Correct Wiring For Fan & LED Lights for LCC

[lccguy]

Well..here I go asking a probably simple question that I think is really hard:confused:

I am running a 3ch receiver in my LCC, like most people, and want to add a fan AND the LED light kit that you can buy for the night crawler. Do I need a BEC or something for these? Do I connect one or two?

I don't know, please help this fool!

I have not yet had the reason to add any extra electronics to any of my RCs til now. I usually just bash my buggies around, but have just gotten into competing so I got to step it up a bit. And, also night crawling looks exciting.

[Jay Robinette]

The lights will plug right into the battery port in the RX. If you run a fan you can splice right into the lights, then plug it in.

There are plenty of ways to wire things up, just be cautious when doing so.

[lccguy]

OK, thanks Jay.

I already have a fan (YR), but it over heats and cuts out, why do you suppose that is? I'm running a 2c LiPo on a FX-R 55t combo with a fan over the motor.

Anthony

[lccguy]

why do you need a fan on a crawler?

because of the worm gears the brushed systems has to work hard to deal with the torque.

[Jay Robinette]

OK, thanks Jay.

I already have a fan (YR), but it over heats and cuts out, why do you suppose that is? I'm running a 2c LiPo on a FX-R 55t combo with a fan over the motor.

Anthony
When you drive into a bind do you try to drive it out or use the digs to un-bind the wheels?

The more you use the digs to get out of the hard binds and and not drive through the rocks the heat should not be an issue.

ALSO: Do you run a external BEC? If not I highly suggest you try one. This also helps the ESC run cooler by not routing all the power through the ESC BEC system

why do you need a fan on a crawler?

To make the brushless ESC and motor run cooler during hard driving conditions.

[lccguy]

here are a couple of quick photos

I went with a YR fan and heat sink combo. I cut off a small section that contacts the motor to make room for the dig servo. I connected the fan directly to the Rx, but it cuts out within a minute or less.

539

540

[lccguy]

When you drive into a bind do you try to drive it out or use the digs to un-bind the wheels?

The more you use the digs to get out of the hard binds and and not drive through the rocks the heat should not be an issue.

ALSO: Do you run a external BEC? If not I highly suggest you try one. This also helps the ESC run cooler by not routing all the power through the ESC BEC system

I try driving it out, I will start using the dig to un-bind the wheels in the future.

I don't have a BEC yet, I got to look up how to wire it in. I'm sure it's pretty straight forward.

[Jay Robinette]

If the fan cuts out then you might need a BEC to run all the external accessories, i.e. lights, Fan, Servo's.

Also looking at your brushes in your motor, you might want to try some Reedy Quasar brushes. http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ASC729

These will help your motor keep cool too, great brush and lasts a long time.

[Jay Robinette]

I try driving it out, I will start using the dig to un-bind the wheels in the future.

I don't have a BEC yet, I got to look up how to wire it in. I'm sure it's pretty straight forward.

Rear dig is your best friend when in a bind. It takes some practice but after you figure out how easy it is you'll be amaized. :cool:

[lccguy]

For any of those people who are searching for how to wires a BEC, it simple and here is a link to a good diagram http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192931

So, once I get the BEC installed, how/where do I wire in the fan and lights, between the BEC and Rx?

I apologize if I am making this more complicated than it is.

[Jay Robinette]

For any of those people who are searching for how to wires a BEC, it simple and here is a link to a good diagram http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192931

So, once I get the BEC installed, how/where do I wire in the fan and lights, between the BEC and Rx?

I apologize if I am making this more complicated than it is.

No worries, Bud.

In the diagram, CC BEC the Red/Black/Orange wires, tap the RED/BLACK wires right into this for your front servo, lights and fan. Run your dig servo off the ESC (plug right into the RX)

The Orange wire left from the front servo needs to be plugged into the RX so it works, the power will come from the BEC so the RED/BLACK doesn't need to be plugged into the RX.

Does this make sence? It's a pain sometimes to figure this out but in the long run it's well worth it.

[lccguy]

yup, helps a lot!

thanks

[lccguy]

I put this wiring diagram together just to confirm that this is actually what you are saying. I kinda have to get visuals before I understand things.

541

If this is correct, are there any way to clean up the splices with some connectors???

