project pattern
Redux PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE LOCKHART
Castle Creations Castle Link (above) and Field Link (at right) are interfaces that allow for PC and field/PC programming of Castle Creations ESCs. Detailed programming of modern ESCs can substantially improve motor performance and efficiency.
T
he modern day high end electronic speed control (ESC) is, with respect to features and programming op- tions, comparable to a modern day computer radio. A substantial number of users will never need all the features includ- ed, and may never change default values for all the available options.
The good news is that the default pro- gramming in most ESCs will effectively run most motors. The bad news is that with the plethora of motors, ESCs, and applications (airplanes, helicopters, ducted fans, geared, direct drive, etc.), there are a significant number of combinations that may not run optimally, and a few will not run satisfacto- rily with default programming. Hence, the programming interface becomes an impor- tant aspect of the ESC.
The most basic level of programming can be accomplished on most ESCs using the “stick” method. When in programming mode, the throttle stick is toggled between full power and idle to select various pro- gramming options, which are communicated to the user by various beeps and chirps from the ESC. Very often, the more advanced pro- gramming features are not accessible using the “stick” method.
To gain full access to the ESC program- ming options, different brands use one or more options. “Programming boxes” have
several push buttons to scroll through menus and view/input values as displayed on a small LCD screen. “Programming cards” have a series of rows/columns by which programmed values are indicated by a series of LEDs, and values can be changed using several push buttons. Finally, PC/lap- top interfaces are available for a few of the ESCs which makes programming very easy, and additionally allows data logged in the ESC memory to be downloaded, analyzed, and saved.
Castle Creations uses a very slim and compact “Castle Link” USB interface for connecting the ESC directly to a PC and ad- ditionally has a “Field Link” programming card. The software interface is a free down- load from the Castle Creations website, and is periodically updated to accommodate new products, features, and soft/firmware im- provements. The Field Link allows about 90% of the programming to be completed as a stand-alone option, and also functions as a Castle Link.
Prior to delving into programming, a cou- ple of basic (very basic, I am not an engi- neer) operational notes on the modern day brushless system are in order. The vast ma- jority do not use sensors to communicate the motor armature position to the ESC. The ESC determines the armature position based on the electromagnetic fields (EMF)
generated in the motor as the result of pow- er pulses from the ESC. When the ESC is in brake mode, it is effectively blind to arma- ture position, necessitating a “re-start” (even when the motor is still spinning) when the brake is dis-engaged.
In an effort to keep Project Pattern Redux as current as possible, I’ll now detail the ap- propriate programming values for the Edge 80HV (the newest Castle ESC), noting the values are unchanged for the ICE 80 HV2 (aside from the new features introduced on the Edge series). Additionally, it should be noted that the details/rationale for each val- ue are generally applicable to other brands of ESCs.
While all ESCs have a variety of safe- guards designed to inhibit operation of the motor during programming of the ESC, it is a good safety practice to remove the prop whenever programming the ESC. In the case of Castle ESCs, programming mode is entered when the Field Link or Castle Link is plugged into the throttle lead prior to pow- ering the ESC. As a general rule, ESCs with- out a BEC (battery elimination circuit) need to be externally powered to complete pro- gramming, while ESCs with a BEC can be powered by the connection to the program- ming device (card, box, PC).
The “home” screen of the Castle Link soft- ware (on PC or laptop) will show red/green
by dave lockhart with algirdas ungulaitis You can reach Dave Lockhart via e-mail at
davel322@comcast.net
Castle Link allows the pilot to gain full access to ESC programming. Green lights in the bottom left indicate the Castle Link software is properly connected to the PC/laptop and ESC. Programming options are arranged in tabs (above
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left) in the upper left corner. As an example of the programming options, the motor tab is shown here (above right). Default values are noted by an asterisk with additional values selectable via drop down menus.
AUGUST 2013
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