HobbyWing EZRun 80A Review
 

Part 1: Initial Observations

I picked up one of Mike's HobbyWing EZRun 80 ESCs he now has in his store and thought I'd provide my humble opinions on it.

Some spec highlights: 80A continuous/270A burst, 4s/12 NiMH cells voltage, 3A switching BEC, 0.0018 on resistance. We'll see about the probability of those specs later.

First, a pic of the box contents. Comes with the ESC with dual Deans-compatible connectors pre-soldered on the power wires (seems like it is meant for dual battery applications) and 4mm bullets on the motor wires. Wires are 12GA. There's extra heatshrink, a few zip-ties, and a couple 3mm screws for mounting. The throttle cable is wrapped around a ferrite ring near the servo connector for reduced RF interference. The ESC has two mounting tabs built into the plastic case.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_1jpg


A couple of pictures showing relative size compared to a MMM. Yeah, it's that big.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_2jpg

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_3jpg


The next picture shows the side where the fan and throttle cables are located. The switch is in a little box along with the program button connected via a servo wire. The throttle and switch wires are glued in place to act as a strain relief to protect the traces. The fan connector/wire has an extra output for a motor fan if desired (optional item). This ESC probably isn't meant to be waterproof, but HobbyWing did a pretty good job in sealing the ESC because there is a rubber seal all the way around where the heatsink meets the PCB, and where the bottom case meets the PCB. And any exposed PCB has a conformal coating.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_4jpg


Now for the guts! The fan is held on via four 5mm hex head (3mm) screws. The PCB is sandwiched between the heatsink and bottom case. The switching BEC is located on the brains board inside a little metal case, presumably to shield nearby components from switching noise.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_5jpg


I was pretty anxious to see the FETs, so I was disappointed when I removed the heatsink and found none there! This side of the PCB has heatspreader bars which touch the heatsink via a thermal pad. I kinda like this setup because it helps protect the fairly delicate FET component cases from accidental damage from jarring the heatsink.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_6jpg


And a view of the actual FETs sandwiched between the main and brain boards, which are soldered together via jumper pin headers.

http://scriptasylum.com/forumpics/ezrun80/ezrun80_7jpg


Now for the fun part. Due to the way the PCBs were arranged, I had a heck of a time getting the FET part number, but with the use of creative lighting and a makeshift jewelers monacle, I was able to make out one of the FET part numbers as IRF3709Z. And there are 18 of these on this ESC.

Looking at the datasheet, we see that each of these FETs are rated for 30V, ~0.006 ohms (depends on gate drive), and 62A @ 100*C (212*F). Since there are 6 FETs on at any one time, 3 of which controlling each motor phase, that brings the current rating to 186A continuous and an on-resistance of around 0.002 ohms. Hmm, not bad at all. Seems like HobbyWing rated this ESC pretty realistically taking into account the temperatures we run these at. And the 270A burst rating seems possible judging from what the datasheet says based on the duration and duty cycle of the pulses. I really didn't want to calculate it out, but you are free to do so if you want. :smile:

The three input caps on the ESC are rated 470uF and 25v for a total capacitance of 1,410uF. The 4s rating on this ESC seems pretty conservative. Even running 5s lipo fresh off the charger, the caps would still run 16% below their voltage rating, and the FETs would be running 30% below their rating. But, even if the components might support 5s, I don't know if the firmware will let it arm at 5s, so it's just speculation right now. I'm not saying everyone should run 5s on this ESC, but we all know people will push them beyond the ratings - you know who you are! However, I would NOT run 6s on this at all. That would be pushing the caps too far and the FETs would have hardly any headroom for any back-EMF spikes.

In reading the manual, I was pleased to see a well-rounded set of programming features: adjustable lipo cutoff, manual lipo cell programming (it will do auto-cell detect, but only for certain pack arrangements), etc. One really neat feature that stood out is the motor reversal. This can be done in three ways; 1) swap any two wires, 2) via ESC programming, and 3) simply by activating the transmitter servo reversing function (have to recalibrate the transmitter after this one though). This ESC does work with an optional programming card if counting motor beeps is too taxing for you. :smile:

All in all, this looks and specs out to be a VERY solid ESC with realistic/conservative ratings. Construction is top-notch too. Unfortunately, I do not have a vehicle I can test this in at the moment, but I will soon. I wanted to get Part 1 of the review out first.

EDIT A couple more tests with my bench power supply at 14.76v DC:

- ESC current draw with switch "off": 0mA. Hmm, it seems that this ESC won't drain your batteries if you accidentally leave them plugged in as long as you shut off the switch, but I wouldn't want to find out the hard way.
- ESC current draw with no motor, no load on the BEC, and the fan disconnected: 21mA (373mW)
- ESC current draw with no motor, no load on the BEC, but with the fan connected: 177mA (2.61w)
- ESC current draw with no motor, 2.5 ohm load on the BEC, and the fan disconnected: 999mA (14.75w)

I also tested the BEC a little.

