How to choose ESC for your RC car

ESC is very simple to use. Their purpose is to obtain low power input signals in the form of ppm and battery voltage and convert them into signals that are useful to the motor. They also have a voltage that is output through the signal line and is typically used to power the receiver.

An electronic governor (ESC) is an electric motor that regulates the power of a device, allowing it to throttle from 0% to 100%. There are two types of electronic governors, brushed and brushless. Both follow the same principle.

ESC consists of three key parts. A BEC / voltage regulator, a processor and a switch composed of FETs (field effect transistors). Now, let's get a little about it.

How ESC works?

The function of ESC and its working principle are very simple.

The ESC receives the input signal from the receiver, which is set by the throttle position on the transmitter.

This signal is PPM pulse position modulation.

All it does is take this signal and convert it to the current to be drawn from the battery to power the motor.

Therefore, it is actually a power manager.

Then, the current is fed to the motor and you are gone.

They can also provide appropriate energy to power the steering servo system.

The differences between Brushless and Brushed?

A brushed motor is DC (Direct Current) and only required an ESC to have one "bank" (sometimes paralleled to multiply current capacity) of FETs. These simply chop up the flow of electricity to throttle the motor. Commutation is taken care of mechanically via the brushes and a sectioned commutator inside the motor.

A Brushless motor is a three-phase AC (Alternating Current) little more complex as they have three "banks" (sometimes paralleled to multiply current capacity) one for each phase. A Brushless motor is also always wound in a multiple of 3 and each group of windings are one phase. A brushless ESC throttles the motor a little differently to a brushed ESC as you have two components to how this works. You have the switching of phases whereby the electromagnetic field jumps from one phase to another pushing the magnets around the stator and the "volume" of electricity getting to the coils. The "volume" of electricity is taken care of in the same way as the brushed motor. We also add timing to a brushless motor. This is where a phase is powered and the feedback from the unpowered phases sends the location of the passing magnet letting the processor know the position of the rotor and maintaining correct timing. This is the reason why a Brushless motor will not work on a Brushed ESC and vice versa.

How to test ESC?

If you think there is a problem with your ESC, here are some tips to check if repair or replacement is needed.

One thing to remember may be a faulty motor.

The first thing I want to do is to check all the wiring, check whether there is no wire breakage, and all the welding wires are in good condition.

Is there any noise after the power is turned on?

Check the physical status of the ESC.

Smell the ESC smell burning? and more.

ESC is one of the most important components of all RC car components. Similar to motors, lipo batteries, etc., it will be affected by dirt, dust, water, vibration and temperature changes. So pay attention to protection during use