12.14. ESC programming
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12.14. ESC programming

If you are using a programmable ESC which uses the transmitter to set the ESC options and you have previously set a throttle curve for this model, then you may need to reset the throttle curve to default (e.g. linear from 0 to 100%) to program the ESC otherwise the ESC may not be able to recognize the low-middle-high stick positions.

12.14.1. Castle Creations ESC Parameters for the MAIN motor

  • Cutoff Voltage: as low as possible so the heli will not fall out of the sky. If you are using lithium polymer batteries, you will need to be careful not to drain the batteries beyond the recommended minimum voltage.

  • Current Limiting: insensitive

  • Brake: disabled - so we don't strip the main gear when the motor spools down.

  • Throttle Type:

    For FP helis: fixed endpoint

    For CP helis: Try low RPM governor mode first. If there is not enough headspeed later, try high RPM governor mode.

  • Timing Advance: depends on motor, choose standard if unknown

  • Cutoff: soft

  • Soft start:

    FP helis: fast start (soft start has problems when used with FP helis on some firmware versions)

    CP helis: softest start

  • PWM Switching Rate: depends on motor, but 11 khz is fine for most main motors (except Kontronik Samba needs high switching frequency)

[Note]Note

Do NOT use autocalibrate mode. This mode only works properly if the throttle is moved to full throttle to set the high throttle endpoint position. This cannot be safely done on a helicopter because the helicopter will climb very rapidly.

12.14.2. Castle Creations ESC Parameters for the TAIL motor

If you have a tail motor ESC, then it will require programming as well. You should temporarily plug the tail motor ESC into the throttle channel on the receiver to program it.

For the Castle Creations ESCs used as the TAIL motor ESC, the following parameters should be used:

  • Cutoff Voltage: as low as possible so the heli will not fall out of the sky. If you are using lithium polymer batteries, you will need to be careful not to drain the batteries beyond the recommended minimum voltage.

  • Current Limiting: insensitive

  • Brake: disabled - so we don't strip the main gear when the motor spools down.

  • Throttle Type: fixed endpoint

  • Timing Advance: depends on motor, choose standard if unknown

  • Cutoff: soft

  • Soft start: Choose fast start

  • PWM Switching Rate: depends on motor, but 11 khz is fine for most tail motors

12.14.3. For the Schulze 12.46e and 18.46K ESCs

[Note]Note

0 = switch in LEFT position with label readable

1 = switch in RIGHT position with label readable

1. Switch 1: 0 - aircraft mode

2. Switch 2: 1 - helicopter mode

3. Switch 3:

FP helis: 0 - normal speed controller

CP helis: 1 - governor mode

4. Switch 4: 0 - high rpm mode

5. Switch 5: 1 - soft timing

6. Switch 6: 0 - 9 Khz switching rate

For other ESCs, set the parameters using the above parameters as a general guide.

If you have a programmable ESC which is programmed using beeps then you should carefully watch the tail servo when the ESC beeps. If your tail servo wiggles every time the ESC beeps, then your gyro or gyro wires are too close to the ESC.

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12.13. Transmitter throttle setup Home 12.15. Transmitter Throttle Curve setup