I am having a problem with my ESC that I was hoping someone could help with. I just finished building an Eflite Tribute FX, but my ESC will no longer "arm" and start operating my motor. In order to install the ESC in this plane (Hacker 20 Amp ESC) I had to lengthen the power wires that have the Dean's connector. This is because the battery mounts under the canopy well aft of where the ESC goes. I added about 9 inches of wire (slightly heavier gauge than the wire going to the ESC). When I connect the battery, all of my servos work just fine. However, I can't get the ESC to arm. I tried moving the throttle and trims all over the place. I tried this same motor with a different ESC and it armed just fine. What's my problem?

normally you should never lengthen the wires on the esc to the motor or the motor to esc, extend the battery and servo hook up if nessary, this can have ill effects on the motor, i would try putting them back to spec and go from there.

A lot of guys at my field have had this problem, and it is usually because they have lengthened some of the wires on the ESC, or battery. If anything, the wires on either shouldn't exceed about 7-8 inches.

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I had to learn this one the hard way. I took the extension out and soldered it back to its original length. Still doesn't work. Looks like the ESC is fried. In this instance, it wouldn't be practical to lengthen the battery wire. The ESC cable needed to be extended enough to bring the power cable into the battery compartment where you can get access to it. I did find a way to make it work with shorter wires, but it's not ideal. Oh well, another expensive component bites the dust.

Well, it shouldn't be fried, unless the motor is too big. I would just get something from castle creations, as they have really good esc's, and you get what you pay for.

I have looked at the manual, and it seems that they haven't used any wire to lengthen the leads. How close is the canopy to the ESC? And which power setup are you using? The 450, or the 400? I'm thinking about getting one now, as it is perfect for my needs.

Well it's a Hacker X20 ESC, so it should be pretty good quality. I have been using it for months with no problems at all. Perhaps the heat from the solder killed it? I don't know. I just know that it doesn't work at all now. The motor mounts a good 12-13 inches away from the battery. I was trying to bring the ESC leads into the rear end of the battery hatch. I was able to run the ESC leads to the front of the hatch and get it to just barely reach (with the ESC wires completely stretched out). I am using a Hacker A20-22L motor. It works great on that plane.

I've flown the Tribute a few times. It's a great flying plane.

I have reviewed the Tribute FX Ep recently for RC Report magazine using the 450 890kV setup.
I am very impressed with the preformance. i was cautious when building , but plesantly suprized at the outcome!!
I was donig 3 ft high Knife edges on first flight, with what i think was a great and smooth Knife edge loop loop on the second flight!!
good duration with nice power combo, although i havent test props other that the recommended 10x7APC i think it was...forgot....
Tony