Castle Creations Phoenix -25 User manual

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 1of 7Rev 4-date 11/09/04
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires
and batteries, causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model
aircraft equipped with high power motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly
over or near spectators. Even though this controller is equipped with a safety arming program,
you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
1.0 Features of the Phoenix-25™:
•Extremely Low Resistance (.013 ohms)
•High rate (11 KHz) switching (PWM)
•Up to 25 Amps continuous current with proper air
flow, 35 amps surge
•Five to eight cells with four micro servos
•Up to ten cells with three micro servos
•Sixteen cells MAX (with BEC disabled)
•Dynamic braking ensures folding props fold
promptly
•BEC (1.5A) provides power to receiver and servos -
eliminates separate receiver battery
•User Programmable Features:
•Low-voltage cutoffs Including Auto-Lipo detect
•Over-current Protection
•Brake Type
•Throttle Range –fixed/self-adjusting/governor
•Timing Advance
•Cutoff Type
•Soft Start ramp up
•Runs motor in forward OR reverse
•Auto Motor Cutoff with Reset
•Safe “power on” arming program ensures motor will
not accidentally turn on
•Low torque “soft start” prevents damage to fragile
gearboxes
•Auto shut down when signal is lost or radio
interference becomes severe
2.0 Wiring Your Phoenix-25™:
Tools required:
Wire cutters Wire strippers (optional) Soldering Iron (25-40)
Parts required:
Solder (rosin core “electronic” solder) Battery connector
2.1 Servo Ratings with BEC Enabled
Servo Type 5-6 cells 7-8 cells 9-10 cells
Standard (micro) servos 443
High Torque servos 432
2.2 Adding the Battery Connector
The battery connector is attached to the side of the controller that has only two power wires, and
also has the radio connector. Cut the wires to the length you require on the battery side. Strip off of
the wire insulation to expose just enough wire to attach the battery connector. (Note: if you do not
have a pair of wire strippers, you can use a modeling knife to carefully cut through the insulation
around the wire. Then the insulation should easily pull off the wire.) Attach the battery connector to
the wires ENSURING THAT THE POLARITY (red wire to battery red wire, black wire to battery
black wire) IS CORRECT, following the instructions for the battery connector.
IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU MUST BE SURE THAT THE POLARITY IS CORRECT WHEN
CONNECTING THE SPEED CONTROLLER. Incorrect polarity could permanently damage the
controller.
2.3 Connecting the Motor
The motor is connected to the side of the controller that has THREE power wires. Cut the wires to
the length you require on the motor side. DO NOT CUT the wires leading from the motor. Strip the
wire insulation to expose just enough wire to solder the wires to the motor terminals. There should
be three wires extending from the motor. Connect the three speed control wires to the three motor
wires. Align the wires carefully and solder to the motor wires. Ensure that all connections (battery
and motor) are correctly polarized.
2.4 Reversing Rotation
Bench test the motor connections noting the rotation of the motor. To change the rotation of the
motor, swap ANY two motor wire connections.
Battery Connector Phoenix-25™ Motor
Fig 1: Motor wiring diagram
2.5 Connecting the Receiver
Connect the receiver lead (the three color twisted wires with a connector on the end) to the throttle
channel on your receiver (usually channel 3). Do not connect a battery to the receiver, as the
Phoenix-25™ will supply power to the receiver and servos through the receiver connector. If you
are using more than ten cells, you must use a separate receiver battery. See the section 4.0 (under the
heading BEC) for instructions on disabling the BEC to use a separate receiver battery.
Older AirTronics systems require a minor change to the wiring in the receiver connector supplied with
the speed controller. Reverse the red (power) and brown (ground) wires in the connector plug so that
the plug is orange/brown/red. Use a knife blade to lift the retention tabs on the connector plug to
remove the red and brown wires. Insert the wires back into the plug and press down the retention tab.
3.0 Flying with Your Phoenix-25™:
ALWAYS PERFORM A RANGE CHECK BEFORE FLYING WITH ANY NEW SPEED
CONTROLLER! PERFORM YOUR RANGE CHECK AT FULL THROTTLE, HALF
THROTTLE AND NO THROTTLE.
