Motortron MDRIVE-9A User manual

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MDRIVE™-9ASensorlessBrushlessDC Motor
Controller User Manual
OVERVIEW
Unlike other brushless motor controllers, the newlydesigned MDRIVE ™ Series controllers
and ESC-ViewSoftware, released for the first time in Januaryof2006, provide you with a
number ofadvanced newfeatures making it more user friendlywith a greater range of
controls. You maynow…..
1. Select preset User Modes for simple, quick and error proofprogramming at the field.
2. Program the controller with ease using ESC-Viewand a Windows computer.
3. Analyze, test and compare motors with the precision tools provided.
4. Save motor testing data in a text file for reporting or charting.
5. Read radio transmitter min/maxpulse widths enabling precise control ofthe throttle.
CONTENTS
Controller Specifications + Programmable Features Page 2
Wire Connection and Installation Page 3
User Mode Page 4
Radio Throttle Programming Page 5
ESC ViewSoftware Page 6
Setup Page 8-10
Run Test Page 11-12
Advanced Settings Page 12-13
WarrantyPolicyPage 14
FAQ and Website Page 15-17

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MDRIVE™ 9ACONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
Cells with BEC Connection 6-10 Nicd/NiMH or 2-3 Li-Poly/Li-ion
Cells without BEC Connection
6-16 Nicd/NiMH or 2-5 Li-Poly/Li-ion
Continuous Current 9 amps
PWMFrequency 8K and 16KHz PC Programmable Through ESC-ViewSoftware
BEC Max. Current 1AMax @ 5V
Minimum Working Voltage 6V DC
Maximum Working Voltage 20V DC
Connection Wires 20 Gauges, Silicon Rubber Insulation, 250C° Temperature Rating.
Size 31mm x19mm (Including capacitors)
Weight (with 2 inches wires) 9 g
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS: It is essential that the user exercise extreme caution when
attaching the battery, but especially when the motor propeller is engaged. Spinning at such
high RPMs, the propeller can strike, hurting a person very seriously. Eye protection is
recommended. The controller and the motor can deliver explosive high power output in a blink
of an eye. Children must be kept from playing with this type of controller.
Programmable Features:
BatteryType PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Cutoff type PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Brake PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
LowVoltage Cut-off PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
AdvanceMotor Timing PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Throttle Range and Governess PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Thermo Protection Cutoff PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Acceleration Delay PC Programmable ThroughESC-ViewSoftware
Radio Throttle Pulse Width Reading and
Programming Through ESC-ViewSoftware
Reversible Turning Change anytwo motor wires
Audible Indication 1200Hz Audible Tones
Radio Transmitter Programming User Mode Selection Only
Auto Shut Off When Signal Lost Yes.

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Wire Connection andInstallation
Connections:
1. Theredwire connectstobatterypositive; the black wire connectstobatterynegative.
WARNING: Incorrect connection of battery polaritywill totallydestroythe
controller and will not be covered bywarranty.
2. Thethree white wires connect to the motor. Theorder of connection is not important. If
the motor runs thewrong way, simplyexchange anytwo of thethree wires.
MDRIVE™ controllers aresupplied without power connectors. The user has to solder their desired
connectors to the wires. Motortron provides the best silicon insulated wires available for the
controller.
We suggest using a 35W electronic soldering station with maximum temperature setting, applying
no-clean flux (KESTER Brand #951) to wires and connectors. Connections need to be soldered
properly in order to provide maximumpower transfer from controller to motor.
Installation:
The controller should be mounted in a place with airflowto help dissipate the heat. The heat-sink
side of controller must face toward the airflow. Keep good separation from other heat sources,
like the motor or batterypack.
Always power on the radio transmitter first with throttle in the minimum position, and then
connect battery connector to controller, before running a motor. However the controller will not
arm if the throttle stickis above the currentlyset low throttle position.
MDrive™ controllers usea universalsignalconnector to the receiver. If you do not hear the
arming tones (deedee, dodo, dada) from the motor after the transmitter and controller are powered
up, please check to see that the signal connector is not plugged in backward.
Also check the throttlechannel-reversing switch on the transmitter. Futaba transmitters should be
set to “reverse”. Others should be set to “normal”.

