Hobbico Duratrax DE10 User manual

Brushless Programmable ESC
For Brushless Motors Over 5.5T
DTXM1300 Mnl 1.3© 2010 Hobbico,
®Inc.

DuraTrax’s DE10 ESC is great for many 1/10
th
scale
applications, regardless of motor type. Very smooth
and precise control results in no cogging - even at
low speeds! A huge set of adjustable features further
broadens the number of useful applications, including
on and off-road cars & trucks, as well as crawlers. A
powerful BEC circuit allows for the use of high-torque/
digital steering servos. An optional digital handheld
programmer is great for quick, easy setup changes
while at the track, and for downloading various types
of performance data for post-race analysis.
It is strongly recommended to completely read
this manual before use! Damage resulting from
misuse or modification will void your warranty.
Features and Specifications
●The DE10 ESC is designed to be used with
brushless motors having as few as 5.5 turns -
great for intermediate to racing applications.
●Includes sensored brushless, sensorless
brushless, and brushed motor modes for great
versatility.
●Powerful 6 volt, 3 amp linear BEC.
●Multi-color LEDs and audible tones allow for easy
manual setup.
●19 manually programmable features.
●On/off power switch.
●Sensored brushless mode is great for optimum
precision and control at any speed – great for
2

crawling and racing on challenging courses with
low cogging and smooth control even at low speeds.
●Optional Digital Programmer (DTXM1350) is great
for quick setup changes at the track, and also for
downloading ESC speed, temperature, and current
readings from the ESC.
Important Precautions
●Disconnect the battery from the ESC
immediately if the ESC or battery becomes
hot!! Allow the ESC or battery to cool down
before reconnecting.
●NEVER use more than the specified voltage on
the ESC’s input.
●ALWAYS mount the ESC in a position where free
air can flow across it during operation.
●ALWAYS turn on the transmitter before connecting
the battery to the ESC.
●ALWAYS disconnect the battery from the ESC
when not in use.
●Make sure the input battery is fully charged
before connecting to the ESC, so the low voltage
cutoff feature can function properly.
●Do not attempt to use with brushed motors while
in brushless mode, and vice-versa.
●Use heat-shrink tubing to insulate any bare wires
between the motor battery and ESC, and from
the ESC to the motor, to prevent a short circuit.
●Allow the ESC to cool before touching. 3

●Do not run the car near water! Never allow water,
moisture, or any foreign material onto the ESC’s
PC board.
●Do not allow metal/conductive materials to
accidentally make contact across all motor/
battery posts.
●Never turn on the ESC before plugging it into the
Rx and switching on the transmitter (Tx).
●Keep out of reach of children.
●DuraTrax is not responsible for incidental
damage or personal injury as a result of misuse
of this product.
Glossary of Terms
Capacity and milli-amp hours (mAh): the amount
of energy a battery can store is called its capacity.
A battery’s capacity is rated in “mAh”or milli-amp
hours, and should be printed on the battery’s label.
Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge or
discharge current.
Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being
amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So
2.5A is the same as 2500mA (2.5 ×1000). Or, to
convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000.
So 25mA is the same as 0.025A (25 divided by 1000).
Nominal voltage (V): a unit of voltage that one might
expect to measure on a battery pack at any given test
point.This is not the minimum or maximum possible
voltage. If not printed on the battery’s label, consult
4

your battery supplier or determine the proper pack
voltage as shown here:
Battery
Type
Number of Cells
Wired In Series
Nominal
Pack Voltage
LiPo
LiFe
NiCd or NiMH
2 (“2S”)
2 (“2S”)
6
7.4V
6.6V
7.2V
Step 1 – Mounting the ESC
The following information can help the ESC perform
at maximum efficiency and minimize the chance of
overheating and radio interference problems.
Air
Flow
Mount the ESC to obtain maximum parallel
airflow THROUGH the heat sink. This is
especially important when using the
maximum number of cells on the input
and/or when ambient temperatures are very
high. For off-road cars, or cars with a metal
or graphite chassis, mount the ESC on the
chassis, and the receiver and antenna on the
rear shock tower to reduce radio
interference. Do NOT pack the ESC with
foam padding as it will not allow the ESC to
properly radiate heat and likely cause a
thermal shutdown.
1. Locate the ESC in a position to allow for good
airflow, with as little obstruction from the model’s
outer body or exterior dirt and debris as possible.
2. Mount the ESC using double-sided mounting tape.
IMPORTANT!
Figure 1
Table 1
5

