Electronic Speed Controller Selection
Electronic Speed
Controller:
An electronic speed control
or ESC is an electronic circuit with the purpose to vary an electric motor's speed, its direction and
possibly also to act as a dynamic brake. ESCs are often used on electrically
powered radio controlled
models, with the variety most often used for brushless motors essentially providing an
electronically-generated three phase
electric power low voltage source of energy for the motor.
An ESC can be a stand-alone unit which plugs into the receiver's throttle control channel or incorporated into the receiver itself, as is the case in most toy-grade R/C vehicles. Some R/C manufacturers that install proprietary hobby-grade electronics in their entry-level vehicles, vessels or aircraft use onboard electronics that combine the two on a single board. Choosing the right Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) for your radio control electric aircraft can be made quite simple.
ESCs are available with many different features, limits, and price ranges. Sorting through the list of ESCs can be done by identifying what you need, and eliminating the rest. The general procedure is to narrow the list down to ESCs that will get the job done, and then make your final selection based on price and preference. First, select ESCs based on their most fundamental features.
An ESC can be a stand-alone unit which plugs into the receiver's throttle control channel or incorporated into the receiver itself, as is the case in most toy-grade R/C vehicles. Some R/C manufacturers that install proprietary hobby-grade electronics in their entry-level vehicles, vessels or aircraft use onboard electronics that combine the two on a single board. Choosing the right Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) for your radio control electric aircraft can be made quite simple.
ESCs are available with many different features, limits, and price ranges. Sorting through the list of ESCs can be done by identifying what you need, and eliminating the rest. The general procedure is to narrow the list down to ESCs that will get the job done, and then make your final selection based on price and preference. First, select ESCs based on their most fundamental features.
Brushed or Brushless?
ESC's designed specifically
for brushed motors will only work with brushed motors. Likewise, electronic
speed controllers designed specifically for brushless motors will only work for
brushless motors. There are a few ESC's that are designed to work with both.
Current Rating
Current rating is most important factor which effects on the choosing of the ESC.
An ESC will have a power limit. To handle more power, the ESC needs to be larger, heavier, and is more expensive. It’s important to know the peak current your motor is going to pull at full throttle. This determines the current rating you should look for in an ESC. Always choose an ESC with a current rating that is higher than what you need. If the motor is going to pull 12A, a 25A-rated ESC is a much better choice than a 10A-rated one. The 10A ESC will probably overheat and cook, even if you only fly at half throttle. ESCs are relatively light and maintain great resale value, so this is one item in your power system where skimping isn’t worthwhile.
Current rating is most important factor which effects on the choosing of the ESC.
An ESC will have a power limit. To handle more power, the ESC needs to be larger, heavier, and is more expensive. It’s important to know the peak current your motor is going to pull at full throttle. This determines the current rating you should look for in an ESC. Always choose an ESC with a current rating that is higher than what you need. If the motor is going to pull 12A, a 25A-rated ESC is a much better choice than a 10A-rated one. The 10A ESC will probably overheat and cook, even if you only fly at half throttle. ESCs are relatively light and maintain great resale value, so this is one item in your power system where skimping isn’t worthwhile.
Briefly electronic speed
controllers are rated for a maximum current. The more current and ESC is rated
for, the more expensive and heavier it will be. Choose an electronic speed
controller that is rated for slightly more than what your motor will pull at
full throttle. Too much current will damaged an electronic speed controller
very quickly!
Choosing the correct type and
identifying the minimum current rating are the two big steps. The next choices
depend on your preferences. Here are some of the features and limits that can
affect your selection.
Price
ESCs with the same current and voltage rating can vary in price. Investigate this large market, and put prices on the features that you want.
ESCs with the same current and voltage rating can vary in price. Investigate this large market, and put prices on the features that you want.
Programmability
Some ESCs simply work out of the bag, like a servo. Others can be fine-tuned and set up with exotic throttle profiles. The most advanced can be configured via a computer program and cable.
Some ESCs simply work out of the bag, like a servo. Others can be fine-tuned and set up with exotic throttle profiles. The most advanced can be configured via a computer program and cable.
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