BEC/Power Distribution Panel

[CGAux26]

What's the difference between a Battery Eliminator Circuit and a Power Distribution Panel, such as sold by Harbor Models?
http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/main_pages/power_distribution_panel.htm

I am building a boat that will have the usual 2 channels for throttle and rudder, plus a bow thruster, nav lights, and maybe a working winch. Different voltages may be required for some of these things.

Dave

[toesup]

What's the difference between a Battery Eliminator Circuit and a Power Distribution Panel, such as sold by Harbor Models?


BEC only applies to the ESC / Rx connection. The ESC steps down the voltage from the batteries going in to the ESC and supplies the Rx with the required voltage through one of the 'channel' sockets.
The distribution pannel from Harbor takes the voltage from the batteries and supplies several outlet's of differing voltages.. 12v, 6v, 4.8v and 3v

The power distribution panel is a usefull item if you have a requirement for several voltages in your boat.. but be warned, the unit is quite large.. 2" x 3" x 5"

[Bikerider]

That looks like something I could use on my 1/96 Arizona. Has anyone ever used it?

[patmat2350]

Looks neat, but with some forethought, the need for such a beast can be avoided. Suggestion: Run a 12v battery... most electronic modules (sounds, smoke, etc) these days are happy on 12v... a wide variety of drive motors are too (like the popular "lathe" motors)... you can run LEDs off any voltage with the right resistor, and 12-14v incandescents are widely available.
Popular marine ESCs will run on 12v and their BEC will drive the 5v receiver and servo. Even small gearmotor units for turrets etc can be had for 12v, or can be repowered with 12v motors.