Holmes Hobbies BRXL ESC. Trash It or Repair?

[ModTrialsRider]

I'm having electronic issues regarding a brand spanking new BR-XL ESC from Holmes Hobbies. It is the waterproof edition (part# HH-TMBRXL.) The ESC has less than 20 minutes of decidedly, "sub-par" run time on it.

I'm running a completely custom scaler rig which doesn't matter, but should be noted that I am running LNC worm-gear axles, and an LNC transmission and transfer case.

Electronics Spec's:
Holmes Hobbies BRXL (WP edition.)
Tamiya GT Tuned 25 Turn Brushed motor.
CC BEC (not the pro version.)
Spektrum DX2E and Spektrum sr300.
Savox IP67 Waterproof Servo (part# SW-1210SG.)
Duratrax 7.2V 5000mah NIMH 6-cell.

Problem: When ESC is armed, live and in neutral throttle position, a very instantaneous jab on the throttle (0 to 100% throttle in either forward or reverse,) puts the motor into a spasm/stutter/clicking action. BRXL has a red light that blinks in time with the stuttering motor.

Once motor is released from 100% throttle (say anything 95% and lower throttle input,) motor resumes normal function. When accelerating from 0% to 100% throttle gradually or slowly, motor functions normally. This constant holds true for both forward and reverse functions. Once motor is spinning and holding momentum several instantaneous jabs to the throttle does nothing to disrupt motor, it functions as it should.

In real-life, this abrupt behavior disrupts the trucks ability to climb almost anything as the trucks weight+gravity+exterior-forces+gearing-ratio add stress to the motor and stalls it out. Once truck has exterior forces holding it in place, motor cannot perform as it bogs down and stutters/clicks in first revolutions.

Troubleshooting I have done (in sequential order.)

(1.) Downloaded Castle Link, utilized a CC tuning-card and hooked up to BR-XL. Setup and updated as follows:

*Forward-Brake-Reverse
*Quiet Mode Disabled
*Brake Amount 0%
*Reverse Throttle 100%
*Passive Drag Brake
*Drag Brake 0%
*Throttle-up Damping 0%
*Throttle-down Damping 0%
*Motor Type - Brushed Reversing
*Arming time 1.5s
*No cutoff voltage
*Throttle Dead-Band avg .1000ms

Transmitter calibration:
*Full Reverse - 1.113ms
*Nuetral - 1.421ms
*Full Forward - 1.917ms


(2.) Removed pinion gear, motor stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously. This rules out any form of mechanical hang-up (i.e. worm axles, drivelines, etc.)

(3.) Removed/unplugged Savox servo from truck, motor still stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously.

(4.) Removed/Unplugged CC BEC, motor still stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously.

(5.) Installed old Losi TX/RX to BR-XL, motor still stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously. Spektrum TX/RX was reinstalled for next step.

(6.) Installed old Titan 550 (unknown turn,) motor still stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously. Tamiya GT 25T motor reinstalled for next step.

(7.) Installed old Losi ESC. Motor becomes 100% responsive to ALL throttle input regardless of throw or intensity applied.

(8.) Installed CC BEC with stock Losi ESC. Motor becomes 100% responsive to ALL throttle input regardless of throw or intensity applied.

(9.) Reinstalled BR-XL WITH CC-BEC, motor still stutters as described above when throttle is applied instantaneously in all steps proceeding step #7.

Post-Script: BR-XL was purchased fall of 2014 and sat in it's packaging while I built other parts of the truck. I have no receipt (although LHS may have it in their system,) and BR-XL (WP edition) has exceeded it's warranty period.

What are my options?

A humble TIA.

 

[JesterSpec]

Your problem is not the esc, its the battery not being able to supply enough current for a throttle jab, the BRXL is trying to send 100% to the motor, and its not getting the current it needs.

You need to try a LIPO.

 

[sdmf]

The brxl has tons of power, and very good low speed resolution. I agree with jester, the battery can't keep up

 

[JokersWild]

Can trash it into my mail box...... I won't mind. Lol

 

[EddieO]

A NIMH, even a cheap one will have no issues supplying current...even crappy ones could handle 7 turns with foam tires on carpet in a touring car...his 25t isn't yanking that much power with a throttle jab, especially since he tried it with the pinion removed and still had the problem. Problem went away according to steps 7 and 8 when he installed a different esc...

My guess is something is blown in the ESC, Holmes is typically pretty helpful in getting stuff fixed like this, I would suggest emailing and explaining the issue...

