ESC W/reverse for scale boat

[aeronavale]

I would like to make some modifications on a twin engine 47 inches scale model. Built some 25 years ago, it still operates on two "mechanical" speed controls, each controling a 6V Dumas motor.

I would like to replace the mechanical speed controls with reversible ESCs and would appreciate your suggestion on which brand to use. There is a lot of choice and I'm lost: big / small, w BEC or not, cheap/expensive, etc.

Your help in this matter would be appreciated.

[sleb]

aeron,
there are quite a few available, if you plan on sticking with only 6V one for each motor, I use these in some of my boats: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKYX5&P=7 If you are going to use just 1 esc at 12V I have use this one: http://www.mackproductsrc.com/speed_control_p2.htm
Those are just a coupleand I am sure others will let you know which ones they have had good luck with.
Steve :)

[patmat2350]

MANY ESCs won't work reliably on 6v... most are designed for 7.2-8.4v RC cars. And may have odd reverse behavior - with need for braking first, or time-outs to protect timed motors. Other low cost units have little low-end- they start off at maybe 1/3 throttle.
One brand that is designed for RC scale boats is Mtroniks from the UK... the Marine Viper line has simple reverse operation, functions on 6-12v, is waterproof, and has nifty over-current protection built in.
You won't need an expensive high-current ESC if you are using the big Dumas "scale" motors- they don't draw much current, and a 10 or 15 amp ESC will be fine.

One low cost source for Mtroniks is this fellow in the UK on ebay- I've made several purchases from him:
http://stores.ebay.com/ForBigBoys-Hobby-Lines_MTRONIKS-Shop_Speed-Controllers-Marine_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ7497019QQftidZ2QQtZk m (appears to be currently on vacation). I've landed 15A ESCs here for 30-odd dollars.

Pat M

[capt. spauldin]

I have used this model DuraTrax ESC in four boats and never had a
problem at all: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZX1&P=7 It is reasonably priced when bought new, and it often is available on eBay.

Cheers,
Capt. Spaulding

[CaptLee]

Give the Traxxas XL-1 or the XL10 a try, it is reliable down to 6 volts and not bad pricewise. Avoid the Proboat Reversible as it has no real low end. Check on the car types for brake then reverse because it is a pain in the posterior to double click to get reverse. Have used the Futaba 230 but it has the problem mentioned, but it works OK otherwise. Mtroniks is a fine unit but you need to look at price of 15 amps for size as a min. usage with the 25 amp version preferred. Lots of choices out there and it mostly comes down to your budget as far as selection goes. Would recommend you stay with two ESC's for the handling gains.

[aeronavale]

Thanks for the advise and information, it's a good start and I will examine these different options. I will keep both motors on separate ESC because I want to keep the full manoeuvring flexibility of a twin screw.

Thanks again,
Aeronavale