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User Mode
Contents of eachUser Mode:
Each User Mode uses a single digit to represent and select a group of sixoperatingoptions.
Theseoptionsare: lowvoltagecutoff (percentageof initial batteryvoltage or cell type and
voltage per cell), cutoff type, brake type, motor timingadvance, switchingfrequencyand
acceleration delay. Selection of which User Mode is used bythecontroller is easily
programmable via thetransmitter stick, or with theESC-Viewsoftware.
MDrive™controllers have three User Modes. User Mode 1 is the factorydefault andits
parameterscannot beedited. It is designedfor “plug and play” useor when theuser forgets
the other User Mode settings. He canalways select User Mode1 for safe operation. User
Modes 2 and 3 are fullyprogrammable through ESC-View.
Advantages of theUser Mode Solution:
1. Anyof theUser Modes can be selected bytheradio transmitter verysimply:
Set throttle to maximum position duringbatterypower up; thenselect the desired User
Mode byjust moving thethrottle sticktotheminimum position. Simple, quick and error
proof! (For details seethe next section, below.)
2. Selectable User Modes gives you the flexibilityto easilychange several options at the
field For example:
i. User has 1plane, 1motor, 1 prop, and 2typesof batteries:
User Mode 2 can beset for thefirst type of battery.
User Mode 3 can beset for thesecondtype of battery.
ii. User has 2planes, 2motors, 2 props and2 types of batteries:
User Mode 2 containsall theparameters for the first power system.
User Mode 3 containsall theparameters for second power system.
And more!
3. User Modes are alsoa simple, quick methodfor RC vendors toconfigure the parameters
ofthe MDrive™ controller to matchavarietyoftypes of DC brushless motors.
The factorydefault parameters of each User Mode in controller:
(In-run motor) (In-run motor) (Out-run motor)
Parameter User Mode1 User Mode 2 User Mode 3
Cutoff Voltage 70% of Power On
voltage 70% of Power On voltage 70% of Power On voltage
Cutoff Type Soft Soft Soft
Brake Type Off Medium Off
Motor Timing Advance 5 Degree 5 Degree 15 Degree
PWMFrequency 8 KHz 8 KHz 16 KHz
Acceleration Delay 0.51 sec. 1 sec0.17 sec.
Note 1: User mode 1is factory-set andis not programmable with ESC-Viewsoftware.
User Mode 2 is asuggested setting is for lowpole-count motors (most inrunners).
(Programmable)
User Mode 3 is asuggested setting is for highpole-count motors (most outrunners)
(Programmable)
Note 2: Onlyone User Mode maybe selected ina given power cycle. Thebatteryconnector
must be disconnectedand re-connectedto enableselectinganother User Mode.

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Using Transmitter Throttle to Select User Mode and Audible Indications
Where doesthe sound come from?
The controller provides a 1200Hz audible tone signal to themotor’s windings during power on. The motor
then acts as a loudspeaker.
To Enter User Mode Selection:
Power on the radio transmitter first with throttle stick at the maximumposition, then power on
controller. Listen to the beeps carefully. Move throttle to minimum lowposition to select user
mode as follows:
Power on sequence of audible indications
Longbeep means controller is powered up
Listen: 1 or 2 or 3 beeps.
1 beep means currentlycontroller is in User Mode1
2 beeps means currentlycontroller is inUser Mode2
3 beeps means currentlycontroller is in User Mode3.
There is a 2 second silent windowto checkradio throttle position.
If throttle position is in low*, deedee-dodo-dada (arming tones) Run motor
If throttle position is in high*, Adjacent rising tones (Enter User Mode selection mode)
Listen for 1, 2 or 3 beeps. (5-second interval between each beep)
User selects theUser Mode bymoving the throttle down to the low position during 5-second interval
between indications to select the desired user mode. This procedure will repeat itselfifno action is
taken.
After 1 beep, throttle down to the lowposition without a pause to select User Mode 1 (Default Mode)
After 2 beeps, throttle downto the lowposition without a pause to select User Mode 2
After 3 beeps, throttle downto the lowposition without a pause to select User Mode 3
Note: Leavethethrottleat the lowposition for 5 seconds after the selection.
deedee (User Mode selection confirmed)
deedee-dodo-dada (arming tones)
Runmotor.
Note:Throttle position is in low* --- throttleis below 1.3 ms pulse width.
Throttle position is in high* -- throttleis above 1.7 ms pulse width
The controller will record your particular radio transmitter’spulse width data everytime you use
the radio throttle to select User mode. The recorded values (minimum and maximum pulse width)
mayvary if your throttleposition and/or throttle trim position are not exactly the same each time
you select a User mode.
Power-on safetystart feature: The controller will not arm the motor unless the throttle stick
position is belowpre-selected throttle start point. Details in theFAQ section below.

