Re: motor stall current vs Victor ratings
 

Thanks to Richard and Mark in the referenced thread above for the discussion. I would like to add that for much of the match the output of the controller is likely in a PWM mode and not at full throttle. With this in mind, the temperature rise in the FET (for the majority of users) will remain below 100 C for the two minute match. Adding to all the other factors including the resistance of the wiring, breakers, connectors etc. my guess is that the Victor is very conservatively rated at 40 amps in our application. I have faith that for a match duration 50 amps per FET are acceptable limits. The motor with the highest current draw is the Chalupa with a stall current of 129 amps. Considering the operation curves of the 40 amp breakers feeding the controllers, my suspicion is that the breakers will start to react before the damage occurs in 99% of the cases.
A very agressive driver in a full on pushing match with sticky wheels and no slip might on rare occassions exceed all of the limitations of the FETs and the breakers. There is still the other catastrophic failures to contend with i.e. broken transmissions, damage to drive components from a collision, etc. which will lock up the motors under normal conditions. Drivers need to be aware of these types of failures and not try to overcome them with brute force. Smoke and damage are the result of such abuse.
When using your robot for demonstrations, keep in mind that there are limitations for current and heat and robot maintenance and monitoring are required. Releasing smoke during a demo although momentarily exciting is not desirable!