Horizon Hobby ONYX ONXM2112 User manual

®
ONYX®Programmable Brushless Air ESCs
ONXM2112 12 amp, ONXM2120 20 amp,
ONXM2130 30 amp, ONXM2150 50 amp,
ONXM2160 60 amp, ONXM2180 80 amp

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NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are
subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC.
For up-to-date product literature, visit horizonhobby.com or
towerhobbies.com and click on the support or resources tab
for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product
literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when
operating this product:
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
the probability of property damage, collateral damage, and
serious injury OR create a high probability of superficial injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility
of serious injury.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
a possibility of physical property damage AND a little or no
possibility of injury.

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Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years.
This is not a toy.
NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned,
hobby-grade, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft. Horizon
Hobby disclaims all liability outside of the intended purpose and
will not provide warranty service related thereto.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to
become familiar with the features of the product before
operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can
result in damage to the product, personal property and
cause serious injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated
with caution and common sense and requires some basic
mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to
the product or other property. This product is not intended
for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not
attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components
or augment product in any way without the approval of
Horizon Hobby, LLC. This manual contains instructions for
safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and
follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior
to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and
avoid damage or serious injury.

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ESC Features
Start-Up Protection
Thermal Protection: If the internal temperature of the ESC
reaches 230°F/110°C, the ESC will reduce output power
Lost Signal Protection: The ESC will stop the motor if
throttle signal is lost
3 start modes: Normal/ Soft/ Super-Soft
Works with LiPo, NiCd and NiMH batteries
Auto-Senses the number of cells in your battery pack
Compatible with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
Brake and timing adjustments
SKU
Current
(Continuous/Burst)
Voltage BEC
ONXM2112 12A/18A 2-3S LiPo
4-9 Cell NiMH 1A/5V
ONXM2120 20A/25A 2-3S LiPo
6-10 Cell NiMH 2A/5V
ONXM2130 30A/40A 2-4S LiPo
6-12 Cell NiMH 2A/5V
ONXM2150 50A/65A 2-4S LiPo
6-12 Cell NiMH 5A/5V
ONXM2160 60A/80A 2-6S LiPo
6-18 Cell NiMH 5A/5V
ONXM2180 80A/100A 3-6S LiPo
8-18 Cell NiMH 5A/5V

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Connection and Installation
Mount the ESC so it cannot move around inside the aircraft and in
a location where it can receive free-flowing air during operation. It
is normal for the ESC to get warm while in operation.
NOTICE: Always disconnect the battery from the ESC when
you have finished operating your vehicle. If you leave the battery
connected, the ESC will continue to draw current, resulting in
possible damage to the battery through over-discharge.
NOTICE: Do not connect a dedicated receiver battery or
external BEC to the receiver along with the ESC. When the
ESC/Receiver is powered ON, it will provide the servo ports
with regulated power from the main battery. If an external
power source is connected to the receiver in addtion to the
ESC, the ESC and/or receiver may be damaged.
Motor Direction
If the motor turns the wrong direction you can reverse the
direction by swapping any two of the three wires between the
motor and ESC.
Motor Leads
Battery Leads
Throttle
Connection
Receiver *
Motor*
Battery*
* Not Included
ESC

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Throttle Range Calibration
When you first install the ESC, you will need to calibrate the throttle range.
WARNING: Remove the propeller from the aircraft for safety
during setup. Removing the propeller from the motor
enables the operation to be tested safely.
WARNING: For some radio control systems (Futaba and
Tactic in particular), you will need to reverse the throttle
channel for normal operation where OFF is with the
stick at the low position. If you do not verify correct operation
before installing the propeller, the motor could power ON in a
manner you don‘t expect.
1. Power on the transmitter then move the throttle stick to full.
(prevents throttle high warning).
2. Connect a battery pack to the ESC.
3. Wait for 2 seconds. The motor will emit a double tone which
indicates the high throttle point has been set.
4. Move the throttle stick to zero throttle. The motor will emit a
series of short tones and then a long tone.
5. Disconnect the battery, the ESC is calibrated and ready for operation.
Operating Your ESC
CAUTION: For safety, always assume the propeller could
spin any time the battery is plugged in.
1. Move the throttle stick to zero throttle and power ON your
the transmitter.
2. Connect the battery pack to the ESC.
3. A series of tones ending in one long tone indicates the ESC
is ready for flight.
If the motor fails to start within 2 seconds, then the ESC will
stop trying to power the motor. If this happens, the throttle
stick must be moved to zero throttle to reset and start again.
The ESC will stop the motor if the throttle signal is lost. If the
signal is regained, throttle control will be restored immediately.

