User Guide
RC Electric Parts’ Electric Speed Controller (ESC)
for Brushless Motors
Thank you for using RC Electric Parts’ ESC designed to meet your hobbies needs. As you'll find the ESC's settings are programmable with lots of features. If you have any issues or questions with our product feel free to contact us at RCElectricParts@gmail.com or on through our contact form on our website www.RCElectricParts.com/contact and we’ll be happy to help you!
We provide up to date digital instructions which also helps save paper. If you'd like to print the instructions you can click the button below to do so.
Table of Contents
1 Main Features |
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- The RC Electric Parts' ESC uses a powerful high-performance micro controller processor with settings / parameters that can be changed. Also called programmable settings (See "5 Programming Instructions" and "6 Programmable Settings")
- Supports high RPM motors, Maximum ESC RPM: 2 pole motor 240,000 rpm, 6 pole motor 80,000 rpm, 12 pole motor 40,000 rpm. 480,000 / #poles = Maximum RPM (See "2 Product Specifications")
- Maintains a constant desired motor speed when the throttle stays in the same position
- Uses a toroidal ferromagnetic core on the signal wire to reduce electromagnetic interference
- Starting speed can be set (See "Throttle Range Calibration" under "4 First Time Use")
- Quick, stable, and linear throttle response
- Can be used in fixed wings airplanes, helicopters, and other applications where a brushless motor needs to be controlled
- Integrated SBEC/UBEC provides efficient high current with little heat loss compared to a standard BEC (See "2 Product Specifications" for more detail)
- Abnormal input voltage protection, low voltage battery protection, and cut’s motor's power when signal is lost
- Overheat protection: Output power will reduce to half power when temperature reaches 100º C (212º F) and return to full power when temperature is under 100º C
- Startup Safety Protection: The ESC will not power on the motor unless the throttle is in the minimum throttle position
- ESC can be programmed via the transmitter or using our programming card (Sold separately)
- ESC beeps using the motor during startup to confirm number of battery cells for power input.
- RC Electric Parts has intellectual property on the product and can be updated and upgraded. The product can also be made to customers’ specifications.
2 Product Specifications |
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*Size and weight are for reference and may vary
BEC: stand for "Battery Eliminator Circuit" A BEC is extra circuitry in the ESC that eliminates the need to power receivers and servos with another battery since these components run on lower (5v) voltage. BECs uses a linear regulator that steps down voltage by converting the difference in voltage into heat. Which means the higher the battery voltage the more heat generated and less effective the BEC is. Because of this, our ESCs use an SBEC/UBEC which is a more efficient BEC explained below.
SBEC: "Switching Battery Eliminator Circuit" which uses an efficient switching regulator to step down the voltage. SBECs are an improved design of BECs
UBEC: Another name for SBEC
OPTO: No BEC is provided and a separate power supply is required to power the receiver
S: Number of cells in a battery, not to be confused with c. Standard LiPo batteries are referenced at 3.7v per cell which is the average output voltage over the batteries cycle (3.2v dead and 4.2v fully charged)
BEC: stand for "Battery Eliminator Circuit" A BEC is extra circuitry in the ESC that eliminates the need to power receivers and servos with another battery since these components run on lower (5v) voltage. BECs uses a linear regulator that steps down voltage by converting the difference in voltage into heat. Which means the higher the battery voltage the more heat generated and less effective the BEC is. Because of this, our ESCs use an SBEC/UBEC which is a more efficient BEC explained below.
SBEC: "Switching Battery Eliminator Circuit" which uses an efficient switching regulator to step down the voltage. SBECs are an improved design of BECs
UBEC: Another name for SBEC
OPTO: No BEC is provided and a separate power supply is required to power the receiver
S: Number of cells in a battery, not to be confused with c. Standard LiPo batteries are referenced at 3.7v per cell which is the average output voltage over the batteries cycle (3.2v dead and 4.2v fully charged)
ESC Maximum RPM
480,000 / # poles = maximum RPM or refer to the chart above. The ESC works with almost every motor so you shouldn't have to worry about this. Rather just hook it up and see if it works at full speed.
