Hiya
I've almost finished setting up my CopterX 450 Pro (TT) which has a 50A ESC + BEC - http://www.ehirobo.com/copterx-cx450-10-05-50a-brushless-esc-with-bec.html2
I am having an issue where the BEC feels incredibly hot after a little while and stops using the input correctly (it receives inputs in a laggy fasion). Eventually the APM -> Servo communication appears to lock and won't work anymore.
I am using a power module connected to the APM and the helicopter is stationary - any ideas? Jumper has been removed.
Replies
Sorry. My bad. For some reason I saw 'multicopter' instead of helicopter.
Try removing the center pin from the servo connector of your ESC so that the lead going to the APM only carries signal and ground. That will unload the BEC on the ESC and ensure only the power module is supplying the APM.
Jamie Brunton said:
Power module is the power module for the Ardupilot http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-3dr-power-module.html
When you say disconnect all but one ESC - this is a helicopter so it only has a single ESC driving the main motor, I linked the ESC in question which also has a linear BEC attached to it which powers the APM.
What do you mean by "power module" - is that a battery eliminator/wall wart? If it is then make certain its output voltage doesn't exceed the rating of your ESCs.
I'm not familiar with that make of ESC and the manual can't be downloaded but here are my suggestions:
1) If you have the documentation be sure your voltage supply doesn't exceed the ESC rating (don't try to power an ESC rated for 3S with a 4S battery)
2) Disconnect all but one ESC from the APM and see if your overheating problem goes way. If it does then your ESCs likely have BECs with switching regulators which means only one ESC can be used for power
3) If none of the above resolve your issue then you'll need to measure your current draw to determine if you have a short circuit (or something very close to a short)