Electronic Speed Controllers ESC
ESC & Motor Choice
Because of the many different types and sizes of RC cars, and the big range of different products available, choosing a suitable electronic speed control (ESC) and motor for your car can be a challenge. If you’re thinking about buying a new ESC and/or motor, the thing first on your mind is often speed, but there are numerous things to take into account, so here we’ll go through the basic things you need to know.
ESC
Starting with the speed control, the choice is very much dependent on what motor you plan to run, as the ESC and motor need to be compatible between each other. Basic things to consider is first if the ESC needs to be for brushed or brushless motors. For most uses today you’ll be looking at a brushless ESC, however, you then need to pay attention to if it is for sensored or sensorless motors, or if it can handle both types.
Finally you also need to check that it can handle the type of battery voltage and motor specs you have in mind. ESC’s typically have some sort of motor limit (in kv or turns), which you need to adhere to. If the ESC specifications says that the motor limit is 8.5T on a 2S battery, then you must use a motor with 8.5 turns or more. If a kv rating is used, then you need to choose a motor with a lower kv value than the limit.
Other ESC related factors to take into consideration include the size of the ESC, making sure it fits properly into your car. Additionally, some ESC’s are waterproof or protected, while most are not, so you also need to consider if this is a feature you need.
A more expensive ESC will usually give you better control, more features and adjustability, as well as better overall quality and lifetime.
Motors
With motors, the first thing to check is the actual size and measurements, as there are various motor sizes available for different types of cars. The car specs usually specify what size of motor the car is designed for, so do check this before making a choice if you are unsure.
What’s perhaps still the most common motor size used in RC cars, is often called “540”. These are used in many lighter 1/10 cars, while larger “550” or “1/8” sized motors are often used in heavier 1/10 vehicles and 1/8 scale cars. Brushless motors in this size are today often “4-pole” motors. Smaller motors (like 370 or 380) are used in some smaller cars, while large scale cars use even larger motors.
In addition to differences in length and diameter of the actual motor, there are also differences in motor shaft diameter. The most common shaft size is 3,175mm (1/8”), while many larger motors use a 5mm shaft. The shaft diameter directly influences on the selection of gears available.
The mounting hole positions in each motor are also depending on its size, so because of all these factors, it’s very important to check what motor fits your car.
Another thing to decide on is brushless or brushed, but with the development in brushless technology over the past 15 years, in most cases this is no longer a factor to spend much time considering. Unless you use your car in some very specific class or conditions, we’ll almost always recommend a brushless setup. Do remember though, that if you are changing from a brushed to a brushless motor, you will also have to get a brushless ESC.
Brushless motors are available sensored or sensorless, the difference being that the sensored motors have sensors inside the motor that register the position of the rotor. The sensored motors are more responsive from low rpm and give a more precise feel, and is therefore used more in competition than the sensorless motors. The sensorless motors are simpler and usually more affordable, and often used in RTR’s and for more general hobby use.
Again, it's important to remember that motor and ESC needs to be compatible. Some ESC's can only power sensorless motors, while other only work with sensored motors.
The power of a motor is usually indicated in “kv” or “turns”, or both. A motor’s kv refers to its rpm per volt of electricity. This means that a 3000Kv motor will spin at 25200rpm at 8.4V (3000 x 8.4 = 25200). Turns are often used in place of kv to indicate power on 540 size motors, especially 1/10 competition motors. The turn number, like 8.5T or 13.5T, refers to the number of times the wire in the motor is wrapped around the stator. To make it simple - the fewer the turns, the more power the motor produces.
With all these turns and kv’s, it’s important to remember that different cars require different things, and it’s not only about rpm’s. The larger and heavier a car is, the more important it will be to have enough torque, meaning that for a heavy 1/8 vehicle, a low kv but high torque motor will often be the better choice.
With any motor choice, it is vitally important to have the right gearing. So if you’re planning to change to a significantly different motor from what you have been running, always remember to change the gearing at the same time, following the motor manufacturer recommendation to start with.
