Derek's HK Dart 250 FPV Mini Quad

[Derek]

That's a cool idea, Stambo! Can you show me a diagram of what you are specifically talking about? Resistors, ohms, etc....i'm just lost. You should have seen the look on my face when I saw all the prongs on the Naze32 board, lol.

[Derek]

Tony...I just searched a local supplier. Is this what you were talking about:

http://www.radioshack.com/nte967-voltag ... UKfL45Viko

I like the idea that Stambo had. A removable resistor would be awesome. It could be set aside when when running 3S and then simply plugged in when running 4S and then my LED's would be safe on either voltage. This will also be a learning lesson for me with my upcoming quad project.

Thanks for your help guys!!!

[Stambo]

Or you could just wire in a 12v bec, then there will be no need to change anything.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oC203w_wcB

[Derek]

Or you could just wire in a 12v bec, then there will be no need to change anything.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oC203w_wcB

Yeah...I've been thinking about it and I think that using a BEC to power the LED's would just be the simplest solution. Simply splice the BEC leads into the battery leads, then hook up the LEDs to the BEC output. A couple of zipties later and the quad is good for 3S AND 4S. Furthermore, that particular BEC that you listed, Stambo, is available at the HK East warehouse. That's the closest HK warehouse to me. I'll get that ordered real quick because I have some 4S packs in route to me.

[Stambo]

That one is probably overkill at 4.5a but you could run 12v FPV gear off it too.
Just found the 3a version but it is actually heavier.

[Derek]

I just ran into a bit of a snag....my 6 channel rx is full. No empty ports. No room for a BEC. Bummer.

[Stambo]

Don't need to go to your RX Derek, just direct from the power to the lights.

[Derek]

Don't need to go to your RX Derek, just direct from the power to the lights.

Really? ok....so...the red and black input leads run from the battery lead....easy enough. Then, the other lead that has brown, red, and tan....I would just use the brown and red to go to the LED's? is that about right?

[Stambo]

Post a pic of what you have, there should only be 2 wires in and 2 wires out.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oC203w_wcB

We are still talking about the 12v bec for the lights right?

[Derek]

Well, the only BEC that I have "right now" is a Castle 10amp BEC. My impatience is getting the best of me here. I'm just gonna use, if I can, this Castle 10amp BEC and it has a red and black input wire and then, on the other end, it has a servo lead with brown, red, and tan/beige. I'm assuming the brown is negative, the red is positive, and the tan/beige is signal. I just wouldn't use the tan/beige wire....right?

[Derek]

Well...I dunno...maybe I should just order a different one. I was just in the Castle Link programming for the Castle BEC that I have. The max output is 9.0v. I didn't know that. If I were to use the Castle 10amp BEC at 9.0v, my LED's won't be as bright, right?

[Derek]

This is odd...I found that same BEC at the USA East warehouse (the closest HK warehouse to me) and one of the comments stated this:

Says it's 12v output but I get 5v. Not good. Says it's 12v output but I get 5v. Not good. Says it's 12v output but I get 5v. Not good. Says it's 12v output but I get 5v. Not good. Says it's 12v output but I get 5v. Not good.


That was copied and pasted directly from the HK East page. I'll be pretty bummed if I order it and expect 12v output and only get 5v.

[Stambo]

How about this one.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... ouse_.html

[Derek]

Thanks Stambo! I imagine either BEC will do the job. I just hope that the BEC that I order will indeed put out 12v and not 5v like that other guy got, lol. It's quite clear that my $25 Castle BEC isn't good enough since it max's out at 9.0v output. I'll just have to get my impatience under control and I'll order a 12V BEC. Then...take the input leads and solder them to the solder joints for the ESC's....and take the output leads and solder the LED's there. It should be just that simple. I have to work this weekend anyway so that won't leave much time for flying anyway. Sounds like a perfect weekend to order some more stuff, lol.

[Derek]

In the reviews for the second BEC, Stambo, a guy said, "Nice lightweight BEC, definitely needs a torroid and small heatsinks for use on 4s."

I have torroid rings....how would I add a heatsink?

Or....am I just over thinking things again and being "TOO" cautious? What's the worst that could happen? My LED's turn off....I can live with that and then replace the BEC.

[Derek]

although...the more i'm thinking about it...that resistor that Tony was talking about seems like a good way to go. It sounds more reliable, whether I'm on 3S or 4S.

and...it would be a new learning experience for me.

[Stambo]

It already has a toroid, and as far as heat goes, if you put it where some propwash hits it, it should be fine.
Some of these things generate a bit of heat but it's a switching bec, it should not be a problem.

[Derek]

I have to agree with you, Stambo! I'll go order that BEC now. I just wish they had some more of those blue vibration dampening bobbins in stock, lol.

[Tony]

Tony...I just searched a local supplier. Is this what you were talking about:

http://www.radioshack.com/nte967-voltag ... UKfL45Viko

I like the idea that Stambo had. A removable resistor would be awesome. It could be set aside when when running 3S and then simply plugged in when running 4S and then my LED's would be safe on either voltage. This will also be a learning lesson for me with my upcoming quad project.

Thanks for your help guys!!!

No mate, that's a negative voltage one, you need this one....and you can leave this in too when your running 3s, it will just put out the 3s voltage.. And only $1

http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-12 ... UMxooF4WrU

[Derek]

Thank you for looking that up at a local store for me. That Radio Shack is about 20 minutes away from home. I did a screen shot of the part, part number, and price. I'll see about getting one or two of them this weekend.