Brushless Motors and ESCs

Information and help articles about brushless motors and brushless speed controllers - ESCs. Popular brushless motor brands include Hacker, Himax, CustomCDR and NeuMotors. Popular ESC brands include Hacker, Castle Creations and Thunder Power RC.


Hacker A20 Series Brushless Electric Motors for RC Applications

The Hacker A20 Series brushless motors are the latest design using outrunner technology. Hacker A20’s are specifically engineered for high power and maximum efficiency using proprietary Hacker Brushless components of the finest quality. Hacker A20 brushless motors come in 4 types: Hacker A20-S, Hacker A20-M, Hacker A20-L, and Hacker A20-XL.

Hacker A20 Series Brushless Motors Feature

  • Outrunner motor design uses no gearbox for lower weight
  • Five to Seven times more torque than direct drive inrunners
  • High torque means large propellers for greater thrust
  • Rotating can/endbell provides excellent cooling
  • Great cooling means very long flight times with Lithium Polymer cells
  • Versatile mounting options for front or back mounting

Hacker A20-S Brushless Motors for RC Airplanes - Use With 2 Cell LiPo

Hacker A20-34S Brushless MotorHacker A20-S brushless motors are developed for 4-8 oz. indoor slowflyers and indoor aerobatic r/c airplane models with 2 cell LiPoly batteries. The 12 pole “outrunner” type design creates a massive amount of torque, allowing larger direct drive propellers to be used without the need for a gearbox. Hacker A20-S motors feature oversize bearings, curved neo-magnets, and High efficiency stator design. These Hacker A-20-S motors produce the most power at lower current consumption than other popular outrunner designs! The Hacker A20-S brushless motors use a standard 3mm (0.118 in) output shaft.

SKU RPM / V Weight LiPo Battery Operating Current Peak Amps (15sec) APC Prop
A20-34S 1500 Kv 29g (1.02oz) 2 Cell LiPo, 400-800mah 2-6 A 8 A 8×3.8 SF
A20-50S 1088 Kv 29g(1.02oz) 2 Cell LiPo, 400-800mah 2-7 A 8 A 9×3.8 SF

Hacker A20-M Brushless Motors for RC Airplanes - Use With 3 Cell LiPo

Hacker A20-30M Brushless MotorHacker A20-M series brushless motors are developed for 7-12 oz. slowflyers and aerobatic parkflyer model rc aircraft with 3 cell LiPoly batteries. The 12 pole “outrunner” type design creates a huge amount of torque, therefore larger direct drive props can be used without the need for a gearbox. These Hacker A20-M brushless motors features oversize bearings, curved neo-magnets, and high efficiency stator design. Hacker A20-M brushless motors produce the most power at lower current consumption than other popular outrunner designs. The Hacker A20-M brushless motors use a standard 3mm (0.118 in) output shaft.

SKU RPM / V Weight LiPo Battery Operating Current Peak Amps (15sec) APC Prop
A20-30M 980 Kv 42g (1.48oz) 3 Cell LiPo, 800-1300mah 4-11 A 14 A 9×4.7 SF
A20-26M 1130 Kv 42g (1.48oz) 3 Cell LiPo, 800-1300mah 4-12 A 15 A 9×4.7 SF

Hacker A20-L Brushless Motors for RC Airplanes - Use With 3 Cell LiPo

Hacker A20-22L Brushless MotorHacker A20-L brushless motors are developed for 12-18 oz. parkflyer rc aircraft models with 3 cell Lithium polymer batteries. The 12 pole “outrunner” type design creates a huge amount of torque, therefore larger direct drive props can be used without the need for a gearbox. This Hacker A20-L brushless motor features oversize bearings, curved Neo-magnets, and high efficiency stator design. Hacker A20-L brushless motors produce the most power at lower current consumption than other popular outrunner design. The Hacker A20-L brushless motors use a standard 3mm (0.118 in) output shaft.