Initialization sequence:
1. Connect the speed controller receiver connector to the proper channel on your receiver (usually
channel 3)
2. Turn on your transmitter.
Phoenix-25™

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 2of 7Rev 4-date 11/09/04
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires
and batteries, causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model
aircraft equipped with high power motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly
over or near spectators. Even though this controller is equipped with a safety arming program,
you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
3. Connect the main power battery to the speed controller.
4. The speed controller will remain disarmed (will not operate) until it sees more than four seconds of
“brake” throttle. Move the throttle arm to the lowest position on your transmitter, wait at least
four seconds, and then test the controller to make sure that the throttle operates.
5. Go fly!
6. If the BEC cutoff occurs before you land, you may restart the motor and use low throttle if
necessary by moving the throttle stick all the way down (to the brake position) and then throttling
back up. BEC cutoff will occur again if the voltage drops too low.
4.0 Using the Features of Your Phoenix-25™
BEC -The BEC power is supplied to the receiver and servos through the receiver connector wires.
If you wish to disable the BEC and use a separate receiver battery (required for the use of more than
ten cells), you must first cut the red wire in the trio of receiver wires. Simply use a pair of wire cutters
to remove a short section of the red wire near the receiver connector, and be sure to insulate the cut
wire with a bit of electrical tape. Then you may safely use a battery with your receiver.
Brake -moving the transmitter throttle stick to the bottom position enables the prop brake.
Cutoff -The motor cutoff will occur when the input battery voltage drops below the programmed
cutoff voltage (factory preset at 5.0V) for more than one half second. Once motor cutoff has
occurred, moving the throttle to the braking position (full off) can re-arm the controller. This will
allow restart of the motor at low throttle after cutoff has occurred. WARNING: Repeated
restarting of the motor may drain the battery to a point where the radio receiver will stop
operating, resulting in a loss of control of the model.
Loss of Transmitter Signal,or excessive radio noise cutoff -Motor cutoff will also occur if the
signal from the transmitter is lost, or if the radio noise becomes excessive. After radio connection
has been reestablished, moving the throttle to the braking position (full off) for four seconds can
restart the motor.
Safe Power Up -The Safe Power up feature is a “finger saver”, designed to prevent the motor from
starting accidentally on power up. To arm the controller, the transmitter stick must be held in the
“Brake” position (all the way down) for at least four seconds. Until the controller is armed, it will not
provide any power to the motor, regardless of where the throttle stick on your transmitter is
positioned. Before flying your model, be sure to “blip” the throttle to ensure that the controller is
armed.
LED –The LED is used for programming the features on the Phoenix-25™. Once armed, the LED
also provides an indication that the controller has reached full throttle by lighting solid when full
throttle is reached. If the unit is in Auto-Calibrating Throttle mode (program setting 4-1) then you
may see full throttle LED indication before the stick is in the full up position. Simply continue
moving the stick to full up. The controller will detect the high stick travel and adjust full throttle
accordingly.
5.0Troubleshooting
Everything is hooked up correctly, the BEC (receiver and servos) works, but the throttle
does not work.
The controller is not seeing the four seconds of “dead space” (low throttle) and is not arming. Try
moving your throttle stick all the way down, and moving the trim all the way down. Wait for four
seconds and try the throttle again. If it still does not arm, you may need to reverse the throttle
control on your transmitter (see your radio documentation). You may also check to make sure that
your endpoint adjustments on your radio (if it has them) are set all the way open.
Every time I throttle all the way up, the controller “cuts off” after a few seconds, even with
fresh charged batteries.
The controller will automatically shut down the motor if the battery voltage falls below the
programmed voltage cutoff (factory preset at 5.0V) for more than half a second. This is to protect
your airplane from a loss of control caused by too low a voltage at the receiver. If the cutoff is
kicking in with fresh charged batteries, it means that the voltage is dropping very quickly. This is
usually an indication of a motor that is drawing too much current for the batteries to handle. Try
using a smaller prop on the motor, or using batteries with a higher rating (for example, if you are
using 800AR cells, you might try going to 1000SCR cells.)
