PowerBox Systems iESC 65.8 User manual

Instruction Manual
iESC 65.8/125.8
Intelligent 32-bit brushless speed controller

2PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Dear PowerBox customer,
Congratulations on your new PowerBox iESC brushless speed controller.
The iESC is based on the latest generation of controllers for brushless
motors, with a 32-bit processor and expanded functions such as telemetry
and the ability to adjust settings directly from the transmitter. The high-per-
formance micro-processor ensures smooth running for brushless motors
with up to 40 poles.
Brake power, motor timing, direction of rotation, BEC output voltage,
freewheel, helicopter mode and much more can be adjusted directly from
a PowerBox or Jeti transmitter. This means that set-up boxes and plug-in
jumper cards are now a thing of the past.
The iESC provides a comprehensive set of telemetry data for PowerBox,
Jeti and Futaba transmitters, including battery voltage, current, consumed
capacity, rotational speed and controller temperature.
A high-performance 8A BEC, which supplies current to the receiver by
means of two 0.5mm² patch cables, rounds off the range of functions.
Features:
• High-performance brushless speed controller with 32-bit technology
• Latest generation of MosFets for reduced power loss and maximum
possible reliability
• Telemetry for PowerBox, Jeti and Futaba radio control systems
• Fixed-wing and Helicopter modes
• Adjustable direction of rotation, timing, battery type, freewheel, start-up
current and other parameters
• Adjustable regulatory parameters in helicopter mode
• Parameters directly adjustable from PowerBox and Jeti transmitters
• Parameters adjustable using LCD programming device for all systems
• 8A BEC
• Power-on self-test checks motor, throttle position and voltage
• Ingenious case design ensures optimum cooling

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Specication:
1. CONNECTIONS
First connect the iESC to the motor. Later on you can reverse its direction
of rotation by swapping over any two of the wires - although this is also
easily achieved with a software setting.
Connect the brown / red / yellow lead to the throttle channel of your recei-
ver, and set the throttle channel at the transmitter to -100% to +100%.
Telemetry is available for the following three systems; the telemetry sys-
tem in use is automatically detected:
PowerBox P²-BUS
Connect the blue / red / white patch lead (supplied) to the P²-BUS input
at the receiver. You can adjust all the controller’s parameters conveniently
using the Telemetry menu.
Jeti EX-BUS
Connect the blue / red / white patch lead (supplied) to one of the EX-BUS
inputs at the receiver. You can adjust all the controller’s parameters conve-
niently using the JetiBox menu.
Futaba S.BUS2
Connect the blue / red / white patch lead (supplied) to the S.BUS2 input
at the receiver. You can adjust all the controller’s parameters using the
separately available LCD programming box.
Type Current load
cont. / peak
LiPo
cells BEC output 8A Dimensions (mm)
Weight
(g)
Adjustable
parameters
iESC 65.8 65A/75A 3S - 6S 6.0V/7.4V/8.4V 60 x 36 x 20 65 yes
iESC 125.8 125A/135A 3S - 8S 6.0V/7.4V/8.4V 88 x 38 x 24 112 yes

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
All other systems
Connect the blue / red / white patch lead (supplied) to the Battery input or
any vacant channel at the receiver to act as additional power supply.
You can adjust all the controller’s parameters using the separately available
LCD programming box.
Before you connect the ight battery:
Please note that incorrect or negligent handling of an electric motor can
result in serious personal injury. For this reason it is essential to observe the
following safety instructions:
• Always remove the propeller from the motor before carrying out any
adjustments to the iESC.
• Check that the ight battery is connected with correct polarity.
• Ensure that the throttle channel lead is connected to the correct
receiver socket.
• Never attempt to exert any force on the motor using your hands.
Now connect the ight battery to the speed controller. A small spark will
occur when the pack is connected. This is completely normal, and indica-
tes that the two large capacitors are being charged up at that moment.
Wait until the beep sequence concludes.
If the controller continues to beep, this probably indicates that the throttle
channel is reversed. If that is the case, simply reverse the throttle channel
at the transmitter.
If the throttle channel is correctly set up, the iESC conrms this by emitting
a series of beeps corresponding to the number of LiPo cells in the battery.
If the speed controller is set to an excessive throttle position at start-up,
you need to calibrate the throttle channel. This is the procedure:
• Remove the propeller from the motor!
• Switch your transmitter on, and set the throttle stick to full-throttle.
• Connect the ight battery to the iESC, and wait 2 - 3 seconds.
• When you hear two short beeps “B-B”, move the throttle stick to the
Idle position.

