Motor just became hard to turn with no throttle?

CnadianFF · Mar 24, 2012, 03:05 PM

I just noticed my Stinson motor as soon as I cut throttle it stops right away. Also noticed it's hard to turn by hand. Other than that it runs fine. Doesn't get hot or have an odor when throttle is applied and seems to preform fine. Will it eventually seize? Anything I can do?

pmackenzie · Mar 24, 2012, 03:09 PM

It might be the ESC brake. It shorts out the windings to stop the motor.
Disconnect it from the ESC if you want to be sure.
Most ESCs can also be programmed to turn the brake on or off. Which ESC is it?

Pat MacKenzie

eflightray · Mar 24, 2012, 03:10 PM

The 'Brake' is probably set on the ESC program.

It's normally used for folding props to ensure they stop windmilling and fold properly. When the brake is set, it's a bit like having a short across the motor, it's noticeable even with no battery connected.

Check the ESC's manual for how to turn off the brake.

CnadianFF · Mar 24, 2012, 03:52 PM

That's exactly what it was. Thanks alot guys

caseih · Mar 24, 2012, 10:38 PM

Even without folding props, braking the prop is often recommended if you want to stop the motor completely. A free-wheeling prop induces more drag than a braked prop, at least for props 9 or 10" in diameter or larger. That fact can improve your landings even. If you keep your motor turning (keep a touch of throttle on) you can bring some planes in a bit steeper and cleaner.

Mar 24, 2012, 03:05 PM	#1
CnadianFF Registered User Canada, BC, Kamloops Joined Sep 2011 60 Posts	Motor just became hard to turn with no throttle? I just noticed my Stinson motor as soon as I cut throttle it stops right away. Also noticed it's hard to turn by hand. Other than that it runs fine. Doesn't get hot or have an odor when throttle is applied and seems to preform fine. Will it eventually seize? Anything I can do?

Mar 24, 2012, 03:09 PM	#2
pmackenzie I don't want to "Switch Now" Toronto (Don Mills), Canada Joined Dec 2002 13,414 Posts	It might be the ESC brake. It shorts out the windings to stop the motor. Disconnect it from the ESC if you want to be sure. Most ESCs can also be programmed to turn the brake on or off. Which ESC is it? Pat MacKenzie
	Latest blog entry: er9x heli 450 heli set up (flybar)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Question No throttle control with Orange Rx 610 receiver	DCAirlines1	Power Systems	19	May 01, 2012 10:01 AM
Discussion No throttle hold with orange receivers?	garrettt04s	Electric Heli Talk	6	Feb 03, 2012 09:21 AM
Question No throttle control with A9 as student	NefariousRC	Hitec/Multiplex USA	3	Sep 21, 2011 06:22 PM
Question motor becomes hard to turn with new ESC.	PatternFlyer	Power Systems	10	Jul 04, 2011 06:38 AM
Discussion Dropped my MCX transmitter -- no visible damage but it just beeps when I turn it on	tooconceited	Micro RTF	7	Dec 03, 2008 09:16 PM

RCG Sites

About RCG

Features

Tools

Media

Topics

Mar 24, 2012, 03:10 PM	#3
eflightray An itch?. Scratch build. South Wales U.K. Joined Mar 2003 10,336 Posts	The 'Brake' is probably set on the ESC program. It's normally used for folding props to ensure they stop windmilling and fold properly. When the brake is set, it's a bit like having a short across the motor, it's noticeable even with no battery connected. Check the ESC's manual for how to turn off the brake.

Mar 24, 2012, 03:52 PM	#4
CnadianFF Registered User Canada, BC, Kamloops Joined Sep 2011 60 Posts	That's exactly what it was. Thanks alot guys

Mar 24, 2012, 10:38 PM	#5
caseih Registered User Joined May 2005 771 Posts	Even without folding props, braking the prop is often recommended if you want to stop the motor completely. A free-wheeling prop induces more drag than a braked prop, at least for props 9 or 10" in diameter or larger. That fact can improve your landings even. If you keep your motor turning (keep a touch of throttle on) you can bring some planes in a bit steeper and cleaner.