ZTW Gecko Series User manual

ZTW Gecko Series
Brushless ESC User Manual

1
Thank you for purchasing ZTW Gecko Series Brushless
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC).
High power systems for RC model can be very dangerous and we strongly suggest
that you read this manual carefully. ZTW Model have no control over the use,
installation, application, or maintenance of these products, thus no liability shall be
assumed nor accepted for any damages, losses of costs resulting from the use of this
item. Any claims arising from the operating, failure or malfunctioning etc. will be
denied. We assume no liability for personal injury, property damage or
consequential damages resulting from our product or our workmanship. As far as is
legally permitted, the obligation for compensation is limited to the invoice amount
of the product in question.
The ZTW ESC's high power BEC has been specifically designed for extreme
aerobatics and therefore has the capability to support the higher momentary peak
demand loads to eliminate the possibility of unwanted shutdowns, and is also
capable of supporting continuous simultaneous multiple servo operations typically
found in CCPM equipped hardcore 3D E-helicopters.
Wires Connection:
The speed controller can be connected to the motor by soldering directly or with high
quality connectors. Always use new connectors, which should be soldered carefully
to the cables and insulated with heat shrink tube. The maximum length of the battery
pack wires shall be within 6 inches.
Solder controller to the motor wires.
Solder appropriate connectors to the battery wires.
Insulate all solder connectors with heat shrink tubes.
Plug the “JR” connector into the receiver throttle channel.
Controller Red and Black wires connects to battery pack Red and Black wires
respectively.

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Type PN#Model Cont./Burst
Current(A)
Battery cell
NiXX/Lipo
Weight
(g)
BEC
Output
Size(mm)
W*L*H
User
Program
Gecko 45A SBEC 5A 33*59*11.5
5.0V,6.0V
adjustable/5A
5.0V,6.0V,7.4V,
8.4V,adjustable/8A
Specification:
Gecko 65A SBEC 8A
Gecko 85A SBEC 8A
Gecko 125A SBEC 8A
Gecko 155A SBEC 8A
Gecko 120A OPTO HV
Gecko 150A OPTO HV
4045201
4065201
4085201
4125201
4155201
4120401
4150401
65A/85A
45A/65A
85A/100A
125A/150A
155A/200A
120A/150A
150A/180A
5-18NC
2-6Lipo
5-18NC
2-6Lipo
5-18NC
2-6Lipo
5-18NC
2-6Lipo
5-18NC
2-6Lipo
18-38NC
6-12Lipo
18-38NC
6-12Lipo
5.0V,6.0V,7.4V,
8.4V,adjustable/8A
5.0V,6.0V,7.4V,
8.4V,adjustable/8A
5.0V,6.0V,7.4V,
8.4V,adjustable/8A
33*69*11.5
33*66*16
46*65*16.6
46*65*16.6
46*65*16.6
46*65*16.6
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Features:
♦ Super smooth and accurate throttle linearity
♦ Support and match with most of the motors, including high RPM motors
♦ Advanced Governor Mode and soft start
♦ Multiple motor timing
♦ SBEC Voltage Output 5.0, 6.0, 7.4, 8.4V adjustable
♦ High SBEC Current Output, continuous 8A and burst 16A
♦ Power arm protection, over-heat protection, low-voltage protection and lost-signal
protection
♦ Secondary sub-menu setting by LCD program card or PC interface
♦ Firmware updating by PC interface
♦ Data logging system
Programmable items:
1. Brake Type (we recommend using brake for only folding props applications)
2. Battery Type (NiCd/NiMH, LiPo, LiFe)
3. Cut-Off Voltage Threshold
4. Restore Factory Setup Defaults
5. Motor Timing (to enhance ESC efficiency and smoothness)
6. SBEC Voltage Output
7. Governor Mode (for helicopter applications)
8. Motor Rotation (forward/reverse)
9. Start-Up Strength (for delicate gearbox and helicopter applications)
10. Low Voltage Cut-Off Type (Reduce Power or Cut-Off Power)