SKU RPM / V Weight LiPo Battery Operating Current Peak Amps (15sec) APC Prop
A20-22L 924 Kv 57g (2.01oz) 3 Cell LiPo, 1200-2100mah 6-14 A 17 A 10×4.7 SF
A20-20L 1022 Kv 57g (2.01oz) 3 Cell LiPo, 1200-2100mah 6-14 A 19 A 10×4.7 SF

Hacker A20-XL Brushless Motors for RC Helicopters - Use With 2 or 3 Cell LiPo

Hacker A20-6XL Helicopter MotorHacker A20-XL brushless motors are developed for mini and micro sized electric rc helicopters. The 10 pole “outrunner” type design creates a massive amount of torque. This Hacker A20-XL brushless motor features a cooling fan, oversize bearings, curved neo-magnets, and high efficiency stator design. Hacker A20-XL brushless motors produce the most power at lower current consumption than other popular outrunner designs. The Hacker A20-L brushless motors use a standard 3mm (0.118 in) output shaft.

SKU RPM / V Weight LiPo Battery Operating Current Peak Amps (15sec)
A20-6XL 2500 Kv 84g (2.95oz) 2 or 3 Cell LiPo, 1200-2100mah 20-25 A 35 A

Hacker A20 Brushless Motor Applications

See our related article: Hacker A20 and A30 Electric Brushless Motor Applications

Where To Purchase Hacker A20 Brushless Motors

Draganfly Innovations Inc. sells a huge selection of Hacker brushless motors and Hacker brushles motor parts & accessories. They also sell Hacker brushless speed controllers, APC electric rc airplane propellers, Thunder Power RC Lithium Polymer Batteries, Voltage Regulators, Castle Creations Berg receivers, and RC Servos. Get all you need to power your electric RC airplane online or order by phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907.

——
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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
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Understanding Powering Hacker Opto Pro Brushless Speed Controlls ESC

Hacker Opto Pro ESCs Require Their Own Battery

Hacker Opto Pro X-70The Opto Pro series of brushless speed controllers by Hacker Brushless are a little different because they not have a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) built in. The two Hacker Opto Pro ESCs we sell are the Hacker X-40 Opto Pro and the Hacker X-70 Opto Pro. This means the Hacker Opto Pro ESCs will only provide power to the brushless motor and will also not provide power to your radio receiver and servos. To power your receiver and servos you will need a dedicated receiver & servo battery pack. We recommend a Thunder Power Receiver Pack LipoThunder Power Receiver Pack LiPoly Battery coupled with a 5.1V Voltage Regulator. When you do not have a second battery for the receiver the Hacker Opto Pro speed control will not function, will not beep and you will not notice any lights.

Properly Connecting a Hacker Opto Pro ESC

To properly install and connect a Hacker Opto Pro brushless speed control first connect it to the brushless motor and then connect it to the main flight battery. We recommend Thunder Power LiPoly batteries. The receiver lead coming from the Hacker Opto Pro ESC will connect to the throttle channel on the receiver. The servos will also connect to the receiver as usual. To power the receiver and servos connect a receiver pack battery to either the battery terminal or any open terminal on your radio receiver (RX). Once the entire system is connected properly with one battery for the receiver & servos and the other battery for the ESC and brushless motor the Hacker Opto Pro speed control will function normally.

——
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Hacker A20 and A30 Electric Brushless Motor Applications For RC Airplanes

Hacker Brushless produces the Hacker A20 and Hacker A30 electric brushless motors are widely used in rc hobby aircraft and helicopter applications. We have rendered a list of rc applications for our Hacker brushless motors. Use this chart when you’re looking for the correct Hacker motor to upgrade your favorite RC airplane, heli, car or truck’s power system. The chart below also lists a compatible Hacker electronic speed controller (ESC) upgrade, a Landing Products APC electric rc airplane propeller and a Thunder Power Lithium Polymer Battery upgrade.

We feel this chart will be useful to you so you can easily find a new Hacker motor and ESC for your favorite plane.