The LED comes on when I throttle up.
This is normal. The LED comes on when full throttle has been reached. If the unit is in Auto-
Calibrating Throttle mode (program setting 4-1) then you may see full throttle LED indication before
the stick is in the full up position. Simply continue moving the stick to full up. The controller will
detect the high stick travel and adjust full throttle accordingly.
Nothing seems to work, receiver and servos are dead, and the throttle is dead.
Check all connections to ensure that they are correct, and that the polarity (+/-) connections are
correct. If everything is correctly connected, and the receiver and servos still do not work, contact
the dealer where you purchased your Phoenix-25™ or Contact Castle Creations directly. (See info
below)
6.0 Contact / Warranty Information
Your Phoenix-25™ is warranted for one(1) year from date of purchase to be free from manufacturing
and component defects. This warranty does not cover abuse, neglect, or damage due to incorrect
wiring, over voltage, or overloading. If you have any questions, comments, or wish to return your
Phoenix-25™ for warranty or non-warranty repair/replacement contact Castle Creations at:
Castle Creations Email: [e-mail]
402 E. Pendleton Ave. Fax: [phone]
Wellsville, KS 66092 Website: http://www.castlecreations.com
Tel: [phone]
7.0 Phoenix-25™ Programming Features
Programming the Phoenix-25™
Programming the Phoenix-25™ is as simple as answering a few questions. The Phoenix-25™ asks
questions by flashing a setting number, followed by the possible setting values. There are seven
settings that can be programmed in the Phoenix-25™: 1) Cutoff voltage, 2) Current Limiting, 3)

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 3of 7Rev 4-date 11/09/04
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires
and batteries, causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model
aircraft equipped with high power motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly
over or near spectators. Even though this controller is equipped with a safety arming program,
you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
Brake Type, 4) Throttle Type, 5) Timing Advance, 6) Cutoff Type, and 7) Soft Start.
As the programmer, you must answer “yes” or “no” to the setting values as they are presented by the
Phoenix-25™. The setting values are “flashed” out by the LED. Answering “no” to a setting value
will cause the Phoenix-25™ to ask for the next value. Answering “yes” to a setting value will store
that setting in the Phoenix-25™s permanent memory. After a setting is stored, the Phoenix-25™
will continue to ask about other settings until all settings have been stored. NOTE: If you answer
“no” to all values for a particular setting, the Phoenix-25™ will keep whatever value had been
previously programmed. Only by answering “yes” to a value will the Phoenix-25™ store/change that
value.
When answering a question, you will need to move the transmitter stick to the yes (full on throttle)
position or the no (full off throttle) position and keep it there for about 5 seconds. When the
Phoenix-25™ has accepted your answer, it will flash the LED rapidly. After the LED starts it’s rapid
flashing, move the throttle stick to the middle position to confirm that you are ready for the
Phoenix-25™ to ask the next question.
You are not required to continue through all seven programming options. For example, if you wish
only to change the Cutoff Voltage (option 1) then after programming that setting you can disconnect
power from the Phoenix-25™ and proceed to the arming sequence (see Section 3.0). Disconnecting
the controller in the middle of programming simply retains the values for the remaining programming
options that were previously set up.
8.0 Entering Programming Mode
The Phoenix-25™ software is designed to make it difficult to accidentally enter programming mode,
therefore it may seem like a long process to enter programming mode. This is to prevent entering
programming mode while preparing to fly or while in flight. To enter programming mode, follow the
steps below:
8.1 Verify Normal Operation
If this is the first time the Phoenix-25™ has been used, it is important to verify that the Phoenix-
25™ operates normally with your transmitter otherwise programming may not function properly.
Follow the instructions in section 3.0 Initialization Sequence (steps 1-4). Once you have verified that
the Phoenix-25™ operates normally, proceed to 8.2 below. If the Phoenix-25™ does not operate
properly, see section 5.0, Troubleshooting.