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Settings:
1. Brake Type: Brake Off/Soft Brake/Mid Brake/Hard Brake
* Brake Off- Sets the propeller to freewheel when the throttle stick is at the minimum
position.
* Soft Brake Sets the propeller to the 30% of the brake when the throttle stick is at the
minimum position (Recommended for folding props).
* Mid Brake Sets the propeller to the 60% of the brake when the throttle stick is at the
minimum position (Recommended for folding props).
* Hard Brake Sets the propeller to the 100% of the brake when the throttle stick is at
the minimum position (Recommended for folding props).
2. Battery type: NiCad/NiMh /LiPo / LiFe
* NiCad/NiMH – Sets Low Voltage protection threshold for NiCad/NiMH cells.
* LiPo – Sets Low voltage protection threshold for LiPo cells and automatically detects
the number of cells within the pack.
* LiFe – Sets Low Voltage protection threshold for LiFe cells.
Note: Selecting the NiCad/NiMH option for the battery type, triggers the ESC to
automatically set the cutoff threshold to the factory default of 60%.The cutoff threshold
can then be subsequently altered through the Low Voltage protection function, if
required. The ESC will read the initial voltage of the NiCad/NiMh pack once it is
plugged in and the voltage read will then be used as a reference for the cut off voltage
threshold.
3. Cut Off Voltage Threshold (Low Voltage Protection Threshold):
2.8V/50%/ 3.0V/60%/ 3.2V/65%/No Protection
1) For Li-xx packs- number of cells are automatically calculated and requires no user
input apart from defining the battery type. This ESC provides 4 setting options for the
low voltage protection threshold; 2.8V/ 3.0V/3.2V/No Protection. For example: the
voltage cutoff options for an 11.1V/ 3 cell Li-Po pack would be 8.4V (Low)/ 9.0V
(Med)/ 9.6V (High)
2) For Ni-xx/Life packs-low / medium / high cutoff voltages are 50%/60%/65% of the
initial voltage of the battery pack. For example: A fully charged 6 cell NiMh pack's
voltage is 1.44V x 6=8.64V, when “LOW” cutoff voltage is set, the cutoff voltage is:
8.64V x 50%=4.3V and when “Medium” of “High” is set, the cutoff voltage is now
8.64V X 65%=5.61V.
4. Restore factory setup defaults:
Restore- Sets the ESC back to factory default settings;
Brake Type: Brake Off
Battery Type: LiPo with Automatic Cell detective
Cut Off Voltage Threshold: 3.0V/60%
Motor Timing: Auto

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SBEC Voltage Output 5.0V
Governor Mode: RPM OFF
Motor Rotation: Forward
Start Up Strength: 30%
Low Voltage Cut Off Type: Reduce Power
5. Motor Timing : Auto, 2°, 8°, 15°, 22°, 30°
* Auto – ESC determines the optimum motor timing automatically.
* 2° and 8° – Set for most of in-runner motors.
* 15° and 22° –Set for motors with 6 or more poles.
* 30° – Setting for motors with more poles.
In most cases, automatic timing works well for all types of motors. However for high
efficiency we recommend the Low timing setting for 2 pole motors (general in-runners)
and high timing for 6 poles and above (general out-runners). For higher speed, High
timing can be set. Some motors require different timing setups therefore we suggest
you to follow the manufacturer recommended setup
Note: Run your motor on the ground first after making any changes to your motor
timing!
6. SBEC Voltage Output:
5.0V/6.0V/7.4V/8.4V for Gecko Series ESC above 45A.
5.0V/6.0V for Gecko 45A.
There are the four different levels of SBEC voltage output can be selected.
* The 1st Level: 5.0V
* The 2nd Level: 6.0V
* The 3rd Level: 7.4V
* The 4th Level: 8.4V
7. Governor Mode (Heli Governor Mode)
* RPM OFF
* Soft Start: For 1st Soft Start, there will be 8-second delay from start to full rpm;
For 2nd Soft Start, there will be 15-second delay from start to full rpm;
Note: If the throttle is cut off after starting less 3 Seconds, then the next start will be as
normal start. If the throttle is cut off after starting more than 3 Seconds, the next start
will be as soft start.
Governor Mode 1: There will be a 15-second delay from start to full rpm; If lower the
throttle to the 80% position of the full throttle or lower than 80% position, the RPM
would be definitely changed, the lost RPM will be detected and compensated
automatically by the ESC that makes sure to keep the RPM at the same speed. (Note:
This function is only for Low KV motor)
Governor Mode 2: There will be a 15-second delay from start to full rpm; If lower the
throttle to the 80% position of the full throttle or lower than 80% position, the RPM