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ESC-ViewSoftware
PC Hardware and Software:
•TheESC-Viewprogram requires adesktop or notebook PC with a serial port. If your PC
does not have a serial port, aUSB toserial converter cable can beused.
•ESC-Viewwill operate with most Microsoft™operating systems, including
Windows95™, Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, and Windows XP™. It mayalso be run
on one of these versionsofWindows installed in Microsoft™Virtual PC ona Macintosh™
in conjunction with a compatible USB to serial converter.
•Install the software from the supplied CD or download the latest version of ESC-View
from the downloads areaof www.motortron.com.
Connections:
1. ESC-Viewrequires useofthe ESC-linkcable supplied byMotortronSystem Inc. One
end of ESC-link cable connects tothespeed controller’s receiver connector. The other
end connects to PC’s serial port or the USB-to-serial converter.
Note: Reversingthe receiver lead connection will not damage MDRIVE™-linkcable or
the controller, but will not provide communication between the controller and thePC.
2. Connect the controller tothemotor. If you desireto simplyprogram thesetup
parameters, amotor connection is not required.
3. Connect adrive batteryto thecontroller.
WARNING: Incorrect connection of battery polaritywill totallydestroythe
controller and will not be covered bywarranty.
COMport selection:
When ESC-Viewstarts, there are upto8 COMportstochoosefrom.
If you are not surewhichCOMport tochoose, please check the Windows Device
Manager tofindan available COMport. Procedure: select Start—Control Panel—
System—Hardware—Device manager—Ports.
For moredetail, see “COMport” in the Troubleshooting section below.

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NOTE: ESC-Viewwill not start up if there is no communication established
between controller and the PC. Common causes are:
•Incorrect COM port selected
•Power not supplied to the controller
•Receiver plug reversed in ESC-link cable.

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Set up tab
User Mode Settings:
Asdiscussed above, MDrive™ controllers offer three unique User Mode settings.
These User Modes work like flight plans. To edit thesettings, highlight aUser Mode
byclickingon the User Mode2 or User Mode3 button, thenselect the desired
parameters for theflight. Clicking onthe Update ESC buttonsaves these parameters
intothecontroller’smemory.
Currently, theuser canstoreUser Mode2 andUser Mode 3datain the controller’s
memory. All threeUser Mode settings canbe selectedthroughtheradio transmitter
in the field. The radiotransmitter throttleisused toselect oneof thethree User
Modes asdescribed above in theUsingRadio Throttle Select User Mode and Audible
Indications section.
NOTE: Onlyone User Mode maybe selected in agiven power cycle. The battery
connector must be disconnected andre-connected to enable selecting another User
Mode.
User Mode 1: (Factorydefault setting- Cannot bereprogrammed)
Tochange parameters for either User Mode 2 or User Mode 3, click on the desired User
Mode, then select desired values with the radio buttonsand drop down menus. At anytime
you can click Update towrite the parameter set to thecontroller. The current settingsfor the
selected User Mode are displayed in the appropriate column. The onescurrentlybeing
edited areshown in a different color.
Tocheck or confirm thedata beenwritten intomemory, click Read ESC.
More explanations on Setup andAdvance Settings can befound in the FAQ or Technical
Information on the Web at: http://www.motortron.com