Brand RC
Airplane
Hacker
Brushless Motor
Hacker
ESC
APC
Propeller
Lipo
Battery
RTFW

Efomies.com

  Revolution 3D trainer A20 30 M X12 10X4.7slo TP3S-730 14oz
  Mini Revolution 3D A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-730 7oz
  Equilizer F3A/3D bipe A20 30M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 9oz

DarrolCady.com

  Foamtana A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15oz
  Yak 55 A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15oz
  Extra 330 A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15oz
  Jaknif Bipe A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 16oz

All Shock Flyer’s

  Superstar A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 6oz
  Extra330 A20 34S X7 9X3.8SLO TP2S-730 7oz
  Edge A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 6oz
  Yak A20 34S X7 9X3.8SLO TP2S-730 8oz
  F3A A20 34S X7 9X3.8SLO TP2S-730 8oz
  Nemisus A20 34S X7 9X3.8SLO TP2S-730 8oz

Troy Built Models

  Extra260 A20 22L X20 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 14OZ
  Monte A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15OZ

Precision Aerobatics

           
  Mini Katana A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-2100 23OZ

Insanefoamies.com

  Katana A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Extra A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Edge A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  F3a A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Yak54 A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Solara Bipe A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 10OZ

Chip Hyde Design

  ForePlay A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 9OZ
  Raptor Bipe A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ

Mountain Models

  EVA Bipe A20 22L X20 11X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 19OZ
  EVA 3D A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 14OZ
  Etana A20 20L X20 11X3.8SLO TP3S-2100 28OZ
  SmoothE A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15OZ
  SwitchBack A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  MiniFlash A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 11OZ
  Dandy A20 30M X12 9X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  Tantrum A20 26M X12 9X4.7SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  FlashBack A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 17OZ
  Panic A20 22L X20 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 16OZ

Fliton.com

  JumpingJack A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-2100 21OZ
  Icon312 A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 17OZ
  QuietStorm A30 28S X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-2100 22OZ
  Prodigy3D A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 19OZ

GreatPlane’s

  Flatana A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 7OZ
  CAP580 A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 7OZ
  Extra300s A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 7OZ
  Turmoil A20 34S X7 9X3.8SLO TP2S-730 9OZ
  Refection A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 11OZ
  U-Can-DO-3Depp A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15OZ
  Yak55 3D A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ

E-Flite

  Mini Funtana 3D A30 28S X30 10X5APC-E TP3S-2100 24OZ
  Mini Edge A30 28S X30 10X5APC-E TP3S-2100 24OZ
  Tribute A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  Yak54f A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  Ultimate Bipe A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  Tensor 4D A20 30M X12 9X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ

Stevens Aero

  Cap232 40e A30 12XL X40 13X6.5APC-E TP3S-4000 48OZ
  Cap232 s300 A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ
  Cap232 Micro A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 8OZ
  Distraction A20 34S X7 8X3.8SLO TP2S-480 7OZ
  G-Ride A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  Stella A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 16OZ
  Grove A30 28S X30 10X5APC-E TP3S-2100 22OZ

ExtreamFlight

  Yak55sp A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 15OZ

GWS Warbirds

  P-51 A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ
  F4U Corsair A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ
  ME-109 A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ
  Zero A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ
  Spitfire A20 20L X20 9X6SLO TP3S-2100 16OZ

GWS Park Flyers

  F3A Formosa A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 16OZ
  SlowStick A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 12OZ
  TigerMoth A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ

Hobby Lobby

  Judge A20 22L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-1320 16OZ
  Hot Rod A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-2100 20OZ
  Quasar 3D A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Gee Bee Pop Flyer A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 11OZ
  3D Profile A20 26M X13 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1321 11OZ
  Convair XFY-1 “Pogo” A20 30M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-730 10OZ
  Uzi XL A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 12OZ
  Hell Raiser 3D A20 26M X12 10X3.8SLO TP3S-1320 11OZ

