Battery and ESC connectors

[isogloss3d]

Sorry if this is a redundant post. As always I spend time first searching on Helifreak and through Google.

Can I use Deans as battery and ESC connectors? Progressive RC says Deans are rated up to 70-80 amps but I've seen a number of 6HV pics in the Photos and Video section using EC5's all around or at least at the ESC end.

I really don't mind using Deans if they'll do the job and I'm using the HW 70HV with spark arrestor so that doesn't bother me either.

Also, I already have everything ordered for my build (or so I think) and my LHS doesn't carry EC5 connectors (which I find a bit odd and ridiculous) which means I'll have to order those too.

Obviously not the end of the world but I simply wanted to know.

[kw_rc]

Yes you can. I am a BIG fan I'd EC5's tho. They can handle more current and are a breeze to solder. I would recommend the ones from E-flite.

[Rob43]

They'll do the job. They are losing some favor with those running really high power systems. Several here seemed to have switched to EC5's because they are rated a lot higher.

[TheBum]

If you can solder a Deans successfully, you'll be able to solder EC5s in your sleep.

I swear by EC5s. I literally swear at Deans because I can never get them soldered quite the way that I want them.

[SkyRaptor]

I don't like Deans.. They are difficult to solder, PITA to connect/disconnect and has lower current capacity. Its contact surface is only about 33mm^2.

EC5 is a breeze do solder, really easy do connect/disconnect and has a contact surface of about 80mm^2. The more the contact surface, the less losses you have and less heat.

I see no reason to use Deans.

Alex.

[ragge1]

EC5
very cheap from hobbyking

[funkindatrunk]

I went with ec5 after the freaks advise. Glad I did. No more deans for me, well have onefor rx pack.

[isogloss3d]

Thanks guys, went with EC5's. Horizon Hobby for the first batch just to get the Y harness and first set of packs ready.

Just a thought (especially for people already using a separate receiver pack) - why do people (when using a 2-pack series setup) start by putting a single male connector (let's use EC5 for this example) on the ESC, only to have to use yet another connector (female) on the one side of the Y harness?

Why wouldn't you simply wire two male EC5 connectors in series directly to the ESC input wires?

Sorry for the newb questions.

[Larry227]

Originally Posted by isogloss3d

Why wouldn't you simply wire two male EC5 connectors in series directly to the ESC input wires?

Sorry for the newb questions.

Some people do wire it that way. It all depends on what suits your taste and component configuration.

[TallPaul]

I love my EC5s, but a warning about EC5s from "foreign" parts. I got a big bunch from them but the plastic piece was not made correctly and couldn't be used. After some frustration, I realized the problem (but cussing was involved ).

They were good about giving me a refund, but now I only order form well known sites to avoid the cheap knock-offs.

[Rob43]

The one comment I'd like to add, however, is to beware of the differences in the various brand EC5's. I've wound up with two kinds by purchasing a bunch from HK when I was setting up, and some Eflite ones when I needed a few, and eventually some which were installed on a number of parallel adapters I purchased from a reputable supplier. The knockoff males don't fit the genuine females well at all. You could go with all Hobby King ones and probably be fine. Just buy enough of them to make sure they are ALL the same variety. You will see the difference between HK males and Eflite males very easily. The Eflite males will fit HK females, but the HK males don't fit the Eflite females very well at all. I believe whoever makes those for HK are also used by other makes of parallel adapters and other accessories.

[isogloss3d]

Thanks Rob, that's very good to know. It's finding out little stuff like that the hard way that makes me insane. I haven't really priced both yet so I just hope if I go with Horizon they don't take me to the cleaners. I ordered them by phone from my LHS and didn't even ask price. I suppose it can't be too horrible.

[TheBum]

FWIW, I've mixed and matched E-Flite, Losi, and HK EC5s and they all play well together for me. Any that might have been a little tight were easily remedied with some contact lubricant.

[SkyRaptor]

Originally Posted by isogloss3d

Why wouldn't you simply wire two male EC5 connectors in series directly to the ESC input wires?

I do like that. It's a good idea avoiding extra connectors because they mean more losses.

Best Regards.

Alex.

[TheBum]

Originally Posted by isogloss3d

Why wouldn't you simply wire two male EC5 connectors in series directly to the ESC input wires?

If running an external BEC, it's really nice to be able to run the BEC by itself for setup/troubleshooting purposes. The easiest way to do that IMO is to wire the BEC into the Y-adapter and then leave the ESC disconnected if ESC power is not needed.