LRP Sphere Competition

MattHiggins · #1 10-19-2005, 02:49 PM

LRP set to release new Sphere Competition
LRP has taken its brushless system to the next level with a speed control designed specifically for racing. The Sphere Competition is a forward/brake controller, and with a motor limit of 3.5-turns or more, it can handle any brushless motor available today. Like the original Sphere, the Competition can also run standard brushed motors (5-turn motor limit). Other cool features include automatic adaptation to brushed and brushless motors (which means no programming required when switching motors) and "AutoCell" adaptation that allows the safe use of LiPo cells. The Competition also features ADPC (a variable, optimized motor management within six different profiles.) So like the QC2, a brushed-motor speed control, the Sphere Competition automatically varies and adjusts the profile as you drive.

WheelNut · #2 10-19-2005, 03:31 PM

AAAGH the picture doesnt work. If this thing is the same size as the regular sphere (or smaller) and doesnt have a huge cap like my GTB I'm definately getting of these as soon as I can.

Edit- Check the rccaraction main site for a picture. It looks exactally the same as the regular sphere, only with different writing on it. I'm definately getting one the day they're avaliable.

chilly4kc · #3 10-19-2005, 03:32 PM

Do you have any pics of this ESC? How much and when will it be released?

ElectricThunder · #4 10-19-2005, 03:37 PM

Looks like LRP upped the game a bit, especially with the Lipo compatability stuff...oooooooooh! Your turn novak...

MattHiggins · #5 10-19-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

If this thing is the same size as the regular sphere (or smaller) and doesnt have a huge cap like my GTB I'm definately getting of these as soon as I can.

It is the same size as the original Sphere and no cap is needed.

Also, you guys are the first to see this product outside of the LRP offices.

SS Pede · #6 10-19-2005, 04:12 PM

What does the "AutoCell" feature actually do? Is it just a cutoff when voltage gets low or something? I didn't think an ESC needed anything special to run Lipo.

MattHiggins · #7 10-19-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Pede

What does the "AutoCell" feature actually do? Is it just a cutoff when voltage gets low or something? I didn't think an ESC needed anything special to run Lipo.

The AutoCell feature automatically detects if you're using LiPo or "standard" batteries. While I can't confirm this yet, I bet the Sphere Competition has a voltage cutoff so the LiPo batteries do not discharge too deep.

chilly4kc · #8 10-19-2005, 04:20 PM

I have the Sphere and I love it. I only use BL motors so the only thing I could gain with this ESC is the ADPC and the use of LIPOs.

However, after looking at the picture I'm still disappointed with the 4 holes that ESC has in it. Dust and dirt can get into there if you don't seal them up.

Key · #9 10-19-2005, 04:37 PM

The "auto cell" cut-off better known as Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) is a standard built-in feature (usually programmable via PC) available on high end competition sensorless ESC's.

Since the characteristics of LiPos aren't recommended to go below a specific voltage level the addition of LVC makes it possible to "cut" the voltage at a safe level. Thus preventing damage when recharging and prolonging battery life as well.

SS Pede · #10 10-19-2005, 04:51 PM

Cool, that's what I figured.

adam lancia · #11 10-19-2005, 09:57 PM

price?

mxzhonkey · #12 10-19-2005, 10:47 PM

ok to the post above with the pic. why have an aluminum heatsink battery brace when you have either tape or foam between the contact point of the brace and the battery. nm
i have had nothin but problems with lrp speed controls and thei neew one isnt going to make me buy one. i have had only one novak fry since 98. count 4 lrps in my group since last season. qc2s, plus to run a spektrum you need a large power cap, or it will shut down.

chilly4kc · #13 10-19-2005, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxzhonkey

ok to the post above with the pic. why have an aluminum heatsink battery brace when you have either tape or foam between the contact point of the brace and the battery. nm
i have had nothin but problems with lrp speed controls and thei neew one isnt going to make me buy one. i have had only one novak fry since 98. count 4 lrps in my group since last season. qc2s, plus to run a spektrum you need a large power cap, or it will shut down.

