.2v on another circut and that the internal BEC wount effect that. It doesnt seem right to me, otherwise why wouldnt all of us just be able to run the controller with a RX pack or external BEC when the when the internal BEC fails. I told him what he was explaining didn't make sense based on what I saw in my totally failed units. If what he said was accurate the LEDs should still lite on the MMM unit itself even without a Rx plugged into it. But he insisted that the internal BEC should effect the Barin board.

I still think he doesnt know what he is talking about. I will do some playing tonight to confirm it.

I'm right... Right?

BTW... I asked him about doing the "OPTO Mod" on it and he said that it would void the warantee. Wouldnt make any exceptions either.

Mine runs ok for the little I do. Since I'm still waiting to decide what lipos I'll be running in my MBX5/Corr truck, I haven't made a permanent batt tray, and so I just run on 4s a little here and there. So, not a whole lot of use.

What the tech said about using an external source doesn't sound right. If the on board BEC fails, it could be pulling down any external supply. Of course, it depends somewhat on what went wrong.

What about the whole BEC not having anything to do with the brains of the unit. Seems wrong to me.