8.2 Enter Programming Mode
8.2.1 Remove battery power from the Phoenix-25™.
8.2.2 Move the transmitter stick to the topposition (normally full “On”).
8.2.3 Reconnect battery power to the Phoenix-25™.
8.2.4 After approximately 2 seconds, the Phoenix-25™ will emit a short tone, and the LED on
the Phoenix-25™ should flash a short, single flash followed by a pause.
Phoenix-25™ responds: flash –pause
8.2.5 Move your transmitter stick to the middle position.
8.2.6 After approximately 2 seconds, the Phoenix-25™ will emit a short tone, and the LED on
the Phoenix-25™ should flash a short, double flash followed by a pause.
Phoenix-25™ responds: flash –flash –pause
8.2.7 Move your transmitter stick to the topposition again.
8.2.8 After approximately 2 seconds, the Phoenix-25™ will emit a short tone, and the LED on
the Phoenix-25™ should flash a short, triple flash followed by a pause.
Phoenix-25™ responds: flash –flash –flash –pause
8.2.9 Move your transmitter stick back to the middle position again.
8.2.10 After approximately 2 seconds, the Phoenix-25™ will emit four short tones, and the LED
on the Phoenix-25™ will start a flash sequence of a single flash followed by another single
flash, followed by a long pause.
Phoenix-25™ responds: flash –flash –pause
8.2.11 The Phoenix-25™ is now in programming mode.
8.2.12 Proceed to Section 9.0 –Programming the Phoenix-25™
9.0 Programming the Phoenix-25™
Important Note: When answering a question, you will need to move the transmitter stick to the yes
(full “On” throttle) position or the no (full “Off” throttle) position and keep it there for about 2
seconds. When the Phoenix-25™ has accepted your answer, it will flash the LED rapidly. After the
LED starts it’s rapid flashing, move the throttle stick to the middle position to confirm that you are
ready for the Phoenix-25™ to ask the next question.
If you wish to re-program only some of the features you do not need to continue through the
programming steps for the remaining settings. Once you have programmed each of the features you
wish to change and the Phoenix-25™ has confirmed the selection, instead of returning to mid-
throttle for the next question, disconnect battery power, re-connect power, and arm the speed control
as normal (see Section 3.0).
*Factory default settings are indicated by an asterisk in the option listings below. Note: When setting lipo Voltage follow your battery Manufactures recommendations
9.1 Programming Setting 1 –Cutoff Voltage

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 4of 7Rev 2-date 01/27/05
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires and batteries,
causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model aircraft equipped with high power
motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly over or near spectators. Even though this controller
is equipped with a safety arming program, you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
Setting Recommended for use with: Setting Recommended for use with: _________________
Option 1:Auto-Lipo detect 2-4 cell Lithium Polymer packs Option 4:6.0V cutoff voltage 9-12 cell NiCad or NiMH packs, or 2 cell Lithium packs
Option 2:4.0V cutoff voltage* 4-7 cell NiCad or NiMH packs, or Option 5:9.0V cutoff voltage 12-16 cell NiMH or 3 cell Lithium packs
Option 3:5.0V cutoff voltage 6-8 cell NiCad or NiMH packs Option 6:12.0V cutoff voltage 16 cell Nicad packs, or 4 cell Lithium packs
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 1
(Auto-Lipo detect)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –2 flashes–long pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 2
(4.0V)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –3 flashes –long
pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 3 (5.0V)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –4 flashes–long pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 4
(6.0V)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –5 flashes–long
pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 5 (9.0V)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Current Limiting (9.2 below)
1 flash–short pause –6 flashes–long
pause Setting 1 (cutoff voltage), Option 6 (12.0V)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for cutoff voltage (no
change)
Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting-Current
Limiting (9.2 below)
9.2 Programming Setting 2–Current Limiting
NOTE: Change this setting at your own risk! Damage to the controller as a result of over current is NOT covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Only experienced modelers should use this programming feature.