- With no load (fan disconnected), BEC voltage was 5.84v with 23mV of 1163Hz AC ripple.
- With a 2.5 ohm load, BEC voltage was 5.58v with 18mV of 394Hz AC ripple. This equates to 2.23A and 12.44w. Efficiency at this load was 84%.

Efficiency is on par with typical switching regulators. I found it interesting that noise decreased with load. Odd BEC switching frequency though. I expected frequencies around 15kHz.


*************************************************

Part 2: Operation

I got a new motor mount and battery tray from Mike yesterday, and so was able to do a little running and offer my humble opinion on the performance of this ESC.

I hooked it up in my Hyper8 buggy: Neu 1512/2d (kv=2650) on 4s lipo (5Ah), geared 46/12. Top speed calculates to around 40mph.

First thing I tried was slow speed running. If you just lightly apply the throttle, the motor "chatters" similar to the MM/MMM at less than 1mph. When you give it a tad more, it stops chattering and starts to move, but does this surge/slow/surge/slow behavior. Here is a small (and I mean small) video of what I am talking about: Video.

I spoke with someone running a 7XL and it does the same thing, so it's nothing to do with the motor being slotted or 4 pole. So, it's not really good for slow running. Anything above ~3-4mph works fine though. Plenty of power when you goose it.

When I started out, I ran with the fan removed and the body on. Within 10 minutes of running at normal (fast) speed, the ESC thermaled. I re-installed the fan and once I let it cool, I was able to run the rest of the time without any more thermaling. Temps after the run was ~115*F (55*F ambient) with the fan. So, the fan IS absolutely required.

IMO, this ESC is too small to use on for 1/8 scale applications, but I think it would work great on a lighter 1/10 scale vehicle, geared right, and might even be able to get away with running without the fan. For 1/8 scale use, the EZRun150 would probably be a better bet for cooler running.

wow great review brian, i cant wait for part 2

Nice pictures and write up Brian. I was wondering how these would be as a low cost option. I am interested to here your impressions of the software once you get to actually run it.

What are you planning to use this in? Hope its got alot of chassis room!! :whistle:

What about your gtp2?

Thanks guys.

Well, the problem is that all of my setups are custom fitted for the components I choose. So, I can't simply pop an ESC out and put another back in unless it's the same exact ESC (or very close to it). However, I've been contemplating re-doing my Hyper8. There should be enough room on there where the Quark 125B and wire box are located. And, the motor is a 1512/d2 geared 46/15, so it's a pretty "hot" setup and should stress the ESC fairly well. I plan to run it with the fan first, and then without and see what the differences are temp-wise. I don't have an EagleTree, but I can make a pretty good approximation of current flow by calculating runtime and burst current based on that average current.

BTW: The EZRun80 is supposed to be used with BL motors 8T and higher. I don't know how they can say that because for a kiven kv, the turn count changes with number of poles. And even then, I could put a 20T motor in there, but gear so high that it blows. I think they should have left that out TBH.

Wait a minute......Brian is going to use a FAN.....:surprised::lol::lol::lol:

On a serious note....For the price, it may be worth giving the esc a shot! Very nice right up by the way Brian.

Only at first! I'm using a fan in two setups that use a MMM too. Otherwise I'd lose my warranty. :no:

Nice review. Hard to imagine how you tough guy can read that MOSFET part number hidden underneath the board.

Why didn't you get a 150A top model for a review? it's rated for 6S and has been proven strong here in China---- just don't buy their combos, the included motor is just a junk.

I bought a so called the HobbyWing SeaKing 180A for my boat waiting for spring to come, which is infact the EzRun150A, just the heatsink been replaced to a water cooling jacket. I also took it apart for some pics. It's using similar Onsemi(Motorola) MOSFETs seen in the MMM. Before reading this review, I was thinking the 80A may be using same MOSFETs as in the 150A but fewer count. Your picture amazed me how they do heat sinking......

Why didn't I get the 150? Simple, Mike doesn't have them yet. :smile:

You said the 150 is using the same FETs, but do they use the same number of them? Just curious...

Thanks for the review Brian. I just put my order in with Mike for one of these and a 13t Mod 1 pinion. I'm giong to run it in a Raze Buggy with a Medusa 60mm 2000kv on 4S lipo, maybe 5S if you think it won't be instant toast.

-Brian

Any idea what the voltage output on the bec is? 5v, 6v?

I'm not sure if it'll toast with 5s or not. This ESC hasn't seen power yet. I'm gonna run 4s on it for a while to see how the startup algorithm works and test temps. Then I'll try 5s.

Documentation says 5.75v.

The 150A uses 36 FETs, same as the MMM. Only the part numbers slightly differ.

I decided to start with the 80 amp version for now - I hoped it would offer a low cost, viable esc option for the budget restricted. I am unsure the cost/price of the 150amp model, but if it is too close to the MMM in price, I may not bother.

The controller itself, while being quite large, functions rather impressively for the price. I haven't got a whole lot of time on it yet(it is winter after all), but my initial impression is quite favorable. I was actually quite happily impressed with its smoothness(testing in a 3905 emaxx with a 7xl motor) - as smooth as any other esc from my initial testing, actually.