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1. Batterytype:
Select thetype of batteryand then the number of cells. Then, select Cutoff per cell.
NOTE: Please refer to the batterymanufacture’sspecificationsfor appropriate cutoff per
cell values. In general, the lower the cutoff per cell voltage, the longer theflyingtime.
However, discharging the batterytoodeeplycan seriouslyshortenits overall life. This is
especiallytrueof lithium batteries. Theprogram automaticallyshows the total Autocutoff
voltage. If you wish to use a cutoff of 70% of initial voltage (as in User Mode 1) set the
number of cells to“blank”.
2. Cutoff type:
Soft cutoff --- The controllers detectsthevalue ofthe Autocutoff voltage, the controller
will then reducethepower to the motor for two seconds. Duringthis timethe battery
voltage will rebound since less current isbeing used. If thebatteryvoltagerises above
Auto cutoff voltage, full throttle power can bereapplied. When thevoltageis belowthe
Auto cutoff voltage again, the protocolabove repeats itself. This pulsesthemotor and
tells you it is timetoland immediately.
Hard cutoff --- Theprogram will shut off the power to motor completely. Full throttle
power can be applied only after thebatteryvoltage re-bounds above the Auto cutoff
voltage.
TheBEC circuit will maintain thepower totheradio receiver andtheservos duringthe
cutoff.

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3. Brake type:
Brake type is designed for aerobatic flying. Byselecting theHard brake setting, you can
stop the motor instantlybyquicklypullingthethrottle stickall the wayoff. Other choices
are “off”, “soft”, “medium” and“custom”. Thecustom setting allows you to set the brake
from 5% to 100% in1% increments.
4. Motor timing:
Since the motor windings provide an inductive load tothecontroller, thecontroller needs
to advance the time it energizes the motor windingstomaximize motor turningtorqueas
well as to improve themotor efficiency. Ingeneral, a motor with fewer poles (like most
inrunners) requires lessadvanced timing (5-12 degrees). Outrunner type or other motors
with more polescan usemoretiming advance (15-25 degrees). There are discrete
selections for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20and 25degreesof advance or you mayset a Custom
value anywhere between 0 and25 degrees inonedegreeincrements.
5. PWMfrequency:
There are two frequencies toselect from: 8 KHzor 16KHz. Thecontroller uses PWM
(pulse width modulation) to drive the motor. The best selection dependsonthemotor’s
specifications, includingthe windings, stator core’s lamination etc. Thehigher frequency
resultsin a quieter running motor, but maycausehigher core losses. The lower
frequencywill likelyprovide better starting torque at the lowspeeds.
6. Acceleration delay:
This isa functionthat it is designed for sometypes of aerobatic maneuvers that require
a delaytime for motor acceleration after the throttle is moved up. Thereare sixvalues to
choose from, rangingfrom 0.17s to1.00s.

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Run Test Tab
The ESC-Viewprogram Run Test feature helps youlearnmore detail about the controller,
motor, RPMetc. Run Test is a powerful motor analyzing tool. (See illustration next page) User
can take advantage of this function to experiment and optimize the combination of battery,
motor, gearing and propellers.
1. Poles
Definition: number of poles equals number of magnets on brushless DC motor’s rotor. One
magnet means 1 pole. ABLDC motor requires a minimum of 2 magnets. Selecting the correct
number of poles will correctlyshowthe Mechanical RPM.
2. ElectromagneticRPM
Definition: Acomplete 360° degree rotation on the controller charges the BLDC motor stator’s
3 (X.Y.Z) windings, producing 1 Electromagneticturn.
ElectromagneticRPM= howmanyturns /minute
The screen’s tachometer displays the speed of Electromagnetic RPMthat the controller
provides to the motor.
3. Mechanical RPM
Definition: A360° degree turn of motor’s rotor shaft = 1 mechanical turn
If rotor has 2 magnets (1 is N, another is S), the Mechanical RPMis the sameas
ElectromagneticRPM.
If rotor has 4 magnets, Mechanical RPM= Electromagnetic RPMdivided by 2.
If rotor has 6 magnets, Mechanical RPM= Electromagnetic RPMdivided by 3.
Mechanical RPMis the real RPMto the load (propeller or gearbox).
4. Temperature
Temperature refers to thecontroller’s printed circuit board temperature, not motor
temperature.
The Controller has a builtin temperature sensor to protect from damage due to over heating.
Temperature protection parameter can be programmed in Advance Settings
5. Voltage
Real time battery voltage sampled by the controller.
6. Throttle bar
The throttle here is not quite the same asa throttle on the radiobut performs the same
function. Press computer keyboard “>” keyfor accelerating, “<” keyfor decelerating.
On Throttle settings, the percent scale accelerating steps are selectable.More explanations on
Run Test are offeredthrough FAQs or Technical Information.
7. Recording
You are able to record all the data during the testing. Recorded data is saved as a txt file and
can be viewed bypopular programs. The recording interval is user selectable. Recorded data
will be stored to: C:\program\motortron\esc-view\ automatically.When you use “Saveas”,
recorded data will be stored using name and directoryyou assigned. Microsoft Excel™ isthe
preferred program to view data and to make a chart.
8. Current Running Mode
To select the desired User Mode, click on the User Mode 1, 2 or 3 radio button in the upper
right-hand corner of the Run Test screen. This willreset which User Mode is active just as if
you had selected it using the transmitter stick procedure above. The power-up sequencealso
tells you which mode isactive after the initial power-up tone: one beep for mode 1, two for
mode 2 and so forth.