Poles: How many magnets are in the motor.
A deeper explanation on how it works
ESCs take DC power and outputs AC power to the motor that is timed with the motor. The ESC has three wires and switches between two wires to make a circuit (AC Power). This creates an electromagnet in the motor that attracts the rotating magnets in the motor to and does this with just the right timing to keep the motor spinning. However, due to the limits of electronics the ESC can only switch it's AC Power (which two wires it makes a circuit with) at 480,000 per second. So, if a motor has more magnets it means the ESC has to Alternate it power more times for the motor to make one revolution.
Kv: (RPM / Volt) Used to calculate the motors maximum RPM. Find the motors Kv rating and multiply it by the battery voltage.
Example: for our 2812 Brushless Motor: 1534Kv * 11.1v = 17,027 RPM. The 2812 Motor is a 14 pole motor. So 480,000 / 14 = 34,286 which is the maximum RPM the ESC can handle for a 14 pole motor (or just check the table above). 17,027 RPM is well below the maximum 34,286 RPM the ESC can handle so we're good. The ESC works with almost every motor so you shouldn't have to worry about this. Rather just hook it up and see if it works at full speed. We provide this information for small case uses.
480,000 / # poles = maximum RPM or refer to the chart above. The ESC works with almost every motor so you shouldn't have to worry about this. Rather just hook it up and see if it works at full speed.
Poles: How many magnets are in the motor.
A deeper explanation on how it works
ESCs take DC power and outputs AC power to the motor that is timed with the motor. The ESC has three wires and switches between two wires to make a circuit (AC Power). This creates an electromagnet in the motor that attracts the rotating magnets in the motor to and does this with just the right timing to keep the motor spinning. However, due to the limits of electronics the ESC can only switch it's AC Power (which two wires it makes a circuit with) at 480,000 per second. So, if a motor has more magnets it means the ESC has to Alternate it power more times for the motor to make one revolution.
Kv: (RPM / Volt) Used to calculate the motors maximum RPM. Find the motors Kv rating and multiply it by the battery voltage.
Example: for our 2812 Brushless Motor: 1534Kv * 11.1v = 17,027 RPM. The 2812 Motor is a 14 pole motor. So 480,000 / 14 = 34,286 which is the maximum RPM the ESC can handle for a 14 pole motor (or just check the table above). 17,027 RPM is well below the maximum 34,286 RPM the ESC can handle so we're good. The ESC works with almost every motor so you shouldn't have to worry about this. Rather just hook it up and see if it works at full speed. We provide this information for small case uses.
3 Wiring Diagram |
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*Ensure all connections and solder joints are properly insulated
Motor Rotation Direction:
If the motor spins in the opposite direction than you want you can swap any two of the connections between the ESC and motor and it'll reverse the direction or you can program the ESC to spin in the opposite direction. (See "5 Programming Instructions")
Motor Rotation Direction:
If the motor spins in the opposite direction than you want you can swap any two of the connections between the ESC and motor and it'll reverse the direction or you can program the ESC to spin in the opposite direction. (See "5 Programming Instructions")
4 First Time Use |
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Throttle Range Calibration
When using the ESC for the first time or switching transmitters a Throttle Range Calibration procedure will need to be done. This will set the throttle range by defining the minimum and maximum values for the ESC and will ensure a smooth linear throttle response.
Normal Start Up
When using the ESC for the first time or switching transmitters a Throttle Range Calibration procedure will need to be done. This will set the throttle range by defining the minimum and maximum values for the ESC and will ensure a smooth linear throttle response.
- Power on the ESC with the transmitter's throttle in the maximum throttle position
- Wait about 5 seconds for the motor to start sounding a short beep, it will repeat this short beep for a total of four times. WHILE the motor is making these short beeps proceed to step 3.
- Move the throttle position in the minimum throttle position.
- After a few seconds, you'll hear the motor make 2 short beeps followed by 2 longer beeps to confirm that the throttle Range Calibration has been complete.
- Power off the ESC.
- The throttle range calibration is complete and you're good to use the ESC like normal.