Going to a higher power motor will also shorten runtime on one charge, and produce more heat.
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WARN RC4WD Wired Winch Control Unit for 9.5cti Scaler winch wires inc Z-S1089 RC
RC4WD
MSRP: £22.99Now: £21.84Was: £22.99Additional Information - RC4WD Wired Winch Control UnitThis is the wired Winch Control Unit offered to allow operation function from your radio and receiver. This will allow you to control a winch with your remotes third channel. Specifications:Receiver ...Z-S1089MSRP: £22.99Now: £21.84Was: £22.99Qty in Cart: 0Quantity:Price:MSRP: £22.99Now: £21.84Was: £22.99Subtotal: -
CC BEC 2.0 Waterproof 15A Voltage Regulator 50V Max CC010-0153-00 Castle
Castle Creations
RRP £64.99Additional Information - CC BEC 2.0 Waterproof - 15A Voltage Regulator, 50V Max P-CC010-0153-00 The CC BEC 2.0 complements our established line of BECs hobbyists have relied on for years. With hundreds of thousands in the field, users can count on...CC010-0153-00RRP £64.99 -
CC BEC 2.0 - 14A Voltage Regulator, 50V Max CC010-0154-00 Castle Creations 14amp
Castle Creations
RRP £49.99Additional Information - This is the Castle Creations BEC 2.0 BEC Voltage Regulator. The CC BEC 2.0 features heavy duty, dual output wires that will provide clean power to sensitive radio equipment. Castle Link2 can be used to set the output from 4.75 to...CC010-0154-00RRP £49.99 -
Etronix 22AWG Futaba Twisted Y Extension Wire Servo ESC Lead Cable 30 cm ET0753
Etronix
RRP £2.79Additional Information - ETRONIX 30CM 22AWG FUTABA TWISTED Y EXTENSION WIREEtronix 30cm 22Awg Futaba Twisted Y Extension WireET0753RRP £2.79 -
Hobbywing Quicrun 1060 Waterproof Brushed SBEC ESC (60A) HW30120201 3S LiPo
Hobbywing
MSRP: £24.99RRP £19.99Easy OperationThis ESC is specially designed for new beginners and intermediate modelers; it not only carries forward the outstanding quality of HOBBYWING products but simplifies the operation.Applicable to All Weather ConditionsThe waterproof and...HW30120201MSRP: £24.99RRP £19.99 -
Castle Link V3 USB Adaptor CC011-0119-00 Castle Creations Programming to setup
Castle Creations
MSRP: £29.99Now: £28.49Was: £29.99Additional Information - Program your Castle brushless ESCs and accessories on your Windows® PC with the Castle Link USB programming kit.Set up of programmable options with point and click easeView your current program settingsAir users can customize...CC011-0119-00MSRP: £29.99Now: £28.49Was: £29.99 -
Small Electronic Rocker Dig 11 MOA Crawler Disconnect System RC4WD Z-E0028
RC4WD
MSRP: £46.99Now: £44.64Was: £46.99Additional Information - 1x Electronic Rocker Dig II This is the new Rocker Dig II. it provides a much stronger brake the first version. This has the same features as the first which include F&R Dig with a push of your radios control. This small...Z-E0028MSRP: £46.99Now: £44.64Was: £46.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun Fusion SE 1800KV Sensored Brushless 2in1 HW30404317
Hobbywing
MSRP: £89.99Now: £80.99Was: £89.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN FUSION SE 1800KV SENSORED BRUSHLESS 2IN1SPECIFICATIONSTypeScale:1/10thBrushed/Brushless:BLSensored/Sensorless:SDWaterproof:WaterproofSpecificationsCont./Peak Current:40AInput Voltage:2-3S LiPo/6-9 Cell NiMHBEC...HW30404317MSRP: £89.99Now: £80.99Was: £89.99 -
