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Home > Sunrise Brushless Controllers (ESC) >
Having introduced the UK to the ZTW range of speed controllers at the end of 2009 we felt it was time to source a product that suits our customer’s requirements more closely. As with all things electrical, technology keeps moving apace and so do we. We are now in the position to launch what we think in our estimations is the best and most relevant range of speed controllers available at this price point where a greater element of simplicity rules. On that note and with an imaginary fanfare in the background we wish to launch as the new UK agents Sunrise Model Brushless Speed Controllers.
Sunrise Model has produced a range of well specified and keenly priced controllers that offer switching BEC circuits (SBEC) from the 20 Amp model upwards. We are not talking the limited 1 Amp SBEC that is available from both Multiplex and E-flite on their 20 and 30 Amp models respectively but a whopping 3 Amp/5.5 Volts on both the 20 and 25 Amp versions. This climbs to 4 Amps on the 30 Amp and then to a massive 6 Amps on the 40 Amp versions and above – even the Jeti Spin range doesn’t come close with this BEC ability at nearly three times the price! The reassuring BEC currents on all but the smallest controller ensure that ‘brownout’ due to inadequate voltage is virtually eliminated. This is great news for Spektrum users like us and modellers who favour digital servos with their larger current requirements. We have always had a great regard for SBEC controllers and their distinct advantages. An explanation of their advantage can be found further below.
If you were used to the previous range we offered you will notice instantly that the initial set-up has been simplified. That tricky but essential set-up for Spektrum users that was required has been banished. Sunrise controllers are for flyers who just want to enjoy themselves with the minimum of fuss and concern. Sunrise Models have placed the emphasis on true functionality over gadgetry. USB programming, data logging and infra red do not exist with this range but all the essential requirements are available straight from the pack. Sunrise controllers are supplied Li-Po ready (3.0V per cell) with the brake on and a soft cut-off. This is probably good to go for most flyers and the brake can be disabled within a few beeps. Stick programming can alter brake on/off, battery type and timing. Greater programming abilities including brake on/off, timing, acceleration, battery type, cut-off voltage, cut-off mode and direction are available using the optional program card.
Sunrise Model controllers are supplied without connectors to allow the user greater flexibility. Why pay for pre-fitted connectors if there not the type you use? Sunrise Model controllers are NOT fitted with an on/off switch and require the flyer to connect and disconnect the flight battery before and after use – a good discipline.
We like our new range of Sunrise controllers and hope you will to.
No doubt as with ZTW our sad fellow retailers who don’t product test, don’t know the product and just copy (looking at other sites there appears to be an increasing amount) will no doubt be rushing to place their orders to keep up. It would be nice to know that these retailers go to the bother of carefully selecting their own products but they don’t – so much for customer service and support. But you can rest assured we always know our products intimately and offer some of the best support in the business.
Battery Eliminating Circuits (BEC or UBEC) / Switching BEC (SBEC)
Speed controller battery eliminating circuits (BEC) fall into two distinct types – the most widely used by manufacturers is a linear BEC. Linear BEC controllers are often very attractively priced but rarely are their limitations discussed clearly. A linear BEC is the most basic of circuits that drops the input voltage supplied to the controller to an acceptable level to power the receiver and attached servos. This simpler resistance process generates heat through the BEC circuit and limits the amount of servos that can be safely operated via the BEC circuit. Generally the higher the input voltage to the controller the less able the BEC circuit becomes and ultimately the fewer servos can be operated safely. A large percentage of 2.4GHz brownouts in electric models can be contributed to the use of linear BEC controllers where the BEC circuit struggles to maintain a proper voltage supply to the receiver and servos. Some speed controller brands claim the fitment of a UBEC and extol the virtues of a generally higher BEC output but please be aware that a UBEC is still a linear circuit.
The acknowledged limitation of the linear BEC has created a new more advanced type of BEC circuit to be introduced into some of the more sophisticated controllers. This latest circuitry is called a switching BEC or SBEC as it’s more widely known. An SBEC is a far more advanced circuit that is capable of supplying a constant higher current and voltage to your receiver and servos regardless of the input voltage to the controller*. This makes servo numbers and type far less critical and the risk of ‘brownout’ due to voltage drop-offs with 2.4GHz equipment far less likely. SBEC circuits also recover from peak loads far quicker with virtually no discernible affect to the user. The disadvantages of an SBEC controller are an increased level of electric noise created by the intentional rapid switching action created by the circuitry. This can create interference for 35MHz users and many SBEC controllers feature a ferrite ring on the throttle lead to help reduce the effects. 2.4GHz users are completely unaffected by this potential interference source as the interference is at a considerably lower frequency.
* Obviously, all speed controllers have a maximum input voltage limit and this must be adhered too. Most SBEC controllers operate with either a 4S or 6S input voltage limit. Please check the exact specification for your chosen controller.
Futaba/Hitec Users
Please remember to reverse the throttle channel from ‘Normal’ to ‘Reverse’ on your transmitter before attempting to operate your new ESC. Generally this is Channel 3 but can vary on the more sophisticated Futaba transmitters that allow the user to alter the channel assignments.
Please note that the sales information above is original copy. Any commercial user duplicating this material in part or full is infringing copyright. © ParkAero 29/03/11.
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