3. Mount the ON/OFF switch in a convenient place.
Ensure that it is securely mounted, using mounting
tape or screws in a location where it cannot be easily
turned off by objects on the track or rough terrain.
Step 2 – Motor Connections
CONNECTING BRUSHLESS MOTORS
Sensored and Sensorless
Each of the three motor leads is made of high quality
13 gauge, silicone insulated wire and has 3.5mm
bullet adapters installed.These leads have no polarity
and can be installed into any of the three motor
connections. If the motor runs in reverse, you will
have to switch any two of the leads. If a sensored
motor is used, be sure to connect the sensor cable
to both the motor and ESC. Once connected, make
sure all connections are insulated electrically. Failure
to do so could result in permanent damage to the
motor/ESC, and void all warranties.
+−
Battery
R
e
d
B
l
a
c
k
Sensor
Yellow
C
B
A
C
B
BRUSHLESS
MOTOR A
O
r
a
n
g
e
–
+
–
+
B
l
u
e
Figure 2
6

CONNECTING BRUSHED MOTORS
There are two options for connecting brushed motors.
The motors can be connected as one-way (forward
only) or two-way (forward and reverse). When
using a brushed DC motor, please ensure that the
configuration between the ESC and the motor must
be in accordance with the selected programming
in the ESC (forward or forward/reverse). See the
detailed configuration in Figure 3.
INSTALLING FILTERS
Brushed motors generate radio noise which can
interfere with your Rx and cause problems. Check
your motor to see if it has capacitors installed on
+−
Battery
C
B
A
–
BRUSHED
MOTOR +
Y
e
l
l
o
w
O
r
a
n
g
e
2 Way
C
B
A
–
BRUSHED
MOTOR +
1 Way
+−
Battery
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
B
l
u
e
Y
e
l
l
o
w
O
r
a
n
g
e
R
e
d
B
l
a
c
k
R
e
d
B
l
a
c
k
B
l
u
e
Figure 3
7

it. Some motors have capacitors built in so refer to
the motor’s instructions. If the motor does not have
capacitors installed, you might need to install three
0.1µF, 50V non-polarized ceramic capacitors onto
the motor. These capacitors will help reduce radio
noise generated by the motor and prevent possible
damage to the speed control. A Schottky diode
should also be soldered across the positive and
negative brush tabs on the motor to help reduce
negative effects caused by noise. Install the diode
and capacitors as follows:
●Solder one capacitor between the motor’s
POSITIVE (+) brush tab and GROUND tab†.
●Solder one capacitor between the motor’s
NEGATIVE (–) brush tab and GROUND tab†.
●Solder one capacitor between the motor’s
POSITIVE (+) and NEGATIVE (–) tabs.
Negative (−)
Brush Terminal
Schottky Diode
Silver Band
.047µF Capacitor (473)
.010µF Capacitor (104)
Solder to Side
of Motor Positive (+)
Brush Terminal
Figure 4
8

●Solder the Schottky diode between the motor’s
positive and negative brush tabs. Make sure the
end of the Schottky diode with the colored band
is connected to the motor’s POSITIVE (+) band.
†
Solder to the can of the motor if your motor doesn’t
have a ground tab.
Step 3 – Necessary Transmitter Settings
For proper ESC operation, it’s very important to
set the transmitter’s throttle channel adjustments,
as follows:
1. Set the throttle channel’s travel adjustment (ATV,
EPA or ATL) to the MAXIMUM setting.
2. Set the throttle trim and sub-trim to neutral or zero.
3. Set the throttle channel’s reversing switch to
reverse on Futaba transmitters. Other transmitters
might require you to set the throttle reversing switch
to normal.
Step 4 – Receiver Connector Polarities
By simply clipping off the tab on the side of the
connector using wire cutters, it can be directly
connected to any Futaba®J, Airtronics “Z”, Hitec
“S”, or JR receiver. For proper connection refer to
your radio’s manual. WARNING: This connector
is NOT directly compatible with the old Airtronics
9

connector style. For old Airtronics radios, it is highly
recommended to use an Airtronics Servo Adapter
to connect this ESC.
NEVER ALLOW THE RED (+) AND BLACK (–)
WIRESTO CROSS ON ANY RECEIVER OR ESC
AS PERMANENT DAMAGE WILL RESULT TO
BOTH ITEMS.
Step 5 – Connecting the Battery
The DE10 ESC is compatible with NiCd, NiMH, LiPo,
and LiFe batteries.
First, make sure the battery is FULLY charged before
connecting it to the ESC. Failure to do so will not
allow the low voltage cutoff feature to work properly
(see Page 20). Connect the battery to the 4 inch
long battery lead on the ESC which has the Traxxas
connector installed. If you wish to remove and replace
the Traxxas plug, there is also a Deans
®
Ultra Plug
®
included. Make sure to observe proper polarity [red
(+) leads go together and black (–) leads together].
Black (−)
Red (+)
White (s)
Clip Tab
Figure 5
10

