General Brushless Motor
Installation Guidelines
Instructions
  • most of time keep motor & ESC on the airflow situation.  Do NOT place these parts inside a completely closed fuselage!
    　
  • NEVER connect Battery to ESC with reverse polarity (see + / - symbols below)
    　
  • Insure proper solder joints
    　
  • Don't use too short wire less than 0.13inch (shorten ESC side if needed)
    　
  • Use only quality Gold connectors of appropriate ampere rating
    　
  • Firmly mount the motor in model before running
    　
  • Wires between Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and Battery must have combined maximum length of 20cm
    　
  • Test system first without propeller attached
    　
  • SEQUENCE
    *Connect Motor to Controller
    *Connect ESC 3-pin connector to Receiver's correct channel (see below)
    *Turn on Transmitter - Set Throttle Stick to "ZERO".
    *Connect Battery to ESC
    *After a few seconds, you should hear an arming tone from the motor
    *Advance throttle to start motor.  Check motor rotation direction.

    Viewed from front of the MODEL, motor shaft should turn counter-clockwise and printing on propeller always faces you (true when motor is front or rear mounted).
    　
  • To reverse motor direction, switch connection of any two wires between Motor and Controller. Never change connection between battery and ESC!
    ("SCS" ESC also have programming choice for motor rotation direction)
    　
  • Do NOT exceed max suggested prop size, unless you confirm current is within spec with accurate ammeter. Always keep all body parts BEHIND the disk of spinning prop.  Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair (tie it up!) when near a spinning prop.  Even a small motor and prop will cut you severely.  BE CAREFUL!!!

Transmitter Notes

  • Futaba transmitters must have Throttle Channel REVERSED.  Other brands should be set to NORMAL direction.
    　
  • Most aftermarket receivers today are PPM (aka FM) type.  Transmitters may be PPM only, or they may have options both PCM or PPM modulation.  You must be sure that your transmitter is set properly for the type of receiver you have, PPM (FM)  or PCM.
    　
  • The connector from ESC to Receiver must be connected to the proper channel on the Receiver, with correct polarity.  See Receiver/Connector notes below about connector types and polarity.
    　
  • Transmitter Throttle Channel Assignments:
    * FUTABA / HITEC /SANWA / AIRTRONICS >> RECEIVER CHANNEL 3
    * JR  >> RECEIVER CHANNEL 1
                 (note: older Sanwa / Airtronics systems use channel 1)
    　
  • Initial setting for throttle channel should all be DEFAULT.
    * Travel set to -100 at throttle OFF, +100 at throttle FULL
    * Trim set to 0% at at throttle OFF, 0% at throttle FULL
    * Sub-Trim set to 0%
    　
  • If all connections for motor, ESC, and battery are correct as shown in the diagram above - and you have set the transmitter properly - but you get no arming tone when main battery is connected to ESC:
    *Disconnect Battery
    *Check throttle stick is at "0"
    *Set Throttle TRIM to MINUS 20%
    *Re-connect battery to see if you hear arming tone from motor

More Trouble Shooting (in order of frequency)

  • Many problems are due to improper transmitter or receiver setup.  Be SURE to read this document carefully, and double check everything.  If all fails, borrow a different transmitter and receiver from a friend if necessary, and try again.
    　
  • Motor starts but cuts out as throttle is advanced

    *Speed Controller not set properly:   To protect your battery, your speed controller has settings for "Auto Cut" battery voltage.  Be SURE that the settings in the Speed Controller match your battery type (Lithium, NiCd/NiMH) and cell count (2S, 3S, 4S... for lithium)

    *MANY users choose the wrong battery and prop combination, causing current (amps) to rise much too high.  This causes the battery to drop voltage, and auto-cut occurs (as it should).  If you don't know the prop size to use, ask your vendor.  Tell him what battery type and cell count you have, and motor type including "Kv".  For testing this condition, reduce prop size 2 inches in diameter and try again.  Try another battery, as yours may be weak or defective.

    *Connector soldering: It is EXTREMELY common to have a cold solder joint in a connector, which causes poor starts, no starts, or rough running and cut outs. Even if you are sure they are fine, RESOLDER all connectors with a HOT iron.