Thanks for the detailed and specific write-up, Brian. You da man! :)

Good to hear your input on the esc Mike...will you offer the program card for sale?

Nice to have a cheap, no mod option for 4s useage... I may have to get one for my emaxx.

Also wondering, does it have a sensor port? The description lists it as useable with sensored motors...

To Brian and Mike, will either of you be testing this esc with 4 or 6 pole motors? Just wondering how it will handle a neu or plett... 75 dollar esc on a 300 dollar motor:lol:

Really nice review, thanks Brian!

I'll also buy this ESC for my Slash if the 60A Version i have is stressed too much with a Feigao 8L on 3s Lipo. It would be also perfect for my Truggy project if it works properly with 5s Lipo.

the 150 whit a 4 pole motor run whit no cog,so the 80 will do the samething!

In theory that is true, but theory doesn't always works out... :wink:

my firend have test the 150amp whit neu motor and no prob at all

http://www.youtube.com/v/ubO4hjuGuH0&hl

150amp whit neu 1500kv and 6 cell lipo!!!

The best thing is run 4s without mode just for $75
Ther bad thing is just 80A so its not good with medusa 70's and 80's motors or neu 1515 motors that needs 100-120A
Thanks for the review

I am not so sure this is actually true. I am testing with a 7xl motor - which will draw as much or more current as a similar Kv Neu or Medusa. It is well heat sinked and seemingly conservatively rated - I suspect it will do everything the Mamba max esc did without the need to add a fan or external BEC (so about 1/2 the price). The downfall is the size - it is a behemoth!

Good to know. It does seem a bit larger, but that should only pose issues if you plan to run it in a buugy. Most mts and truggies have enough room. I do wonder if it will hadle the load of heavier tires and tall gearing, as i always felt the MM was a bit marginal at that, in the southern summer that is...

If it can handle a 7xl, that is pretty good. That motor is an amp hog, especially after it warms up.

I won't know how it handles the summer heat until, well...summer. :) The 3905 emaxx is not a light truck and has fairly heavy tires on it already(mine is stock and used for bashing around in the snow, etc. mostly). I am pretty sure it is over 11 pounds with the batteries. My guess is that the motor will be the weakest link in the summer - just speculation of course. :)

I will be testing it in my buggy using 4s and 1512/2d. And with the way I have it geared (46/15), that motor should pull close to as much current as a Med70 or Med80.

Late last night, I removed the Quark and ESC mount from the buggy and test-fitted the ESC. It fits, but barely. If the chassis has any flex, the battery tray will touch the ESC PCB - that's how close it is. I've been wanting to change things anyway, so sometime soon I'll be getting a new motor mount and a single battery tray. And I'll be getting a new 4s lipo pack. Dual 2s2s 8Ah MA packs are simply too heavy.

Nice to see this, I may have a plan for one of these in the not so distant future. I have been wanting a decent 4s ESC with a budget price, thanks Mike!

Thanks for the info guys... I will be watching this little esc closely. Not that I need any more escs. But it is nice to have options.

Could always go to an indoor ymca gym, setup a few ramps and stuff and ask the clerk at the counter to crank the heat to 90 degrees.:lol:

If it will handle a 7XL motor than it should work out well for most MT's. I smoked my mtroniks truck esc on a 7xl geared 20/68 which is what everyone with an MM was running. That ESC was only meant for 80A also. This sounds like a good low cost alternative to the MMM if you are only going to run 4S and it works in an MT.

I'm really hoping it is stable on 5s. 80A @ 5s would be perfect for the majority of 1/8 b/truggies and 1/10 MTs.

"Hi there, My name's Ryan. Can you do me a favour and heat up the gym to 90F and watch me jump my little car around?"

Added ESC current draw figures and BEC test data at the bottom of the original post. The ESC current draw figures are with no motor, just to test what it drew without a motor load.

Those figures look pretty good! But I am no expert

people are falling over themselves to comment on your test, Brian. I love it. Next time you void take a pic and post it, should be good for 5 pages of praise!:lol: Seriously though, good information, definitely confirms lutach's bigger is better theory.

look pretty good for the 80amps unit......i have t he 150amps version with the black board.....just hope that it will be a solid esc to.....

take a look inside.....sorry BrianG to use your thread so i just want to compare:oops:


http://i42.tinypic.com/97ocwg.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/j0k8hx.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/xvzpy.jpg


78 gram more then the mmm....so those esc(80amp and the 150amp)

will be more powerfull compared to the mmmv3??

e-mike.

How do you like the 150a version? Smooth startup? Have you run it on 6S yet?

-Brian

we have got to set a picture size limit......

But that's just how big it is... LOL

I agree with Mike about this esc being smooth, and the comments about it probably being a good budget esc.... although being the size of a big mac.

well ive tryed on 3,4,6 cell lipo and a was impressed....not smooth as the mmm(startup)but no cogging and cooler run...go for it:whip:

forget to mention that on 4 unit(150amps)only one run without a big and strange cogging come at 2/5 trottle and the cogging disapear for the rest of the trottle range.....?????


ive send 3 of the esc for replacement and same thing......always cogging at 2/5 of trottle