Problem with the Velineon VXL-3s ESC?

[emilhen]

Hi, I got my stampede a week ago, and have now started using LiPo batteries, for more speed. After I plug the batteries in, I hold the ez-set button in for about 12 secs, and it goes into "LiPo-mode" as I like to call it. And the led is green. But when I drive, it randomly sometimes turns Low Voltage Protection on. Sometimes after like 5 minutes of driving on a fully charged battery, then I just restart the car, and it drives for 15 minutes. It's just random. And I wonder if this is a problem with the battery, or the ESC? Or maybe the Traxxas connector, wich the guy at the store fixed for me, I'm not so sure his work was good...

The car is Stampede 4x4 VXL (6708) all stock expect battery of course.
The battery is DBY-power 4000 mAH 3S1P 11.1V 35C LiPo.

Thanks!

[mark c]

Just to be clear : do you have more than one lipo battery? If so I suppose youre having this problem with both? Also if you have never called traxxas for help don't hesitate to do so. They are open m-f 9 to 9 and they are GREAT. I have never waited more than a couple minutes to talk to someone.

[emilhen]

Thanks for reply. I have only one LiPo battery, but my friend just bought the Slash 4x4 and with the same battery, and he had the same problem as I did. Could these be bad cars/ESC he is selling, or bad batteries he is selling?

[Oaks]

It could be a combination of the battery being not quite up to snuff and the ESC shutting things down early.

I was running a SPC 3S 25C 5000 mah battery, and while this battery combined with the VXL hardware would run down the pack a decent amount running more modest 19/90 gearing, once I upped the gearing to say 23/90 or 26/90, i'd have the same troubles as you. I could practically induce the condition while off-roading. Nothing was worse than when it happened unexpectedly. Like trying to take a mile or two long walk at the park and wanting to have the rc ripping around me - only to have it shut off 10 minutes into the walk and be carrying it the rest of the way

If I ran it easy, I could run my batts down a good bit further, but the LVD would still trip early, like 3.9 or 3.8 volts per cell., but who wants to do that

I cannot confirm that a higher C rated battery pack cures the situation, but maybe some of the other guys with packs pushing more like 150+ amps can chime in. I know that running more conservative gearing can help band aid the situation. After several paid shipping trips at 5 bucks a pop between me and TRAXXAS, I have finally decided to step up to the Castle goodness And by all means, the VXL setup is a very capable system. In my specific case, I went thru 3 esc's and 2 motors with Traxxas Support right there along side with me. Sometimes I was covered under warranty and sometimes I had to pay a little. My only beef was that while the system was 'too much' for the street, it wasn't quite enough off road...

[mark c]

If your friend is having the same problem I am now a bit suspicious of either the batteries or how you are charging them. I'm not familiar with the brand you have but I do know velineon systems need 25c at best. Maybe some manufacturers 25c is not truly 25c. Happens a lot in anything from power tools to lawn mowers the maker tries to stretch the rating. I could be completely wrong but its just a theory. I personally would try a different brand of lipo better yet if you could borrow one from a friend for 5 minutes if possible. Hope this is of some help if not I'm bumping you back up on the forum there are a lot of folks here who have forgotten more than I'll ever know maybe they'll help you out

[Ewright1096]

This is happening to 2of my family's 3 cars (2rustlers, 1 stampede) all on 3s lipos


Ha. That's funny, my rustler goes faster than your Prius

[pavmentsurfer]

It sounds to me like its either a bad connection in the battery causing a momentary interruption of voltage, which would make the ESC think the pack was low and cut in the low voltage cutoff. Or, more likely, its the Early LVC issue some VXL ESC's suffer from. Im thinking this is more likely because it only happens when your on the gas and or, the pack has been run down a bit. The voltage will sag to around 3.7 volts per cell (which is the common level for an ESC suffering from early LVC) and the ESC shuts off. A proper LVC setting is 3.4 VPC...

I would call traxxas right away and see about a new ESC for both you and your buddy. Don't wait longer or they may question your warranty (though they rarely do).

The other option is to buy a Low Voltage Alarm for $4 from e-bay and plug it into your balance taps when your running. When the pack hits the pre-set voltage level (you would set this to 3.4) a LOUD warning buzzer will sound and you simply drive the truck back to you. I use these on my boat and they work great. You can get a version that has a built in voltage display so you can always see exactly how many volts are left in the pack. Great for knowing when your running is almost over OR just for checking your packs after a run.

[Ewright1096]

If you get the lva do you run the esc in the green light mode or the red light mode(sorry I can't remember the names of the modes off the top of my head)


Ha. That's funny, my rustler goes faster than your Prius

[mark c]

For Traxxas stuff red=low voltage off. Green=low voltage on.