Normal Start Up
- Power on the ESC with the transmitter's throttle in the minimum throttle position.
- Note if there is partial throttle the ESC will go into its Startup Safety Protection mode and will continually make rapid short beeps (See "7 ESC Features and Protections"). If this is the case put the throttle in the zero throttle position.
- Note if the throttle is in the full throttle position it'll enter the programming mode (See "7 Programming Instructions" for more info) and will begin to make several different tones. If this is the case repower the ESC with the throttle in the minimum throttle position.
- The ESC will make a series of short beeps to indicate the number cells it's detecting in the battery. e.g. 3 beeps indicates a 3 cell battery. Followed by a low and high tone informing you the ESC is ready to be used. You can change the ESCs battery type setting if needed. Default is lithium batteries. (See "7 Programming Instructions" for more info)
*The diagram above is for general use. Your setup may be different e.g. if your maximum throttle position is reversed. In this case refer to the written instructions under "Throttle Range Calibration Procedure"
5 Programming Instructions |
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* The ESC can be programmed using the transmitter or an RC Electric parts Programming Card (Sold Separately). Both methods work but using a programming card is easier.
1. Programming the ESC using the transmitter
There are five different tones symbolized by a letter e.g. "A", “B”, etc. Once you enter the ESCs programming mode, the ESC will consecutively go through the programmable settings starting with parameter #1 through parameter #22 and will not repeat. To recycle through the parameters, repower the ESC. To determine which parameter the ESC is currently selecting, listen to the tone sequence. When the parameter is selected you can activate it by moving throttle to the zero-throttle position. You can alternatively check out our programming videos (May not be available yet).
An Example on how to turn the brake on/off
Turn on the transmitter and move the throttle to the full throttle position. Powerup the ESC and wait a couple of seconds. The ESC may make a short beep. Wait for the ESC to make “A – A – A – A” set of tones which is four short beeps. This indicates that IF the throttle stick was moved the zero-throttle position it would do a throttle range calibration. However, this isn’t the desired setting to be changed. The brake setting is parameter #2 which means to change the setting we’ll need to wait for the second set of tones to complete. So, we’ll wait a couple more seconds until the ESC makes a “B – B – B – B” set of tones which is four sets of three continuing beeps. Once it has finished making the tones move the throttle to the zero-throttle position. If the brake was off before it’ll turn the brake on and if the brake was on before it’ll turn it off. Wait for the ESC to beep which confirms that the ESC has saved the new settings. Now unplug the ESC and it’ll be ready for use. If other settings are desired to be changed simply repeat the procedure for each setting individually.
An Example on how to turn the brake on/off
Turn on the transmitter and move the throttle to the full throttle position. Powerup the ESC and wait a couple of seconds. The ESC may make a short beep. Wait for the ESC to make “A – A – A – A” set of tones which is four short beeps. This indicates that IF the throttle stick was moved the zero-throttle position it would do a throttle range calibration. However, this isn’t the desired setting to be changed. The brake setting is parameter #2 which means to change the setting we’ll need to wait for the second set of tones to complete. So, we’ll wait a couple more seconds until the ESC makes a “B – B – B – B” set of tones which is four sets of three continuing beeps. Once it has finished making the tones move the throttle to the zero-throttle position. If the brake was off before it’ll turn the brake on and if the brake was on before it’ll turn it off. Wait for the ESC to beep which confirms that the ESC has saved the new settings. Now unplug the ESC and it’ll be ready for use. If other settings are desired to be changed simply repeat the procedure for each setting individually.
2. Programming the ESC using the programming card
To program the ESC using the programming card is simple. Just connect the ESC, move the jumpers to the desired settings, power on the ESC, if connected to a motor wait for the confirmation beep (without a motor wait a few seconds), power down the ESC and you’re done.
6 Programmable Settings |
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*The number correlates to the setting i.e. "2. Brake" refers to setting #2 in the chart above in "5 - Programming Instructions"
1. Throttle Range Calibration: See “1 - Throttle Range Calibration” under “4 - First Time Use”
1. Throttle Range Calibration: See “1 - Throttle Range Calibration” under “4 - First Time Use”
2. Brake: On, Off
On: The propeller will stop immediately when the throttle stick is moved to the neutral position.
