capacitor question
 

Looking to add some additional capacitors to the ESC as I am running 5S/6S systems.

How does one determine baseline capacitance needed based on voltage and motor draw?

I can't give you an exact answer, but more is better. If your ESC already has caps on it, see if you can figure out what they are and maybe double it. And don't skimp on quality... RC is tough on electronics.

And what is the goal to add extra capacitors?
The current capacitors have several functions and there is no need to add extra.

If you actually have a need for additional capacitors (because you are using batteries that or only marginally suitable for the setup) just install a Castle Cap Pack and you will know you have the right components:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXBVNB&P=ML

Castle installs the Cap Pack on the Monster2 that is used in the Traxxas XO-1.

In car HiFi installations an 1 Farad capacitor is used to support the 100A peak current, that is a monster tube of 300mm long and 100mm in diameter.

You really think that small board of capacitors will help to keep the voltage stable at high currents?

Goal is to reduce ripple and make life easier on the ESC. I have seen where adding caps can lower ESC temps.
Don't tell me you have never seen or heard of a car ESC going up in a puff of smoke, they goal is to prevent that.

The CC cap pack seems to be made for monster voltage (12S) that flying guys use as they are 50v caps. Probably overkill for this situation. Capacitors are also dirt cheap, I'm not paying $20 for 4 of them!

I think 30v should be plenty for 6S, just curious if there was any formula or rule for determining total capacitance. I'll start w/ adding 50% more and go from there.

[QUOTE=Precision1;14655530]Goal is to reduce ripple and make life easier on the ESC. I have seen where adding caps can lower ESC temps. [QUOTE]

They can prevent heat build-up but can not lower temps.

As mentioned, the caps which are already on the ESC are enough, there is no need to add extra. If there are no caps then yes, it helps to add some.