64 replies to this topic

[wolfdogstinkus]

I pointed out his error and got this in reply

"I am really sorry, Please only run a 2s LiPo in the future.

Dan Forbes
Product Specialist
Castle Creations"

[wolfdogstinkus]

This is the switch wire and the servo wire where it leaves the ESC


The top deck escaped serious damage with a little heat and smoke damage to the receiver and tray.


This was much more than letting the smoke out, this was a full on electrical fire as you can see from the damage, I know it was second hand so I don't really have any comeback but if I had bought this new I would be even more annoyed. I suppose I am going to have to pay out more money on this but at least I will get a warranty this time.

[Skottoman]

Just read through this thread, and that is CRAZY!

I have about 6 sidewinder setups, and have had 0 problems with them. Then again I'm still running NIMH. Although one of my street cars is running 9.6v NIMH, and it is mega fast!

Sorry for your issues, The Castle sidewinder setups are really a great deal for what you get, just guess you can't run 3s in them! (Maybe if it were an F103 or something, but that would just be undrivable!
Cheers,
Skottoman

[wolfdogstinkus]

Hi Skottoman, something must have shorted out, The ESC is rated for 3s lipo, as I have said it wasn't new when I got it and castle have offered to replace it for 40$ which isn't too bad considering I didn't buy it new. The 3s was drivable if you were very careful, like only used the first half of the throttle, any more than that and it would backflip, but that was with proline dirt works, with the standard blitzer tyres I would have expected wheelspin not a huge fire.

Do these have a serial number?, is there any way of finding out how old it is? There is a sticker on the side of the box which is handwritten. It says "cc 0049-01"

[wolfdogstinkus]

They want me to send it back so,.....................

[wolfdogstinkus]

I wish I had it on video, it was a sight, lol, and it stinks, only problem now is I gotta send it back to castle, how is it going to get through customs? when it stinks like a half burnt burnt thing.

[Percymon]

Make sure you mark the customs declaration as used/damaged toy parts - should avoid any import duty that way. You could declare a low value but if it did go missing you have no come back on insurance, although its worth naff all at present.

[wolfdogstinkus]

Thanks Percymon, I have never sent anything across sea before, anything else I should know?, In theory as you say I can mark the value as zero as it is worth nothing in this state.

I will post it recorded, is there anything else I need to do?

[Percymon]

Just make sure you have a label with sender details present on the package - the post office will give you a customs label to complete (description, weight, value). You should be able to send airmail with tracking, although i think the tracking may end upon recepit in the US as the tracking number will change when the US mail people process it through to Castle. I know TA-MArk has previously said he's had good service from Castle, but a few guys on beatyourtruck forum have waited months for replacements, sometime over 6 months . I hope they are prompt and look after your case.

[wolfdogstinkus]

Thanks Percymon, someone has said on URC that it took two months to get a replacement. Do I send a cheque?, or postal order? with the esc. I had better ask castle.

[Champ85]

Since you do not know what happened, exactly, I would treat the motor as "suspect" now. It may have internally shorted out, which could be why 1) the truck stopped moving and 2) the ESC burnt up. Be careful when you do finally receive the replacement ESC and hook it up to the motor. Try it at very low throttle (low current) and make sure the motor spins and sounds correct. If it doesn't move, it is possible that one or more of the three phases (magnetic coils) has shorted out inside the motor. You could fry the new ESC just like the old one if it is the motor and you aren't careful.

[wolfdogstinkus]

Thanks Champ85, that's good advice, I do have an ezrun esc which I could use to test the motor.

[wolfdogstinkus]

Received a parcel today from Castle, I am very happy.
 

[TA-Mark]

Oooooo - Shiny!!

[tonysmini]

Did you send your motor too? And they sent you a complete new set up?

I chucked an SV2 a few months ago as it stopped working completely and wouldn't even respond to the Castle link, I didn't even think of the warranty as it too was second hand. It looks like I missed a trick there then.