Off: The propeller with be able to freely spin when the throttle stick is moved to the neutral position.
On: The propeller will stop immediately when the throttle stick is moved to the neutral position.
Off: The propeller with be able to freely spin when the throttle stick is moved to the neutral position.
5. Timing: Automatic, Low, High
Automatic: The ESC will detect the most suitable motor timing automatically.
Low (7 – 22 degrees): Suitable for most inrunner motors.
High (22 – 30 degrees): Suitable for most outrunner motors.
*Note: Under most cases, the Automatic setting is suitable for all motors. However, in order to increase efficiency, we recommend using low timing for 2 poles (generally inrunner motors) and using high timing for 6 and more poles (generally outrunner motors). We recommend using the recommended timing for the motor or “Automatic” setting when uncertain.
6. Start-up: Very Smooth, Smooth, Accelerated Startup
Very Smooth: 1.5 second linear throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting can prevent a gearbox from stripping under instantaneous load. This setting is recommended for geared motors or slow startups
Smooth: 1 second linear throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting is recommended for geared motors or slower starups.
Accelerated Startup: Zero throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting is recommended for direct drive motors and zero delay startups.
7. Helicopter Modes: Off, Mode 1, Mode 2
Off: Turns off Helicopter Mode.
Helicopter Mode 1: Delays throttle response time between zero-throttle position and full throttle position by 5 seconds.
Helicopter Mode 2: Delays throttle response time between zero-throttle position and full throttle position by 15 seconds.
*Note: This mode is slightly different then the Start-up mode. It’ll only delay the throttle lag response time when the throttle is in the zero-throttle position for a few seconds and then the throttle stick in immediately moved the full throttle position. Otherwise the throttle will respond normally based on the programmed “Start-up” parameter. If the Helicopter Mode is turned on the “Brake” setting will be reset to “Off” and the “Protection Mode for Low Voltage” setting will be reset to “Reduce Power”.
8. Motor Rotation Direction: Clockwise / Counterclockwise
*Note: The motor rotation direction can be reversed by swapping any two of the three bullet plug connections. However, if you’ve soldered the connection between the ESC and Motor you can alternative program the ESC to reverse the motor direction.
9. PWM Frequency: 8kHz / 16kHz
8kHz: Is the PWM Frequency for a motor with 2 poles, usually an inrunner motor. However, the 16 kHz frequency can provide more power but will also cause more Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Therefore, the default setting is 8kHz.
16kHz: Is the PWM frequency for a motor with more than 2 poles, usually an outrunner motor.
10. Protection Mode for Low Voltage: Reduce Power / Hard Cutoff
Reduce Power: The ESC will reduce the motors output power when the set “Low Voltage Protection” mode is reached to protect the battery from over discharging but still giving enough power to return the ESC. This parameter is recommended.
Hard Cutoff: The ESC will completely shut off the motors ouput power when the set “Low Voltage Protection” mode is reached to protect the battery from over discharging.
Automatic: The ESC will detect the most suitable motor timing automatically.
Low (7 – 22 degrees): Suitable for most inrunner motors.
High (22 – 30 degrees): Suitable for most outrunner motors.
*Note: Under most cases, the Automatic setting is suitable for all motors. However, in order to increase efficiency, we recommend using low timing for 2 poles (generally inrunner motors) and using high timing for 6 and more poles (generally outrunner motors). We recommend using the recommended timing for the motor or “Automatic” setting when uncertain.
6. Start-up: Very Smooth, Smooth, Accelerated Startup
Very Smooth: 1.5 second linear throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting can prevent a gearbox from stripping under instantaneous load. This setting is recommended for geared motors or slow startups
Smooth: 1 second linear throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting is recommended for geared motors or slower starups.
Accelerated Startup: Zero throttle lag response time between starting the motor and full motor speed. This setting is recommended for direct drive motors and zero delay startups.
7. Helicopter Modes: Off, Mode 1, Mode 2
Off: Turns off Helicopter Mode.
