The RC ESC or Electronic Speed Control for brushless RC motors.

 The RC ESC is the computer that controls brushless RC motors. How to select the best one for your application.

The RC ESC or Radio Control Electronic Speed Control plugs into the throttle channel of the RC receiver and controls the speed of the RC electric motor. It also has a BEC or Battery Eliminator Circuit. This feature ensures that a second set of RC batteries are not required to power the RC receiver and  RC servos. This feature obviously saves weight and makes for a safer installation. (One less detail to go wrong!)

These units are generally programmable and allow different voltage cut-off points and safety start up procedures can be changed.

The voltage cut-off ensures that if the RC battery voltage falls below a certain level, control can be maintained, possibly with low throttle control, enabling a safe landing to be made. This minimum voltage is also critical for the type of RC batteries you are using.

 

How to select the Electric Speed Control for your application.

Electronic speed controllers are rated for a maximum current. The specifications of brushless RC motors will list the max current the motor can draw. Select a unit that will safely handle this current. The larger the current capacity, the larger (and more expensive) the ESC will be. Too small a unit will burn out very quickly!

Please note that units must be intended for use with brushless RC motors! Brushed motors need an entirely different design of ESC.

 

Manufacturers of ESCs.

 

Arrowind manufacture a wide range of ESCs, from 7 amp to 150 amp.

All are completely programmable to suit your application.

 

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The RC ESC shown here is manufactured by Castle Creations and is good for a power draw of up to 200amps. Castle makes a wide range of ESCs for all sizes of RC aircraft, from the smallest and lightest indoor RC airplanes to the Giant scale RC airplanes, used for 3D aerobatics.

  

 

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E-Flite, which is owned by Horizon  Hobby, sells units from 5 amp to 60 amp.

They offer a variety of speed controls to best meet your needs. All micro and mini ESCs include thermal overload protection, auto cutoff with BEC and pre-wired connectors.

Model airplane motors, both brushed and brushless RC motors can be supported.

 

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ElectriFly is manufactured by Great Planes.

With Silver Series Brushless ESCs, the only way their performance would be any easier to enjoy is if they came already installed. As it is, hook-up takes only seconds — and set-up takes no time at all.

Silver Series brushless ESCs do it automatically on hook-up, and offer the option to use brake (or not) with a flick of the throttle stick. And with seven affordable models to choose from, there's a Silver Series ESC for almost any  RC airplanes and brushless RC motors combination.

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