WARNING! Never accidentally short together the
positive (+)and negative(–) DCinput connections
when connected to 12V DC power. Failure to do
so could result in permanent damage to the
power source and the charger.
Step 6 - ESC Trigger Position Setup
1. Turn on the transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to the ESC, and turn on the
ESC’s power switch.
3. If all connections are correct, the motor should
beep depending on the throttle trigger position:
Do, Re ~~ Do, Re, Mi If the trigger is at neutral
Do, Re ~~ If the trigger is at another
position besides neutral
4. Press and hold the ESC’s setup button for over 1
second and the green LED will flash. Release the
button, and the green LED should stay ON and the
motor should beep (So, So, La, La, So, So…) to
indicate that the neutral position has been set.
ESC
Traxxas
Male Connector
Red
(+)
(−)
Black
Battery Lead
Figure 6
11

5. Squeeze the throttle trigger to the full power
position.The red LED should be ON to indicate that
the full power position has been set.
6. Push the throttle trigger to the full reverse or full
brake position. The red and green LEDs should
stay ON to indicate that the full reverse or full brake
position has been set.
7. Release the throttle trigger to the neutral position.
The red and green LEDs should flash alternatively,
and the motor should beep (So, Fa, Mi, Re, Do…).
Then the green LED should be ON to indicate that
the ESC is now ready for use.
It’s ONLY necessary to repeat this initial throttle
setup if you change transmitters, or if you change
throttle channel settings in your transmitter.
Note 1: After switching on the ESC, the trigger
position setup can ONLY be performed
before the motor turns. If the trigger is pulled
and/or the motor turns before initial setup,
you will have to repeat setup.
Note 2: If full power position setting cannot be
completed, please change the throttle
reverse/normal setting.
12

Step 7 - Manual Setup
1. Turn on the transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to the ESC and turn on the
ESC’s power switch.
3. If all connections are correct, the motor should
beep depending on the throttle trigger position:
Do, Re ~~ Do, Re, Mi If the trigger is at neutral.
Do, Re ~~ If the trigger is at another
position besides neutral.
4. Press and hold the setup button for over 1 second.
The green LED should flash for 2 seconds, then
the red LED should immediately flash. Release
the pushbutton and the motor should beep (Mi, Re,
Do, Re, Mi sound), and the red LED should flash
constantly to indicate that the ESC is now in the
USER MODE SETTING.
5. Nineteen different program features can be set
in this ESC as follows…
13

Please refer to the glossary on Page 20 of this manual for
descriptions on each function.
6. Every time the throttle trigger is moved from the
neutral position to the full power position and again
to the neutral position (neutral > full power > neutral
is one cycle) the ESC will proceed to the next feature
in sequence. The red LED will flash in accordance
with the features as follows:
No. Function Options
Factory
Default
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Motor type
Battery type
Low voltage cutoff
Power curve
Timing advance
Acceleration
Start power
Start current limiter
Current limiter
Reverse on/off
Reverse delay
Neutral width
Motor Direction
Speed mixing brake
ABS brake
Auto brake
Minimum brake
Maximum brake
Factory reset
sensored, sensorless, brushed (3)
NiCd/MH, LiPo, LiFe (3)
auto, 3.0V-6.0V (8)
soft, linear, hard (3)
0-25
(5˚ steps)(sensorless)
0-10 steps ( increments of 2 )( sensored )
lowest - highest (5)
lowest - highest (5)
off, 10-100% (11)
off, 10-100% (11)
on, off (2)
0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.3, 1.8, 2.5 sec. (6)
narrow, normal, wide (3)
Normal, Reverse
0-100% (11)
off, weakest – strongest (6)
0-100% (11)
0-100% (11)
0-100% (11)
return all settings to factory default values
Sensored
NiCd/MH
Auto
Linear
25
10
Highest
Lowest
Off
Off
Off
2.5s
Normal
Normal
0%
Off
0%
30%
100%
Table 2
14

a. Red LED flashes once = motor type setting
b. Red LED flashes twice = battery type
setting available
c. ….
d. Red LED flashes 18 times = maximum
brake amount setting
e. Red LED flashes 19 times = factory reset
7. At the selected feature to be changed, if the
throttle trigger stays at the full power position for
over 4 seconds, the red and green LED should flash
to indicate that you can now change the existing
parameter to a new parameter. To do so, move the
trigger to the minimum or lower position and then
again to the full power position.
8. After you select the new parameter, hold the
throttle trigger at the neutral position for over 4
seconds. The red LED should flash and the motor
should beep (mi, re, do, re, mi…) to indicate that the
selected parameter is stored in the ESC.
9. After changing parameters, if the button is shortly
pressed the ESC is now in standby mode. At this
stage, if you want to change another program
parameter, repeat the above procedure.
10.To exit the manual set up mode, briefly press and
release the button.The ESC is now ready to be used.
15

