New and Improved Brushless Motor RC Cars
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| Brushless Motor |
Brushless
Motor became commercially available around the mid 1960's. Since then they have
revolutionized all sorts of industrial and mechanical industries. On the RC
aircraft, they made possible for electric planes, what was once possible only
on planes equipped with internal combustion engines.
Brushless
motors have made quite a splash in the world of RC cars and trucks. Because of
their higher efficiency and power, among other things, they are quickly
becoming the industry standard for electric RC vehicles. They are so powerful,
in fact, that until 2006 they were actually illegal for use in officially
sanctioned RC races. But how do they work?
An
electric motor is essentially a rotating bar that contains an electromagnet
positioned in between two stationary magnets. When the electricity is turned
on, it creates a magnetic field that causes the electromagnet to spin. However,
it can only spin 180 degrees before the electromagnet needs to switch
polarities.
In
a brushed system there are little brushes that come into contact with
electrodes in order to flip the polarity of the electromagnet. So in essence,
despite being an electrical system, the changing of the polarities is handled
mechanically.
Brushless motors are almost the reverse of brushed motors. With a motor the electromagnet
is on the stationary sides of the motor, and the magnets are on the rotor. The
motor is then controlled by a computer instead of using the brushes for
mechanical control.
There
are many advantages to a brushless motor. A motor with brushes makes a lot of
noise, is less powerful and efficient, is more prone to overheating and will
wear out more quickly. In fact, these motors are just better. Basically the
only disadvantage of these motors is that they are more expensive initially.
What
does this mean for RC cars and trucks? First of all, it means power. Brushless motors produce more power and will make your RC car go faster. They also are
more efficient and will power a vehicle longer on the same battery than a
brushed motor will.
Brushless motors are more reliable for a number of reasons. There is no need to replace
the brushes because there aren't any. They don't really overheat, and need less
maintenance. They will last a very long time and really only the bearings need
replacement. Brushed motors burn out comparatively quickly and will need to be
replaced.
As
stated before, the only real disadvantage to brushless motors is cost. They
cost more than brushed motors initially, and they run much more efficiently on
LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries are quite expensive, take longer to charge, and
require a balance charger. Balance chargers can be pricey. LiPo batteries are
also more dangerous as they can explode if overcharged. LiPo batteries are not
necessary for these motors, but are highly recommended.
One
other disadvantage to brushless motor is that they have a higher learning
curve. They have to be programmed and this can be fairly difficult for
beginners.
Beginners
or those on a tight budget may prefer brushed motors simply for the price. Other
than that, any serious electric RC hobbyist should really make the switch to a
brushless system. They are the motors of the future, and one day will most likely
replace all brushed motor. (By Jacob T Anderson )
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