Panther Capacitor failed

[Dan Fuhrman]

Background: 2006/07 Panther G with upgraded electronics (2024 red boxes and brushless motors). Bench test went smoothly without issue, motors/ESC's ran well as did the turret turn motor. The elevation actuator ran fine. Installed the batteries, brushless motors/ESC's and power module for initial test run. Ran the tank for about 21 minutes and only adjusted the track tension.

Installed the two XMP103 ESC's (via the XMP104 splitter) and connected the turret turn motor. The elevation actuator connected through the slip ring wiring per the AT wiring schematic. Powered up the Panther and immediately blew the capacitor on the ESC for the elevation actuator. It also blew the 15 AMP fuse in the Power Module. I immediately turned the power off and disconnected the battery from the Power Module. The elevation actuator was not installed in the turret only sitting next to the lower hull on a cushion with no resistance. The audio module with speakers was installed and worked well.

Questions for the Forum:

1. Has anyone experienced this in the past?
2. What would have caused this issue?
3. How to rectify? Replace, repair?
4. Can the capacitor be replaced on the ESC?

Looking forward to any/all input from the team!

Cheers,

Dan

[Paul Sparkes]

I’ve seen similar happen when there are 2 BEC’s or ESC’s powering the rc this then back feeds power blowing the esc.

It’s worth checking that nothing is powering the RX or back powering. I always use a separate BEC and remove the 5v power from any other esc to be sure.

Otherwise check for shorts anywhere.

Replacing the ESC will mean reprogramming the motors to the new ESC so not an easy task.

[Dan Fuhrman]

Paul,

Thank you for the advise, I will give it a go tomorrow.

Cheers,

Dan