Simon Hall 2 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I have 2 Radians, both were fitted with the original Eflite ESC. I broke an ESC in a crash and replaced it with a Turnigy unit which I picked up as it was a lot cheaper than the Eflite and seemed ok based on reviews. I am looking to buy another ESC as a spare, so wondered if anyone had any suggestions on a good, cheap reliable replacement. The Eflite has had la fair bit of use and has been fine, the Turnigy has only been used once. The Turnigy was a lot cheaper, but I had to solder the connectors on, which I don't really mind. I'm not sure of the long term reliability and performance differences between these two ESC's. One of my planes now has a couple of extra bits plugged in, the spektrum vario and telemetry modules, but I was under the impression that this would not make a difference to my choice of ESC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Hopkin Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Eflite stuff is top notch BUT very expensive, I have turnigy motors and LiPo;s and never had a problem with them so I have no think reason to think they are inferior - I usually get my ESC (and most motors) from 4Max - good quality and reasonably priced with fast delivery times to boot - **LINK** Edited By Dave Hopkin on 12/01/2015 17:12:39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I've settled on the Hobbywing Pentium/Flyfun range for many of my models and they've been very reliable for me. I've no experience of the E-Flite range so I don't know if they're worth the extra cost. The vario and tele shouldn't put much extra demand on the BEC - servo numbers are more critical. That 40A Plush (re-badged Hobbywing Pentium) has a switching BEC and will be fine for up to 4 servos on 3S. I personally use a separate BEC if I'm using than 4 servos, so if you have flaps on the Radian I'd recommend one. Others will say that they manage with the ESC's BEC but I attribute my complete absence of brownout (loss of power) problems to being cautious and not making any more demands on the ESC than necessary. For the sake of a fiver, a separate BEC is little to pay for peace of mind. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Wood Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Second Pete's recommendation for the Hobbywing units. Had no trouble from them - they've been very reliable. I also use a seperate BEC or regulator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Hall 2 Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 Only 2, low draw servos as both are basic Radians (not pro). I may possibly add another small servo for a camera in the future.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Skilbeck Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 The only thing I've noticed with some of the cheaper ESCs is the way they can stutter on start up if you just open the throttle a little (which I don't see on E Flite, Mulltiplex, Jeti or Castle units I've got), but once the prop is turning there doesn't seem to be any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Most of my models are equipped with Hobbywing ESCs which I've used for a number of years & found very reliable. IMO an ESC programing card is an amost essential tool to have, the HW/Turnigy one is cheap & easy to use. I only ever use the built in BEC & just make sure that any model with more than 3 servos has an ESC with a switch mode BEC. IIRC all Hobbywing ESCs 40A & over have switch mode BECs. IMO a seperate BEC would be overkill in a Radian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyh Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I'm flying my Radian Pro with the original ESC, but I've had good service from Turnigy Plush ESC's (which is what you have) in other models, & you can get a programming card for a few quid my RP has FrSky GPS/vario/voltage sensors without issue. if I was going to program in full-span ailerons (using the flaps) then I would consider an external BEC, but I don't think it's really necessary if you're just using the flaps as on/off or on/half-on/off -andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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