capacitors solder on the esc, what 4?

[kojak61]

I have seen alot of people with large capacitors solder on the esc, what is it for?

[TA03 Drive Hard]

Capacitors are used on esc just the same as on electric motors... this reduces the "noise" that electronics produce and also regulate power flow... :cool:

[Nairb]

You're probably talking about that big black thing, right? That's a Schottky Diode. It's required to be used with forward-only ESCs. If your ESC instructions say to use one, use it. If they don't say to, don't. BTW, it will explode the first time you throw your car into reverse if you have a reversing ESC.

[Sprite@]

It's either a shottky or a power capacitor as used on cyclones and quantums.

[Grizzbob]

I would guess he's asking about Power Capacitors, like what needs to be installed on the Novak Atom & Cyclones(& apparently the LRP Quantum). It is a safety measure that helps protect the ESC from power flowing back through the system. While it doesn't hurt anything to run without small caps on the motor or the Shottky Diode, you MUST use the Power Cap on the ESC to prevent it from overheating...... :)

[Nairb]

HOLY COW!! Did I misread that THAT bad? Sheish! Of course he's talking about power capacitors. How did I mistake "esc" for "motor?"

*Nairb slaps himself with a big, fat trout*

[Railman]

Heh Nairb, I'm old so whats your excuse? :p

[Nairb]

I dunno...over-active-BB-guy syndrome? ...anticipating the question too much? hmmm...

[Railman]

I do the same thing. With me it's my eyes. I need glasses & so far have refused to get them. Seems like people jump all over you when you make a little mistake, but oh well.... Later.

[nrgtrader]

If it is the Power Capacitor you are speaking of (round "can" with two leads coming out of the bottom.. usually blue in color), then it's purpose is to not only suppress noise, but help supply current during transient moments. A capacitor, or cap, is like a short term battery. It stores electrons.. just not for very long. You could say it is sort of like a buffer to help supply extra current. They use them in car stereo applications alot to help the battery during peak loads. Hope that helps.

[Nairb]

Yes, I'd say it's EXACTLY like a buffer.

[kojak61]

So will this help improve the proformance of my Explorer 2 esc?