I use the masking tape to help keep the batteries in the shape I want. The battery bar does get warm and helps to cut down on battery heat.

I used Novak ESCs before the LRP and I haven't had an issue with any of them.

AudiTT-Quattro · #14 10-20-2005, 12:48 AM

The only thing I'm concerned about is the weak BEC on the original Sphere. Has that been solved? If not, then LRP hasn't addressed the biggest issue of the ESC.

burito · #15 10-20-2005, 02:45 AM

Glad to hear you guys like the features, the full details are going to be available during the I-Hobby show this weekend. There's more in there...

About the "BEC complaints", let's face it... 99% of these issues are related to racers using the Spektrum system, it works fine with all other receivers/servos. Why do you think does Spektrum release a capacitor set and an update of their receiver? Because the speedos have a problem or their receiver... They keep blaming weak BEC's, but the truth is that the Spektrum is VERY unreliable on this subject! I don't want to start a flaming war, but it's simply not true that the Sphere has a BEC issue.

Btw, the Sphere shares the exact same voltage regulator chip as Novak uses! So hard to believe this should be the problem...

ALi · #16 10-20-2005, 03:38 AM

Will there be a possibility to update existing Sphere's with these new features ? Just spend ~300euros on the system just to find out there is a updated version on the pipeline

...

burito · #17 10-20-2005, 05:59 AM

@ALi: sorry, updates are not planned so far.

Cain · #18 10-20-2005, 09:17 AM

does this still require the heatsink kit if you run in certain conditions (touring, etc) ?

burito · #19 10-20-2005, 09:29 AM

Yes, heatsink will be required for "high power" classes such as TC or 4wd. While it will be ok to run without heatsink in 1/12, 2wd and most likely Truck also.

WheelNut · #20 10-21-2005, 02:45 AM

If your going to need a heatsink to run it in TC (assuming that is with the lowest turn motor currently avaliable, 5.5) how in the world could it run a 3.5 motor without thermalling? If it can actually run a 3.5t motor that thing would be smoking hot, no?

Cain · #21 10-21-2005, 08:50 AM

why didn't LRP just include the heatsink right way for this? Seems this would be a great thing to do, have it all in one and probably will cut down on people blowing there ESCs too. I believe novak does this already?

burito · #22 10-21-2005, 11:15 AM

@Cain: not sure if I misunderstood... but the heatsink is included of course, it's just not mounted from the factory because some classes don't require the heatsink. Also it does of course look neater and is easier to mount without the heatsink for 1/12 and 2wd, as I explained above.

@WheelNut: lowest you can get at the moment is 5.5t, but you're just ready for the future with the Sphere Competition...

Rtsbasic · #23 10-21-2005, 11:22 AM

Hmm, tipping the balance towards LRP again

This with the Novak GTB 5.5 motor on 7 cells would be quite fast

Would probably push the controller quite close to its limits though.

Maybe LRP plan to come out with a 4.5 motor in the future to pair with this controller..would be nice.

Cain · #24 10-21-2005, 12:23 PM

I think my question is based on what people with the current sphere are stating that you need a heatsink/capacitor combo that is bought seperately. Am I to understand that this is now included with this newer sphere?

What I am waiting for with brushless is where they have alittle dial that I can set for the following performances:

10 turn
11 turn
13 turn
19 turn
stock

something that just goes like that with similar power performance to those settings so I can dial in.

chilly4kc · #25 10-21-2005, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cain

I think my question is based on what people with the current sphere are stating that you need a heatsink/capacitor combo that is bought seperately. Am I to understand that this is now included with this newer sphere?

What I am waiting for with brushless is where they have alittle dial that I can set for the following performances:

10 turn
11 turn
13 turn
19 turn
stock

something that just goes like that with similar power performance to those settings so I can dial in.

Instead you might be able to buy a higher turn BL motor. Check out these Neo 1 motors on Tower Hobbies website:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=neo&FVPROFIL=

There might be a 11 and 13t BL Neo 1.