Smoke from motor

[maineyak]

After a first wiring test the motor slowed after a few seconds and started smoking. Switched everything off and checked everything to find the ABC connectors from esc to motor were the wrong way round. What an idiot - I was so sure I had checked them many times!

Anyway switched them round the correct way and tried again. Speedo seems ok and runs the motor but after a few seconds the motor starts smoking again.

I guess I need a new motor then.....

[SlowOne]

Ohhhh yesssss!! Coils have overheated and the insulation has gone IMHO.

[DCM]

Still, miss-wiring a brushless will just make it go backwards....

[i4n]

Steve, what happens if you've plugged the sensor lead in as well? I know that works on a sensorless (or a posh speedo that will figure out that there is something wrong).

[maineyak]

Yep, I had a sensor wire connected too.

I'm reading it's ok to mis-wire a sensorless motor but it is bad if it is a sensored motor.

The speedo is a 120A Hobbywing - which has hopefully survived

[maineyak]

So is there any way to fix the motor or is it a bin job?

It still spins - but I've only be trying it for milliseconds. Last time I held the throttle on it started smoking again and slowed up.

Don't really want to do that again as thinking it might bust the ESC.

[SlowOne]

Depends on the motor. My suspicion is that the coils have burnt out. Some motors you can buy new coils, some you can't. It's worth contacting the manufacturer and asking, but if you can't replace them I suspect it is only any use as a paperweight. Would make a good talking point if you drive a desk for a living! HTH

[maineyak]

OK got a new motor today and just soldered it in checking ABC about fifty times!

Switched on and motor is running at full speed. Reset the throttle end points on the esc and it is still full speed. Throttle stick on tranny does nothing - no variation in speed.

Plugged in the 2in1 and reset the ESC to default settings, reset the end points and its still full speed when switched on

I seem destined not to race tomorrow......

Any ideas anyone?

[imull]

Does the speedo show that the end points are set correctly (beeps or lights?) Try plugging the speedo into the steering channel and setting the endpoints with the steering channel and test from there. This will rule out the radio.

What radio is it?

Do you have access to a multimeter that can measure resistance? You can tell if your speedo is knackered using it.

[maineyak]

Hi imull thanks for getting back to me.

Yes the end points beeped correctly when setting up but seconds after the final one is done it switches to full power.

If I connect the speedo into channel 1 will it be ok? Radio is a CR151 Core RC Code 2.4GHz 3-Channel FHSS LCD Stick Combo.

Yes, I do have a multimeter. Where should I connect?

[imull]

The reason I mention the radio is that it sounds like it's going into failsafe. If you plug it into channel 1, the steering channel, it might eliminate that. The channels work the same so it's fine to plug it in.

With the multimeter set it to resistance, disconnect the motor and measure the resistance between each motor wire (phase) and the battery connections (make sure it's not connected to anything when you do this)

Any low (less than a few kohms) resistance might show that the phase is blown.

[maineyak]

A harrrr.....

Plugged the esc into channel 1, set the end points and throttle works fine off the steering!

I think this is good, but what does it mean?

[maineyak]

ok, plugged the servo into ch.2 and no steering off the throttle.

Plugged the servo into ch.3 and it shoots to full lock.

I guess ch.2 on my receiver is broken then....?

[rc_penguin]

There's a switch on the top right of those transmitters... flick it to the other position then plug everything in correctly again, ie esc to channel 2 steering servo to channel 1 and reset the endpoints on your esc. I'd think that would clear your issues!

[maineyak]

Penguin you are the man.

IT'S WORKING!!!!!!

The throttle hold switch was on as you correctly surmised. Such a simple little thing but I would have never got it.

Thanks to you both, and thanks to the internet.

Signing out. Can of Stella and MOTD