E-flite 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC User Manual

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E-flite 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC User Manual

60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode

BEC Brushless ESC Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the E-flite® 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC. This is a 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 60 amps continuous current when using 3- to 6-series Li-Po battery packs. You can drive up to 7 analog or 6 digital standard-sized servos with the BEC on any recommended input voltage. This ESC also features an exposed, finned heat sink aluminum case with lightweight plastic endcaps. Additional features include 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 60 amps continuous current with proper air flow and 75 amps burst current (15 seconds)

5V switch-mode BEC capable of 2.5 amps continuous current on any recommended input voltage

Drive up to 7 analog or 6 digital standard-sized servos with the BEC on any recommended input voltage

3- to 6-cell Li-Po, 9- to 18-cell Ni-MH/Ni-Cd input voltage

Finned heat sinks

Programmable motor braking

Safe power-arm mode prevents accidental starts

Programmable low voltage cutoff with settings for 3-cell Li-Po (9V), 4-cell Li-Po (12V), 5-cell Li-Po (15V), 6-cell Li-Po (18V), or 70% 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 for use with a large variety of brushless motors

Utilizes new smaller Mosfet technology to minimize weight

Radio System Power On/Off Switch

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:

60A*

Max Burst Current:

75A (15 sec)*

Length:

76mm (3 in)

Width:

33mm (1.3 in)

Height:

13mm (.5 in)

 

Weight:

66 g (2.3 oz)

 

Cells:

3-6S Li-Po or 9-18

Ni-MH/Ni-Cd

Battery Input Leads:

13

AWG with E-flite EC3 Connector

Motor Output Leads:

13

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 your 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 7 analog or 6 digital standard-sized servos with the BEC on any recommended input voltage. This also includes up to 7 standard analog or 5 standard digital and 1 retract servo, perfect for Hangar 9 60-sized warbird conversions.

Some servo combinations we have tested in various models include:

6 JR 537 (JRPS537) analog standard servos—Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40 ARF

5 JR DS811 (JRPS811)/JR DS821 (JRPS821) digital standard servos—Seagull Harrier 46 3D

4 JR DS811 (JRPS811)/JR DS821 (JRPS821) digital standard servos and 1 JR 791 (JRPS791) retract servo—Hangar 9 60-sized warbirds

5 JR DS811 (JRPS811)/JR DS821 (JRPS821) digital standard servos and 1 JR 791 (JRPS791) retract servo—Hangar 9

Spitfire 60

4 JR SPORTMN48 (JSP20040) analog mini servos— E-flite Diamante 25e ARF

4 JR DS3421 (JRPSDS3421) digital mini servos—E-flite Eratix 3D 25e ARF

7 JR MC35 (JSP20030) analog micro servos and 1 JR RT88 (JSP20080) retract servo—25-sized warbird

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, mini and 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 Enables” notes for BEC usage guidelines. You must follow these guidelines for safe operation. If you are using more than 7 analog standard servos, more than 6 digital standard 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,

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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 1650mAh 4.8V Ni-MH receiver battery (JRPB5000), 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

13-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 doublecheck 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 60-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 70%), you will then hear the respective number of medium length mid tones to indicate the cell count or a musical tone for the 70% cutoff, helping you to confirm the setting before every flight.

Radio System Power Switch

The ESC is equipped with an On/Off switch intended to cycle the power to your receiver/radio system on and off. This helps to prevent the radio system from being powered on and arming the ESC prematurely (before you are ready) when the battery is plugged in, making it safer and more convenient to handle the model before (and after) flight.

However, the On/Off switch is for short-term use only (like when you are at the field). This is because even if the switch is in the off position, when the battery is connected, some power is still being consumed by the ESC. It is critical that you always disconnect the battery from the ESC when you are done flying, when you are traveling to and from your flying destination, and when the model is being stored. Leaving the battery plugged into the

ESC for an extended period of time, even with the switch in the off position, could cause permanent damage to your battery as a result of overdischarging (especially if you are using a Li-Po battery).

Connecting the ESC to the Motor

The three wires from your motor connect to the three female gold bullet connectors on the ESC. The order of connection to the motor is not important; you can plug any motor wire into any connector. When you test the system, 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. The smooth section on the bottom of the heat sink case is designed to accept adhesive-backed hook and loop or 2-sided tape. Do not cover the top of the heat sinks as this will greatly reduce their 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.

