Replacing a 'vintage' ESC

[Indie55]

Hi folks.

I'm a noob to this forum, and hopefully a born again driver.

I've almost set my heart on an Associated B44.2, but before I shell out my hard earned cash I thought I'd see if I could get my old buggy going. I've found everything apart from the ESC. Here's a list of what I've got :-

Car - Kyosho Ultima Pro
Motor - Parma Pro Modified Cyclone II 16 Turn .70mm Double
Receiver - Acoms AR-227FE
Servo - Acoms IC AS-11
(I also have a KO Propo PS-87, but not sure why it's in a box, and not fitted to the car)

I can't find my ESC. I know I had a Futaba FP-MC112B, because I have the instructions for it.

My question is this - I know I could source the same ESC on eBay, but is it possible to buy a new speed controller that will be backwards compatible with my old equipment? Or would it be safer to stick with the same old ESC?

Thanks.

[cutting42]

I am by no means an expert but current modern ESC's are only for Brushless motors and incompatible with your double 16. I am sure you could get an old suitable brushed ESC on ebay pretty cheap. I believe that Novak used to make dual brushed / brushless ESC try a Novak Racing GTB but they are quite old now.

I would look for a cheap combo from Hobbywing, say a 9 turn with 60 amp speedo http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HOBBYWING-...item2326b4c32a plenty turn up second hand on here and other forums for half that.

That would get you going

[Col]

Originally Posted by Indie55

Car - Kyosho Ultima Pro
Motor - Parma Pro Modified Cyclone II 16 Turn .70mm Double
Receiver - Acoms AR-227FE
Servo - Acoms IC AS-11
(I also have a KO Propo PS-87, but not sure why it's in a box, and not fitted to the car)

Sell it all! Assuming it's in reasonable condition most of it is worth good money - certainly enough not to destroy it on a race track

[terry.sc]

The problem of using a 112B is that if anything goes wrong with it, it will cost much more to repair than the price of a cheap modern ESC and 112Bs weren't the most reliable of ESCs at the time.

Modern brushed ESCs are readily available and there are still many more brushed ESCs around than the latest brushless systems. Just because most people use brushless systems for racing doesn't mean there aren't brushed ESCs for the much bigger group of non racers. Any modern ESC will work with your old radio.

For suggestions of what will work have a look at the Modelsport Sniper RV12, Nosram International, LRP Super Sport. Alternatively there should be plenty of spare high end race brushed ESCs available second hand for not much money, I probably have a few knocking around myself if you are happy with a forwards only ESC.

[Robby]

Why not get ahead of the game and go ahead and buy a current Brushless motor and ESC combo (there are a lot of budget systems being used) and slap them in your old ride - and then when you do put together the budget to get a new car you'll be ahead of the game.

[Indie55]

Thank you for the replies and information.

I don't think I'll sell it. I'm a bit of a hoarder. I've also discovered cracks on the top deck. Must've had a hard shunt at some point.

I popped into my local shop today and got a basic ESC. Fwd/Rev with a switch to make it Fwd/Brake. Also got a battery. 3000 NiMH. But when I got my old charger out, it's got crock clips for a 12V car battery. I'll see if any of my dad's chargers will charge it.

Once that's charged, I'll find out if it all still works. If not, I'll dig deeper and invest in a whole new setup. And weatherproofing!! Lol