CHOOSING A BELTROL ESC.
BELTROL R/C makes 8 different ESC's.
For newcomers, deciding which ESC best suits their requirements can be quite confusing.
It depends on a number of factors, some of which are outlined below.
It depends on a number of factors, some of which are outlined below.
TRAIL CAR INSTALLATIONS.
These are generally the least complicated and rarely require constant brightness directional lighting outputs and sound triggers. So the ALPHA series ESC's are ideal.
The AL-3r can be used in trail cars that are never likely to be pulled my more than one smallish loco like an LGB Stainz or unmodified Bachmann Big Hauler and smaller locos.
The AL-5r can handle bigger steam engines and most 4 axle diesels. When fan cooled a big 6 x axle diesel will be ok.
For situations where the trail car will be hauled by up to three 6 x axle diesels or four 4 x axle diesels we advise the AL-10 which can deliver 10 amps up to 20 volts.
Constant brightness directional lighting outputs and sound triggers are available with the addition of an # UPGRADE-A/B kit.
The AL-3r can be used in trail cars that are never likely to be pulled my more than one smallish loco like an LGB Stainz or unmodified Bachmann Big Hauler and smaller locos.
The AL-5r can handle bigger steam engines and most 4 axle diesels. When fan cooled a big 6 x axle diesel will be ok.
For situations where the trail car will be hauled by up to three 6 x axle diesels or four 4 x axle diesels we advise the AL-10 which can deliver 10 amps up to 20 volts.
Constant brightness directional lighting outputs and sound triggers are available with the addition of an # UPGRADE-A/B kit.
ARISTOCRAFT® & BACHMANN® Plug'n'PLAY.
The OMEGA series OM-PnP is designed specifically for locos equipped with the standard Plug'n'Play socket. Apart from the 6 axle diesels it can handle any of the Aristocraft and Bachmann locos. You can use it with the 6 x axle diesels, but fan cooling is recommended.
ON BOARD INSTALLATIONS, STEAM LOCOMOTIVES.
TANK LOCOMOTIVES are usually cramped for space & are unlikely to need any more than a 3 amp ESC. If you are not contemplating sound or lights the ALPHA AL-3r is ideal. For sound and lights we recommend the OMEGA OM-3.
TENDER LOCOMOTIVES. When it is realised that the tender of a steam engine is really a trail car, it soon becomes apparent there is often a lot of room for both batteries and R/C equipment. Big steam locos such as the AC Mallet and Accucraft Brass K series, will require either the AL-5r or the OM-6.
GEARED STEAM LOCOS are mechanically very much like diesels.
TENDER LOCOMOTIVES. When it is realised that the tender of a steam engine is really a trail car, it soon becomes apparent there is often a lot of room for both batteries and R/C equipment. Big steam locos such as the AC Mallet and Accucraft Brass K series, will require either the AL-5r or the OM-6.
GEARED STEAM LOCOS are mechanically very much like diesels.
ON BOARD INSTALLATIONS, DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES.
These come in a variety of sizes.
The smallest such as 2 axle switchers will only ever need a 3 amp ESC.
The next size up, such as most 4 axle AC and USAT locos, are also fine with a 3 amps ESC such as the AL-3r and OM-3.
The really big diesels such as the AC SD-45, -9 and E-8, plus the USAT SD-70 are better off with the AL-5r or OM-6.
The OM-9 is recommended for really heavy current draw situations where one ESC is required to power two or more big locos that are permanently coupled together.
In all instances fan cooling is recommended for very high voltage installations.
Check out the accessories page for a selection of installation kits that will assist by eliminating a lot of re-wiring.
Please contact BELTROL for advice with other types of installations.
(Please note ARISTOCRAFT, BACHMANN & USAT are registered trade names).
The following HOW TO articles refer mostly to the use of RCS on board R/C equipment.
BELTROL R/C uses the same hardware so they are also applicable to purchasers of BTL ESC's.
The only real difference is that placement of 2.4 GHz RX's is not critical for good range.
The following HOW TO articles refer mostly to the use of RCS on board R/C equipment.
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DRAWINGS IN ARTICLES. |
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| Simplifying USAT wiring drawing | Easy peasy RCS |
| Suppressing Motor “Noise” |
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More to be added. Drawings etc.