Quote:
Originally posted by Batfish
Although not always true, a rule of thumb is:
Hot motor, cool controller, cool batteries = undergeared
Cool motor, hot controller, hot batteries = overgeared
Warm motor, warm controller, warm batteries = happy components :)
Hot, warm, and cool vary as well, so here's another general rule:
Hot for a motor = generally over 160F
Hot for a controller = generally over 150F (or "thermal" range for the controller)
Hot for batteries = generally over 150F for nimh, 130F for lipo
Warm for a motor = generally 100F through 150F
Warm for a controller = generally 100F through 130F
Warm for batteries = generally 100F through 130F for nimh, ambient temp through 120F for lipo
Cool for all components = generally ambient temp and up to 10 degrees F more
The reasons the above are not always true are numerous, but may include:
Sticky drivetrain - will put un-necessary strain on electronics whether geared correctly or not.
Poor quality batteries - batteries will heat up regardless of gearing.
Wrong motor for the application - will put un-necessary strain on electronics whether geared correctly or not.
Wrong controller for the application - will put un-necessary strain on electronics whether geared correctly or not.
The list goes on, but this can give you an idea of things to watch for.
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Wow, that's a nice compilation of data for newbies like me! Thanks, even though it wasn't specifically for me! It all makes sense when you think about it really (from an electronics perspective), but it's nice to have the list. :)