[Jay Robinette]

I put this wiring diagram together just to confirm that this is actually what you are saying. I kinda have to get visuals before I understand things.

541

If this is correct, are there any way to clean up the splices with some connectors???

The fan and lights are correct. Now splice the front servo into the same Red/Black, DON'T plug them into the RX, they don't need to. Now you have the Orange from your servo right? Now plug that into the RX so it can read the signals from yout TX.

Now go back to the top and plug the red wire back in for the ESC, this will power your dig servo and RX. Then plug the dig servo in like normal.

What I have explained is your using the BEC for the Fan, Lights and front Servo. Not the dig servo and RX, that power comes from the ESC.

Let me know. :cool:

[lccguy]

Hey Jay,

I think if you look again I have the dig servo pluged directly in the RX. I have the steering servo's red/black spliced into the same red/black wires coming from the BEC that the lights and fan are. I have the white wire (futaba) from the steering servo going to the RX.

I thought you said that if I ran the ESC off the BEC than it would run cooler. You are right about putting the red ESC wire back into the RX if I was just going run the ESC as normal.

Amazing how these BEC threads get...the one over on the RCCrawler site is exponentially more complexed, redundant and confusing all at the same time.

[Jay Robinette]

Hey Jay,

I think if you look again I have the dig servo pluged directly in the RX. I have the steering servo's red/black spliced into the same red/black wires coming from the BEC that the lights and fan are. I have the white wire (futaba) from the steering servo going to the RX.

I thought you said that if I ran the ESC off the BEC than it would run cooler. You are right about putting the red ESC wire back into the RX if I was just going run the ESC as normal.

Amazing how these BEC threads get...the one over on the RCCrawler site is exponentially more complexed, redundant and confusing all at the same time.

The ESC will run cooler because the servo and stuff are not all running off the ESC BEC. The ESC doesn't have enough power for all those going on at once.

Still plug the red wire back into the RX from your ESC. You'll need to power the RX.

Take a look, I think we got it. If it works your golden. (fingers crossed)

Yeah it's hard to find some info at RCC when everyone knows how to do it but explaines it way different. I love that place :D

[lccguy]

The ESC will run cooler because the servo and stuff are not all running off the ESC BEC.:D

AH, I get why the ECS would be cooler now, geez, sorry:o

Yup, the ECS needs that power, just plug that red wire back in and good to go:D

I'll post a final diagram for those who need visual stimulation like myself.

[Jay Robinette]

Please do a diagram, that would be very helpful.

Bring this birds nest mess to life!!!

[lccguy]

OK, here it is...the first draft, lol, of the final diagram for my LCC with a brushed system running the steering servo, Losi crawling lights, and a fan (over the brushed motor) with a BEC.

That's a mouth full!

546

[Jay Robinette]

Look's like a winner. Just make sure the Red and Black are not plugged into the RX. I see the diagram shows it going into the B/C plug. Just making sure you don't blow something up.

[lccguy]

ok, so the black/red from the BEC just goes to the servo, fan and lights and not continue to the RX?

let me know and I will post an updated diagram.

[Jay Robinette]

ok, so the black/red from the BEC just goes to the servo, fan and lights and not continue to the RX?

let me know and I will post an updated diagram.

Correct. All you need is the White or Orange from the servo to the RX. The Red and Black provide the power straight from the BEC. This is why you can plug the Dig servo and ESC into the RX like normal.

Hope that makes sence.

[lccguy]

yup, gottcha.

the only thing left is the is...the signal wire (white/orange) from the BEC is left unplugged?

this should be pretty clear to other people by the time we are done. It should be clear to anyone of any age, even me, a 32yr old:rolleyes:

[Jay Robinette]

yup, gottcha.

the only thing left is the is...the signal wire (white/orange) from the BEC is left unplugged?

this should be pretty clear to other people by the time we are done. It should be clear to anyone of any age, even me, a 32yr old:rolleyes:

Plug that into the RX so the servo has a signal and knows what to do. That's it.

Yeah this electronics stuff is confusing and us old geezers always figure it out somehow..... LOL

[lccguy]

Plug that into the RX so the servo has a signal and knows what to do

OK, then the white signal wire from the servo goes to the orange BEC signal wire which plugs into the RX?

I think i'm close to draft up the second final copy of the diagram, hahaha

[Jay Robinette]

OK, then the white signal wire from the servo goes to the orange BEC signal wire which plugs into the RX?