Helicopter Mode 1: Delays throttle response time between zero-throttle position and full throttle position by 5 seconds.
Helicopter Mode 2: Delays throttle response time between zero-throttle position and full throttle position by 15 seconds.
*Note: This mode is slightly different then the Start-up mode. It’ll only delay the throttle lag response time when the throttle is in the zero-throttle position for a few seconds and then the throttle stick in immediately moved the full throttle position. Otherwise the throttle will respond normally based on the programmed “Start-up” parameter. If the Helicopter Mode is turned on the “Brake” setting will be reset to “Off” and the “Protection Mode for Low Voltage” setting will be reset to “Reduce Power”.
8. Motor Rotation Direction: Clockwise / Counterclockwise
*Note: The motor rotation direction can be reversed by swapping any two of the three bullet plug connections. However, if you’ve soldered the connection between the ESC and Motor you can alternative program the ESC to reverse the motor direction.
9. PWM Frequency: 8kHz / 16kHz
8kHz: Is the PWM Frequency for a motor with 2 poles, usually an inrunner motor. However, the 16 kHz frequency can provide more power but will also cause more Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Therefore, the default setting is 8kHz.
16kHz: Is the PWM frequency for a motor with more than 2 poles, usually an outrunner motor.
10. Protection Mode for Low Voltage: Reduce Power / Hard Cutoff
Reduce Power: The ESC will reduce the motors output power when the set “Low Voltage Protection” mode is reached to protect the battery from over discharging but still giving enough power to return the ESC. This parameter is recommended.
Hard Cutoff: The ESC will completely shut off the motors ouput power when the set “Low Voltage Protection” mode is reached to protect the battery from over discharging.
3. Battery type: LiPo / Li-ion, NiMH / NiCad
NiMH / NiCad: Set protection point for NiCad / NiMH battery type.
4. Battery protection: Low (2.8V or 50%), Medium (3.0V or 65%), High (3.2V or 75%)
5. Recover to factory default setting.
Factory default settings are as follows:
NiMH / NiCad: Set protection point for NiCad / NiMH battery type.
- *Note: The selection of NiMH / NiCad battery will make the ESC automatically set the cutoff voltage at 65% (Factory default). The cutoff voltage can be modified through the low voltage parameter. When the NiMH / NiCad battery connects to the ESC, the ESC will read its initial voltage. The voltage will be used as a reference value for the cutoff voltage. E.g. 65% of the initial voltage.
- LiPo / Li-Ion: Set protection point for LiPo / Li-Ion battery type and detect number of cells automatically in the battery pack. Cutoff voltage will be based on the set cutoff voltage parameter and can be modified through the cutoff voltage parameter.
4. Battery protection: Low (2.8V or 50%), Medium (3.0V or 65%), High (3.2V or 75%)
- Ni-xx (NiMH / NiCad) battery pack: Set the cutoff voltage 50% (Low) / 65% (Medium) / 75% (High) of the initial voltage (The voltage the ESC reads when the battery pack is plugged in).
- Li-xx (LiPo / Li-Ion) battery pack: Set the cutoff voltage per cell 2.8V (Low) / 3.0V (Middle) / 3.2v (High). E.g. A 4s battery cutoff voltage will be 11.2V for Low, 12.0V as Medium, and 12.8V as High.
5. Recover to factory default setting.
Factory default settings are as follows:
7 ESC Safety Features & Protections |
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Start-up Protection
If the motor fails to startup normally in two seconds after push the throttle to start the ESC will cut off the motor. The throttle shall be reset to commence a restart. Possible reasons: there is a disconnection or poor contact in wiring between the ESC and motor. The propeller is stemmed by other objects. The speed reduction gear is badly blocked.
Overheat Protection
When the working temperature in the ESC is higher than 100℃, the ESC will reduce the output power automatically to commence protection, but will reduce the output power to 40% of full power to reserve some power for motor and avoid crash landing instead of turning off all output power. The ESC will recover to max power as the temperature falls.
