First Build Questions : ESC's & Batteries

[Cormaq]

Hi folks,

Thanks to the kind help from Holtneil in pm's I narrowed down a lot of what I want from my first quad build. I have done further research myself in hope to make things as future/upgrade proof as possible.

I'm pretty happy with my general choices for the quad build so far, this is what I've decided on:

X-Hover MXP230 Elite Frame
Cobra 2204-1960kv Motors
HD 5040 Props
Naze 32 FC
Taranis X9D
Frsky F8R or Frsky D4R-II Receiver (I hear the D4R has telemetry for the tx?)
(FPV Gear once I've got the hang of line of sight flying again, it's been about 5 years since flying 3D Helis)

As far as I'm aware, I need at least a 12A esc running these motors but people say with 4s batteries a little headroom is preferable. My first choice initially was the Kiss 18A ESC's but they're pretty much out of stock everywhere atm so I'm hoping with your help I can come to a solid alternative.

I would like to use the Blheli firmware so I have the option to use oneshot in the future. I have some confusion when it comes to flashing and programming ESC's. Some seem to use micro usb, others need programming cards and such, this is quite confusing to me and I've been unable to find much information explaining it in any detail.

What I'm after is a reliable 15-20a esc with blheli, easy to program/flash, will work with 4s Lipo and the motors above.

With that said, In regards to batteries I have heard great things about the Lumenier 4s 1300Mah 60-120c, this will obviously give me a bit more punch but would it be beneficial to start with a lower C rating battery initially while I learn the ropes again?

An info or pointers you guys could give me would be fantastic, I'm very keen to learn!

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

[GJH105775]

Flashing is a term used to refer to reprogramming a ROM chip. We used to use EPROM chips, which had a little window that could recolonize UV light. You put them in a little tanning bed like thing that you told how to flash it. This is why a firmware update is called flashing. We now use EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Read Only Memory) chips. The programming cards only change variables in the firmware that is on the ESC. So you don't erase the firmware.

An important note is that if you interrupt a firmware up on a device you ruin the ROM chip. The device will then be bricked(paper-weight/useless) until you get a new ROM chip.

For a ESC that you will flash, most people like hobbyking F-20A I don't think you can use them on a quad before you flash them. Here is one that is preloaded with SimonK so you can use them for a quad out of the box. Note: they both use N-FETs.

 

[Cormaq]

Thanks for the prompt reply GJH.

From what I understand so far SimonK is pretty awesome but you're unable to use Oneshot with it? (something i'd like to be able to utilize lateron) is that correct? that's the only reason I was after BLheli firmware for the ESC's really. Are those Hobbyking F-20A ESC's flashable with any firmware you like, or am i getting muddled up hehe.

Also, how do I go about flashing new firmware on to an ESC?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[GJH105775]

I could give you an essay on how, but this is probably better. Watch the second video, it has some additional useful information.

 

[Cormaq]

Thanks mate