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Programmable Items
1. Brake: Enabled/Disabled. Default is Disabled
2. Battery Type: Lithium (LiIon or LiPo)/Nickel based (NiMH
or NiCd). Default is LiPo
3. Low Voltage Cutoff Reaction. Default is Soft Cut-Off.
4. Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC): Low/Medium/High. Default is
Medium. LVC behavior is different for different battery
types is and based on the battery type selected.
If Lithium battery type is selected, the cell count of the
battery pack is calculated automatically. The cutoff voltage
(per cell) is; Low - 2.85V, Medium - 3.15V, High - 3.3V
Example: If Lithium battery type is selected with High LVC
and a 3 cell LiPo battery is connected, the ESC will detect
the cell count and set the LVC at 9.9V
(3.3V per cell x 3 cells).
If NiCd/NiMH battery type is selected, low/medium/high
settings represent 0%/50%/65% of the initial pack voltage.
0% means the low voltage cut-off function is disabled.
5. Start Mode: Normal/Soft/Super-Soft. Default is Normal.
Normal is preferred for fixed-wing aircraft. Soft or Super-
soft are preferred for helicopters.
IMPORTANT: If the throttle is lowered and brought up
again within 3 seconds after the initial startup, the restart
will be temporarily changed to normal mode.
6. Timing: Low/Medium/High (3.75°/15°/26.25°). Default
is Low. Low timing or medium timing is suitable for most
motors. High timing values can be attempted on your
power system to maximize power, but may result in excess
heat or erractic behavior. Be sure to complete thorough
ground tests if you increase the timing, and lower the
timing value if the motor screaches or stutters, or if testing
results in temps over 180 degrees (F) on the motor.

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Entering Programming Mode
1. Remove the propeller.
2. If you haven’t already, calibrate the throttle range.
3. Power on the transmitter then move the throttle stick to full.
(prevents throttle high warning).
4. Connect the battery pack to the ESC.
5. Shortly after your transmitter and receiver begin to operate,
the motor will emit a double tone. This confirms the throttle
is at the high setting.
6. Wait for another five seconds and you will hear a series of
tones which indicates you are in the program mode.
Select Programmable Item:
Once in the programming mode, you will hear eight series of
tones, each one in reference to one of the programmable items.
Tone Programmable Item
1. One short tone Brake
2. Two short tones Battery Type
3. Three short tones Low Voltage Cutoff Reaction
4. Four short tones Low Voltage Cutoff
5. One long tone Start Mode
6. One long tone,
one short tone Timing
7. One long tone,
two short tones Reset default
8. Two medium tones Exit Programming
To select one of the features for changes, move the throttle
stick down within three seconds of the related tone.
After a pause, the motor will emit a tone which indicates the
ESC is entering the sub-menu so you can select the values you
want to use.

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Exit Programming Mode:
There are three ways to exit programming mode.
1. Select the last option in programming; When the motor emits
two tones, move the throttle stick down within three seconds.
2. After setting the value for a programmable item, move the
stick to the bottom within 2 seconds after selecting the value.
3. After setting a value, unplug the battery. The new settings
will be saved.
Sub-Menu Within Each Programmable Item:
Set the value by moving throttle stick to the top position when
you hear the tones that indicate the value you want. A tone will
indicate the value is set and saved.
IMPORTANT: If you do not make a selection, leaving the throttle
at high will now keep the throttle stick at the top position, you
will go back to the programming menu and you can select other
items to program. However, if you move the stick to the bottom
position within 2 seconds, you will exit the program mode.
Feature One Short
Tone
Two Short
Tones
Three Short
Tones
1. Brake Off On
2. Battery Type LiPo/LiIon NiMH/NiCd
3. Low Voltage
Cutoff Reaction Soft Cut-Off Hard Cut- Off
4. Low Voltage
Cutoff Low Medium High
5. Start Mode Normal Soft Super Soft
6. Timing Low Medium High

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Warning Tones
The ESC begins to check the voltage when the battery pack
is connected.
1. If the ESC does not arm normally the motor will emit a
series of tones.
TONES SCENARIO
Repeating double tone Voltage outside of acceptable range
when the power is connected
Repeating single tone The ESC cannot detect a normal
throttle signal
Repeating rapid single
tone
The throttle is not at its lowest
position
A double tone followed
by a pattern of tones
The ESC has entered the
programming mode. If the throttle is
at the low position when this happens,
disconnect the power, reverse the
throttle channel and try again
2. If nothing happens, verify the battery pack is charged and
inspect all wiring connections.

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ESC Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Calibration
not working
Throttle reversed Reverse the throttle
setting in your transmitter
Throttle travel reduced
in transmitter
Reset throttle travel to
100% in your transmitter
Motor
stops
during
operation
Throttle signal lost
Check all wiring connections
and range check your
RC system. Refer to your
transmitter and/or receiver
manual for troubleshooting
radio link issues
Battery voltage is
too low and ESC
entered LVC mode
Land the aircraft as soon
as possible and recharge
or replace the battery
Worn or damaged motor Repair/replace motor
Motor Does
not turn
continuously
in response
to throttle
ESC/motor damaged Repair/replace wiring or
motor/ESC
Battery cannot
sustain the current
demand of your
power system
because of a system
imbalance.
Change to a smaller
propeller, change to a lower
cell count battery, change
to a lower Kv motor, or
change the gear ratio to
lower the current draw
Battery cannot sustain
the current demands
of your power system
because it is damaged
Replace the battery
Motor
Slows but
will not
stop
Incorrect
transmitter/ESC
calibration
Adjust throttle travel/
other throttle settings on the
transmitter/ESC. Repeat the
ESC Calibration Procedure

