Geared Too High?

[chucksolo]

Ok, here's the deal, I just bought a Traxxas electric 4-Tec and installed full ball bearings (even in the outdrives)and junked the MSC for a Traxxas XL-1 ESC. I also installed a Trinity Green Machine 3 Pro as a replacement for the stock motor. I also replaced the 28T pinion for a 30T. Now this thing has some serious speed going. The problem is, I ran the car through at least 8 battery packs with absolutely no problems. Then yesterday, I ran a measly 12 mAh battery through it the battery connector melted onto the connector for the ESC. Am I geared too high. My motor temped out at 110* using my Raytek mini temp gun and the ESC was only slightly hotter at 126*!!! Should I go back to the 28T pinion? I sure would hate to give up the top end though. And don't tell me to get a new ESC. I plan on doing that anyway, but I think I need to get the gearing down first. Has any one had experience with the new XTM Sport ESCs? The forware/brake only one looks really nice for $45.00.

[ 08-20-2001: Message edited by: chucksolo ]

[broken_parts]

i have heard the traxxas is stinks it gets hot, but i dont think the connectors metled toegher because of that........ i had a rebel and mine conectors where fine but one day they got really hot and melted toegher ever since then i have been using powerpoles. i think it got too hot to fast. u wont need a new esc, just get new plugs (tamiya,duratrax,deans) and should solve the problem but since their no good now i would go ahead and get new plugs for less restiance.Just my .02
B_P

[jeepinator]

chucksolo, what style battery connectors are you using ?
If you have what is referred to as a "high resistance connection", lots of heat will result. Since the connectors have little mass and no thermal dissipation properties, melting is probable :p
It seems, based on your temperatures, that the ESC and motor are handling the gearing OK, it is just the connector having an issue.

The solution may be as simple as Deans or Sermos connectors (unless you already are using one of these). The Deans/Sermos debate is lengthy. Use the search engine for that one.

Good luck !

[rims']

its the esc it gets hot you may weanna gear up however

[Railman]

Chucksolo, Do what these guys have said in regards to the connectors, assuming you still have the Tamiya style. They just won't hold up to any serious amp draw, & most RC racers have been through that in their early stages of the hobby. Do NOT however, gear it up as suggested above. Gearing terms generally refer to the change in the output speed. Gearing it "up" or "taller", means that you end up with a higher output rpm, & will, except for when extremely under geared, result in a higher amp draw. It's just like in a full size car. Low gearer is slower than high gear...down shift, up shift. If your going to referance the ratio change a a numerical number , then refer to the number as a "ratio". Electric motors draw less amperage as the rpm is increased. gearing it up (higher output rpm) will only make it a lot worse. Maybe someone should re-read one of the threads in the general forum..."Bogus info"? :rolleyes:

[chucksolo]

Jeep and others, thanks for the input. I have the plain old connectors that come stock on the Traxxas ESC. They are pretty much junk I think and I am going to go get some Dean's this weekend as well as one of the XTM ESCs, the one without reverse. Thanks again.