E-flite 30-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC - Manual

Thank you for purchasing the E-flite ® 30-Amp Pro Switch-mode BEC
Brushless ESC. This is a lightweight, high-quality, efficient sensorless
brushless electronic speed control with an integrated switch-mode BEC.
It can operate without the need for a separate receiver battery to power
your servos and receivers, saving you weight and complication. It is
capable of up to 30 amps continuous current when using 3- to 4-series
LiPo battery packs. You can drive up to 5 analog or 4 digital sub-micro-
sized servos with the BEC on any recommended input voltage. This
ESC also features safe power arming along with advanced programmable
features such as low voltage cutoff, braking, timing, throttle input range,
and more, making this truly a ‘pro series’ speed control.
Features:
• Up to 30 amps continuous current with proper air flow
and 35 amps burst current (15 seconds)
• 5V switch-mode BEC capable of 700mAh continuous
current on any recommended input voltage
• Drive up to 5 analog or 4 digital sub-micro-sized servos
with the BEC on any recommended input voltage
• 3- to 4-cell LiPo, 9- to 12-cell NiMH/NiCd input voltage
• Programmable motor braking
• Safe power-arm mode prevents accidental starts
• Programmable low voltage cutoff with settings for 3-cell
LiPo (9.2V), 4-cell LiPo (12V), or 74% of battery starting voltage
• Programmable throttle input range (1.1ms–1.9ms or 1.2ms–-1.8ms)
• Programmable soft start for helis and airplanes
• Auto motor shut down if signal is lost or there is interference
• Programmable timing—5 user-selectable ranges–use
with a large variety of brushless motors
• Optional RS232 Serial Link and software available for
PC programming
• Pre-wired connectors—E-flite EC3 on battery input and
3.5mm female gold bullets on motor output leads
Specifications
Continuous Current:
30A*
Max Burst Current: 35A (15 sec)*
Length: 51mm (2 in)
Width: 28mm (1.1 in)
Height: 8.7mm (.35 in)
Weight: 31 g (1.1 oz)
Cells: 3-4S LiPo or 9-12 NiMH/NiCd
Battery Input Leads: 16 AWG with E-flite EC3 Connector
Motor Output Leads: 16 AWG with 3.5mm Female Gold
Bullet Connectors
* Proper cooling required
Optional RS232 Serial Link & Programming Software
Programming your ESC will be much faster and easier when you purchase
the optional RS232 Serial Link and programming software. This will allow
you to update your ESC using a laptop or PC. You must have a Serial Port
on your computer or you can purchase a separate USB to DB9 adapter
(available at computer retailers).
EFLARS232 RS232 Serial Link/Programming Software
Servo Ratings with BEC Enabled:
Drives up to 5 analog or 4 digital sub-micro-sized servos with the BEC on
any recommended input voltage.
Some servo combinations we have tested in various models include:
• 1 analog standard servo, 1 digital sub-micro servo, 2 analog sub-
micro servos—E-flite Apprentice 15e RTF
• 2 ParkZone (PKZ1081) analog sub-micro servos and 2 ParkZone
(PKZ1090) digital metal gear sub-micro servos—ParkZone
T-28 Trojan RTF & F4U Corsair RTF
Some other brands and models of servos may have significantly higher
current draw. Digital servos and binding servos of any kind typically have
higher current draw. As a general rule, micro and sub-micro servos draw
less current which may affect your servo usage as shown in the examples
above. We recommend the use of a Hangar 9 Servo and Receiver Current
Meter (HAN172), installed between the throttle lead of the ESC and
receiver, to confirm current draw of the actual servos used. Also, always
be sure to position the ESC for maximum airflow since cooling can
significantly aid in the performance of the BEC.
Before first use, please refer to “Servo Ratings with BEC Enabled” notes
for BEC usage guidelines. You must follow these guidelines for safe
operation. If you are using more than 5 analog sub-micro-sized servos,
more than 4 digital sub-micro-sized servos, or servos with higher current
draw than the BEC can deliver, you will need to disable the BEC. If you
wish to disable the BEC, you must remove the red receiver wire lead and
connector from the receiver lead housing, and then insulate it properly
to prevent shorting. When operating with the BEC disabled, E-flite
recommends the use of a separate, high-power, external BEC (like the
Ultimate BEC), or receiver pack and switch using the following items to
ensure trouble-free operation:
1. JR 1100mAh 4.8V Ni-MH receiver battery (JRPB4240),
or similar
2. JR Switch Harness (JRPA003), or similar
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE USE
Before you connect your ESC and begin flying, take a moment to look it
over. The input power side has a black (negative) and red (positive) wire
along with an E-flite EC3 Male Device Connector. The motor side has three
16-gauge wires (blue, red, and black) with 3.5mm female gold bullet
connectors on the ends.
The black and red wires with the EC3 Device (DEV) Connector will connect
to your power battery. The red wire connects to the red wire on your
battery pack, the black wire connects to the black wire on your battery
pack. If the wires are reversed, the ESC may be damaged.
YOU MUST
ENSURE THAT YOU CONNECT THE BATTERY POLARITY PROPERLY TO PREVENT
DAMAGE TO THE ESC. Reversing polarity will void your warranty, so always
double-check this connection. Use only a genuine E-flite EC3 Female
Battery (BATT) connector on the battery so it matches the EC3 Male
Device (DEV) connector on the speed control. The throttle lead connects
to the throttle channel on your radio receiver.
WARNING: For your safety, when checking the startup function of the ESC or
making programming changes, please remove the propeller to prevent any
potential injury. You should always treat the motor and propeller as live and
dangerous, remembering it could start at any time, and keep any body parts,
clothing and tools clear of the propeller arc. NEVER LEAVE THE BATTERY
CONNECTED WHEN NOT FLYING THE AIRCRAFT AND ALWAYS REMOVE THE
BATTERY FROM THE MODEL BEFORE CHARGING AND WHEN FINISHED FLYING.
When flying in hot weather, we recommend checking on the condition of
the ESC, battery, and motor after each flight. You may want to consider
letting the electronic components cool to near ambient temperature
between flights. We also recommend throttle management when running
near maximum levels of current draw during extreme conditions. It is not
recommended you fly an entire flight at full throttle. If this is done, it is
possible to cause permanent damage to your motor, battery, and ESC.
Using the 30-Amp Pro Switch-mode BEC Brushless Controller
This controller is very simple to use, and for safety, will not arm the motor
until the throttle stick has been held in the Idle/Off position for more than
1 second. The controller will indicate the soft cutoff voltage setting every
time you plug the battery in by first emitting a low, long tone, to indicate
startup. Depending on the selected cutoff voltage (default is 74%), you
will then hear the respective number of medium length mid tones to
indicate the cell count or a musical tone for the 74% cutoff, helping you
to confirm the setting before every flight. Proper air cooling is required
during flights so the ESC should be placed in an area where air flows over
the controller.
Connecting the ESC to the Motor
The three wires from the motor connect to the three female gold bullet
connectors on the ESC. The order of connection to the motor is not
important; any motor wire can be plugged into any connector. If the motor
runs backwards, you can simply unplug and switch any two of the motor
wire plugs connected to the ESC.
Mounting the ESC
Choose a location that has good airflow and offers good protection. Do not
cover the side with the flat heat shield with hook and loop or tape as this will
greatly reduce its effectiveness. Mount the ESC with a combination of hook
and loop, 2-sided foam tape, and/or tie wraps.
Starting Your Power System
1. Turn on your transmitter and ensure the position of the throttle stick is
set to Idle/Off.
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30-Amp Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC Instructions