[Oaks]

If you get the lva do you run the esc in the green light mode or the red light mode(sorry I can't remember the names of the modes off the top of my head)


Ha. That's funny, my rustler goes faster than your Prius

Red light mode, which is lvd 'off'. This way, the esc's pre programmed failsafe doesn't spoil the fun

[pavmentsurfer]

If traxxas isnt going to fix it, this is the best option for sure. If they will fix it for free, go that route. But get the LVA from e-bay anyway, for $4 they are a great tool to have around. I bought 2, one for my summit and one to have in my tool box for any time I wanted to run a lipo in a car with no low voltage system. Which happens more often than I ever expected it would.

[emilhen]

Thanks for all the answers! For more info, my charger is Imax B6AC Pro. I charge the LiPo at 4.0A and 11.1V of course.

I don't know about calling Traxxas because I live in norway... And I haven't seen any international numbers yet... Anyone know if these exist?

[BaldyDaniels]

Just try calling their toll free number

1-888-TRAXXAS.

If that doesn't work you can send them an email to:

support@Traxxas.com


AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!

[Captain_Rusty]

Have you checked your. Battery voltage when the esc cuts out?
The 1-888 number only works in the states and nowhere else, not even Canada. There is a uk support number though, maybe that would be more use? If not email works everywhere at least.

[emilhen]

Found the outside of US Traxxas number, it's 001-972-265-8000, I will call them later.

[emilhen]

My charger charges the battery to 4.20 V per cell, is this normal/good?

[DiggerPede]

4.20 VPC is perfect. Yes that is normal. Are you balance charging them so both cells are close to the same?

[Petertje60]

I have a set of DBY-power Lipos for my Merv. They are the worst batteries I've ever seen.

[emilhen]

I have a set of DBY-power Lipos for my Merv. They are the worst batteries I've ever seen.

How so? Do you have the same problem as me?

[emilhen]

4.20 VPC is perfect. Yes that is normal. Are you balance charging them so both cells are close to the same?

I have tried charging them normally, and balancing, either way it ends up at 4.20 VPC.

[emilhen]

Okay so I did a test inside to show you guys whats happening, the thing I do at the start is on purpose because it seems to trigger the error. Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhldz_j_bRo

[BaldyDaniels]

Slow blinking red indicates that it has entered into low voltage protection. Have you tried turning the low voltage protection off to see how it reacts? With the remote and esc turned on, push and hold the esc button for 10 seconds until you hear a tone. The esc led should now be solid red and LVC is turned off. Now see how the truck runs but don't run it for too long with LVC disabled cuz you don't want to over discharge your lipo. If the truck works okay with the LVC turned off, then you'll want to get yourself a low voltage alarm off eBay for 4 bucks so you can keep running with the LVC off. Or you can send it in to Traxxas for repair.


Sent from Dan's iPad using Tapatalk

[emilhen]

I'm not sure, but I think it runs slower when I have LVC off. And sure, that is an option, if it doesnt run slower by turning it off.

NVM, I think it runs just as fast as normally. Could someone send me a name/link or something that could help me find one of these detectors? Thanks!

[Petertje60]

How so? Do you have the same problem as me?

They do not meet their specs. Mine should be 1800mAh, but dont take more then 1200. Punch is not even close what you could expect from them. Maybe yours are far from their specs too, but what I see on the video is real bad.

[BaldyDaniels]

Here ya go, Only $2.91 with free shipping! Can't argue with that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lipo-Battery...item4aacce2f5d

[emilhen]

Here ya go, Only $2.91 with free shipping! Can't argue with that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lipo-Battery...item4aacce2f5d

Thanks! Tough, free shipping in the US. I'm in Norway

[BaldyDaniels]

Thanks! Tough, free shipping in the US. I'm in Norway

Just checked and it's free shipping anywhere, including Norway.

[DiggerPede]

You can't beat the price on those little suckers. The first time i purchased just one for nearly the same cost. The next go round i ordered half a dozen to keep a spares for my box. If you buy the same on in the states shipped here they range from $7.99-10.00 shipped.

[emilhen]

Free shipping to Norway too? Nice! But, are they waterproof?

[DiggerPede]

Free shipping to Norway too? Nice! But, are they waterproof?

I doubt it. They are just shrink wrapped on top of the LED board and around the back. The N/S ends are open to the world. Top having a double horn buzzer. For $3 you should pic a couple up, but i think you'll be ok unless you submerge it.

[BaldyDaniels]

When you want to run in the wet stuff, just stick the voltage alarm inside a balloon and use a twist tie to keep it closed. These little alarms are way loud, so you'll still be able to hear it from a ways away.


Sent from Dan's iPad using Tapatalk

[DiggerPede]

Baldy i actually thought about saying that and maybe i should have. I have mine mounted down with velcro so I dont have one on mine. I really think unless total submerged, a splash of water should be ok with it. Guess thats why " I " picked up a few extra.

[JMG]

http://www.newark.com/techspray/2103...2oz/dp/68K7372

Industrial quality sealer. I use it on all PCB's that leave the shop that need to be sealed. Remember to mask any contacts that need to conduct. This stuff is hard to remove.