Current limiting describes the reaction of the Phoenix-25™ when an over-current condition is detected. There are five options:
Option 1: Very sensitive (Very low over-current threshold, will rapidly shut-down) Option 4: Insensitive (High over-current threshold, will shut down after a slight delay)
Option 2: Sensitive (Low over-current threshold, will rapidly shut-down) Option 5: Over current disabled (Over current detection disabled)
Option 3: Standard * (Moderate over-current threshold, will shut down after a slight delay)
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type (9.3 below)
2 flashes-short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 2 (current limiting), Option
1 (Very sensitive)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type (9.3 below)
2 flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 2 (current limiting), Option 2 (Sensitive)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type (9.3 below)
2 flashes-short pause –3 flashes –long
pause Setting 2 (current limiting), Option 3 (Standard)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 5of 7Rev 2-date 01/27/05
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires and batteries,
causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model aircraft equipped with high power
motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly over or near spectators. Even though this controller
is equipped with a safety arming program, you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type (9.3 below)
2 flashes-short pause –4 flashes–long
pause Setting 2 (current limiting), Option 4 (Insensitive)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly toconfirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type (9.3 below)
2 flashes-short pause –5 flashes–long
pause Setting 2 (current limiting), Option 5 (Disabled)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for Current Limiting (no
change).
Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Brake Type
(9.3 below).
9.3 Programming Setting 3–Brake Type
Delayed brake provides a 4-second delay before braking occurs. Soft brake provides 50% of full brakingpower; hard brake is 100% braking power. Hard brake should only be used on 10 cells or less.
Option 1:Soft delayed brake * General aircraft use, with fixed or folding prop Option 4: Hard brake, no delay Competition use where a very short brake delay is required
Option 2:Hard delayed brake Direct drive applications where more braking power is required Option 5: Brake Disabled Helicopters
Option 3: Soft brake, no delay Competition use where a very short brake delay is required
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
3 flashes-short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 3 (brake type), Option 1
(soft, delayed 4-seconds)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
3 flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 3 (brake type), Option 2 (hard, delayed 4-seconds)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
3 flashes-short pause –3 flashes –long
pause Setting 3 (brake type), Option 3 (soft, no delay)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
3 flashes-short pause –4 flashes–long
pause Setting 3 (brake type), Option 4 (hard, no delay)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
3 flashes-short pause –5 flashes–long
pause Setting 3 (brake type), Option 5 (brake disabled)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for Brake Type (no change). Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Throttle Type (9.4 below)
9.4 Programming Setting 4–Throttle Type
Option 1: Auto Calibrating throttle* Recommended for general aircraft Option 3: Governor Mode –Low RPM Range (see Note below) Recommended for collective pitch helicopters
Option 2: Fixed throttle Fixed pitch helicopters Option 4: Governor Mode –High RPM Range (see Note below) Recommended for collective pitch helicopters
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Timing Advance (9.5 below)
4 flashes-short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 4 (throttle type), Option 1
(auto calibrating)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Timing Advance (9.5 below)
4 flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 4 (throttle type), Option 2 (fixed)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to nextsetting–Timing Advance (9.5 below)
4 flashes-short pause –3 flashes–long
pause Setting 4 (throttle type), Option 3 (Governor mode Low RPM range)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 6of 7Rev 2-date 01/27/05
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires and batteries,
causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model aircraft equipped with high power
motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly over or near spectators. Even though this controller
is equipped with a safety arming program, you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Timing Advance (9.5 below)
4 flashes-short pause –4 flashes–long
pause Setting 4 (throttle type), Option 4 (Governor mode High RPM
range)? No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for throttle (no change). Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Timing Advance (9.5 below)
NOTE: Governor mode acts as an RPM control, rather than a throttle control. Throttle stick position determines the RPM that the motor runs and the controller will attempt to hold that RPM regardless of load
changes. This is useful in a collective pitch helicopter where a constant head speed is desirable. The low RPM range has finer RPM control at lower RPMs, and the high RPM range has finer RPM control at higher
RPMS. The low RPM range is useful for low pole count motors (Hacker, etc.) and low RPMs on higher pole count motors. The high RPM range is useful for higher pole count motors and higher RPMs. Brake is
ALWAYS disabled in Governor Mode.