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Advanced settings Tab
First, click “Read ESC” toshowthe current data in the controller memory.
1. Throttle Setting
Throttle starts at: (0.7ms—1.3ms; Default setting is 1.10ms) Read the detail on FAQ
Select proper value to state lowstick position of radio throttle. Once user starts to usethe
radio throttle to select aUser Mode, controller will record accurate radio receiver’spulse
width. Both lowand high stick position pulse width data will showon this screen. This on
screen data is used to setup throttle control range.The throttle start point must be above the
throttle minimum position reading in order to arm the motor.
Throttle Range: (0.4ms- 1.2ms; Default setting is 0.8ms) Read the detailon FAQ
Select proper value to state the radio throttle travelrange fromthe throttle low position.
The throttle end position value will be: Throttle start value + Throttle Range
Example: User’s radio receiver throttle lowvalue is 1ms,the high value is 2ms. User sets the
throttle start setting to 1.10ms, thethrottle range to 0.7ms. The throttle endpoint value will
then be 1.80ms. User’s radio throttle functioning travel range is nowset to operate between
1.10ms to 1.80ms,and the range1.80ms to 2ms isnon-functioning.
This is a veryhelpful feature for some types of radio transmitters. ESC-VIEWprovides detailed
radio transmitter pulse width data so the user is able to set up averyprecisethrottle range.

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Another useful application is to control the motor’s threshold saturation point. In manycases,
the motor will go into saturation before user’s throttle reaches themaximum high position.
Nowthe user can use “RUN TEST” feature to learnmotor’s maximum running capacitybefore
it reaches saturation and use the resulting datato set up the radio throttle. This will protect
the motor and controller from accidental damage.
2. Thermal protection (Default setting is 110 Celsius)
The controller will reduce the power to the motor when the temperature of the printed circuit
board reaches a pre-selected setting. The controller will stop the power to the motor within 5-
10 seconds if the temperature isstill above the cutoff setting. If the temperature cools down
and belowthe cutoff setting during the 5-10 seconds period, thefull throttlepower to the
motor can be applied. The protocol repeat itself if the temperature is above the cutoff setting
again.
The flyer will notice the irregular behavior of the plane. The flyer is advised to take the action
to reduce the throttle power to the motor or land the plane.
Note1: The user may have a shorter flying time if the temperature setting is too low.
Note2: The controller may sustain damagebyoverheating if the temperaturesetting is too
high (above 120 Celsius).
Note: Both the advanced throttle settings and the thermal protection setting applyequallyto
all three User Modes.

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WarrantyPolicy
Motortron System Inc. provides one year limited manufacturer’s warrantyto MDrive™
series sensorless brushless motor controllers. This includes MDrive™-9A, MDrive™-
18A and MDrive™-36A.
Warrantycovers:
Controller malfunctionsdue to faultycomponents, poor workmanship and improper
performance from software.
Warrantydoes not cover the following due to user mishandling:
1. Controller damaged due to application ofimproper voltages or current exceeding
product rating.
2. Controller damaged due to wrong connection on batterypolarity.
3. Controller damaged due to abuse that includes dropping into water, improper
installation and physical damage.
4. Controller damaged due to motor windings short circuit.
5. Controller damaged due to selfservice or ifmodified byuser.
The 1 year warrantystarts the date ofpurchase. Please contact your local dealer for
details.

