Underpowered ESC

ottodog

ottodog

Member
Oops. "Ready-fire-aim" in action.
Current build:
Neewer A2212/13 1000kv
Swift 10A ESC
10x4.5" props
3s LiPo

Total weight ~1.1kg

I think that's all the relevant information?

Issue #1:
One of the motors won't spin with propellers attached, but the other three work fine.
What could cause this? Could it just be bad wiring or faulty motor?

While research I found some more issues.

Problems with my build(?):
While researching, I see now that the A2212 is supposed to go with 30A ESC, and according to http://www.microcopters.de/artikel/multicopter-motoren-im-test#s2-2212, even at a smaller prop size it reaches 12A.
What would be the best part to replace? I think lower kv motor, better ESC, or smaller prop would help? I also have the ESC's soldered and liquid electrical taped onto the frame, so replacing ESC could be a challenge, though I would probably cut the current wires and solder the new ESC onto the old ESC's wires.
What's the cheapest way to rescue this project, and still be able to fly?


Thanks,
Otto
 
Try switching a motor and ESC to see which is bad, it could be a problem with wiring. After you determine what is bad we'll have something to start with.


Just disconnect the three wires for the ESC and motor on two motors and solder them together. You can use heat shrink or regular tape for this as it would be temporary.
 
Thanks for the response. I will check the wiring and do what you suggested with switching. For the second part, any chance I can get away with the 10A if I get smaller props? As I said in OP, the ESCs are going to be a hassle to replace, and expensive. I'll do it if it's the best way though.
 
It is certainly the best way, as you'll be pushing the ESCs really hard just to get off the ground if you went with smaller props.

What FC are you using?
 
Flight control is an Android phone connected to a IOIO board. I wrote the code myself, so it's a bit sketchy.. Maybe I'm not communicating with the ESC properly.

Oh yeah.. The motor that doesn't work: when I take the prop off, it runs, but when its not spinning, it beeps four times every few seconds. It's a different beeping rate and number off beeps than the one that goes when it is plugged in.
 
Do these look like yours?


If his test can be trusted these weren't pulling that many amps.
 
Thanks for the reply Jackson, I saw that video before. It definitely doesn't come close to the 30A that is usually recommended for that motor, but it's still more than 10A. I feel that I should get the proper ESC for safety and reliability? What are the dangers of keeping the 10A if that video is correct?
 
Well fires are common when an ESC is over used. Your ESCs won't have much life unless your drawing a little under 8 amps. If you use them at 10 amps a lot then their life will be short.
 
Make sure to select Simonk 30A(4 PCS) at the bottom where colour is supposed to go. They do that to make cheaper amazon ads by combining ads.
 
Update. The motor that worked without propellers but would not start with propellers on has stopped working even without propellers. It stutters and makes the beeping noises very very rapidly. I swapped it with a working ESC and the behavior continues. Have I broken my motor? Thanks.
 
Motor max draw, prop size, motor torque/kv, anything getting warm/hot?, how do you fly it (hard, just small test, ect) .
 
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