Castle Mamba Link ßeta
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As I have a couple of Brushless systems, I decided to buy the MambaLink USB cable interface.
Here's a little overview of the product, how it works, tricks and traps and my opinion of the product. Software To download the Mamba software you need to fill in a little applet on the Castle Creations page giving your name, email address and ticking the boxes on what Mamba motors you run. There is also an option for whether you want to be kept up to date with the latest developments or provide feedback to Castle Creations. Hardware A standard USB cable and the PHX interface comes in a packet with very vague installation instructions Software Installation Before connecting your MambaLink up, install the software which comes in a convenient MSI (MS Installer) package. Once installed it creates a folder named C:\Program Files\MambaLink It also creates a Desktop icon :p |
Making it all work...
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Once the software is installed, connect the PHX link cable and connect it to the USB cable.
Do not connect the PHX cable to the Mamba ESC yet Plug the USB cable into a USB Port... Windoze will give the default *ding*dong* USB type noise and say New Hardware Found = PHX Link Windows will ask for a device driver, select advanced and type this path in: C:\Program Files\MambaLink\Driver Windoze will then take its sweet time installing the driver and then bitch that the driver is not certified by MS. Click Continue At this stage the red LED on the PHX cable should be strobing (flashing ultra fast) |
Continued...
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Connect the Mamba ESC to the PHX cable, you use the signal cable that plugs into the RX and it is keyed so you just can't get it wrong.
Note: You do not need to have the Mamba ESC connected to a battery pack when doing this At this stage the PHX cable's LED sghould be strobing green and the Mamba ESC cable's LEDs should be strobing red |
Making it work
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Right, so far so good!
Click on the MabaLink v1.00 Icon created on the Desktop You will be greeted with the opening screen You will see two green Radio Buttons titled: USB Phxlink Conenction Status ESC Connection Status They should both be green This Tab allows you to set: Brake/Reverse Type Reverse Throttle Amount/Brake Strength Cutoff Voltage Motor Timing Start Power There is also an "Update Button" to allow you to save the settings to the ESC, the PHXLink cable and ESC will flash when you click this button |
Mamba Setup
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The next Tab allows you to set the Throttle/brake Curves
This is done with the mouse, just drag the line and set the curve dynamically. Pretty neat. This could well help with the cogging as it allow the fine tuning you just cannot achieve when using the "button" type setup procedure on the Mamba ESC. Hit the Update button to save it to the ESC |
Updating Firmware
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The last Tab on the MambaLink software is to do an ESC firmware update.
I recommend you do this first before configuring the Mamba ESC and do not unplug anything while doing this. It takes about 20 seconds and can be problematic. Let me explain. On the ESC fitted to the M18 in the photo, I tried about 4-5 times and each time it failed. I unplugged everything, reconnected and tried again and it worked. The new/unused Mamba ESC (Destined for the RC18T) went thru first time. So, if it doesn't work 1st time, unplug and try again - but wait for the message to say the update failed before unplugging. The last thing you want to do is unplug the PHXlink cable in the middle of a firmware update! |
Conclusion
Great! I like it, Beta software or not, it works and works well.
This will give Mamba owners the convenience of being able to fine tune the Mamba ESC at the track (Laptop required!) I will do some fine tuning on the Throttle/Brake while on vacation and Post my sentiments, Believe you me, all RC electronics should be this good! |
sounds great might need to get another mamba to use this on:D
Thanks for the great review Mondo;) Hunter |
:cool: Great review! :cool:
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yup nice review mondo :)\
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Thanks for the Review Mondo. Now I actually now how this thing works.:)
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Yes. I agree. Great review, Mondo. Updating the firmware fixed all my cogging problems. :D
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can i get one?
where can i get one? and is my mamba compatible with it? my car coggs at 1/4 throttle and not at full throttle
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Yep, it is compatible with the Mamba. If you download the latest firmware and software for your PC it is very easy to setup the controller.
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awesome Mondo !
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