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• The iESC is now calibrated, and emits a series of short beeps
corresponding to the number of cells in the battery, followed by one
long beep.
• The iESC is now ready for use.
2. STANDARD OPERATION
In normal use it is important to check that the throttle stick is in the OFF
position before you connect the ight battery. When you connect the
battery, the iESC conrms readiness by emitting a series of brief beeps
corresponding to the number of cells in the battery to which it is connec-
ted. This is followed by one long beep to indicate that the iESC is now
ready for use.
Please note:
• Adjustments you make to the settings of the iESC via the transmitter
menu or the LCD programming box are only stored when the motor is
stationary.
• The controller has no provision for use with a buffer battery.
3.TELEMETRY FUNCTION
The iESC provides a range of telemetry values which are passed directly to
the screen of PowerBox, Jeti and Futaba radio control system transmitters.
The following data are collected by the iESC, and sent to the transmitter:
• Battery voltage
• Current
• Consumed capacity
• Rotational speed (number of motor poles can be adjusted)
• Temperature of the iESC
• Status (PowerBox only)

6PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
If you are using a PowerBox or Jeti system the available telemetry values
are displayed on the transmitter screen in your preferred arrangement.
If you use a Futaba system: erase the Sensor List, and assign your sensors
in the Sensor menu as follows:
4.PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT
The iESC provides a range of adjustment facilities which enable you to
match the iESC perfectly to your motor, battery and personal preferences.
PowerBox (Telemetry menu) and Jeti (JetiBox) pilots can make these ad-
justments directly from the transmitter. For all other systems a program-
ming box with LCD screen is available separately.

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Description of the adjustment parameters:
Parameter Description Adjustment range Standard value
Brake power The higher the value, the fas-
ter the motor stops. 0% - 100% 0%
Motor timing
Alters the control characte-
ristics of the motor. Increa-
sing this value can result
in higher performance, but
also leads to higher motor
temperature. A lower value
increases eciency.
0° - 30° 15°
Direction Reverses the direction of ro-
tation of the motor. CW / CCW CW
Freewheel
Synchronises motor speed
with the throttle stick. A po-
sitive effect is faster throttle
response. It also increases
eciency.
OFF / ON OFF

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Cell count
Number of cells in the
battery connected to the
system. The Auto function
very reliably detects the cell
count. If this is not the case,
e.g. if LiFe cells are used,
you can enter the cell count
manually.
AUTO
3 – 6 AUTO
Power-off voltage Denes the cut-off voltage
per cell.
2.5V / 3.0V / 3.2V
3.4V / 3.6V / 3.8V 3.0V
Power-off type
If a discharged battery is
detected, the iESC can eit-
her switch the motor off im-
mediately, or initially reduce
maximum power to 70% .
Reduce
Switch off Reduce
BEC output
At this point you set the
receiver voltage you wish to
use. If you set a value higher
than 6.0V, ensure that every
component - such as servos
and receiver - is designed for
the higher voltage!
6.0V / 7.4V / 8.4V 6.0V
Acceleration
Denes how fast the mo-
tor’s rotational speed in-
creases.
0 / 1 / 2 / 3 1
Start-up power
Denes the current which is
delivered to the motor when
it starts up.
LOW / MIDDLE /
HIGH LOW
Flight mode
Setting for xed-wing model
aircraft or helicopters. In
xed-wing mode the iESC
starts at 5% and increases
power in proportion to the
throttle stick position.
In Heli mode the iESC starts
at 40%. From this point the
motor speed rises slowly
until it reaches the nominal
point, after which rotational
speed varies according to
the throttle stick position.
Fixed Wing Heli Fixed Wing

