RC Basics - Understanding Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)

In this video we cover the how an ESC works and what the main jobs of it are inside your model. We cover the standard settings that you will encounter in traditional firmwares, things like brake, advance, voltage cut-off, direction and timing. We cover a few of the standard firmware types like SimonK and BLHeli. We talk about what OneShot is. We then finish by discussing the various types of battery Eliminator Circuits (BEC/UBEC) found in ESCs (Linear, Switching/switched, Optio/Opto).
You can see the ESC calibration video here –

In this video you can find –
- Introduction (0:02)
- How do ESCs work? (2:29)
- Firmware types and OneShot (9:18)
- Why do we need to calibrate the throttle? (14:32)
- Types of BEC (1605)
- Summary (19:03)

Thanks for watching please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE.

Happy flying!

[Kistou]

I became a dronemaniac about a year ago and, being a technicaly skilled engineer, I am surprised that every time I watch one of your videos, I learn something new and important! I have to admit...you replaced Netflix on my tablet when I go to bed! Great job and I am watching all and every one you post...often several times!

[petwog]

I have returned to RC (20 years of after a 10 year lull and have explored multirotors. I have spent a pile of cash teaching myself how to build and crash but have managed to learn basic FPV. Your You Tube video channel is like the University of Modern Radio Control and should be a must for all old timers re-entering the hobby. Thanks so much for all you have taught me!

[thamagana]

Your channel is one of the greatest ones of them all. Very in depth, yet broken down for simple minded folk such as myself. You're a great teacher!

[Kistou]

Forgot to mention, I started the build of a Hexacopter which I design for high payload and precision flying. Needless to say, your contribution to my project is incredible...I think I will print a small sticker with your logo and stick it some where on the final chef-d'oeuvre!

[nathanstrong]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I had a Blackfoot about four hundred years ago and am wanting to get back into the hobby with rock crawling. This stuff is all new to me and easy to understand videos like yours are a life saver. Thank you so much!

[Jimbo-in-Thailand]

Learned a bunch. Thanks! Putting together an FMS PT-17 and know almost nothing about today's RC radio tech, especially electric powered, so trying to get up to speed. Used to love flying gas/nitro planes using now-extinct FM radios. Was always worried someone would accidentally turn on 'my' channel 42 and crash my beloved plane. Glad that old tech finally slithered into the tar pits. Gotta say that today's RC tech is freakin' extraordinary!

Cheers from Thailand!

[lemmonsinmyeyes]

I am working on project using RC motors and ESCs and this was the single most useful video I watched in 2 days of research! THANK YOU!

[imemyself]

Being a newcomer to this hobby trying to wrap your head around all the theory takes a f***ing university degree. At some point - usually around here with ESCs and BECs - smoke is coming from your brain and your hair is catching fire but you can't put it out, because your eyes are pointing in different directions. But dont worry, it's all fun and games until you realize everything you watched and read was made back in 2012 and everything's changed since. Yay!

[BWWGL]

TOTALLY THE BEST, DEFINITION(S) OF ESC I HEARD ON THE TUBE ! AWESOME INFO, NO freaking overriding background music etc., Very Professional in my book! T H A N K S

[OneHitSoDak]

New to RC Flying, and this was an outstanding beginner's outlook on how ESC's work!! Thanks for taking the time to produce this.

[OzhanKurkcu]

Thanks! Your Video Post are very informative...

[SailorDaniel]

Think I found my new favorite youtube channel... Your helping make a hobby that seemed exclusively technical, overwhelming, and not accessible to anyone not working for NASA..., into a doable, fun, and educational hobby that will open up whole new areas of knowledge and interest for many people including me. Particularly in today's world, That is as commendable and needed as much as any charity or good deed could be. Good on ya and Thanks :)

[miragerd]

Thanks for helping all of us newbies. All your videos are clear, to the point and without the a noxious background music present on too many.
...and, by the way, for people who grew up with 2-stroke engines and 27MHz radios, there’s a LOT to be learned...

[rblitek]

I am new to RC and these videos are making it a lot easier to understand.  Thank you for making then and please keep them coming.

[PaulFalder-gb]

Brilliant exposition of ESC control and brushless motors, not into RC, just needed to understand how to regulate a motor - thanks

[rbsox]

Excellent video... not to technical but just the right amount of information to answer the most asked questions... Well done!

[Mrkindleify]

Painless, I've watched so many of your videos, and in terms of explaining things I think you're THE best that I've seen! Keep up the good work! Tom

[bekawe]

:) WOW! Best ESC explanation ever. Thank you ! A must see & understand for all newbies (me) :)

[bigbattenberg]

You have a great channel. I recently picked up the hobby again after a long hiatus (since teenage years). Now I will finally finish my Tamiya Gepard (with custom gearbox), together with my son! I am so much realizing how much we were in the dark back in the era before Internet and Youtube! By the way, I now work for one of the leading manufacturers of small DC drive systems, so I have a much more professional angle towards the hobby. Still a lot of fun!

[lokiamir]

Yet another great video Lee.

Thank you for what you are doing for the community buddy. Without people like you, excuse my french, I would be screwed.

Thank you.