I think i'm close to draft up the second final copy of the diagram, hahaha

The Orange wire from the BEC dose nothing so dont hook it up to anything. Just the one coming from the servo needs to be plugged in to the RX. Basically bypass the BEC and go straight to the RX with the White/Orange wire.

[lccguy]

Alright Jay...ready to put this to rest:D

547

this just proves how old we are to have the patients to follow through to the end of this.

i guess it's beneficial for everyone though, so well worth it.

i'm glad i reconsidered my career as an electrician. i make a much better geologist and once i get done with looking at rocks i can drive my rig on them...even at night soon.

[Jay Robinette]

BINGO!!! :eek:

Took us long enough, lol.

Talking tech is a good thing, as long as we figure out what the other person is after. This is the most action our crawler section has seen in a while. Thanks for the questions.

Give it a go and let us know how it works, and if it stops cutting out.

[lccguy]

I know, but glad I know what to do now.

I am actually at work in the field, lol. once i get back to town and get a BEC and order some lights i will get it wired up and take some photos.

Nothing like planning ahead.

Thanks for you help, much appreciated!!!!!

[Jay Robinette]

Anytime... :cool:

[Clovis Crawler]

The lights will plug right into the battery port in the RX. If you run a fan you can splice right into the lights, then plug it in.

There are plenty of ways to wire things up, just be cautious when doing so.

I'm about to add the LCC light kit too and have decided to purchase a Castle Creations CC BEC Pro and y-connectors and just share the lights with the dig or steering servo by plugging the y-connector in the port on the receiver and then plugging the servo and light kit connectors. Is this possible?

My esc/motor system is a Novak Goat 3S and 21.5t which requires cutting power to the internal bec when I use a 3S battery and use an external bec. All four of my ports are being used.

Kabuki the Clovis Crawler

[Jay Robinette]

I'm about to add the LCC light kit too and have decided to purchase a Castle Creations CC BEC Pro and y-connectors and just share the lights with the dig or steering servo by plugging the y-connector in the port on the receiver and then plugging the servo and light kit connectors. Is this possible?

My esc/motor system is a Novak Goat 3S and 21.5t which requires cutting power to the internal bec when I use a 3S battery and use an external bec. All four of my ports are being used.

Kabuki the Clovis Crawler

Yes this will work. I know it's a long thread but it's pretty much step by step.

I have my BEC hooked right into the front servo and powered right off the battery, just the orange/white wire plugs into the RX steering port. This opens up a spot on the RX for the light kit.

[Clovis Crawler]

Yes this will work. I know it's a long thread but it's pretty much step by step.

I have my BEC hooked right into the front servo and powered right off the battery, just the orange/white wire plugs into the RX steering port. This opens up a spot on the RX for the light kit.

Great! Thanks for the millionth time for answering my questions. The whole team has been very helpful every time I've asked a question. I thought about using a y-connector on one of the ports to leave open for re-binding. My receiver is on the receiver tray and is lost under all the wires from the esc. I'm also waiting on the 3S 30C Losi LiPo because my current 3S 20C Losi LiPo is "too weak" to power everything with my Novak Goat 3S (according to the Novak site low c-rating warning link).

Kabuki the Clovis Crawler
Owner of the Losi Micro Rock Crawler (mid next week), Mini Rock Crawler, Comp Crawler (w/ lights) and Strike
I love BND and my 30 model memory DX3R

[lccguy]

i'm going to hear it now...after all said and done i ditched the fan and just ran the light set with it's own switch.

i wanted to run Y-connectors to clean it up, but there was way too much mess going on for my likings.

i didn't really need the fan anyway, but kept the heat sink on the motor

here are some photos for fun

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631

632

633

[Jay Robinette]

hahahahaa..... :D

I know how you feel. Wire's look good too, yeah sometimes the Y just adds too much to the birds nest.

Enjoy the ride looks good!

[bens170]

Just a word of thank you to lccguy, Jay Robinette, and every one who was involved
in dealing with electrical wiring thread. Electronics I have a very limited knowledge, just enough to get me in trouble.
Again thanks
bens170

[lccguy]

You're welcome bens170!

It's all part of the fun. Since then I have switched to a tekin brushless system and I am not using the lights, lol:rolleyes: