Mtroniks Cirrus ESC January 16, 2004
Posted by Shannon in : Reviews , trackbackThis review is property of RochesterRC.com - Any reproduction partly or in its entirety with out express written consent is strictly prohibited.
We received Mtroniks newest Forward/Brake ESC - The Cirrus
It’s hard to believe they fit all these features in such a small package:
- Adjustable Throttle Profiles
- Adjustable Frequency
- Adjustable Brakes
- Adjustable Punch Control
- NEW Increased, Unbelievable Power
- NEW Amazing GEN-Xi FET Technology
- New Improved Heatsink Design
- New Programmable Features
- Truly 100% Waterproof
Specifications:
Setup: True One Touch
Direction: Forward/Brake
Motor Limit: No Limit
Input Voltage: 4 - 10 cells (4.8 - 12.9 VDC)
Peak Fwd Current: 1000 AMPS *
Peak Brake Current: 300 AMPS *
FET Continuous Fwd Current: 500 AMPS *
Rated Cont. Fwd Current: 50 AMPS *
Frequency: 1.5 - 5.0kHz
B.E.C. Output: 5.6V / 3.0A max
Voltage Drop @ 10A: 0.006 Volts
Weight (incl wires): 43g
Weight (excl wires): 26g
Dimensions (mm): L28.0 x W31.0 x H15.5
* - Rating of FETS @ 25 degrees Celcius (GEN-Xi FET)
Installation was a breeze. Due to it’s very small footprint I could mount the Cirrus just about anywhere in the car. Also because of the solder tabs I did not have to worry about cutting the wires too short. This makes it very easy for someone to move the ESC from vehicle to vehicle.
The Cirrus came with very concise instructions and great diagrams. The “One Touch” setup definitely makes this ESC very user friendly.
I opted for the default setup of maximum forward point and maximum brake point, but there is also four Extended Setup Modes:
Description of Extended Set Up Modes:
Frequency Modes
This setting allows the pulse frequency which is applied to the motor to be set according to user preference. The operation of this frequency is quite complex due to the operational nature of the CIRRUS speed control. However, in the interests of simplicity, here is how this setting should be used:
In general, for the best “punch” and performance, a lower frequency is preferable. However, with lower turn motors (under 15 turns), too low a frequency will cause overheating and high commutator wear. As a rough rule of thumb, it is best to use the higher frequencies with lower turn motors and the lower frequencies with higher turn motors. The higher frequencies will tend to make the motor feel smoother and less aggressive to drive and be more efficient.
Throttle Curve Mode
This lets the user select a response curve which matches their style of driving and track conditions. The effect of the curve is to control the response of the throttle action, dependent on the control stick or trigger movement on the transmitter. The more dipped the curve is in the middle, the smoother the model will feel to drive at the lower throttle settings.
Punch Mode
This setting allows you to control the maximum acceleration on the throttle. At low settings, this will be a fairly steady acceleration, but allowing you to achieve longer run times. At the higher levels, the acceleration will be extremely fast. However, in gaining good acceleration some static currents and access heat may be generated, therefore sacrificing some run time and risking some motor commutator and brush wear. Find a setting which allows smooth acceleration with minimal wheel spin for your choice of motor and gearing.
Brake Characteristic Mode
This setting allows you to “dial in” a minimum amount of brake the moment you come off the power and hit the minimum brake position of the “dead stick” (hands off) position. This amount of brake is expressed as a percentage of full brakes and is dependent upon which level you choose (see diagram below). The “dead stick” brake style is preferred by some drivers as it allows them to hold on to a certain amount of power before cornering.
With over 4000 setting combinations available with the four Extended Set Up modes, you will find a setting suitable to both your model and you own individual driving style.
Performance was amazing. Even with the default settings it seemed to me that the car was faster and had a lot more punch out of the corners then my previous ESC. My number of laps increased while my lap times decreased.
Non Cirrus Run
Cirrus Run
Conclusion:
If you are looking for the state of the art ESC then look no further. The Mtroniks Cirrus ESC has enough features and functions to satisfy even the most sophisticated racer, but it is still easy enough for a novice to use. Retail for the Cirrus is about $190 US and currently there is only one major US distributor for it.
We would like to thank Paul K. from M.troniks Ltd for letting us have this opportunity of reviewing such a fine product.
This review is property of RochesterRC.com - Any reproduction partly or in its entirety with out express written consent is strictly prohibited.
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