This DS160BLHV is one of 4 ProModeler
mini-size digital servo alternatives. Sharing the same all-aluminum
construction as the DS205BLHV, this one is rated at 160oz-in instead of
205oz-in. Featuring brushless motors, these have our best gear train and are simply the most rugged mini we know how to make. Outputting 160 oz-in and transiting in 0.06 sec/60°, many pilots view this DS160BLHV brushless mini as our very best. Perhaps you will also.
1. Start with the best possible brushless-motor. When commutation happens electronically (instead of mechanically), the motor runs cooler because there's no insulating build up of brush dust over time. And since electrons don't wear out, a brushless-motor lasts 5X longer than a coreless-motor.
2. Of course, if you want a great mini-size servo, it helps to start with a great motor. Stuffing the motor from our standard-size 470oz-in servo in a mini called for thinking outside. What results is smooth, powerful, and fast. How's 160oz-in/0.051sec/60° grab you?
3. The trick to shoehorning a large-frame motor into a mini-size frame is simple. It merely involves slotting the CNC-machined case and letting the monster motor hang out a little bit (which has a benefit of added cooling). Beginning with a solid billet of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, the end result is more than just pretty . . . it's bullet proof.
4. Then we use 10 Allen-head machine screws to secure the assembly instead of 4 (like our competitors) because once we ran the FEA (finite element analysis) within the CAD-computer we discovered this made the transmission assembly a lot more rigid. Of course, a more rigid assembly is the key to a gear train that better withstands abuse.
5. Dual dual ball bearings? You betcha! But instead of ABEC-3 bearings, we opted to use ABEC-9 because ultra high precision bearings offer better performance. Naturally, these cost more and we mention it because we're proud of what goes in our servo (and because we noticed our competitors don't publish bearing specs).
6. In this class of servo you're right to expect metal gears, but instead of COTS (commercial off the shelf) gears featuring brass/steel (plus fake titanium), we opted for pricey but much tougher custom steel/steel gears (with anodized aluminum 25T output shaft). Plus, our gears are wider (thicker) than usual because increasing the surface area means greatly increasing wear characteristics.
7. Optimized for high voltage (HV) battery packs because higher voltage means lower current (rated at 7.4V nominal, 8.4V max - but specs given at a realistic 7.4V instead of a voltage you'll only see when the pack is fresh off charge). As experienced modelers know, this becomes especially important when using servo extensions. Plus, a 2S LiPo pack weighs much less than an equivalent capacity NiCd, LiFe, or NiMH pack.
8. Since centering is the sine qua non for a high performance servo, we use MIL-SPEC components. Along with a genuine Nobel potentiometer, this means the best possible performance because we don't compromise in our goal of building the best mini-size servo money can buy.
9. If you believe protecting the electronics against vibration is important then you'll be happy to learn how instead of a cheapo piece of foam we protect the electronic components of the PCB (printed circuit board) against vibration with potting compound. This is exactly how the military and NASA bullet proof their electronics. And quite honestly, it's a pain in the hind quarters, but we think of it as going the extra mile because like you, we're modelers too. Or put another way, we fly what we sell.
Bottom line? The ProModeler Brushless SuperMini is the one you want because it's better. It's super precise, centers superbly, and is simply stronger than competing minis. This makes it ideal for cyclic duty on 500-class helicopters like a Goblin. Plus, it's compact enough for the slim wing of a super fast jet. Plus, it's über strong for 60" class freestyle electric acrobat. We don't hide what we put into it and we welcome comparison to any other mini-size servo on the planet Earth. Granted, others may offer you a similar looking mini, but for your money you'll get a less expensive motor, inferior gears, an assembly with fewer screws, cheaper bearings, and and they'll leave out little touches like the potting compound. Is it pricey? Yup! But as usual, you get what you pay for.