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FAQ:
Questions about the serial port connections:
Q: Does ESC-Viewprogramand ESC-LinkCable run with other brand controllers?
A: No. ESC-View programand ESC-linkonlyworkwith Motortron System’s MDRIVE™ controller.
Q: Mynew notebookPC does nothave serial port.I bought a USB to Serial cable and installeddriver.
Howdo I knowmyComport number?
A: Go to Start-Control panel- System- Hardware- Device manager-Port. Checktheproperties ofthenewly
installed driver and find out COM port number.
Please note: Once a USB to Serial cable works in a particular USB port, youneed to use this same port
for the next connection,other USB ports maynotwork.
Q: I selected COM port1 which is shownto be available through the Device manager, but I still could not
make the programwork.
A: Please check your dialup modem’s Comport number inDeviceManager. Ifmodemoccupies Com1,
you mayhave torelease modemfromCom1 bydisabling the modem. Be sure to refresh it.
The information about programming the MDrive™ controllers to match a radio transmitter throttle
control:
Howdoes it work?
The controller will records user particular radio receiveroutput pulse width during the User Mode
selection procedure. Poweron transmitter with the throttle on maximumposition, then move the
stickdown the lowpositionwithout a pause toselect aUser Mode. This procedureallows the
controller torecord the receiver output pulse width and both high and lowthrottle stickpositions
intocontroller memory.Youcan then read out the lowand high throttle position data through the
ESC-Viewsoftware. Base on above data, you cansetup the precise throttlestickposition for the
motor start point as well as the end point.
The controller will enter User Mode selection Modeifthe transmitter throttle’s position above the
middle or 1.70ms during power on cycle.
Without a pause:During the time ofthe sticktravelingdown,thecontroller software is measuring
the pulse width. Ifthe pulsewidth maintains a position for two seconds, and below 1.30ms, the
software assumes the stick has reached the lowpoint and provides the User Mode selection
confirmation tones (deedee). In the mean time, the controller records thelow throttle position
pulse width.
It maynot produce the arming tones unless the stopposition pulse width is belowthe pre-
selectedsetting.
The safetystart feature:
The controller will notarmthe motor unless the throttlestickposition is below pre-selectedthrottle
start point for two seconds during the power on cycle for running a motor or for the User Mode
selection. This feature will allowthe user always start the motor smoothlyand SAFE.
The “standard radio”:
There is none regulatorybodyin the RC industrythat asking the standardization ofthe radio
receiver signal output format. MDrive™ controller adapts the most widelyapplied signal format
which is a PWM: the T=20ms or the frequency=50Hz;the minimumthrottle pulsewidth=1.0ms;
the maximumthrottle pulsewidth=2.0ms; the signal lever is 1.0V ppv;as the factorydefault
throttle settinginthe memory.
Each mode or brand ofradio transmitter and receiver specifications has the minor,sometimes
significant differences on the minimumand maximumthrottle position pulse width.The user is
able to customize the controller to match a particular radio throughtheESC-View software. The

