Question from Dewalt Product Manager

[bwalker25]

With the advent of programmable ESC's for RC Cars, why can we not just take a programmable ESC (electronic speed control) and have the Dewalt unit be programmable so we can change the RPM Ranges, soft start feature, or heck even more?



I race RC cars for fun so I know there is a such a thing as programmable esc's, heck they even make brushless motors so you dont have to replace carbon brushes anymore, thus reducing wear and down time.



My Votes:

Programmable ESC (via computer USB Cable), I can provide an example of an programmable ESC if needed.

Brushless Motor (completely eliminates carbon brush wear, and reduces motor up keep, etc.)



A programmable ESC would allow everyone to have the RPM range of their choice (with in the spec's of the ESC of course), could even allow you to turn on and off certain features like soft start, and perhaps even change the soft start delay.



This would of course be a custom application, but imagine all the possible uses for something like this. Dewalt needs to set it self apart from the others. Makita already has soft start, flex already has the micro processor, etc. Dewalt needs something they dont have, and that would be a programmable ESC and brushless motor.



Programmable ESC

Brushless Motor

Rubber Head Grip

 

[Kevin Brown]

With the advent of programmable ESC's for RC Cars, why can we not just take a programmable ESC (electronic speed control) and have the Dewalt unit be programmable so we can change the RPM Ranges, soft start feature, or heck even more?



I race RC cars for fun so I know there is a such a thing as programmable esc's, heck they even make brushless motors so you dont have to replace carbon brushes anymore, thus reducing wear and down time.



My Votes:

Programmable ESC (via computer USB Cable), I can provide an example of an programmable ESC if needed.

Brushless Motor (completely eliminates carbon brush wear, and reduces motor up keep, etc.)



A programmable ESC would allow everyone to have the RPM range of their choice (with in the spec's of the ESC of course), could even allow you to turn on and off certain features like soft start, and perhaps even change the soft start delay.



This would of course be a custom application, but imagine all the possible uses for something like this. Dewalt needs to set it self apart from the others. Makita already has soft start, flex already has the micro processor, etc. Dewalt needs something they dont have, and that would be a programmable ESC and brushless motor.



Programmable ESC

Brushless Motor

Rubber Head Grip

BY THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME, I HEREBY APPOINT YOU DESIGN CHIEF OF THE NEXT ROTARY POLISHER.



I have no authority but I like how you think. :woohoo: Can you implement a suction system on top that will allow me to set my Ginger Ale upon it?

 

[bwalker25]

BY THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME, I HEREBY APPOINT YOU DESIGN CHIEF OF THE NEXT ROTARY POLISHER.



I have no authority but I like how you think. :woohoo: Can you implement a suction system on top that will allow me to set my Ginger Ale upon it?

Thanks Kevin!



I'm a huge fan of those hard hat type things with cup holders on the side and double straws! I also use a camelback to put water in, like a water bladder with a bad straw system tucked in to a back pack, fill the bladder up with gator aide

 

[Todd@RUPES]

My ideal rotary would be between a Hitachi and a Makita.



What I like about the Hitachi is that the trigger is very sensitive and the machine feels very light. What I don't like it is how the thumb dial will move around when you set the machine down, and might role all the way up to six... Next time you squeeze the trigger you are in for a shock.



What I like about the Makita is that it the thumb dial is notched and doesn't move around. However the Makita has a soft start (which it needs) and the trigger isn't very good.



When I polish with the Hitachi I never move the thumb dial and use the excellent trigger to vary RPM. I never use the throttle lock.



When I polish with the Makita I always use the throttle lock and vary the RPM with the dial. I would like the best of both worlds.



When it comes down to overall feel I really like the weight/balance of the Makita over others in it's class including Hitachi, DeWalt, etc... Obviously this is just personal preference.



As for handle style, I used to like the bail handle but now I really prefer the stick.

 

[AeroCleanse]

I like the Makita's bail handle, because when you set it down it stays put and the pad doesn't have a chance to pick up dirt.

 

[blake_jl1]

+1 for the comfort grip or forward handle like the Flex.



Actually, give me a Flex L 3403 VRG with the low speed of the Makita.

 

[DEWALTprdctmgr]

All,



Thank you very much for your detailed feedback on this forum. You provided a lot of good information that is not suprising. One thing that holds true in this industry seems to be personal preferences, and a variety of different needs and wants.



I will most likely be following up with some additional questions / polls in the future, and will definitely keep you posted on new developments in our product lines. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions or comments. I will probably reach out to some of you and see about coming to your shops or locations for some hands on research with future prototypes. As a matter of fact, if you are located around the Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC, or Virginia area and you are interested in participating in some research with us, please send me a private message on this account.



Regards,



Eric