Wattage

  CAP232 A30 22S X30 9X4.5APC-E TP3S-2100 25OZ
  Gile202 A30 22S X30 9X4.5APC-E TP3S-2100 25OZ
  Extra330 A30 22S X30 9X4.5APC-E TP3S-2100 25OZ
  Pitts A20 28S X30 10X5APC-E TP3S-2100 27OZ

GWMP

  Mini E3D A20 20L X20 10X4.7SLO TP3S-2100 20OZ
  E3D A30 12XL X40 14X7APC-E TP3S-4000 48OZ

This chart rendered from Hacker Brushless by Draganfly Innovations.

Draganfly Innovations Inc. carries a huge selection of Hacker A20 & A30 brushless motors and Hacker Brushless Motor Accessories & Replacement Parts. We ship world-wide and you can track your order online, via email or by phone. Order a new Hacker brushless motor or esc online at www.rctoys.com or call 1-800-979-9794. We’re waiting to take your order.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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My Castle Creations Thunderbird Speed Controller Is Beeping Every 30 Seconds

People ask us why their Castle Creations Thunderbird ESC produces a beep every 30 sec. This is a normal behavior of the Castle Creations Thunderbird brushless speed controllers. Because your Thunderbird ESC does not have an LED to make sure that a connection is present, it beeps once every 30 seconds or so just to let you know that the battery has made a connection and there is power to your unit.

——
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Comparing Castle Creations Phoenix & Thunderbird Brushless Electronic Speed Controllers ESCs

Castle Creations produces two lines of RC airplane and electric helicopter brushless speed controllers (ESCs). The first is the Thunderbird line, which focuses on good value without sacrificing features. The second is the Phoenix line, which adds features and contains ESCs with higher current and voltage handling capabilities.

Thunderbird VS Phoenix

The Thunderbird and Phoenix ESCs both share many features. These include:

  • Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) - all except HV Opto-coupled models
  • Safe “Power On”
  • Microprocessor Controlled
  • Tough surface mount construction
  • Audible Arming Signal
  • Auto Motor cut-off with reset
  • Low torque “Soft Start” - protects gear boxes and belt drives from shock
  • Smooth reverse exponential throttle
  • Self-calibrating endpoints - maximizes usable stick travel
  • Auto shut-down when signal is lost
  • Simple setup: no complicated switches or wiring
  • Universal RX connector

The difference between the Thunderbird and Phoenix lines is their cost and their degree of programmability. The Thunderbird series is lower priced, simple to use, and gives you control over three programmable features. The Phoenix series is priced slightly higher, but gives you eight programmable features, and the ability to use more cells if you do not require the Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC). The Phoenix line of Electronic Speed Controls also include the HV models (PHXHV-45, PHXHV-85, PHXHV-110) which are able to handle more cells (Up to 12 LiPo cells or 36 NiMH or NiCd cells).

Thunderbird series Electronic Speed Controls (Motor Controllers) come set with Auto-LiPo and no brake for 3D action right from the package. They use simplified programming steps to allow you to easily program these three settings:

  • Brake ON/OFF
  • LiPo or NiCd/NiMH cutoff
  • Motor reversing

Phoenix series motor controllers increase the number of programmable features to eight, giving you more control over the way your ESC behaves:

  • Cutoff Voltage
  • Current Limiting
  • Brake Type
  • Throttle Type
  • Electronic Timing
  • Low Voltage Cutoff Type
  • Soft Start
  • PWM Switching Rate

Thunderbird Models:

Thunderbird 9Thunderbird 9

The Castle Creations Thunderbird 9 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for lightweight applications where top of the line features are needed, and good value is desired.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: TB-9
  • Max Current: 9 Amps
  • Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
  • Size: 1.02 x .67 x .32″ (26 x 17 x 8mm)
  • Weight: 0.3 oz (8g)