Associated Ess-One+ 2017 Engine Sound System AS29262 RC ESS ONE noise unit
RRP £79.99Additional Information - ASSOCIATED ESS-ONE+ 2017 ENGINE SOUND SYSTEM Along with all the features of the earlier model, the ESS-One+ is lighter and more compact in size, making it easier to install. Redesigned speakers have more power and longer life...AS29262RRP £79.99 -
AXIAL AE-5 Waterproof Forward Reverse ESC Drag Brake Deans Bullet AX31144 rc
Axial
RRP £54.99Additional Information - The AE-5 ESC features include 3S LiPo capability, adjustable drag brake and it's waterproof! Settings can be easily switched “in the field" between LiPo and NiMH battery types with a simple jumper – no more complex...AX31144RRP £54.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun Fusion Pro 2300kv Sensored Brushless 2in1 HW30120402
Hobbywing
MSRP: £148.99RRP £134.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN FUSION PRO 2300KV SENSORED BRUSHLESS 2IN1FEATURESAll-in-one design for optimized lengthThe design has been integrated and optimized to provide a cleaner and sleeker layout appearance. The overall length is now...HW30120402MSRP: £148.99RRP £134.99 -
Castle BEC Pro - 20A Voltage Regulator, 50V Max CC0401 Castle Creations 20 amp
Castle Creations
RRP £57.50Additional Information - Battery Eliminator Circuits are small devices that eliminate the need for a receiver and servo battery pack. They draw higher voltage from the motor batteries and drop it to a voltage level that is suitable for your receiver and...CC0401RRP £57.50 -
Outcry III WEATERPROOF ESC Z-E0113 RC4WD Crawler 2-3S LiPo NiMH BEC 320Amp
RC4WD
MSRP: £44.99Now: £42.74Was: £44.99Additional Information - Outcry III Waterproof ESCThis new Outcry II Waterproof ESC features great characteristics for scale trail driving, making it the perfect choice for any scale build!Specifications:Input Voltage: 2-3S Lipo/5-9 Cells NiMHAdvanced...Z-E0113MSRP: £44.99Now: £42.74Was: £44.99 -
Hobbywing Led Program Card General HW30501003 brushless ESC Hobby wing
RRP £10.99The Hobbywing LED Program Card is used to program Hobbywing XERUN, QUICRUN and EZRUN series ESC's. This LED program box is for programming HobbyWing brushless ESCs. Its friendly interface makes ESC programming easy and quick.It’s compact, portable...HW30501003RRP £10.99 -
Mamba X Sensored 25.2V WP ESC & 1406 2280kv Combo CC010-0155-09 Castle Creations
Castle Creations
MSRP: £299.99RRP £295.99Additional Information - Mamba X, Sensored, 25.2V WP Esc 1406-2280kV ComboP-CC010-0155-09Putting the X in Extreme!The Mamba X Crawler edition is our latest offering for the crawling crowd. We have taken our new 1406 low kv crawler motors and paired it...CC010-0155-09MSRP: £299.99RRP £295.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun WP 1080 G2 Brushed Speed Control HW30120202 Adj Drag Brake
Hobbywing
MSRP: £49.99Now: £44.99Was: £49.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 BRUSHED SPEED CONTROL The first "Real Car Mode" ESC from Hobbywing is an exciting release and features four running modes and a real time drag break adjustment. In the Real Car mode the direction of...HW30120202MSRP: £49.99Now: £44.99Was: £49.99 -
XR2 Ultimate Micro ESC Receiver RX Z-E0099 RC4WD 18th Crawler G2 2S LiPo
RC4WD