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Governor
parameter P
Heli mode only!
Adjusts the governor para-
meter P (linear input). The
higher the value, the faster
the speed controller appro-
aches the target speed. Too
high a value results in over-
shooting.
0 – 10 5
Governor
parameter I
Heli mode only!
Adjusts the governor para-
meter I (integral input). The
higher the value, the more
accurately the speed cont-
roller approaches the target
speed. Too high a value re-
sults in over-shooting.
0 – 10 5
Pole pairs
This value is required in or-
der to calculate the actual
rotational speed of the pro-
peller. The value is stated
in the data sheet for your
motor.
1-30 1
5. SPEED CALIBRATION (HELI MODE ONLY!)
• The throttle stick should be calibrated as described under point 1.
If you have already done that, move to the next point.
• Ensure that Collective Pitch is set to 0°!
• Wait until the self-test has nished.
• Now move the throttle stick to 50%, and the rotor will slowly start to
rotate.
The helicopter will not lift off, as collective pitch is still at 0%. As soon as
stable rotational speed is established, move the throttle stick back to
Minimum: the rotor now slows down and stops.
• The calibration process is now complete.

10 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
6. GENERAL PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
• Abnormal voltage input
The LED ashes if the input voltage is not within the permissible range.
• Start-up guard
If the motor fails to start within a period of two seconds, the iESC switches
off. After this you must re-calibrate the throttle stick before the iESC can be
operated again. Possible causes: incorrect motor connections, or a stalled
motor.
• Overheating guard (beep sequence, every two seconds: BB - BB -- )
If the temperature of the iESC rises above 110°C, the controller reduces
power to 70%. The motor is not switched off completely to ensure that
a safe landing can be carried out.
• Throttle signal lost (beep sequence, every two seconds: B - B -- )
The iESC reduces power if the PWM signal is lost. After two seconds the
motor is switched off completely. The motor runs again as soon as the
signal is restored.
• Overload guard
The iESC immediately switches the current off if a sudden overload situati-
on occurs. One possible cause would be a stalled motor.
• Low voltage (beep sequence, every two seconds: BBB - BBB -- )
As soon as the set lower voltage threshold is reached, the iESC reduces
power incrementally to 50%. This gives you sucient time to land your
model safely. The telemetry facilities can also be used to set earlier alarm
thresholds at the transmitter.
• Excess current guard
If the Peak Current is exceeded, the iESC switches the motor off, then
restarts the motor. If the Peak Current is exceeded a second time, the iESC
switches off the motor completely. Possible causes include a burned-out
motor.

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SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwoerth
7. SET CONTENTS
• 1x iESC 65.8 or 125.8
• Instruction manual in German and English
8. SERVICE NOTE
We make every effort to provide a good service to our customers, and
have established a Support Forum which covers all queries relating
to our products. It gives you the opportunity to obtain help quickly all
round the clock - even at weekends. All the answers are provided by the
PowerBox Team, guaranteeing that the information is correct.
Please use the Support Forum before you contact us by telephone:
www.forum.powerbox-systems.com
9. GUARANTEE CONDITIONS
We are able to grant a 24 month guarantee on our PowerBox iESC
from the initial date of purchase. The guarantee covers proven material
faults, which will be corrected by us at no charge to you.
The guarantee does not cover damage caused by incorrect usage, e.g.
reverse polarity, excessive vibration, excessive voltage, damp, fuel, and
short-circuits. The same applies to
defects due to severe wear.

12 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
10. LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions
regarding installation of the PowerBox iESC, fulll the recommended
conditions when using the unit, or maintain the entire radio control system
competently.
For this reason we deny liability for loss, damage or costs which arise due
to the use or operation of the PowerBox iESC , or which are connected with
such use in any way. Regardless of the legal arguments employed, our obli-
gation to pay damages is limited to the invoice total of our products which
were involved in the event, insofar as this is deemed legally permissible.
We wish you loads of fun with your new PowerBox iESC!
Donauwörth, May 2023

www.powerbox-systems.com 13

PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwoerth
Germany
[phone]
www.powerbox-systems.com
05/2023
iESC 65.8/125.8