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user can modifies the throttle start point positionranges from0.70ms --- 1.30ms. The throttle
function ranges is 0.4ms—1.2ms. The end point will be: the start point+ the range.
The controller software protocol will checkthe signal integrityfromthe receiver during the power
on cycle. This protocol will prevent the motor running in an accident situation since theradio
receiver maypickup interference signal fromthe airwave. Ifthe arming tones (dee-doo-daa) has
not beenheard. It likelycauses bythe following scenarios:
1. The universal signal wire connector connects in reverse.
2. The throttle stickposition isnot lowenough.( belowpre-selected throttlestart point
setting )
3. The signal comes fromreceiver is not an authentic, either thefrequencyor pulse lever is
not correct.
What I amgoing todo on the scenario 2? (The throttlestickposition is not lowenough)
The first step, the user is advised to proceeding the User Modeselection, then switch the signal
connector to ESC-linkand run the ESC-View program.On Advanced Setting screen, clickRead
ESC. Ifthe throttle sticklow readout data is: For an example 1.20ms, the user is suggested to
changethestart point to 1.25ms and clickUpdate ESC . The user should alwaysadd up 0.05ms
to 0.10ms to the minimumthrottle stickpulse width to smooth start up a motor.
Another reason, the safetystart feature requires that the minimumthrottle stickposition pulse
width must be belowthe throttle start point pulse widthto arming themotor. The suggested value
is: 0.05ms—0.10ms.
The preferred transmitters throttle setup for airplane:
1. The motor will completelystop when the transmitter throttle is on the minimumlow position.
The throttle travels a little distance to smooth start the motor.
2. The throttle range setting isthe further and the better, so user can have more detail control
through the throttle stick. However, the range settingmust be referred bythe combination
setup among the batteries—the controller and the motor. Using the RUNTESTfeature to test
the best possiblecombination, and thensetuptherange. The user is not encouraged todrive
the motor into saturation that cause the motor, controller overheat andwaste theelectric
power fromthe batteries.
Howto test a motor:
Q: ESC-Viewprogramis able to runthemotor fromthe PC.Howdo Iknowthat the motor is in the
saturation state? Howdo I set the radio throttle to avoid thesaturation?
A: This is one ofthe important features that the ESC-Viewprogramoffers to the user. First we should
knowthat the DC brushless motor will go intosaturationwhen there is excessive current, voltage and
load appliedonthemotor. You must learnwhen the motor goes into saturation. On the PC, moving the
throttle bar to the right will accelerate the motor and you will read mechanical RPM fromthe screen (You
have toputintheright poles number). The further the bar goes to the right,thehigher mechanical RPM.
The twodata should beinlinear relationship. However, whenthebar reaches to acertain percent ofthe
throttle, the RPM will stop going higher. Depending oneach individual setting case(the motor, voltage,
props, PWM frequency), RPM either maintains certainspeed,or can jump up anddownirregularly.That
will showyou the motor is in saturationstate.Anyextra current that goes intothe motor will become the
heat,ironloss. The temperature ofthe motor will increase veryquicklyeven under the veryhigh velocity
airflowfromprops.
Q: What is the specification on PC simulated throttle bar?
A: The total control length of the simulated throttle bar on screen is 1.00ms. The software divides it into
1024steps. The percentage ofthe throttle bar indicates the percentage radio transmitter stickposition.
Q: Howto setup the radio throttles low end range and howdo I settheradio throttle to avoid the
saturation?
A: Once you learnedyour motor’s limit fromRUN TEST,you are able to programthe radio throttle
position precisely.Here is an example: Your radiothrottle’s lowest reading is 1.00ms, the highest reading

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is 2.00ms, and when you do theRUN TEST, motor goes to saturation state at 70% ofPC throttle. The
suggested setting for your radio throttleis: The throttle lowsetting: 1.05ms, The Range: 0.70ms
Note: Above descriptions isbased on batteryvoltage does notdrop.In real play,batteryvoltage drops,
user must move the throttlebeyond the high throttle setting to get the motor into peakperformance. So,
user maysetup the range 15 percenthigher than 0.70ms to offset the batteryvoltage drop. It is up to
user to find out the balanceto applythis feature.
Q: What does motor saturationmean?
A: Applying excessive current/voltage tothemotor’s stator winding, the stator’s electromagnetic property
curve changes fromlinear to non linear. That causes the stators over heating andthe motor becomes
saturated. Current, voltage,PWMfrequency, the load and the motor speedcan all contribute to motor
saturation. Motor manufacturer’s spec. sheet shows maximumapplicable voltage,current, KV, propeller
size.It is not necessarythat the motor can workwell inthese areas. The controller makes a big difference
in running the motors.
Q: What does this mean 2A MAX BEC @ 6-12V ?
A: BEC means batteryelimination circuit. The BEC circuit provides +5V to radio receiver as well as the
power to the servos. The BEC circuit is designed bylinear voltage regulator. Here is the math: Input
voltage is +12V, BEC drains 2amps at +5V, then:
Power input to theBEC:12V X 2A= 24Watt
Power output fromBEC: 5V X 2A = 10Watt
Power convertedinto heat: 24W– 10W= 14 Watt.
The efficiency:10W÷ 24W= 0.416or 41.6%
The efficiencywill get worse ifthe input voltage is too high or drains too much current fromthe BEC. The
switching power regulator is the best alternative solution for planes with manyservos.
Questions about this manual, please email to: [e-mail]
MotortronSystem Inc. 5976 Ormidale Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R4R3
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