Loss of Throttle Signal Protection
The ESC will reduce the output power to motor when the ESC detect that there are 2 seconds' lost of throttle signals. If there another 2 seconds' lost of throttle signals, the ESC will cut off motor automatically. If the throttle signals recover during the Throttle Signal reduction of output power of motor, the ESC will recover control of throttle at once. In this method, in the case of momentary lost of signals (within 2 seconds), the ESC Loss Protection will not commence the protection of throttle. Only when the control signals have been lost for a long time, the ESC will commence protection. However, the ECS will reduce the output power gradually instead of cutting off output power immediately so that the players will have certain period to rescue the machine. It has both safety and practicability
Low Voltage Protection
● The warning tone: The warning tone is set as audible sound to help users judge abnormal condition after turn on the power. 1. Fail to enter working mode after turn on the power: the routine of throttle has not been set yet. 2. Continuing beeps: the pull rod of throttle is not in the lowest position. 3. There is a short pause after a beep: the ESC can not detect normal throttle signals from receiver. 4. There is a pause of one second after a beep: the voltage of battery pack is out of acceptable limit (once the battery is connected, the ESC will carry out a self-checking and check the voltage of battery.)
If the motor fails to startup normally in two seconds after push the throttle to start the ESC will cut off the motor. The throttle shall be reset to commence a restart. Possible reasons: there is a disconnection or poor contact in wiring between the ESC and motor. The propeller is stemmed by other objects. The speed reduction gear is badly blocked.
Overheat Protection
When the working temperature in the ESC is higher than 100℃, the ESC will reduce the output power automatically to commence protection, but will reduce the output power to 40% of full power to reserve some power for motor and avoid crash landing instead of turning off all output power. The ESC will recover to max power as the temperature falls.
Loss of Throttle Signal Protection
The ESC will reduce the output power to motor when the ESC detect that there are 2 seconds' lost of throttle signals. If there another 2 seconds' lost of throttle signals, the ESC will cut off motor automatically. If the throttle signals recover during the Throttle Signal reduction of output power of motor, the ESC will recover control of throttle at once. In this method, in the case of momentary lost of signals (within 2 seconds), the ESC Loss Protection will not commence the protection of throttle. Only when the control signals have been lost for a long time, the ESC will commence protection. However, the ECS will reduce the output power gradually instead of cutting off output power immediately so that the players will have certain period to rescue the machine. It has both safety and practicability
Low Voltage Protection
● The warning tone: The warning tone is set as audible sound to help users judge abnormal condition after turn on the power. 1. Fail to enter working mode after turn on the power: the routine of throttle has not been set yet. 2. Continuing beeps: the pull rod of throttle is not in the lowest position. 3. There is a short pause after a beep: the ESC can not detect normal throttle signals from receiver. 4. There is a pause of one second after a beep: the voltage of battery pack is out of acceptable limit (once the battery is connected, the ESC will carry out a self-checking and check the voltage of battery.)
8 Using an Arduino to Control the ESC |
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*Jump to about 8 min & 40 sec into the video for information about ESCs
Thanks to "How to Mechatronics" for explaining how an ESC works.
9 Warnings |
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- Please pay attention to the following safety information when using.
- Disassembling electronic components in the ESC may cause damage to the ESC and/or firmware
- Remove propeller or have motor in a safe position while programming ESC and using ESC for the first time. Having a propeller unexpectedly spin can be dangerous.
- Use a battery that is in good condition and that is rated above the maximum current draw
- Do not overload the SBEC by using too many or too large of servos and other components. Drawing too many amps can cause the SBEC voltage to drop and can cause the receiver to reboot during use.
- Use a battery that's within the cell / voltage range of the ESC. i.e. if the ESC supports 2-4s don't use a battery with more or less cells
- Reversed battery polarities will damage the ESC. Make sure (+) connects to (+) and (-) connects to (-).
- Do not get the ESC wet as it's not waterproof
- Do not unplug battery while the motor is spinning. Doing so will damage the ESC.
- Install ESC with good ventilation so heat can dissipate.
10 FAQs |
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Q: Does this work with brushed motors?
A: No, this ESC is designed specifically for brushless motors
A: No, this ESC is designed specifically for brushless motors
