ESC Program Query

[Caravan9927]

I have just installed a Sonix 80a ESC on a new build 3dx and after setting up its program ie Brake, battery type etc and giving the heli a static test run, I changed my mind about one of the settings but find it will not re-enter the program mode again. I have carried out the program entry mode to the letter but all I get is the normal start up mode proceedure.

Can anyone confirm whether I should or should not be able to re-program the esc, as I cannot believe they are only programmable once. The ESC manual does not say either way but I would be grateful to know the answer before I send it back to the supplier.

[robgt]

It should definitely be programmable more than once. Make sure your throttle end points are set to go high and low enough so you can enter programming mode. Although if you've done it once, they should be ok?

Odd!

Cheers,
Rob

[machasm]

I had something like this with a controller I was trying to program.
Turned out it was me as I didn't have a linear throttle curve!!
Might be worth a look.
Are you programming it with throttle hold on perhaps?
Adrian.

[Caravan9927]

Thanks both of you for your quick response. I'm sorry I'm a bit late in coming back but I was dragged into doing some early Xmas shopping would you believe!!!

Anyway ROBGT I can confirm the throttle ATV's were at default 100% which is where they were when I first programmed the esc, so that can't be the problem.

MACHASM mentioned throttle curves but they are linear but I did have throttle hold ON because to enter my ESC's programming mode I have to put the TX on, then push the stick up (high), then connect the battery to the ESC. I was afraid that if throttle hold was OFF, the motor would start up on full throttle or are you saying that if I start with the throttle on HIGH this will cut the motor and put me in program mode ?

[unwind-protect]

or are you saying that if I start with the throttle on HIGH this will cut the motor and put me in program mode ?

That's right. The only signal the ESC has to work on is the throttle signal from the receiver (think where it's plugged in). 100% of the brushless escs I've seen have hotstart protection, and use 100% throttle as the way to get into programming mode.

You could remove the motor from the frame, or swap around two wires so it would run backwards if you're dubious.

[Caravan9927]

Many thanks indeed UNWIND-PROTECT and of course MACHASM - You little darlins you. That worked a treat and has saved me looking a right whalley had I returned it to the suppliers as faulty ! I must have programmed originally it in non throttle hold but had not realised it. Thank you.

Bernie

[machasm]

Glad you got it sorted.
I think we have all had moments like this.
I had a couple of hot starts with my 600NSP because the system hadn't bound properly.
I've almost taken a clubmates fingers off when I 'wiggled' the head while he was holding it on my 700 with 8915 servos (15Kg torque each. ouch).
Had idle up still on when taking heli out of throttle hold.
I could go on.
Adrian.