Duratrax DE10 User Manual

Brushless Programmable ESC

For Brushless Motors Over 5.5T

DTXM1300 Mnl 2.0© 2010 Hobbico,® Inc.

DuraTrax’s DE10 ESC is great for many 1/10th scale
applications, regardless of motor type. Very smooth
and precise control results in no cogging - even at
low speeds! A huge set of adjustable features further
broadens the number of useful applications, including
on and off-road cars & trucks, as well as crawlers. A
powerful BEC circuit allows for the use of high-torque/
digital steering servos. An optional digital handheld
programmer is great for quick, easy setup changes
while at the track, and for downloading various types
of performance data for post-race analysis.

It is strongly recommended to completely read
this manual before use! Damage resulting from
misuse or modifi cation will void your warranty.

Features and Specifi cations

● The DE10 ESC is designed to be used with
brushless motors having as few as 5.5 turns ­great for intermediate to racing applications.

● Includes sensored brushless, sensorless
brushless, and brushed motor modes for great
versatility.

● Powerful 6 volt, 3 amp linear BEC.

● Multi-color LEDs and audible tones allow for easy

manual setup.

● 19 manually programmable features.

● On/off power switch.

● Sensored brushless mode is great for optimum

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precision and control at any speed – great for

crawling and racing on challenging courses with
low cogging and smooth control even at low speeds.

● Optional Digital Programmer (DTXM1350) is great
for quick setup changes at the track, and also for
downloading ESC speed, temperature, and current
readings from the ESC.

Important Precautions

● Disconnect the battery from the ESC
immediately if the ESC or battery becomes
hot!! Allow the ESC or battery to cool down
before reconnecting.

● NEVER use more than the specifi ed voltage on
the ESC’s input.

● ALWAYS mount the ESC in a position where free
air can fl ow across it during operation.

● ALWAYS turn on the transmitter before connecting
the battery to the ESC.

● ALWAYS disconnect the battery from the ESC
when not in use.

● Make sure the input battery is fully charged
before connecting to the ESC, so the low voltage
cutoff feature can function properly.

● Do not attempt to use with brushed motors while
in brushless mode, and vice-versa.

● Use heat-shrink tubing to insulate any bare wires
between the motor battery and ESC, and from
the ESC to the motor, to prevent a short circuit.

● Allow the ESC to cool before touching.

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● Do not run the car near water! Never allow water,
moisture, or any foreign material onto the ESC’s
PC board.

● Do not allow metal/conductive materials to
accidentally make contact across all motor/
battery posts.

● Never turn on the ESC before plugging it into the
Rx and switching on the transmitter (Tx).

● Keep out of reach of children.

● DuraTrax is not responsible for incidental

damage or personal injury as a result of misuse
of this product.

Glossary of Terms

Capacity and milli-amp hours (mAh): the amount
of energy a battery can store is called its capacity.
A battery’s capacity is rated in “mAh” or milli-amp

hours, and should be printed on the battery’s label.
Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge or

discharge current.
Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being

amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So

2.5A is the same as 2500mA (2.5 × 1000). Or, to

convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000.
So 25mA is the same as 0.025A (25 divided by 1000).

Nominal voltage (V): a unit of voltage that one might
expect to measure on a battery pack at any given test
point. This is not the minimum or maximum possible
voltage. If not printed on the battery’s label, consult

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your battery supplier or determine the proper pack
voltage as shown here:

Battery

Type

LiPo

LiFe

NiCd or NiMH

Number of Cells

Wired In Series

2 (“2S”)

2 (“2S”)

6

Nominal

Pack Voltage

7.4V

6.6V

7.2V

Step 1 – Mounting the ESC

The following information can help the ESC perform

at maximum effi ciency and minimize the chance of
overheating and radio interference problems.

Mount the ESC to obtain maximum parallel
airflow THROUGH the heat sink. This is
especially important when using the
maximum number of cells on the input
and/or when ambient temperatures are very
high. For off-road cars, or cars with a metal
or graphite chassis, mount the ESC on the
chassis, and the receiver and antenna on the
rear shock tower to reduce radio
interference. Do NOT pack the ESC with
foam padding as it will not allow the ESC to
properly radiate heat and likely cause a
thermal shutdown.

