How to cook your servo's

Subject: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:04 pm

Hey All,

I was doing some research recently after I fried my TowerPro MG995 servo's...and it seems that the root of the problem lies with a combination of the TEU-101BK Esc and Lipo.
As I am sure you know, the TEU-101BK does NOT have a BEC and in most cases, unless specified, not all Rx have them built in. What this means is that your servo's are getting power directly from the battery pack. Most servo's are able to tolerate up to 7.2V, but most are happier at around 5-6V at 3A, the TowerPro ones specifically state that they are able to handle 7.2V, but when you put in the Lipo at 7.4V, the additional 0.2V kills them..and sometimes we know that a fully charged Lipo will get to 8.4V...bottom line is.....bye-bye servo...

I personally like the MG995, they are good value (found some at US$14 each) they have good torque and great speed for an entry level servo.

The solution? There are two ways to go, either get a new ESC that has a BEC built in OR get a voltage regulator. I got one from T&U, they cost AED 50, or USD$14 online....same really.

Anyway, if you are runnnig a TEU and a Lipo, there is a good chance you will fry a TowerPro MG995. I think Ahmed blew a servo the same time as I did, but his was a Hitec I think, so they might be in danger as well....

For what its worth, the Futaba S3001 and the Tamiya ADSPEC kit servos seem to impervious to the above....problem is, they are plastic geared, slow, weak and simply ....suck.

Subject: Re: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:50 pm

This was my problem with my mini setup, I was using the TEU 101 and a Futaba RX before, then I change my RX to a KO spectrum, I found out that the spectrum RX doesnt have a built in BEC as well as the TEU 101, thats why Im having glitches with my servos, the simplest solution is to get a voltage regulator or BEC.

Subject: Re: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:19 pm

Thanks for the advice Andy, will need to get a BEC for my tt-01 then as it is the same setup you we're using in your mini....

My M-05 runs a TEU-104, is that better or would you still recommend putting a BEC in there too?

Subject: Re: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:27 pm

Paul,

Dont quote me as saying this, but as far as I am aware, the 104 is no better than the 101 with regrds to specs, the ONLY difference is that the 104 has the cutoff. But be aware, the cutoff is USELESS for Lipo, it is designed for LiFe batteries that will require about 4.4V, cut off a Lipo at that voltage and you have a new paperweight.

Subject: Re: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:33 pm

Cheers thanks, thats fine i got one of those beepers to tell me when to change the battery....

I guess i will need to get some BEC's to keep an eye on the voltage and to save the servos...

Subject: Re: How to cook your servo's Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:41 pm

No prob,

Just imparting info, we need to save our kit, considering how difficult it is to get around these parts....

All, just remember, if you are running NiCd or NiMh, there is no need to panic, this shouldnt happen to you. Also, if you are running an ESC or Rx with built in BEC circuitry, you are also safe from harm.