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1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
What this Warranty Covers - Horizon Hobby, LLC, (Horizon)
warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased (the
“Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
What is Not Covered
This warranty is not transferable and does not cover (i) cosmetic
damage, (ii) damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or due to improper use, installation,
operation or maintenance, (iii) modification of or to any part of the
Product, (iv) attempted service by anyone other than a Horizon
Hobby authorized service center, (v) Product not purchased from
an authorized Horizon dealer, (vi) Product not compliant with
applicable technical regulations, or (vii) use that violates any
applicable laws, rules, or regulations.
OTHERTHANTHE EXPRESSWARRANTYABOVE,HORIZON MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS
ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE
DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
Purchaser’s Remedy
Horizon’s sole obligation and purchaser’s sole and exclusive
remedy shall be that Horizon will, at its option, either (i) service,
or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all Product(s)
involved in a warranty claim. Service or replacement decisions are
at the sole discretion of Horizon. Proof of purchase is required for
all warranty claims. SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED
UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.

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Limitation of Liability
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY
WAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN
CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY
OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF HORIZON HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Further,
in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price
of the Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has no
control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage
or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all
resulting liability. If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared
to accept the liability associated with the use of the Product,
purchaser is advised to return the Product immediately in new
and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Law
These terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict
of law principals). This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty at
any time without notice.
WARRANTY SERVICES
Questions, Assistance, and Services
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or service. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact your local distributor or
Horizon directly.This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions
and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For
questions or assistance, please visit our website at www.horizonhobby.
com, submit a Product Support Inquiry, or call the toll free telephone
number referenced in the Warranty and Service Contact Information
section to speak with a Product Support representative.

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Inspection or Services
If this Product needs to be inspected or serviced and is compliant
in the country you live and use the Product in, please use the
Horizon Online Service Request submission process found
on our website or call Horizon to obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Pack the Product securely using a
shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included,
but are not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without
additional protection. Ship via a carrier that provides tracking
and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not
responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at
our facility. An Online Service Request is available at http://www.
horizonhobby.com/content/service-center-render-service-center.
If you do not have internet access, please contact Horizon Product
Support to obtain a RMA number along with instructions for
submitting your product for service. When calling Horizon, you will
be asked to provide your complete name, street address, email
address and phone number where you can be reached during
business hours. When sending product into Horizon, please
include your RMA number, a list of the included items, and a brief
summary of the problem. A copy of your original sales receipt
must be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your name,
address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside of
the shipping carton.
NOTICE: Do not ship LiPo batteries to Horizon. If you
have any issue with a LiPo battery, please contact the
appropriate Horizon Product Support office.
Warranty Requirements
For Warranty consideration, you must include your original sales
receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided warranty
conditions have been met, your Product will be serviced or
replaced free of charge. Service or replacement decisions are at
the sole discretion of Horizon.

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Non-Warranty Service
Should your service not be covered by warranty, service will be
completed and payment will be required without notification
or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50%
of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for service
you are agreeing to payment of the service without notification.
Service estimates are available upon request. You must include
this request with your item submitted for service. Non-warranty
service estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor.
In addition you will be billed for return freight. Horizon accepts
money orders and cashier’s checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. By submitting any item
to Horizon for service, you are agreeing to Horizon’s Terms and
Conditions found on our website http://www.horizonhobby.com/
content/service-center-render-service-center.
ATTENTION: Horizon service is limited to Product
compliant in the country of use and ownership. If
received, a non-compliant Product will not be serviced.
Further, the sender will be responsible for arranging
return shipment of the un-serviced Product, through
a carrier of the sender’s choice and at the sender’s
expense. Horizon will hold non-compliant Product for
a period of 60 days from notification, after which it will
be discarded.
10/15

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Warranty and Service Contact Information
Country
of Pur-
chase
Horizon Hobby Contact Information Address
United
States of
America
Horizon Service
Center
(Repairs and
Repair Requests)
servicecenter.horizonhobby.com/
RequestForm/ 2904
Research Rd.
Champaign,
Illinois,
61822 USA
Horizon Product
Support
(Product Techni-
cal Assistance)
productsupport@horizonhobby.
com.
877-504-0233
Sales [e-mail]
800-338-4639
FCC Information
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
ONXM2160, ONXM2150, ONXM2130,
ONXM2120, ONXM2112, ONXM2180
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and

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used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Horizon Hobby, LLC
2904 Research Rd.,
Champaign, IL 61822
Email: [e-mail]
Web: HorizonHobby.com

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© 2020 Horizon Hobby, LLC.
Onyx, the Onxy logo, and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC.
All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their
respective owners.
64436
ONXM2160, ONXM2150, ONXM2130,
Created 03/20 ONXM2120, ONXM2112, ONXM2180
®