I have noticed that some speed controllers have a 'programming' option. How is this done, what is the interface? Do some radios support this programming interface? If so what types (computer radios) support this level of control?

I have an Airtronics and a Futaba, I don't recall the models off hand.

Chris

Hi Chris-

Most ESCs implement programming by means of moving the throttle stick in a prescribed manner. One series of stick movements puts the ESC into programming mode. Further movements select different parameters and alter their settings. The ESC beeps and/or flashes an LED to let you know what is going on. A motor must be connected to the ESC in order to hear the beeps (the motor acts as a speaker).

Check [link=http://www.castlecreations.com/support/documents/Phoenix-25%20User%20Guide.pdf]the manual for a Castle Creations ESC[/link] to get an idea of how this sort of programming works.

Most ESCs offer this type of programming, but they vary widely in the number of parameters that you can change.

Castle Creations offers [link=http://www.castlecreations.com/products/castle_link.html]Castle-Link[/link], which lets you connect their ESCs to your PC and make the changes through an on-screen interface.

Another system is the one used by Jeti, where you plug the ESC into a [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jetiblue.htm]programming card[/link].

- Jeff