Has anyone here used resistors to lower the voltage of the main battery, to power lights etc?
Im currently using a step-down module that works great, but I cant use my hobbyking reciever switch since it requires a common ground wire.
I got some help from @Ishayc with the calculations and I´ll be using two 5W 300ohm resistors in parallell from my main 12s battery. The lights are running on 10-16V and 0.23A.
Im excited to try this out, but until then it would be nice to see if anyone else has done it.
Yup, go for an SBEC or UBEC. Why? Your resistor solution will work, but will always consume power. Even when nothing is used. Whereas the BECs mentioned will store this energy as efficient as possible (always losses)
I guess the SBEC will have to be rated at 12s (50,4v)? I thought about going this route at the beginning but I simply bought a stepdown module since it was cheaper. Could you guys link me a cheap SBEC that will work with my 12s battery?
The resistor idea is not a good one. Apart from the fact that it will consume your battery power passively, it will be only able to provide 0.168A due to the resistor and all that with significant voltage sag so your lights may not perform as desired.
I unfortunately dont have an SBEC to recommend, sorry
Where does it require a common ground? If you are using a normal RX you shouldn’t have an issue. THe power connections on the turnigy switch only use the POS and the 3 wire connector connects to the 2nd chanel on the RX.
Those instructions are for using the switch with a BEC, my diagram is if you are using a step down converter. Do this…
1. Connect the POS In the the Step Down Converter
2. Connect the POS Out to the lights or whatever
3. Connect the Step Down Converter NEG to the Lights
4. Connect RX CH2 to the 3 wire plug on the switch
5. Power up the board and hit the remote switch
My first board is running a 6s pack so I series connected two 12v LED light and it’s working beautifully.
The Idea of the resistor might not be the cleverest or the most sophisticated but it’s the simplest and should work(tried it in a different project).
@Martinsp he can always make a switch before the resistor to stop it’s consumption when not used.
Anything is reinventing the wheel when have a proven reliable piece of equipment to perform a given task…but build something less reliable to do the same job.
I am an old school engineer. Keep it simple, reliable and bullet proof.
I’m pretty much a new engineer so I’m not in position to argue about that but i’ve used both method to regulate voltages and both worked well.
Glad we think different, that’s a good way to learn
There’s a time for engineering a solution and a time to use a pre-engineered solution…specifically if the pre-engineered solution falls within spec, conforms to cost, voltage & space requirements and is proven to be reliable.
I’m not saying your wrong, Im just saying that since he has the switch and has the drop down module it doesn’t make sense to re-engineer the solution when there is one already available that will be far more reliable than the boy scout method
I’m gonna call BS on that, being a new engineer is the best time to argue. It gives yous additional perspective, experience without investment, new ideas and either helps to prove or disprove your own theories. Plus engineering school is fuggin expensive, so arguing is free entertainment