5
would be definitely changed, the lost RPM will be detected and compensated
automatically by the ESC that makes sure to keep the RPM at the same speed. (Note:
This function is only for High KV motor)
Note 1: If the throttle is cut off after starting less 3 Seconds, then the next start will be
as normal start. If the throttle is cut off after starting more than 3 Seconds, the next start
will be as soft start.
Note 2: Once the Governor Mode is enabled, the ESC's Brake and Low Voltage Cutoff
Type settings will automatically be reset to Brake Off and Reduce Power respectively,
regardless of what settings they were previously set.
Note 3: Lower 50,000 turns is considered as Low KV motor,
100,000-200,000 turns is considered as High KV motor.
Formula: Pole's qty of motor x KV value x Voltage= Motor turns
For example: we test 8 pole motor 1040KV with 6S Lipo, its turns will be
8x1040KVx25v=208,000 turns, so you can choose Governor Mode 2.
8. Motor Rotation: Forward/ Reverse
In most cases motor rotation is usually reversed by swapping two motor wires.
However, in cases where the motor cables have been directly soldered the ESC cables,
motor rotation can be reversed by changing the value of setting on the ESC.
9. Start up Strength
*Low (10%-15%-20%) Sets ESC start up strength for the motors which needs low start
up current
*Mid (25%-30%-35%) Sets ESC start up strength for the motors which needs mid
start up current
*High (40%-45%-50%) Sets ESC start up strength for the motors which needs high
start up current
10. Low Voltage Cut Off Type: Reduce Power / Cut Off Power
* Reduce Power – ESC reduces motor power when the pre-set Low Voltage Protection
Threshold value is reached. (Recommended)
* Cut Off Power – ESC instantly cuts motor power when the pre-set Low Voltage
Protection Threshold value is reached.
THE PROCEDURE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE PROGRAMMING BY
TRANSMITTER
1. ENTERING THE PROGRAMMING MODE
2. SELECTING THE PROGRAMMABLE ITEM
3. SELECTING THE DESIRED VALUE OF THE PROGRAMMABLE ITEM
4. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY PACK

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1. ENTERING THE PROGRAMMING MODE
1).Switch your Transmitter ON and set the throttle stick to its maximum position.
2).Connect the battery pack to the ESC
3).Wait for about 2 seconds until you hear two short beeps (● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ) confirming
that the ESC has now entered the programming mode.
2. SELECTING THE PROGRAMMABLE ITEM
The Programming Mode is in Sequence, each Programmable Item is equivalent to an
audible tone emitting for four times. You will hear 10 tones in a loop with the following
sequence. When the desired tone for the Programmable Item is reached, move the
throttle stick down to its minimum position. The motor will emit one special tone
confirming the desired programmable item has been entered.
3. SELECTING THE DESIRED VALUE OF THE PROGRAMMABLE ITEM
The motor has been emitting sequentially. If the desired value of the programmable item
is reached, set the throttle stick to its maximum position. The motor will emit one
special tone confirming the new setting has been stored.
4. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY PACK.
If you don't want to go on to programming, disconnect the battery pack directly. If you
want to go on to programming, keep waiting to the next programmable item to select the
value you need.
Note: You could also select the LED program card to program your desired function.
Program card is as the option spare part, its programming procedure is described in the
LED program card user manual.
THE TONES WILL BE HEARD IN SEQUENCE AS FOLLOWS:
1 Beep- Brake Type (1 short tone)
2 Beep-Beep- Battery Type (2 short tone)
3 Beep-Beep-Beep- Cut off Voltage Threshold (3 short tone)
4 Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep- Restore Factory Setup Defaults (4 short tones)
5 Beep----- Motor Timing (1 long tone)
6 Beep-----Beep- SBEC Voltage Output (1 long tone 1 short tone)
7 Beep-----Beep- Beep- Governor Mode (1 long tone 2 short tone)
8 Beep-----Beep- Beep- Beep- Motor Rotation (1 long tone 3 short tone)
9 Beep-----Beep- Beep- Beep- Beep- Start up Strength (1 long tone 4 short tone)
10 Beep----- Beep----- Low Voltage Cut off Type (2 long tone)

