backtomyroots 432 Posted August 4, 2014 The Tamiya TLU-01 Light Set Kit #53909 is typically powered from the running battery of the car by having the running battery plugged into it then fed into the esc. Is it possible to skip this adapter and modify it by soldering a servo lead/receiver lead so that it lugs into an open receiver channel to power it ? I'm tired of the bulk of the power cable it comes with. Or would this harm it or not provide enough juice for the LEDS ? What I'm tired of (Tamiya connectors swapped for traxxas - ignore that fact): Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Backlash 481 Posted August 4, 2014 Well, it looks like that its designed to run off 7.2 -8.4Volts, so I would expect that the LEDs would not be as bright if it was run off 5-6V Receiver/BEC power... The other problem then will be if the ESC's BEC can supply enough current to run the Receiver, servos and then TLU-01.. If you were willing to make an adaptor up to go to the receiver, then why not just cut and shorten the leads that are too long? I cant tell from your photos what ESC you are using, but if you can access the solder points where the battery lead is soldered to the ESC's PCB, could you cut, and then solder the TLU-01 input wires direct to those solder points, thus doing away with the need for the "adaptor"..? I don't know if you can remove the pins from those Traxxas connectors, but if you can, another option would be to cut the adaptor off the supply lead for the TLU-01, and solder it direct to the ESC's Traxxas plug, just like it is with the adaptor..? The final option that I can see is to buy some new JST(?) plugs that go into the TLU-01, and then shorten the leads to the TLU-01 as required, and fit new plugs.. Just search the forum for TLU-01 plugs, as I do remember someone posting the part numbers for the plugs on here.. EDIT.. the search was for MFC-01, but according to the thread below, the plugs on the TLU-01 are made by JST and are part of their PH range.. (please don't shoot the messenger if the information is incorrect).. Scroll down to post #6.. http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=39499 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backtomyroots 432 Posted August 4, 2014 Good points, I have in the past simply cut the Tamiya plug off and soldered the power cable to the esc battery connector (eliminating the adapter) but sometimes all that wire is too much and the shortest route is to the receiver, hence the question. Ponder this I shall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfagta 126 Posted August 5, 2014 i ran both of my TLU's from my spektrum sr3100 and ORX g300 , acoms and futaba rx's too with no issues and no dimming of the lights , i only had 4 LED's running though so if you plan to have all ports on the TLU in use the direct battery connection is the prefered method to save strain on the esc BEC circuit . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backtomyroots 432 Posted August 6, 2014 i ran both of my TLU's from my spektrum sr3100 and ORX g300 , acoms and futaba rx's too with no issues and no dimming of the lights , i only had 4 LED's running though so if you plan to have all ports on the TLU in use the direct battery connection is the prefered method to save strain on the esc BEC circuit . thanks mate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfagta 126 Posted August 6, 2014 thanks mate your welcome , have fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterbok 1282 Posted August 6, 2014 i ran both of my TLU's from my spektrum sr3100 and ORX g300 , acoms and futaba rx's too with no issues and no dimming of the lights , i only had 4 LED's running though so if you plan to have all ports on the TLU in use the direct battery connection is the prefered method to save strain on the esc BEC circuit . . Which ESC did you use, those spektrum and orange receivers don't have bec and when you combine that with an ESC without bec you will have the power direct from the batteries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfagta 126 Posted August 6, 2014 . Which ESC did you use, those spektrum and orange receivers don't have bec and when you combine that with an ESC without bec you will have the power direct from the batteries. teu101, teu 105 , hobbywing 35, 60, xerun , hobbyking x-car 60,120 , castle sidewinder , novak crawler brushless , all worked just fine , as i mentioned i used acoms and futaba rx's too so there was a bec in circuit too , there was clear dimming when i tried with a 4.8v 4 cell pack though , Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danb1974 93 Posted August 6, 2014 Power consumption is not an issue, one led draws 10-20mA (0.01 - 0.02Amps) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfagta 126 Posted August 6, 2014 Power consumption is not an issue, one led draws 10-20mA (0.01 - 0.02Amps) very true , unless you have an orv with greedy servo that is already running the Rx close to its limits ,add an 'all ports used' tlu and it could be the tipping point , Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterbok 1282 Posted August 6, 2014 very true , unless you have an orv with greedy servo that is already running the Rx close to its limits ,add an 'all ports used' tlu and it could be the tipping point , Â diy smokegenerator. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisRx718 4470 Posted September 1, 2014 What's the verdict on this one then guys? I have recently converted most of my batteries / ESCs to Deans connectors as per the advice I received a few weeks ago, but have just realised that now none of my TLU-01s will hook up unless I convert them too! Would be a lot neater / easier if I could just put a BEC plug on there. Do you need any special tools to install a BEC plug? I've never put one together before. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterbok 1282 Posted September 1, 2014 attach a bec connector to the deans of your esc, et voila (you can get them wired) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfagta 126 Posted September 2, 2014 a pair of small crimping pliers is useful but you can do it with some small needle nose pliers . , its really easy , buy a few plugs as when you mess up (if you mess one up) its rather difficult to re-use them . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisRx718 4470 Posted September 2, 2014 Buying some from eBay - will see how it goes. Got an old Acoms receiver box switch with the correct plugs on, so was thinking of installing that in the standard power switch position on my project and then it would give me a loose plug to connect / disconnect the TLU01 when I remove the bodyshell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites