ENDBOTS DESC VS SCORPION NANO

Electronic Speed Controllers are critical for combat robotics.

We compare the Endbots DESC, the Scorpion Nano DESC, and the Fingertech tinyESC v2.

Drive motors and weapon motors must be controlled.  Builders do this with an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC).  Many speed controllers, like the Fingertech tinyESC, control only a single device.  A Dual speed controller controls two devices at the same time.  With a dual speed controller, you can often save cost and weight.

Fingertech tinyESC v2

The Fingertech tinyESC is the gold standard for combat robotics’ brushed motor ESC.   However, there is a price to pay (literally) in both cost, complexity, and weight.  Fingertech’s tinyESC has only a single bidirectional channel, and therefore requires two ESC’s with the attendant wiring complexity.

Fingertech is the best-known supplier of combat robot parts, and they dominate the Antweight class.  Also, they also have a series of parts that work well on beetleweights, particularly their eggbeater weapon and electronics.  Fingertech is the designer and/or integrator of a number of classic parts for the industry, and their Viper antweight kit is well known as the most common starter kit.

Fingertech has had some supply challenges for the last year, and supplies of ESC’s, kits, and mechanicals have had issues from weeks to months.  However, in general, they are a very reliable supplier, and the best in the combat robotics industry.

Endbots DESC

The Endbots Dual ESC is a well known Dual ESC and, when you consider you only need one unit not two, you gain both a cost advantage and a weight advantage.  The Endbots DESC was a project designed and built by a combat robot builder.  You can see a snippet about the project here.

Another interesting difference is the Endbots’ option of an onboard Lemon receiver, which neither of the other devices possesses.  This can further simplify weight, wiring, and cost.  Endbots’ DESC has a good name in the sport, but it can be hard to get.

Endbots is generally seen as a niche supplier.  They do offer some custom-designed parts, including the Endbots DESC and a micro switch, but much of the inventory on their website is Fingertech or other manufacturers’.  Much of it also shows as sold out.

Endbots’ Founder, Jeffrey Olijar, started his design work with the DESC project.  You can find it here on Hackaday.io.

Scorpion Nano DESC

The Robot Power Scorpion Nano is not as well recognized.  However, it is at a significantly superior price point.  It operates at a lower minimum voltage (3.3v vs. 6.5v).  Additionally, the max voltage is similar to the Endbots’ (16v for the Nano vs. 16.8v for the Endbots’).  Neither is anywhere near the max of the Fingertech at 36v.  The price point is significantly better than the Fingertech, given the fact that one only needs one and not two.

Other Robot Power products are better known.  The Scorpion Mini is well known as the Beetleweight “go-to” ESC for ruggedness and reliability.  If the Scorpion Nano is as reliable as the Mini, it can be a formidable contender in the DESC market.

Robot Power specializes almost exclusively in robotics power and control boards.  While they had at least one point supply problem, in general, they maintain stock and can ship quickly.  They are US-based.

Conclusion

All three products are great products, each with its strengths.  Currently, COVID has caused the world’s supply to be difficult, which leaves openings for less-known contenders like the Scorpion Nano to make a name for themselves.

The Scorpion Nano

The Fingertech tinyESC v2

The Scorpion Mini