Thunderbird 18Thunderbird 18

The Thunderbird 18 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) from Castle Creations has twice the current rating of the Thunderbird 9, and a BEC rated at 3 amps (compared to the TB9’s 1.5 amp Battery Eliminator Circuit)
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: TB-18
  • Max Current: 18 Amps
  • Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
  • Size: 1.32″ x 0.90″ x 0.33″ (34 x 23 x 8mm)
  • Weight: 0.6 oz (17g)

Thunderbird 36Thunderbird 36

The Castle Creations Thunderbird 36 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) doubles the current rating again, with only a 3 gram (0.1 ounce) increase in weight.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: TB-36
  • Max Current: 36 Amps
  • Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
  • Size: 1.50″ x 1.00″ x 0.35″ (38 x 25 x 9mm)
  • Weight: 0.7 oz (20g)

Thunderbird 54Thunderbird 54

The Thunderbird 54 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) by Castle Creations completes the Thunderbird line with an impressive 54 amp current handling ability.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: TB-54
  • Max Current: 54 Amps
  • Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
  • Size: 2.00″ x 1.15″ x 0.40″ (51 x 29 x 10mm)
  • Weight: 1.2 oz (34g)

Phoenix Models:

Phoenix 10Phoenix 10

The Castle Creations Phoenix 10 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for lightweight applications and superbly suited for micro flyers.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-10
  • Continuous Current: 10 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 0.73 x 0.80 x 0.16″ (19 x 20 x 4mm)
  • Weight: 0.21 oz (6g)

Phoenix 25Phoenix 25

The Castle Creations Phoenix 25 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is a favorite choice of 3D foamy pilots. Will work with Speed 400 size brushless motors, including the Mega 16/15 series, Feigao and Himaxx 28mm motors, small and medium sized AXI motors, and Hacker B40 motors.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-25
  • Continuous Current: 25 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 1.08 x 0.91 x 0.16″ (27 x 23 x 4mm)
  • Weight: 0.6 oz (17g)

Phoenix 35Phoenix 35

The Castle Creations Phoenix 35 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for 3-4 pound sport flyers, and also helicopters. Works with the Corona, ECO 8, or Voyager heli.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-35
  • Continuous Current: 35 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 1.72 x 0.95 x 0.40″ (44 x 24 x 10mm)
  • Weight: 0.9 oz (24.5g)

Phoenix 45Phoenix 45

The Castle Creations Phoenix 45 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is suitable for warmliners, small hotliners, and even some 40 size glow conversion projects. Works with Hacker B50 and C50 motors, medium and large AXI motors, and 36mm Feigao motors.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-45
  • Continuous Current: 45 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 1.72 x 0.95 x 0.40″ (44 x 24 x 10mm)
  • Weight: 1.0 oz (30.0g)

Phoenix 60Phoenix 60

The Castle Creations Phoenix 60 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the best choice for high performance sailplanes, large helicopters, and large glowplane conversions. Great for Logo 10, and ECO 16 pilots.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-60
  • Continuous Current: 60 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.35 x 1.05 x 0.45″ (60 x 27 x 11mm)
  • Weight: 2.0 oz (58.0g)

Phoenix 80Phoenix 80

The Castle Creations Phoenix 80 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the top choice for LMR competition flying, F5D pylon racing, and large helicopters.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-80
  • Continuous Current: 80 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.65 x 1.05 x 0.45″ (67 x 27 x 11mm)
  • Weight: 2.1 oz (60.0g)

Phoenix 125Phoenix 125

The Castle Creations Phoenix 125 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the paramount controller for either competition F5B and F5D flying, or high energy hotliner sport flying.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-125
  • Continuous Current: 125 Amps
  • Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
  • Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
  • BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.35 x 1.05 x 1.00″ (60 x 27 x 25mm)
  • Weight: 3.2 oz (91.0g)

Phoenix HV 45Phoenix HV 45

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 45 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) works with .40 size electric conversions and has been successfully tested in an 11lb Funtana 90s aircraft.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-45
  • Continuous Current: 45 Amps
  • Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.60 x 1.05 x 0.50″ (66 x 24 x 13mm)
  • Weight: 1.9 oz (59.0g)