The ESC’s status is displayed by the LED: If the
ESC receives correct signals from the receiver, the
motor should beep (do and re sound), and if the
throttle trigger is at the neutral position at this time,
the motor should beep (do, re, and mi sound) to
indicate the ESC is now in the standby mode.
If the ESC does not receive any signals from the
receiver, the red LED should flash.
Note: Both trigger position settings and adjustable
parameter settings can ONLY be programmed
right after the ESC is turned on and ONLY
before the motor turns. If the trigger position
is moved and the motor turns before
programming is completed, you will need to
reset the power and start over.
LED STATUS DURING OPERATION
Full throttle Red LED on
Neutral Green LED on
Full Reverse or Full Brake Both LEDs on
Error Red LED flashes
16

ERROR DESCRIPTION
No Signal: The red LED should be off for 1 second,
then flash. After 5 seconds, the red LED should be
OFF and waiting for the proper signal.
Low Battery: The red LED should be off for 1 second,
then flash two times repeatedly.
Sensor Error: The red LED should be off for 1 second,
then flash three times repeatedly.
High Temperature: The red LED should be off for 1
second, then flash four times repeatedly.
Step 8 - Range Test
It’s always a good idea to perform a range check
before operating the vehicle. With the Tx antenna
collapsed and a helper watching the model, operate
the transmitter controls while walking away from the
model. You should be able to get approximately 75
to 100 feet away before losing control of the model.
Next, check the range with the motor running at half
throttle.The range should be close to the range you
got with the motor off. If it is not, you may need to
move the receiver, receiver antenna, servo leads or
the speed control to a different location.
17

Specifications
Motor types
Input Voltage
Direction
BEC
Manual setup
Programmable options1
On-Resistance 2
Rated Current 2
Super Prog. System
Protections
Battery connections
Motor connection
Receiver connection
Dimensions
Weight
sensored and sensorless brushless, down to 5.5 turns
brushed motors down to 4 turns (6T w/ reverse activated)
4-6 cell NiCd, NiMH
2S LiPo, LiFe
forward, brake, reverse
6.0V, 3.0A linear
pushbutton with LEDs and audible motor tones
19 features
0.0013per phase, brushless
0.0002brushed (0.001with reverse activated)
80A Continuous (160A for 10 seconds)
Yes
low voltage cutoff, over-current,
3over-temperature at 248°F (120°C)
13AWG, Traxxas connector
(Deans Ultra also included), silicone insulation
13AWG, 3.5mm Bullets, silicon insulation
universal connector
34 x 38 x 25.5mm (1.3 x 1.5 x 1.0”)
83g
1can set manually, or with optional DuraTrax Digital Programmer (DTXM1350)
2at 25˚C transistor temperature
3measured at semiconductor junction
Table 3
18

Optional Digital Programmer
– DTXM1350*
Please note that it is not necessary to have the
optional programmer to use the basic features of
the ESC.
The optional DTX Digital Programmer is a handheld
device that allows the user to easily adjust
parameters on the ESC. The programmer is small
and lightweight making it highly portable, allowing
the user to take it anywhere. Programming the
ESC with this programmer is as easy as pushing
a button. This programmer also allows the user to
fine tune the adjustable features of the ESC and
also gives the user the ability to view post-run data
which is downloaded from the ESC such as average
and maximum speed, maximum temperature and
maximum current.
See your local retailer for details on how to get the
DTX Digital Programmer.
19

Glossary
1. Motor type
Changes the motor type. Sensored, Sensor-less
or Brushed.
2. Battery type
Changes the battery type. NiCd/NiMH, LiPo, LiFe
3. Low Voltage Cutoff
The DE10 ESC includes a low-voltage cutoff feature
that stops motor rotation if the battery’s voltage drops
too low. Users can have the ESC automatically set
the low voltage cutoff in relation to the type of battery
that is being used or the user can manually set the
low voltage cutoff. Be sure that the battery is fully
charged every time it is plugged into the ESC.
Note: When the battery type is changed the cutoff
voltage is automatically changed. Make sure to select
the correct battery type in advance prior to setting
the cutoff voltage.
The automatic low voltage cutoff is displayed by both
LED’s flashing once. When switching on the power
the cutoff voltage is as follows:
LiPo: Higher voltage between 5.5V and 66% of
startup voltage.
LiFe: Higher voltage between 5.0V and 67% of
startup voltage.
NiMH/NiCD: higher voltage between 4.0V and
50% of startup voltage.
20