Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / December 2008

For general use, I'd say no. ( I use Turnigy)  If you are looking for the
ultimate in performance /on the edge, then the differences become
significant.You should seriously consider using the controller thst the
motor manufacturer specifies. Timing is a big issue at the limit. Also watch
Lipo cell count versus soft shutdown on low volts.

yes.

Many.

However I wouldn't claim that one is better than another under any
circumstances.

there are dozens of issues in play here.

1?. how linear is the throttle response
2/. is it self calibrating
3/. does its inbuilt advance match the otor you are using
4/. is it a nice low resitance and stays cool
5/. is it slightly higher resistance so that peak part throttle currents
on lower inductance motors dont cause massive current spikes, leading to
interference and component failure
6/. is the onboard BEC good enough for your servo load.

Thats just off the top of my head.

To be honest. JETI/HACKER are probably the most reliable. Castle has
nice features, but sometimes don't work. Some cheaper unit work with
cheap low efficiency motors, but bog down on really good motors.

I would some motors that ran fine on a  $15 ES but not on the castle,
without reprogramming the advance.

Castle has had issues with some AXI motors. JETIS always work.

OTOH, if a castle does work, its always exceptionally smooth and nice.

I am impressed with the new Quazar ESC line by FMA Direct.  40/60/80 Amp
uses switch mode BEC which allows more servos.  Very smooth throttle
control. Prices very competitive.

Red S.
Red's R/C Battery Clinic
http://www.rcbatteryclinic.com
Check us out for "revolting" information.

I haven't used the Turnigy controllers so can't compare but I do know the CC
controllers are very reliable and feature packed.  I have bought the CC
programmer lead for their controllers and tend to stick to that brand as a
result.  I have used the 10A, 25A, 35A and 45A versions and have been very happy
with all of them.

Hth,

The Turnigy is a pretty good inexpensive ESC, but I would not put it
on par with something like a Castle.  Castle uses a much better BEC
technology (the names are escaping me at the moment, I learned about
this when they were a guest on the podcast "all things that fly".  The
podcast can be found in the archives).  Also, in the event you manage
to toast a Castle, they'll replace or repair it for a fraction of the
new cost.  It's the difference between dealing with a small company
that's really concerned with their reputation and customer service and
a big Chinese corporation.  If your Turnigy shows up DOA, or you fry
it in short order, you're out of luck.

All that said, I’m currently using a Turnigy Plush 25A ESC.  It was
cheap, and I was placing an order anyway.  On a more high performance
application where performance really mattered I’d lean to the
Castle.

Good luck whatever you choose.