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Reversing ESC vs DPDT relay

Posted: Sep 5th, 2012, 3:07 pm
by KR2_Diving
Hey all,
Need to pick some brains here.
I've think I have gotten to the stage where I have my control system planned. But I thought I would seek the general opinion of the forum on one major point.

Which control method for my thrusters is better:

Option 1:
ESC with a DPDT relay between the ESC and the B/L Motor to control reverse direction.

Option 2:
Reversing ESC to work with B/L motors in both directions.

For user input, I am using a WiiNunchuk and an Arduino. I will have full control over the logic that tells the ESC and DPDT relays what to do. I am yet to figure out how I am going to get my Wii Nunchuk signal to the ROV, but that is another discussion for another thread...

Anyway, before I go and buy all the wrong stuff, i was wondering if anyone had any comments for or aginst the options above.

Thanks,

Ryan "KR2_Diving"

Re: Reversing ESC vs DPDT relay

Posted: Sep 5th, 2012, 3:45 pm
by derelicte
by b/l, I'm going to assume that you mean that you have a brushless motor and esc.

go the reversing esc route and forget the relay. the relay is just going to add complexity and potential failure point.

for example:

Image
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... verse.html

Re: Reversing ESC vs DPDT relay

Posted: Sep 5th, 2012, 9:37 pm
by thegadgetguy
I agree on the ESC - relays will need extra electronics to go with them, as the Arduino can't supply enough current to power the coils directly; an external transistor is necessary.