Possible ESC Problem?

[Kalay]

Hi all, we are just trying to finish off this lil starter plane, and something weird is happening...we're using a Skyartec 20A ESC for brushed motors, while testing out the electronics, it's been fine, but today even if the throttle is right down, the motor is still running (at least 30% minimum). and when I increase the throttle, it goes up more. But doesn't shut off.

I did solder gold connectors on to the wire's of the ESC, but i was fairly quick, so not to let heat transfer up and damage it. Or do you think it is damaged...would it even work at all if it was damaged?

Any advice would be great as this is a first time for me!

Futaba 6EX 2.4ghz

spree sports with a 380 brushed motor

and the problem (i think) Skyartec MC-20A ESC

*Edit/Update

This is probably very silly but, do these ESC need programming? when they new, do they automatically program them selves to the power you input? Because if this is the case it may have been programmed wrong, because we first tested the setup on a low battery...and now we have charged the battery fully...so is inputting more then what the ESC is set at...?

is this viable...or does it not work like that.

[Peter Seddon]

ESC's vary as to the way they start up and detect the minimum and maximum (some but not all) throttle settings - called arming. This can give rise to apparent problems such as yours.

I would suggest a good read of the instructions or failing that try the following start up sequence:
1. Transmitter on, throttle minimum
2. Receiver/ESC on

Some ESC's require that the transmitter throttle is advanced to full and returned back to zero before they arm and are ready to go.

regards Peter

[Kalay]

Hi Peter,

Hmm i've tried the suggestions, but to no avail unfortunately :( the instructions are quite vague with the ESC, only thing it mentions is, that start-up is at the bottom of throttle.

only thing i can think of is, i've destroyed it via soldering some how, or i need to get a programming card, or a new/better ESC!

Thanks for your reply.

[Ron W3FJW]

To add to Peters list, Throttle down, throttle trim down as well.

[Kalay]

Hi Ron, Still no luck :( I've order a programming card for the ESC...if that doesn't work, we'll replace the ESC.

[Chippie]

I did a Google for your speedo....There's no indication that the unit is 'programmable' via any kind of card...so I think you may have wasted your money there, unless....your supplier knows different...

Its pretty much a basic speedo with auto cell detect...it doesn't appear to have a brake setting....


I agree with the others tho'....Switch on tx with throttle at min (and trim ) connecto speedo( with motor connected) to receiver
then add the battery and see what happens....wait a few seconds the throttle to max..see what happens...

Soldering the connectors is unlikely to have caused any damage...imho..

[Kalay]

Hi Chippie, yea the ESC is very basic/cheap so im not sure if the programming card will really work either. but it was hardly anything (like a fiver), and they did state it work 'with all' skyartec Esc's. so I dont mind just trying, b4 i do buy another BETTER ESC this time lol.

I've tried all the suggestions endlesy :( in different combinations. I'm quite puzzled