How does a mechanical speed control work? What advantage do I gain with an electronic one?
A mechanical speed control works via resistors. The speed control functions by resisting the current sent to the motor at three levels. Driving slow on the first speed causes the resistor to absorb a lot of current. The resistor will heat up as it discharges this energy. If you spend most of your driving at slow speeds, you run the risk of burning out your resistor. An electric speed control (ESC) works under a different principle. There are no resistors. You also have the benefit of fully porportional speed. Since ESCs do not waste current through releasing heat from a resistor, you will get extended running time from your batteries. Note that you will need to be sure the electronic speed control can handle the motor you intend to use. If the motor you use has less winds than the specifications of your speed control, you may damage the speed control, the motor, and potentially your car.