Phoenix HV 85Phoenix HV 85

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 85 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) works in all quarter and giant scale fixed wing aircraft,competition F3A, giant scale aerobatics, and large helicopters.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-85
  • Continuous Current: 85 Amps
  • Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.80 x 1.55 x 1.00″ (71 x 39 x 25mm)
  • Weight: 4.2 oz (119g)

Phoenix HV 110Phoenix HV 110

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 110 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the most powerful speed control made by Castle Creations.
Specifications:

  • Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-110
  • Continuous Current: 110 Amps
  • Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
  • Cut-off: Programmable
  • Size: 2.80 x 1.55 x 1.25″ (71 x 39 x 32mm)
  • Weight: 5.3 oz (150g)

Castle Link ESC ProgrammerCastle Link ESC Programmer

The Castle Link USB programming kit for Castle Creations Thunderbird and Phoenix speed controllers is in every rc hobbyist’s toolbox. Easily program the software on your Castle Creations ESC and tweak its performance for your exact RC application. The Castle Link connects your PC to your ESC and includes all the necessary software. Upgrades for the included software are provided on the Castle Creations Web site. Not only does the Castle Link program your Thunderbird or Phoenix ESC but it also supports Castle Creations Mamba, Barracuda, and Berg 7 receivers.

How to connect your speed controller to your battery, motor and receiver

Where To Buy Castle Creations ESCsCastle Creations Logo

The best place to buy Castle Creations ESCs is Draganfly Innovations www.rctoys.com because they offer free shipping within North America on all Castle Creations products! Draganfly Innovations also has a comprehensive Castle Creations Download page where you can find all the Castle Creations Manuals and User Guides. Order online or call 1-800-979-9794 today.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Choosing the Right Electronic Speed Control (ESC) For Your Electric RC Airplane

Choosing the right ESCChoosing the right Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) for your radio control electric aircraft can be made quite simple. ESCs are available with many different features, limits, and price ranges. Sorting through the list of ESCs can be done by identifying what you need, and eliminating the rest.

The general procedure is to narrow the list down to ESCs that will get the job done, and then make your final selection based on price and preference. First, select ESCs based on their most fundamental features.

Brushed or Brushless?
R/C speed controllers are separated by the type of motor they work with, either brushed or brushless. If your motor has two wires, it is brushed, and you need a brushed speed control. If it has three wires, it is brushless motor, and you require a brushless speed control. An exception to these rules are ESCs that can work with both types of motor, however this feature is not commonly available. Castle Creations and Hacker Brushless are two manufacturers of brushless motors and ESCs.

Current Rating
An ESC will have a power limit. To handle more power, the ESC needs to be larger, heavier, and is more expensive. It’s important to know the peak current your motor is going to pull at full throttle. This determines the current rating you should look for in an ESC. Always choose an ESC with a current rating that is higher than what you need. If the motor is going to pull 12A, a 25A-rated ESC is a much better choice than a 10A-rated one. The 10A ESC will probably overheat and cook, even if you only fly at half throttle. ESCs are relatively light and maintain great resale value, so this is one item in your power system where skimping isn’t worth while.

Choosing the correct type and identifying the minimum current rating are the two big steps. The next choices depend on your preferences. Here are some of the features and limits that can affect your selection.

Voltage Rating
All ESCs have voltage limits. Some even have more than one! What is your battery voltage? Choose an ESC that is designed to work with an equal or higher voltage. Some ESCs are designed for low voltages (below 13V), some for medium voltages (below 25V), and some for high voltages (above 25V). You shouldn’t connect a high voltage battery to a low voltage ESC, but it is also wasteful to use a high voltage ESC with a low voltage battery. The second voltage rating that some ESCs have is based on their Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC). For an ESC to provide power to your receiver and servos, it has to drop battery voltage down to 5V. This becomes difficult once battery voltage is above 13V, so usually a separate receiver battery or voltage regulator is required. Consider what is going to be powering your receiver and servos.

Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC)
To protect your lithium polymer battery pack from being discharged too much, most ESCs can shut down when they sense battery voltage has become too low. This is almost always a useful feature, as it can save your li poly battery from being permanently damaged.

Price
ESCs with the same current and voltage rating can vary in price. Investigate this large market, and put prices on the features that you want.

Programmability
Some ESCs simply work out of the bag, like a servo. Others can be fine-tuned and set up with exotic throttle profiles. The most advanced can be configured via a computer program and cable.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Choosing the Right Brushless Electric Motor for Your RC Airplane

How to choose the right brushless motorFinding the brushless motor that is the best choice for your plane or helicopter can seem to be a daunting task due to the large number that are available. There are a few important considerations you should keep in mind when choosing. This article will help you identify these issues so you can spend more time flying and less time trying to find that “perfect” motor.

Ultimately, you want to swing a certain size prop at a certain RPM. In fact, the freedom you have in choosing propeller size and operating RPM can lead to huge performance gains over comparable glow motors used in many remote control airplanes. APC PropellersProp and RPM selection determines how much power you need, it is important to choose a motor that is almost at its limits when running at that power level. A motor that is too small will overheat and ruin itself, a motor that is too large will be a detriment to performance, due to the added weight.

Translating propellor size and RPM into power requires some help. This help can come from a computer-based prop simulator, such as the Slough RC Model Club Prop Power, Thrust and Efficiency Calculations web site by Rod Badcock. You can also find data posted by someone who has done what you are trying to do; find out what prop they used, what RPM it spun, and how much power was used.

Your list of potential motors should now only contain motors that can comfortably (but not ‘in their sleep’) put out the power you need. Now you’ll have to make decisions on the other things: battery voltage and capacity, direct drive or geared, outrunner or inrunner, and kV.

The easiest choice is whether to use direct drive or a gear box, so make that one first. If you want to turn high RPM (greater than 10,000 RPM) you’ll probably want a direct drive inrunner. For lower RPM, you can run an outrunner in direct drive or an inrunner through a gearbox. The outrunner is simpler and quieter, but the inrunner in a gearbox can be more adjustable and slightly more efficient. In some cases, the outrunner can be quite a bit cheaper. Each has its advantages, so consider them both.

At this point you know what RPM your motor needs to turn. It is either the same as you want the prop to turn(direct drive), or at a ratio faster than the prop when using a gearbox. Motor RPM is going to determine your specific motor and battery choice, by the following approximate formula (assuming lithium polymer batteries).

Motor RPM = 0.8 x 3.5V x Series Cell Count x Motor kV Rating

You need to select the right motor and battery combination that will satisfy the motor RPM formula. You can do it with a low kV motor and a high series cell count battery, or vice versa.

Thunder Power Extreme V2 LiPoly BatteryCastle Creations Speed ControllerLithium polymer battery packs, such as the ones made by Thunder Power, are ideal for use with brushless motors in radio controlled airplanes and helicopters due to their low weight and high capacity compared to NiMH and NiCd packs. Along with a brushless motor and battery, you will also need a brushless speed control (ESC) with an amp rating equal to or greater than the peak current drawn by your motor.

Make your choice, order the parts, put them together, and test it with an Eagle Tree watt meter. You want to make sure that you are near the RPM and power levels you were aiming for. Remember, though, the most important test is how it performs in the air. Fly it, and fine tune with prop selection. Hopefully this article has brought you close enough that a motor or battery change isn’t required.

In the event you require an upgrade, Draganfly Innovations Inc. is your best choice for Hacker Brushless Controllers and Motors, Castle Creations Brushless Controllers, APC Landing Products electric RC airplane propellers, Eagle Tree flight data e-loggers and Thunder Power RC Lipo Battery Packs.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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