Later EddieO

 

[DickyT]

First thing I would do is make note of the settings you want (you have done that it seems)

2) Connect to Castle link and reapply the firmware. Sometimes things go wrong with firmware and it needs to be reloaded.

3) reapply all of your settings and save them

4) test

5) if problem persists contact Holmes.

 

[ModTrialsRider]

Your problem is not the esc, its the battery not being able to supply enough current for a throttle jab, the BRXL is trying to send 100% to the motor, and its not getting the current it needs.

You need to try a LIPO.

One lipo cell at minimum voltage cannot drop below 3.0, at required discharge capacity in reality should be closer to 3.5 per cell, if that. My research further suggests max voltage per Lipo cell is 4.2.

Lipo Cell @ 3.5v min = 7.0v for 2s.
Lipo Cell @ 4.2v max = 8.4v for 2s.
"My" NIMH at 7.2v is registering at 8.4v right now according to my Fluke power meter.

I have produced these numbers collectively from those that "supposedly" know Lithium Polymer batteries, if true, my personal Nimh has more voltage than a safely charged 2s at full voltage capacity, further more, it operates at the voltage levels closer to those more popular lipos, namely 2s (almost 3s,) and not the higher capacity lipos of say, 5s or 6s.

BR-XL is capable of sustaining power of 2s-6s Lipo.

I am using Traxxas style connecters from battery to ESC and the stock bullet connecters to the motor, which should have very little resistance.

Before troubleshooting I retarded the Lipo cutoff via Castle Link (see first post.)

Unless my Nimh completely does something unprecedented and dumps X-amount of it's voltage capability in an instant below that of a discharged 2s Lipo (realistically a lot less since I have retarded V-cutoff,) then I cannot see how a Lipo would make much difference for me.

I have not bothered emailing HH. It clearly states on his warranty 90 days for coated ESC's. My BR-XL has exceeded that warranty period as I bought it last fall. It never occurred to me to inquire at my LHS the warranty dates on this product or the foresight to look them up myself. I expected it to work out of the box. So the question remains to trash it, or repair it. Unless something else is suggested I have not thought about.

Thanks to all for their help so far. Any further suggestions are appreciated.

 

[ModTrialsRider]

First thing I would do is make note of the settings you want (you have done that it seems)

2) Connect to Castle link and reapply the firmware. Sometimes things go wrong with firmware and it needs to be reloaded.

3) reapply all of your settings and save them

4) test

5) if problem persists contact Holmes.

Reapplying firmware was a step completed before updating the BR-XL to my current Castle-Link settings, I had no choice as it (BR-XL,) was outdated in it's firmware. No solution to stuttering/cutting out motor was created before or after.

I am curious though and will look into re-loading any other firmware I may have missed. For all intents and purposes I am 98.9% sure that BR-XL is up-to-date in it's vaccinations.

Good suggestion, thank you. Keep them coming please.

 

[DRTMI]

Sounds like you have it in lipo mode? If so try changing that. No reason for it to be on if not using lipo's.
Also, 8.4v is what a charged 6 cell nimh will sit at. Also happens to be what a 2s lipo is at when fully charged. Lipo batteries have less voltage sag under load than nimh batteries do

 

[ModTrialsRider]

First thing I would do is make note of the settings you want (you have done that it seems)

2) Connect to Castle link and reapply the firmware. Sometimes things go wrong with firmware and it needs to be reloaded.

3) reapply all of your settings and save them

4) test

5) if problem persists contact Holmes.

Re-applied firmware update. Firmware versions available to me:
*V 1.09
*V 1.08
*V 1.07
*V 1.06
*V 1.05 (Beta version)
*V 1.02

I have tried firmware versions V-1.09, V-1.02, and V-1.05 (beta version.) Problem still persists as described above. Didn't bother with the other firmware updates. Confident it is not firmware now.

Sounds like you have it in lipo mode? If so try changing that. No reason for it to be on if not using lipo's.
Also, 8.4v is what a charged 6 cell nimh will sit at. Also happens to be what a 2s lipo is at when fully charged. Lipo batteries have less voltage sag under load than nimh batteries do

Castle Link does not offer me an option to change from Lipo priority to NiMH/NiCD priority. I have removed voltage cutoff and I believe this is as close as I will get to attain what you suggest.

Any other idea's? Pretty much at my wits end with HH.

 

[ModTrialsRider]

Can anyone please link me a URL to the LCC/LNC sub-forum that is supposed to exist on RCCrawler? I am about to bite the bullet and replace my entire electronics system and need suggestions on what electronic systems compliment worm-driven drivetrains.