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Remark: One long tone “Beep-----”is equal to five short tones “Beep-”.
Tone of value
Prog.Item
BEEP- BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP
-----
BEEP
-----
BEEP-
BEEP
-----
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP
-----
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP
-----
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
BEEP-
Brake Type
Battery Type
Cut Off Voltage
Threshold
Restore Factory
Setup Defaults
Motor Timing
SBEC Voltage
Output
Governor Mode
Motor Rotation
Start Up Strength
Low Voltage Cut
Off Type
Brake
OFF
Soft
Brake
Mid
Brake
Hard
Brake
NiCd/
NiMH LiPo LiFe
2.8V/50% 3.0V/60% 3.2V/60% No
Protection
Restore
Auto 2˚ 8˚ 15˚ 22˚ 30˚
5.0V 6.0V 7.4V 8.4V
RPM OFF
st
1 Soft
Start
st
2 Soft
Start
Governor
Mode 1
Governor
Mode 2
Forward Reverse
10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
Reduce
Power
Cut Off
Power
FOR Example: Setting the motor timing ----15°
1). Switch your Transmitter ON and set the throttle stick to its maximum position.
Connect the battery pack to the ESC and wait for about 2 seconds until you hear two
sets of audible tone (● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ) confirming that the ESC has now entered the
programming mode.
2). After hearing “Beep-----”, put the throttle sticker to its minimum.
3). After hearing “Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep-” ,put the throttle sticker to its maximum,
the motor will emits special tones confirming the new setting has been stored.
4). Disconnect the battery pack.
Using Your New ESC
Improper polarity or short circuit will damage the ESC therefore it is your
responsibility to double check all plugs for proper polarity and first fit BEFORE
connecting the battery pack.

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Built-in Intelligent ESC Safety Functions
1. Over-heat protection: When the temperature of ESC exceeds 110 deg C, the ESC
will reduce the output power to allow it to cool.
2. Lost Throttle signal protection: The ESC will automatically cut power to the
motor when it detects a lost of throttle signal for 2 seconds.
POWERING UP THE ESC FOR THE FIRST TIME & SETTING THE
AUTOMATIC THROTTLE CALIBRATION
The ZTW ESC features Automatic Throttle Calibration to attain the smoothest
throttle response and resolution throughout the entire throttle range of your
transmitter. This step is done once to allow the ESC to “learn and memorize” your
Transmitter's throttle output signals and only repeated if you change your
transmitter.
1. Switch your Transmitter ON and set the throttle stick to its maximum position.
2. Connect the battery pack to the ESC. Wait for about 2 seconds, the motor will beep
for twice, then put the throttle in the minimum position, the motor will also beep,
which indicates that your ESC has got the signal range of the throttle from your
transmitter.
The throttle is now calibrated and your ESC is ready for operation.
NORMAL ESC START UP PROCEDURE
1. Switch your Transmitter ON and set the throttle to its minimum position.
2. Connect the battery pack to the ESC.
3. When the ESC is first powered up, it emits two sets of audible tones in succession
indicating its working status.
* The first set of tones denotes the number of cells in the LiPo pack connected to the
ESC. (Three beeps (***) indicates a 3 cell LiPo pack while 4 beeps (****) indicates
a 4 cell LiPo pack).
* The second set of tones denotes Brake status (one beep (*) for Brake “ON” and two
beeps (**) for Brake “OFF”).
The ESC is ready for use now.
General Safety Precautions
Do not install the propeller (fixed wing) or drive pinion (helicopter) on the motor
when you test the ESC and motor for the first time to verify the correct settings on
your radio. Only install your propeller or pinion after you have confirmed that the
settings on your radio is correct.
Never use ruptured or punctured battery cells.
Never use battery packs that are known to overheat.
Never use short circuit battery or motor terminals.
Always use proper insulation material for cable insulation.
Always use proper cable connectors.
Do not exceed the number of cells or servos specified by the ESC.

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Wrong battery polarity will damage the ESC and void the warranty.
Install the ESC in a suitable location with adequate ventilation for cooling. This
ESC has a built-in over temperature cutoff protection feature that will
immediately cut power to the motor once the ESC temperature exceeds the 230
Deg F/ 110 Deg C high temperature limit.
Use only batteries that are supported by the ESC and ensure the correct polarity
before connecting.
Switch your Transmitter ON and ensure the throttle stick is in the minimum
position before connecting the battery pack.
Never switch your transmitter OFF while the battery is connected to your ESC.
Only connect your battery pack just before flying and do not leave your battery
pack connected after flying.
Handle your model with extreme care once the battery pack is connected and
keep away from the propeller at all times. Never stand in-line or directly in front
of any rotating parts.
Do not immerse the ESC underwater or allow it to get wet while powered up.
Always fly at a designated flying site and abide by the rules and guidelines set by
your flying club.
Trouble Shooting
while
been
Motor doesn't work, there`s no
audible tones servos work
properly after powering up ESC .

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Shenzhen ZTW Model Science & Technology Co.,Ltd
ADD: 5/F B, Block A4, Anle Industrial Estate, st. Hangcheng, Gushu, XiXiang,
BaoAn, Shenzhen, China,518001
TEL:[phone]
FAX:[phone]
Http://www.ztwoem.com
E-mail: [e-mail]