CASTLE HYDRA X 8S User manual

© 2023 Castle Creations P/N:095-0468-00 Revised 05/2023
ABOUT THE HYDRA X 8S
Motors
Please note that while the Hydra X 8S is capable of handling incredible
amounts of power, your motor must also be up for the task. Always run your
motor within the manufacturer’s specs. Monitor motor, battery, and controller
temps carefully and never let the motor get above 100° C (212° F). Excessive
heat in the motor can damage the motor, the Hydra X 8S, and the batteries.
Prop Size
Always start with a smaller prop size. If you wish to change the prop, motor,
or battery, check your temperatures often on the first run. If the electronics
get too hot, decrease the prop pitch or diameter, or reduce the pack voltage.
Programming
Programming The Hydra X 8S is programmable via transmitter (see Driver’s
Ed Guide) or settings may be programmed via computer with a Castle Link
USB adapter (coupon for free adapter included in package). Program with a
mobile device using a Castle B•Link Bluetooth® Adapter (sold separately or
utilize product discount in lieu of free adapter). See the Drivers’ Ed Guide for
more instructions on transmitter programming and the Castle Link system
(“Tuning with Castle Link” and “Transmitter Programming”).
Data Logging
The Hydra X 8S features data logging. You will be able to measure and record
important power system information during your race, turn-by-turn. After
your run, you can download and analyze this log using Castle Link. You will be
able to inspect many parameters including battery voltage, motor RPM, ESC
temperature and more. Additional information about using the data logging
features can be found in the Driver’s Ed Guide (“Data Logging”).
HYDRA X 8S SPECIFICATIONS
Application
Guidelines Hobby boats up to 36”
Input Voltage
Range Min: 3S LiPo, Max: 8S LiPo, 33.6V
BEC Specs Adjustable from 5V to 8.5V (8 A peak), default 5.5V
Sensors Yes, with optional Sensor Harness (P/N 011-0108-00)
Product Use
Statement
• Applying voltages higher than 33.6V will cause irreparable
damage to your controller.
• The Hydra X 8S is a high-performance controller; you must
use high-discharge cells in your high-performance application
to ensure vehicle performance (see Driver’s Ed Guide, “A Word
About Batteries”).
• The Hydra X 8S requires the use of connectors designed for
150+ amps continuous. Ex. Castle 6.5mm polarized or 8mm
bullet (Driver’s Ed Guide, “Connectors and Power Wiring”).
• The Hydra X 8S is not intended for human or animal propulsion.
*Failure to adhere to the Product Use Statement constitutes a violation of the warranty agreement, and
will result in non-warranty service fees to repair or replace damaged products.
540 North Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062
[phone] (ext. #1 Support, #2 Service)
Product Support: castlecreations.com/contact-support
Service: castlecreations.com/contact-service
Website: castlecreations.com

DRIVER’S ED GUIDE
For more detailed information regarding Getting Started,
Throttle Calibration, using Castle Link, or Transmitter Pro-
gramming, please read the Driver’s Ed Guide by visiting:
https://www.castlecreations.com/HydraX8sDEG
Or scan this QR code with your smart device to open the link.
NEED NEW LINK
RECEIVER CONNECTION
RX Wire Plug the RX wire into the throttle (#2) channel on your
receiver.
AUX Wire
The AUX wire allows you to adjust a setting “on-
the-fly” using an auxiliary channel on your receiver.
The AUX wire function is disabled by default and is
programmable via Castle Link. Plug this wire into the
auxiliary (#3/#4) channel on your receiver.
TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING REFERENCE
1.Brake/Reverse Type
•With Reverse
• • Without Reverse*
• • • Crawler Reverse
3. Brake Amount
•25%
• • 50%*
• • • 75%
• • • • 100%
5. Motor Type
•Brushless*
• • Brushed Reversing
2.Voltage Cutoff
•Auto-Lipo*
• • None
4. Drag Brake
•Disabled*
• • 10%
• • • 20%
• • • • 30%
• • • • • Full On
6. Motor Direction
•Normal*
• • Reverse
*Default Setting
AUDIBLE ALERT REFERENCE
• • Start Fail
• –
Low Voltage Cutoff
– • Over-Current
• • –
Radio Glitch
• – • Over-Temperature
• – –
Excessive Load
– • • AUX Wire Radio Glitch
– • –
BEC Over-Temperature
• • • • Data Log Full Warning
GETTING STARTED
1. Solder a high quality battery connector to the ESC (see Driver’s Ed Guide
“Connectors and Power Wiring” ).
2. Mount the ESC and motor into the vehicle.
3. Connect motor to the ESC (see
Driver’s Ed Guide, “Motor Wiring” ).
4. Plug in the RX wire into throttle (#2) and AUX wire into auxiliary (#3/#4).
5. Calibrate your ESC to your radio. (See
below ).
YOU ARE NOW READY TO GO!
THROTTLE CALIBRATION
1. Radio on, battery plugged in, ESC off.
2. Hold full throttle, turn ESC on (green LED).
3. When red LED flashes, go to full reverse.
4. When yellow LED flashes, go to neutral.
5. Armed and ready!