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Holmes BR Mini Stacking How-To

RcBro

RcBros Hobbies
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Nov 26, 2005
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It's always nice to see some examples of how one does their electronics. I haven't seen to much on the BR Mini's so figured I'd help some of you guys out.

This setup is used for competition MOA crawling where shorter run times are used. It is important you test your setup prior to running multiple packs for any heat issues that may arise. It is recommend you keep your electronics below 170* F.

Stacking your electronics can result in higher heat and small wire increases the heat build up close to each ESC.

This is by no means a way to scare you from running this setup, it is simply meant to say; Pay Attention! :mrgreen:"thumbsup"

Soldering is not an art form. However it is something that takes some skills to master. It is EXTREMELY important to have a quality iron that melts the solder and finishes the joint quickly. If you are having to rest your iron on the ESC for any amount of time, you are heating the board and risking damage.


What I used:
(2) Holmes Torquemaster BR Mini's
(1) Castle Creations BEC
(2) Female .8mm Golden Plated Connectors
18G Wire

I first took a un modified BR Mini and tinned the backside of the battery side connections. Using a solder sucker, I then heat the board and suck the solder out of the center hole.

Insert a Female Connector into each hole, then resolder the back side of the board.

IMG_9682.jpg~original


Once this step is done, solder on two wires for one of your motors.

Then stack your next BR Mini inserting the gold connectors through the appropriate battery leads. Then solder. (It is recommend to install a piece of Foam in between the two ESC's to keep them seperated) What you do with your wires is completely up to you. I like to pull the RX wire back through the center of the two Mini's.

For those constantly servicing your rig or electronics, I highly recommend adding some 5 minute quick epoxy over the solder joints on the RX wires. This ensures they do not get damaged from use over time.

IMG_9684.jpg~original


Next add your two motor wires.

Now its time for your BEC. Depending on your setup, this location may not work best for you. However, I stacked mine on the top. I added a small dab of CA to hold the BEC in place while soldering. (don't forget to program!)

IMG_9685.jpg~original


You'll notice I ran the RX wires down to the BR Mini's wires and wrapped them together. This will keep them from getting beat up. The neater your wiring, the longer it will last!

I then routed the negative side for the main battery lead through the cap in the BEC.

The capacitors are close, but they fit :mrgreen:

IMG_9686.jpg~original


IMG_9687.jpg~original


At this time, if you have conformal coating or liquid electrical tape. Coat away! For those not familiar with either. Here's some info.

Conformal Coating:
This is a clear drying protection used on electronic equipment. It is available in both spray and brush on. I myself prefer brush on as you can ensure it gets in every spot possible by hand, or you can simply dip the entire item if purchased in a large container. I tend to do 3-5 coats.

The only issue I have ever come across is when it comes to warranty issues. Some manufacturers don't like it.

Liquid Electrical Tape
Comes in a brush style can and is cheap and readily available at most hardware stores. Nice part about this stuff is you can ensure everything is covered due to it being black in color.

Issues I have with it is I can't see my electronics LED's, its thick and can hold heat in.

However, the neat thing about liquid electrical tape is after its applied, you can easily pull it off and send it in for repair if needed.

I prefer the liquid electrical tape on my highly abused scalers, and the conformal on my comp rigs.

Once you have done your protection coating of choice, its time to heat shrink the package. (heat shrinking is optional) I prefer heat shrinking as it keeps the package together and makes mounting easy. I like to leave the ends open as it lets some air through, and if moisture enters, it can still leave.

IMG_9692.jpg~original


IMG_9690.jpg~original


Hopefully this encourages some to try it themselves! "thumbsup"
 
Last edited:
If you cannot find them, I have in the past used wire and completely fill it with solder and kinda make your own pin so to speak. Works great. If I can, I will post a pic from a pair of mmp 1 cell esc's I shrunk a while ago.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
Nothing will happen. Just alittle water barrier to keep things safe if you find some water on the course "thumbsup"

Thanks for the fast answer. I wired my br minis up & installed them in my berg yesterday. Read this today after comp this weekend I'll remove & do this step
(Conformal coating).
Thanks for the how to stack br mini thread..
Are you going to run the Zener Diode mod?
 
I may try to diode mod down the road if heat is higher then I anticipate. However, if it stays below 170* comfortably I probably won't.
 
I am having a hard time finding the .8mm connectors. Do you have a link? Thanks
 
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