9.5 Programming Setting 5–Electronic timing advance
Option 1: High advance timing (12°-35°)Recommended for higher pole count motors (eg. Jeti or large Mega motors) Gives more power at the expense of efficiency
Option 2: Standard advance timing (5°-20°) * Recommended for most motors (Aveox, Hacker, Astro, smaller Mega, Kontronik) Gives a good balance of power and efficiency
Option 3: Low advance timing (0°-15°)Recommended for use when efficiency or run-time is primary concern –Gives a slight loss of power with a slight increase in efficiency.
NOTE: The controller senses the motor type by itsinductance, and automatically sets the maximum advance according to motor type (eg: outrunner motors will automatically be run at a higher advance setting)
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.6 below)
5 flashes-short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 5 (timing advance), Option
1 (high advance)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.6 below)
5 flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 5 (timing advance), Option 2 (standard)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.6 below)
5 flashes-short pause –3 flashes–long
pause Setting 5 (timing advance), Option 3 (low)?
No –Throttle stick inoff position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for timing advance(no
change).
Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type
(9.6 below)
9.6 Programming Setting 6–Cutoff Type
Option 1: Hard Cutoff * (Immediate motor shutdown) Option 2: Soft Cutoff (Throttle down at low voltage or over-current)
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.7 below).
6 flashes-short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 6 (cutoff type), Option 1
(hard cutoff)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of
your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.7 below).
6 flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 6 (cutoff type), Option 2 (soft cutoff)?
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for Cutoff Type (no change)..Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next setting–Cutoff Type (9.7 below).
9.7 Programming Setting 7–Soft Start
Option 1: Very soft start Recommended for use with fragile gearboxes; governor mode slowest spool up softest start
Option 2: Soft Start*Recommended for most setups; governor mode soft start, slow spool up Option 3: Fast start Recommended for fastest startup; governor mode faster start, fast spool up

PHOENIX-25™
By Castle Creations
25 Amp Brushless Sensorless Speed Control
PHOENIX-25™ User Guide Page 7of 7Rev 2-date 01/27/05
This document, Phoenix-25™ software, and Phoenix-25™ PCB layout are all Copyright 2002-2003 by Patrick del Castillo and Castle Creations
Warning! High power motor systems can be very dangerous! High currents can heat wires and batteries,
causing fires and burning skin. Follow the wiring directions carefully! Model aircraft equipped with high power
motors can kill. Always fly at a sanctioned field. Never fly over or near spectators. Even though this controller
is equipped with a safety arming program, you should still use caution when connecting the main battery.
Phoenix-25™ Displays: Programming Question Asked: Your Response: Phoenix-25™ Action: Your Action:
7flashes -short pause –1 flash–long pause Setting 7(soft start), Option 1
(very soft start)? Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. LED remains on to confirm it is ready to
be armed.
Programming complete. Proceed to arming section of this User’s
Guide (section 3) to arm the unit for flight.
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
7flashes-short pause –2 flashes–long
pause Setting 7(soft start), Option 2 (soft start)? Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. LED remains on to confirm it is ready to
be armed.
Programming complete. Proceed to arming section of this User’s
Guide (section 3) to arm the unit for flight.
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. Return Tx stick to center and proceed to next option for this setting
7flashes-short pause –3 flashes–long
pause Setting 7(soft start), Option 3 (fast start)? Yes –Throttle stick in up position Stores selection. Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response. LED remains on to confirm it is ready to
be armed.
Programming complete. Proceed to arming section of this User’s
Guide (section 3) to arm the unit for flight.
No –Throttle stick in off position Flashes rapidly to confirm receipt of your response.
Maintains previous setting for throttle type (no change).
LED remains on to confirm it is ready to be armed.
Programming complete. Proceed to arming section of this User’s
Guide (section 3) to arm the unit for flight.