2.Plug the battery pack into the controller. You will hear 1 low long tone to indicate startup, then the respective number of medium-length mid tones to indicate the cell count or a musical tone for the 70% cutoff, followed by 3 rising tones to indicate the controller is armed.

3.When you move the throttle stick upward, the motor will run. If you continue to move the throttle stick upward to the full throttle (high position), the motor will run faster. If you lower the throttle stick below the start-up position, the motor will stop running.

4.Check servo motion as part of your preflight check. It is very important you make sure linkages are free-moving with no binding.

Remember, when in the programming mode:

Full Throttle = Stick Up Idle = Stick Down

The default settings (from the package) for your E-flite 60-Amp Pro ESC are as follows:

Voltage cutoff set at 70%

Brake set to Off

Timing set at 15 degrees

Throttle Input Range set at 1.2ms to 1.8ms

Start-up Rate (Acceleration Delay) set at 0.25 seconds

PWM Frequency set at 8kHz

Operating Mode set to normal (airplane)

Entering the Programming Mode

1.With the battery disconnected from the controller, and the transmitter turned on, first move the throttle stick to full throttle (>1.7ms) position. Leave it in this position and then connect the battery to the controller.

2.Wait for 5 seconds, and the ESC will give two sets of fast ringing tones to indicate you have successfully entered the programming mode.

3.Once you hear these tones, move the stick to center (between 1.4 and

1.7ms) for 5 seconds, and the controller will beep 1 time, indicating you are now in Menu 1.

4.The controller will now wait 5 seconds for you to make your selection; your programming options are either full throttle (>1.7ms) or idle (<1.3ms).

5.When you have made a valid selection, the control will beep once with a lower tone, and you can move the stick back to center for the next menu item (2 beeps, 3 beeps and so on). If you do not make a selection within 5 seconds, the controller will move to the next

menu item.

6.If you want to make changes in the programming menus (see specific instructions below) move the throttle stick to full throttle (>1.7ms) position. You will have 5 seconds to make your selection.

7.If you want to advance to the next menu, allow the programming to skip to the next menu after the 5 seconds have expired.

Programming Menu 1 – Voltage Cutoff

Use this option to set the voltage at which the controller will shut down the motor to prevent damage to your battery when it reaches the cutoff voltage. You will know your battery pack has reached auto cutoff when you hear the motor “pulse” repeatedly.

1.Move the throttle stick to full throttle (>1.7ms) position to make changes to the voltage cutoff programming.

a.To select 3-cell low voltage cutoff – You will hear 3 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

b.To select 4-cell low voltage cutoff – You will hear 4 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

c.To select 5-cell low voltage cutoff – You will hear 5 short

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beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

d.To select 6-cell low voltage cutoff – You will hear 6 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

e.To select 70% cutoff – You will hear 7 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the first selection again.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT 70% CUTOFF: This option will activate the soft cutoff at 70% of startup voltage. For example, if your pack measures 15.0 volts at startup, then the soft cut will occur at 10.5 volts. The 70% cutoff option will check the startup voltage every time you plug the battery into the controller,

so beware of using partially charged packs, as the system cannot protect your Li-Po batteries if you are using the 70% cutoff and connect a partially charged pack. You will know your battery pack has reached soft auto cutoff when you hear the motor “pulse” repeatedly. We recommend you land your model as soon as you hear the motor pulse (indicating the pack voltage has dropped to the cutoff voltage level) to prevent over-discharge of the Li-Po battery pack, and to prevent sudden power loss.

Programming Menu 2 – Brake Type

The default setting is Brake Off. This option gives you the choice to have the ESC stop the propeller during flight (Brake On) or allow it to windmill (Brake Off). Use the Brake On options for folding propellers.

1.Move the stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms) for 5 seconds, and the controller will beep 2 times, indicating you are now in Menu 2.

2.Move the throttle stick to full throttle (>1.7ms) position to make changes to the Brake Type programming.

a.To select No Brake/Brake Off – You will hear 1 short beep. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

b.To select Soft Brake – You will hear 2 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

c.To select Medium Brake – You will hear 3 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to advance to the next selection.

d.To select Hard Brake – You will hear 4 short beeps. Move the throttle stick to center (between 1.4 and 1.6ms). The controller will beep 2 times, indicating you have set the program selection or leave in full throttle for 5 seconds to

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