Castle Creations Phoenix 110HV controller - RC-Monster Forums

captain harlock · **Castle Creations Phoenix 110HV controller -** 08.10.2006, 08:21 PM

Who recommends me to take this controller if he knows that it costs only $230 and it can handle up to 110amps, 12s lipos, pistol grip compatible, double heatsink, but no proportional break? it has an option of 'hard break', though.

squeeforever · 08.10.2006, 08:38 PM

Thats gonna be like full brakes....I wouldn't unless you use mechanical breaks. It will possibly damage the motor from a heavy truck slaming to a hault all the time.

Procharged5.0 · 08.10.2006, 08:45 PM

I second Squee's opinion. It would be fine if you adapt a mechanical brake from the T-Maxx and program the brake to the disabled mode.

You do have a T-maxx don't you?

BrianG · 08.10.2006, 11:56 PM

You know, I saw that ESC a while back and remember being quite impressed with its construction. IMO, that is how an ESC is supposed to be built (from an electronics standpoint)! I like the aluminum layer in between each layer of PCBs/FETs and the ample heatsink. I bet that thing doesn't overheat or blow FETs! Too bad it's not apparently meant for vehicle use, unless you use mechanicial brakes.

captain harlock · 08.11.2006, 12:10 AM

Shutt down the ESC's break and use mechanical one..?!!
Sorry, my GrandArk Phase.1 is the first monster truck I've ever owned.
I guess I need to use an additional servo, right?

Serum · 08.11.2006, 02:45 AM

Yes it does use an extra servo.

Starscream used one in his truck. (for testing purposes)

captain harlock · 08.11.2006, 10:50 AM

Hmmm. It would only make things more and more complicated.
In the future I might use 8s lipos, and that is why I need a high voltage controller. Probably Schulze is the only way I can go, but MGM has a good controller, too. Though I'm not sure how good it will perform.

Serum · 08.11.2006, 11:54 AM

mgm is the way to go, unless you feel like investing money in an expensive non insured bbq..

I use the MGM too, it works perfect.

08.11.2006, 03:05 PM

Hello.
about this Castle Creations Phoenix controller i saw somewhere forum talk about "World's Fastest RC Car Challenge" show, some guys used NTC3 with HV85A esc and 8s Lipo run at 134.4MPH a record.
but i think maybe can do that , because HV can support to 50V high volt.

Serum · 08.11.2006, 07:42 PM

Nice for speedruns, but it doesn't say anything about his further behaviour.

Starscream used it in his truck too

starscream · 08.12.2006, 05:39 AM

Hey Serum,
I did use the HV110 on my truck but it had some undesirable and random issues because of its incompatibility with pistal grip transmitters. The controller handled 8s with a 12xl wanderer quite well. The wanderer got pretty hot but the esc was relatively cool. I was able to get the HV to work with my JR XS3 but not with my Nomadio Sensor. I must say that the 12xl on 8S was a bit too much even for me and I'm a power hungry fool :027:

I have since purchased the Quark Monster Pro 125B from Mike and am pleased with it so far.

Serum · 08.12.2006, 05:43 AM

I guess you need to setup the 0 line, right? because it's meant to start from negative with the plane RC?

So once programmed right (or using a stick transmitter) it works okay?

braking with it is not an option, right Starscream?

starscream · 08.12.2006, 03:42 PM

Serum,
The controller does have braking options however, because of the way around the 0 line issue it won't shouldn't work. I never use esc brakes as I run manual brakes on all my trucks.

By default, the nuetral position of the throttle is half throttle. In order to get around that, I configured the esc full brakes to the nuetral position of the trigger. I then configured the esc for forward only and was able to control the tuck normally. This worked with my XS3 but not my Sensor.
The only problem with this was that every now and then, when I used the manual brakes, the esc would reset and the nuetral position would revert back to half throttle which actual is more like full throttle. Its not cool to have you truck take off WOT out of control :019:
I was able to stop the truck because of the manual brakes but still... not cool.
I have since given up with the HV because it is currently not reliable.

coolhandcountry · 08.12.2006, 06:09 PM

What happens if you used the mixing option?
Hook the thrid channel up to brakes.
Hook the second up to the esc. Set the reverse to 0% epa.
The adjust the 3 Channel to operate the brake when you go to reverse.
Gustav uses this method. So it is his idea.

starscream · 08.13.2006, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolhandcountry

What happens if you used the mixing option?
Hook the thrid channel up to brakes.
Hook the second up to the esc. Set the reverse to 0% epa.
The adjust the 3 Channel to operate the brake when you go to reverse.
Gustav uses this method. So it is his idea.

That works most of the time and has been the way I have always configured my trucks. Technically throttle is channel 1, steering ch2 and brake ch3 :027:
The thing about the HV is that it arms when you put the throttle to full brake so with the nuetral position set to full brake, it arms automagically.
If you change the epa for ch1 to 0% for reverse, it still auto arms but does not help the random problem I mentioned before (WOT). The HV is a great esc, I just wish it was pistal tx friendly.

I like castle products but am disappointed that the MMM will only handle 16 cells. I even tried the Barracuda 125, because it should be able to handle 6S, but fried it on one run using 6S geared moderately.

I think I'll wait to hear from others before buying any other Castle controllers for my truck :005:

For now, the Quark 125B is working great.