33 replies to this topic

[dalek]

No opinion on brushless motors or stake in your rules, but what is the reasoning for the belief that brushless motors would improve racing? Im asking out of curiosity and not trying to dispute your claim.

 

My reply below is not only about improving FSCS racing, but possibly improving slot car racing overall.

 

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Brushless Simplicity

 

-- No brushess to break-in

-- No shortening of the motor shaft to clear the tire

-- No notching the can to clear the axle

-- No soldering the motor to the chassis

-- Easily readjust the gear lash

-- The motors last a long time

 

Future chassis:  -- Small enough to be run as a side-winder

 

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ESC Failure Rate

 

At P-1, we've been racing classes that use X-89 and Remora ESC's.  From what I've seen, I don't consider the ESC's to be having a high failure rate.

 

Keep in mind that soldering the little motor wires to an ESC is not easy for some people so ESC's might be damaged and maybe, in some cases, the life of the ESC is shortened.

 

I know there are guys that use the same soldering iron tip to solder the little 28 gauge motor wires to the little tiny pads on an ESC as they use to solder a motor into a chassis -- yikes!

 

IMO, a chisel tip is not even the right shape for soldering wires to an ESC because the angle is too flat.

 

FWIW, I personally have settled on the Hakko T18-C2 which is a bevel tip.  The end material is 2mm round  cut at a 45 degree angle (bevel).

 

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Motor Inconsistencies

 

Just like brush motors, some brushless motors are more powerful than others.

 

It's early in the game but from my observations and testing, I've seen a dirct relationship between no-load RPM and lap times.

 

If this holds true, it opens up the possibility of weeding out dogs and rockets, leaving the field with motors that are more equal.

 

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In regard to an ESC's affect on performance, from a little testing I've done, there has been virtually no change in no-load RPM when swapping one ESC for another of the same brand.

 

[Bucky]

Thanks Dale. Not to venture too far off topic, but when power is turned off do the cars stop in a similar distance to brushed cars or do they tend to roll further?

(I promise its my last question on the issue and will let you guys return to your rule discussion without my interference)

[dalek]

The brakes on a brushless car work even with track power off. The stopping distance is the same as with track power on with one slight exception sometimes I notice that the car will release the brakes when it's almost stopped causing it to roll maybe two or three feet extra at the most.

[Hot Slots]

Thanks Dale. Not to venture too far off topic, but when power is turned off do the cars stop in a similar distance to brushed cars or do they tend to roll further?



(I promise its my last question on the issue and will let you guys return to your rule discussion without my interference)

My car usually rolls for about 10 seconds after the power turns off, im running WD-40 on my bearings, ive got 2 additional laps around Marcus hilclimb, it pisses the other guys off, I also submerge my esc and motor completely in wd-40 to break them in Aaron. I dont suggest anyone else try this. I have a special process. Hahahaha

[Tampabay racer]

The only experience Ive had with brushless. Is when theres a track call the power get shut off and turned back on, sometimes the cars literally move backwards. Ive also noticed the motors are not as consistent as some say.

[Tampabay racer]

Self edit as I posted the same comment twice. Now Ive got to enter a post.

[Hot Slots]

Can the light weight Mid America Gemini pans be approved as well.

[Davrace1954]

The FSCS has been very successful. Would like to see different bodies to run in the LMP class. Viper Pit has a WEC class series. WEC and LMP are very similar in size and shape. 

[Hot Slots]

Those bodies probably work Great for the Box Stock Classes at the Vipers Pit, but we don't need them in the FSCS Series.