 

[DRTMI]

RCCrawler Brand Specific Tech - Team Losi Comp Crawler at RCCrawler.com
The worm drives are hard on brushed motors so it is recommended to use a sensored brushless set up. Or it used to be when I had mine a few years ago.

 

[hotwheels000]

Contact/callHolmes Hobbys, speak with Johnathan, desribe the issues and timelines just like you have here or cut and paste your findings to an email.

JRH/Holmes will do there best to help you threw this situation. Customer service is important to them and top notch, I have no doubt you will be able to work out a solution.

 

[chevotafun]

Just get in touch with Holmes and speak With Johnathan as Hotwheels just said he will get you straighten out.

 

[mrhobby100]

Dude you say your at your wits end with holmes hobbies but refuse to contact him. Just cause your warranty says 90 days doesn't mean you cant call a company and ask for help. Shit my computer has been out of warranty for like 3 years but i still call the compang . If i have a questionand they always get it straight. You assume your gonna need a replacemnet and yoh assume he isnt gonna help you.

Holmes hobbies is good they will help you.

 

[mrhobby100]

The first thing to do when you need help with a priduct is call the company before goung to the internet army. The company that made the priduct knows more about programming it than anybody

 

[sdmf]

The first thing to do when you need help with a priduct is call the company before goung to the internet army. The company that made the priduct knows more about programming it than anybody

That's crazy. If you can't perform basic troubleshooting that's fine, but there is tons of information on how to go through basic troubleshooting before clogging up phones lines then realizing your battery is dead or something ridiculous.

 

[JokersWild]

The first thing to do when you need help with a priduct is call the company before goung to the internet army. The company that made the priduct knows more about programming it than anybody

Actually the "first" thing to do is to enable the spell check

 

[ModTrialsRider]

Dude you say your at your wits end with holmes hobbies but refuse to contact him. Just cause your warranty says 90 days doesn't mean you cant call a company and ask for help. Shit my computer has been out of warranty for like 3 years but i still call the compang . If i have a questionand they always get it straight. You assume your gonna need a replacemnet and yoh assume he isnt gonna help you.

Holmes hobbies is good they will help you.

I apologize that you took my poor choice of words as personal. The beauty of the written word is one in which an individual can take emotion in their own prerogative and add to it someone else interpretation as they see fit to describe it. This unfortunately is also the written word's downfall, for examples in such cases as we have seen here, and other forms of social media collectively. I digress.

It is my full intention to email Mr. Holmes very shortly and see what options are available to me, seeing as the BR-XL is singlehandedly the most perfect type of ESC I wish to utilize (vast voltage range, Castle Link compatible, waterproofed, etc.) I am one of only two instances I have ever heard of in which a Holmes product has failed (the other also being a BR-XL,) however the vast amount of folks that swear by HH products are absolutely staggering and as such should not be taken lightly when attempting to determine whether my biased opinion is justified. This ideal holds true for any brand, any product, in any form. Furthermore, this eludes to me that either I simply have had a rather rare stroke of bad luck, or am simply a less-than gifted individual that doesn't know what he is doing. Personally, I'd go with the latter any day. Staying humble is the key to life.

Furthermore, I have willingly come to the "internet army" simply because it is that, an army. Consider this, instead of utilizing one simple biased opinion, I could submit myself wholly to an arena full of biased opinion that is available to me more readily in a much more open, raw format. Every single response to every thread is a "biased opinion" in which the individual submitting his/her ideals or advice is obtained from individual personal knowledge that could be obtained either in first-hand, second-hand, or simply from a completely foreign source (i.e. the internet,) without serious justification on personal premise. Don't let the post count fool you. I really have no idea what I'm taking about.

For what it's worth, this post is not a stab at anyone, It just felt damn therapeutic to write nonsense. Today I told my boss he was a moron, but I wrote it down instead, in binary code. He couldn't read it, and so naturally I wasn't far off the beaten path in my labeling of his intelligence level. He has all weekend to code it, but he won't. This was also therapeutic. :lmao:

Good suggestions everyone. It seems the jury is ruling in favor of email. Nothing more I can do on my end. I will let you all know how it turns out. If it's less than Kosher, Jokerswild, you will get a bricked BR-XL in your mailbox very soon.

I will show myself out... "thumbsup"

 

[ModTrialsRider]

@DRTMI, Thank you for the link kind sir. I was scanning for "Losi" and missed the "Team" proceeding it.