1. Locate the ESC in a position to allow for good

airfl ow, with as little obstruction from the model’s
outer body or exterior dirt and debris as possible.

Table 1

IMPORTANT!

Air

Flow

Figure 1

2. Mount the ESC using double-sided mounting tape.

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Figure 2

BRUSHLESS

MOTOR

3. Mount the ON/OFF switch in a convenient place.

Ensure that it is securely mounted, using mounting
tape or screws in a location where it cannot be easily
turned off by objects on the track or rough terrain.

Step 2 – Motor Connections

CONNECTING BRUSHLESS MOTORS

Sensored and Sensorless

Each of the three motor leads is made of high quality

13 gauge, silicone insulated wire. These leads have

no polarity and can be installed into any of the three
motor connections. If the motor runs in reverse, you
will have to switch any two of the leads. If a sensored
motor is used, be sure to connect the sensor cable
to both the motor and ESC. Once connected, make
sure all connections are insulated electrically. Failure
to do so could result in permanent damage to the
motor/ESC, and void all warranties.

Sensor

e

g

n

a

r

O

C
B
A

Yellow

B

l

u

e

k

c

Battery

a

l

B

C

–+–

B

+

A

d

e

+−

R

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CONNECTING BRUSHED MOTORS

There are two options for connecting brushed motors.
The motors can be connected as one-way (forward

only) or two-way (forward and reverse). When
using a brushed DC motor, please ensure that the
confi guration between the ESC and the motor must
be in accordance with the selected programming
in the ESC (forward or forward/reverse). See the
detailed confi guration in Figure 3.

2 Way

e

g

n

a

r

BRUSHED

MOTOR

O

–

+

B

Y

e

l

l

l

u

e

k

c

Battery

a

l

B

o

w

+−

C

B

A

d

e

R

1 Way

e

g

n

a

r

O

BRUSHED

MOTOR

–

+

Y

e

l

l

o

B

l

u

e

k

c

Battery

a

l

B

w

+−

C

B

A

d

e

R

Figure 3

–

–

+

+

–

–

+

+

INSTALLING FILTERS

Brushed motors generate radio noise which can
interfere with your Rx and cause problems. Check

your motor to see if it has capacitors installed on

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Figure 4

Solder to Side

of Motor

it. Some motors have capacitors built in so refer to
the motor’s instructions. If the motor does not have
capacitors installed, you might need to install three

0.1µF, 50V non-polarized ceramic capacitors onto

the motor. These capacitors will help reduce radio
noise generated by the motor and prevent possible
damage to the speed control. A Schottky diode
should also be soldered across the positive and
negative brush tabs on the motor to help reduce
negative effects caused by noise. Install the diode
and capacitors as follows:

.010µF Capacitor (104)

Positive (+)

Brush Terminal

.047µF Capacitor (473)

Silver Band

Schottky Diode

Negative (−)

Brush Terminal

● Solder one capacitor between the motor’s
POSITIVE (+) brush tab and GROUND tab†.

● Solder one capacitor between the motor’s
NEGATIVE (–) brush tab and GROUND tab†.

● Solder one capacitor between the motor’s

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POSITIVE (+) and NEGATIVE (–) tabs.

● Solder the Schottky diode between the motor’s
positive and negative brush tabs. Make sure the
end of the Schottky diode with the colored band
is connected to the motor’s POSITIVE (+) band.

†

Solder to the can of the motor if your motor doesn’t

have a ground tab.

Step 3 – Necessary Transmitter Settings

For proper ESC operation, it’s very important to

set the transmitter’s throttle channel adjustments,
as follows:

1. Set the throttle channel’s travel adjustment (ATV,

EPA or ATL) to the MAXIMUM setting.

2. Set the throttle trim and sub-trim to neutral or zero.

3. Set the throttle channel’s reversing switch to

reverse on Futaba transmitters. Other transmitters
might require you to set the throttle reversing switch
to normal.

Step 4 – Receiver Connector Polarities

By simply clipping off the tab on the side of the
connector using wire cutters, it can be directly
connected to any Futaba® J, Airtronics “Z”, Hitec

“S”, or JR receiver. For proper connection refer to

your radio’s manual. WARNING: This connector

is NOT directly compatible with the old Airtronics

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