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  #1  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:01 PM
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Mondo Mondo is offline
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Castle Mamba Link ßeta

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
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File Type: jpg mamba phx cables.jpg (608.3 KB, 309 views)
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  #2  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:23 PM
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Making it all work...

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)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg mamba phx cables (1).jpg (597.2 KB, 187 views)
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  #3  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:25 PM
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Continued...

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
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File Type: jpg mamba phx cables (2).jpg (600.1 KB, 153 views)
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  #4  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:33 PM
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Making it work

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
Attached Images
File Type: jpg mamba link basic.jpg (75.0 KB, 146 views)
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  #5  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:35 PM
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Mamba Setup

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
Attached Images
File Type: jpg mamba throttle brake.jpg (83.4 KB, 145 views)
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  #6  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:40 PM
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Updating Firmware

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!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg mamba software update.jpg (79.6 KB, 138 views)
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  #7  
Old 12-13-2004, 04:44 PM
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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!
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  #8  
Old 12-13-2004, 05:00 PM
rcer4life rcer4life is offline
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sounds great might need to get another mamba to use this on
Thanks for the great review Mondo
Hunter
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  #9  
Old 12-14-2004, 03:55 AM
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Great review!
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  #10  
Old 12-14-2004, 10:00 AM
boydnhl boydnhl is offline
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yup nice review mondo \
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  #11  
Old 12-14-2004, 11:38 AM
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Thanks for the Review Mondo. Now I actually now how this thing works.
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  #12  
Old 12-20-2004, 11:11 AM
mochaeater mochaeater is offline
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Yes. I agree. Great review, Mondo. Updating the firmware fixed all my cogging problems.
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  #13  
Old 12-20-2004, 01:14 PM
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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

Last edited by elite-b]2[o; 12-20-2004 at 02:29 PM.
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  #14  
Old 12-20-2004, 04:47 PM
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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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  #15  
Old 12-27-2004, 11:42 PM
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awesome Mondo !
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