MSC and Electric?

[NJSoundMan]

I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to R/C cars and trucks, and I've only worked with ESC's when it comes to aircraft.

My question being, how is it possible to use a mechanical speed control (servo) with an electric motor?

Thanks in advance...

[SteveK]

A mechanical speed control works like a dimmer switch on a light in your house, or a throttle on a car, sort of. There is a servo moving an arm on the MSC. The MSC has a little contact on it, and when is passes over one of 3 (Usually) contact points on the MSC, you get a certain amount of power to the motor. You basically only get three speeds in forward, but there are some MSCs that work with a resistor and you get a much wider range of throttle response.

With the cheapest ESCs now costing about as much as an MSC and a servo to operate it, I would hope that MSCs will soon disappear forever from the hobby. ESCs are so much more efficient and smooth to operate that anything else is just a waste of time. If you are getting into cars, definitely go with an ESC, even a really cheap one.

The ESCs in cars are trucks are much like the units from aircraft, though they are built to withstand much more stress and strain (Even with a less powerful motor, a car puts more stress on an ESC than a plane), and there is no 'soft start' or anything with surface ESCs.

[NJSoundMan]

Aaah, thanks for clearing that up. The kit I ordered (should arrive late next week) supposedly comes with an MSC standard, but there's a bit of confusion in that area, as some of the parts lists and diagrams for the kit claim that it comes with an ESC. I was planning on putting an ESC in it anyway, due to the benefits in performance and weight. I just couldn't wrap my curious mind around how it operated.

Any suggestions for a mid-line ESC? The kit is a Tamiya Chevy S-10 stadium truck, comes with a standard 540 motor (which I also plan on swapping out for more a more high-performance unit)?

[SteveK]

I was going to ask what kit, but you said it at the end. That truck comes with an MSC, and I would advise just leaving it in the box. You can get a quality ESC for well under $50, the only thing you have to decide is what motor you want to use in the vehicle eventually. Most of the cheaper ESCs have a 18-20 turn limit, which is probably good for that truck. For a lower turn limit you'll pay more, but have more options available in the future.

I have the Futaba MC230 ESC and I love it. It has a 20 turn limit, but they make a version with a 13 turn limit for less than $20 more. ESCs from Novak and LRP are also excellent. Just set yourself a budget and decide whether or not you want reverse (I recommend it for a basher) and see what you like.

[GramdeGixxer]

for that truck i would probably try to stay in the stock class as far as motors go.

[NJSoundMan]

That's another thing I'm a bit confused about.. the turn rating on a motor. Does a lower number equate to better performance (and greater battery drain)?

And thanks again for all the info.. you guys have been great.