Programming ESC

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Trefor - 27 Feb 2007 23:00 GMT

This is my first foray into brushless electrics, I've built a foamy YAK with
a brushless motor which draws a max of 18amps. I'm using a 1100ah 3 cell
lipo
I bought a 30amp ESC from hong Kong, but there were no instructions on
setting it up, and I've had no response to emails

I have connected it up and the motor runs OK, but how do I know if it is set
up for maximum performance?

Is there a generic procedure or are they all different?
When I first connected the battery I had the TX power on and throttle on
full, there was a few beeps etc, and after I reversed the TX throttle servo
it seemed to run OK, but as above, is it running at full power? I haven't
connected an ammeter yet. Should I?

The ESC is a TowerPro Mag8 30amp

Running the motor for a few minutes on full power, the ESC is slightly warm

Any advice gratefully received

Trefor

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The Natural Philosopher - 27 Feb 2007 23:34 GMT

> This is my first foray into brushless electrics, I've built a foamy YAK with
> a brushless motor which draws a max of 18amps. I'm using a 1100ah 3 cell
> lipo

That will last about 5 flights then.

> I bought a 30amp ESC from hong Kong, but there were no instructions on
> setting it up, and I've had no response to emails
>
> I have connected it up and the motor runs OK, but how do I know if it is set
> up for maximum performance?

You don't, and you can't. If its a cheapy just use it. Normally it will
be within a gnats cock of best if it runs the motor smoothly up and down
the rev range. Inf act irts something of a miracle if it does that..

> Is there a generic procedure or are they all different?

The newer chinko ones are all designed for morons. The sort of people
who believe that an 1100 pack will safely and reliably ru(i)n an 18A
motor because someone selling them the pack assured them this was the case.

The sort of people who bought a 50% efficient 'bell' motor at £7 and
believed it would run as good as £30 quid AXI..

> When I first connected the battery I had the TX power on and throttle on
> full, there was a few beeps etc, and after I reversed the TX throttle servo
> it seemed to run OK, but as above, is it running at full power? I haven't
> connected an ammeter yet. Should I?

Depends on whether you want to be dissapointed...or alarmed, or carry on
in blissful ignorance..:-)

> The ESC is a TowerPro Mag8 30amp

yeah. Its 'autosensing' which basically means if it ain't in the
firmware tough sh.t.

> Running the motor for a few minutes on full power, the ESC is slightly warm
>
> Any advice gratefully received

Ditch the pack and get one *twice* the capacity from someone reasonably
reputable.

Don't assume that the ESC will protect that from being drained to the
point of damage either. Never run it flat.

Meter the model and work out how long it will fly flat out in the air at
that drain..and never fly longer than that, unless you spend most of the
time at half throttle.

> Trefor

Reply to this Message

Trefor - 28 Feb 2007 10:09 GMT

Thanks for advice NP, I've got a lot to learn.

> That will last about 5 flights then.

Could you elaborate please? Is it the ESC the battery or the whole setup,
BTW the motor is a Vortex 28/30/12, not a Bell

> Ditch the pack and get one *twice* the capacity from someone reasonably
> reputable.

OK, I have a 2200, but it is considerably heavier than the 1100. The
reccommended max weight with battery is 400g, and I am already slightly over
that. Also the eflite assembly manual reccommeded 1200mAh

> Don't assume that the ESC will protect that from being drained to the
> point of damage either. Never run it flat.

Yes, that's why I wanted to know how to program it, on the advertising speel
for the ESC it said it could be programmed to do just that.

> Meter the model and work out how long it will fly flat out in the air at
> that drain..and never fly longer than that, unless you spend most of the
> time at half throttle.

OK, thanks, good advice

Trefor

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Brian Lambert - 28 Feb 2007 08:30 GMT

> This is my first foray into brushless electrics, I've built a foamy YAK
> with a brushless motor which draws a max of 18amps. I'm using a 1100ah 3
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> Trefor

Try here http://www.rcmdirect.co.uk/HM30A.pdf

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Trefor - 28 Feb 2007 18:22 GMT

Thanks Brian

The beeps seem to correspond with what I get.
So, I have set it up as:-
Cell type and number = 2 (3lipo 2.75 V/cell)
Brake = no
timing mode = 7 degrees (outrunner medium)

PWM= I've no idea, what is it please?

Trefor

> Try here http://www.rcmdirect.co.uk/HM30A.pdf

Reply to this Message

Humpty Dumpty - 28 Feb 2007 18:42 GMT

18a is the max the motor is rated at, so as long as you dont over-prop it,
the lipo will probably last allot more than 5 flights 8o)

Also make sure you dont over discharge the li-po, make sure the speed
control is set to protect it with a motor cut off etc.

If its your first lipo, than take care when selecting the settings when
charging, also invest in a lipo sack if you have the funds
http://liposack.com/

enjoy your flying!

> Thanks Brian
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
>> Try here http://www.rcmdirect.co.uk/HM30A.pdf

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / February 2007

Programming ESC