Paul, what kind of speed controller is it? If you bought the setup RTR then it should be good to go. Plug the ESC into the throttle channel, set your throttle endpoints to +/- 100%, and keep your throttle at idle when you plug the battery in and turn the system on. Most controllers will auto-detect your settings and give you a beep when they are ready to run (usually a second or two delay to hear the beep). You may have to reverse your throttle channel if the ESC does not activate properly, but with modern ESCs it shouldn't just fire up at full power if your throttle channel is reversed. Whenever your battery is plugged in, always treat the prop arc with respect, as if it could start running at any time.