Castle HV240 Hydra for car use?
 

Hey Guys!

This may have been covered already, but I figured I would ask and see if anyone else have thought of this.

I needed a higher amp ESC than my trusty HV110. So, I did some looking and ordered a Castle Creations Hydra HV240 boat ESC. Now, I haven't run it yet. But, I hooked it up to my Castle Link and programmed it. This thing looks perfect for car use! It has reverse or brake selection, and even throttle curve adjustment. Fantastic!

I know it is meant for Liquid Cooling. But, Castle told me it will only run hot without any cooling if it is seeing 100+ amps most of the time. Besides, I have a TCS liquid cooling system here I can run through it if need be.

So, anyone else thought of trying this?

Matt

I doubt that the brakes and reverse are going to work for you. Boat brake and reverse is quite different from those intended for car use. You can certianly try it, but I think mechanical brakes and no reverse will probably be the best setup with that ESC.

For sure let us know how it works out though, I'm curious.


J.

TBH, this is not ever for RC use. I am installing it on my E-bike. I was running a HV110. But, I pull 150 amps regularly through it and eventually fried it. So, I went up to this ESC. But, it just struck me while programming it that it may work great for a car because of the throttle curve setting and reverse.

The ESC gives one reverse speed. You set it throught the USB link. It is 12.5% throttle for reverse, 25%, 50%, etc. So, set for 12.5%, it may indeed work? However, I do not know if it goes directly to reverse without any brake first. Hmm, that may be an issue.

Again, for me, it makes no difference. It is on my bike. I have it set for no reverse and no brake.

Matt

Hey Mod Man,

Still got that AXI motor with the broken windings?

Yup, still got it.

Now the bike is running a Plettenberg Terminator Heli 30-8 motor pulling over 6,000 watts. :D

Matt

How about the 200A/90v ESC, and Neu 2230 2y on 20s lipo? Using 26" tires and geared around 45:1, speeds around 40mph should be easily attainable while keeping amp draw fairly low.

i dont think that he wants to take out a loan for a bike :lol:

http://hdrcvideos.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=14795
thats has a hydra 240. They are using the lst's tranny so it has brakes and reverse(if they didn't take out reverse)

Hey Matt, your bike project has been a HUGE inspiration to me. In fact, I'm only about a day away from ordering the drive components (15mm GT and HTD belts/pulleys) required for my bike. Mine's a bit different though - it'll use the BIG motor from Hobby City, the HXT 80-100 130kv or whatever it is. And it'll go on a 24" mountain bike, so it needs a reduction ratio of about 4:1 before the chain starts spinning (between the chain sprockets it's a ~2.8:1 ratio). Final drive ratio (FDR) will be about 10-12:1. And unlike your bike, mine won't be designed for low weight and pedals - it'll have pedals without a chain attached just for legal reasons.

As for the power requirements of your bike, how often does it require 150+ amps? The reason I ask is because I was hoping to get away with a 100amp AIR ESC with a setup capable of about mid 20s mph depending on battery choice.

Mod Man,

I'm pretty sure the HV monster will be out in a couple of months. I would just wait for it. Patrick also said the Ice controllers would also be able to have the Mamba software in it, so it they have an HV Ice 240, it would be nice too.

I already have my Hydra 240. It looks very good indeed! I may need a Pixstix, though because this ESC is looking for a pistol grip radio with center trigger for arming. No big deal, though.

Those big 90 volt 200 amp controllers are nice, but not avaiable untill winter. I actually have a line on becoming a beta tester (their software guy offered it to me). It may even be possible that I will recieve an Alfa unit. We will see........... For now this Hydra should do it.

Metalman, I would say run an HV110. But, make SURE you minimize your wire length and double up the Dean's connectors. I blew my HV110 primarily from too poor wiring.

I hit 150 amps regularly. Remember, I am running that monster $1000 Pletti Terminator now. That thing is freaking WICKED! I have pulled nearly 7,000 wattsd through it. Amazing.

Anyway, I will keep you guys posted.

Matt