MSRP: £23.99Now: £22.79Was: £23.99Additional Information - XR2 Ultimate Micro ESC/ReceiverSpecifications:Channels: 2Type: 2.4GHz RX with Crawler ESCServo Port: Standard 3 Pin Servo PortBEC For Servo: 5V, 1ABattery: 7.2V NiMH or 2S LiPo, JST connector Size: 36 x 26 x 14mm / 1.41 x 1.02 x...Z-E0099MSRP: £23.99Now: £22.79Was: £23.99 -
Castle Creations Field Link Portable Programmer Programming Card CC6300 Setup
Castle Creations
MSRP: £44.99RRP £37.50Additional Information - Programs your controllers without a computer (mostly). Works as a standard Castle Link USB adapter with your computer. Sometimes you need to make a change in the programming of a Castle controller and you just don't happen to...CC6300MSRP: £44.99RRP £37.50 -
Hobbywing Quicrun Fusion 1800kv Sensored Brushless 2-In-1 Led Program HW30120401
Hobbywing
MSRP: £149.99RRP £134.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN FUSION 1800K SENSORED BRUSHLESS 2-IN-1 (INCLUDES FREE LED PROGRAM BOX)Integrated design of Hobbywing's patent technologyThe integrated design of the ESC makes the overall volume only the size of 550 motor, and...HW30120401MSRP: £149.99RRP £134.99 -
RC Semi Truck Sound Unit Lorry Armageddon engine inc speaker RC4WD VVV-S0074
RC4WD
MSRP: £257.99Now: £245.09Was: £257.99Additional Information - Semi Truck Sound UnitThis is a Semi Truck Sound unit. This will work on the Armageddon truck and any other truck you would like to have a sound unit installed onto. Specifications: Including V8 / V6 / L6 Engine SoundsInput...VVV-S0074MSRP: £257.99Now: £245.09Was: £257.99 -
Earth Digger 4200XL High Voltage Brushless ESC 60amp RC4WD VVV-S0009 Excavator
RC4WD
MSRP: £64.99Now: £61.74Was: £64.99Additional Information - Earth Digger 4200XL High Voltage Brushless ESC Specifications:Input: 6.4-22.2V (6S lipo)Current limit: 60AWith 5A 5V BEC72mm x 34mm x 13mmLipo Cut-offWarranty period: 30 daysWhat's Included:1x Earth Digger 4200XL High Voltage...VVV-S0009MSRP: £64.99Now: £61.74Was: £64.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun Fusion SE 1200KV Sensored Brushless 2in1 HW30404318
Hobbywing
MSRP: £79.99Now: £71.99Was: £79.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN FUSION SE 1200KV SENSORED BRUSHLESS 2IN1SPECIFICATIONSTypeScale:1/10thBrushed/Brushless:BLSensored/Sensorless:SDWaterproof:WaterproofSpecificationsCont./Peak Current:40AInput Voltage:2-3S LiPo/6-9 Cell NiMHBEC...HW30404318MSRP: £79.99Now: £71.99Was: £79.99 -
Etronix Female XT-60 To Male Tamiya Connector Adaptor ET0843 XT60 Battery to ESC
Etronix
RRP £3.15Additional Information - ETRONIX FEMALE XT-60 TO MALE TAMIYA CONNECTOR ADAPTOR ET0843Male Tamiya (as fitted to a ESC) and Female XT-60 (as fitted to an battery)14 AWG Cable.100mm long.ET0843RRP £3.15 -
Hobbywing Xerun AXE 540L 2100Kv R2 FOC Sensored Brushless Combo HW38020312
Hobbywing
MSRP: £227.99RRP £205.19Additional Information - HOBBYWING XERUN AXE540L 2100KV R2 FOC SENSORED B/LESS COMBOSPECIFICATIONSESC DataType:Brushless FOCMax cont/peak current:80A/480ACells count:2s-3s LiPo, 6-9 Zellen NiMHMotor limit:For XeRun-AXE "R2" rangeBEC:6V/7.4V with...HW38020312MSRP: £227.99RRP £205.19 -
Hobbywing Quicrun 0880 Dual Motor Brushed Esc (80A) Wproof HW30120301 80 amp
Hobbywing
RRP £39.99Additional Information - Specifications Cont./Peak Current: 80A/400A Input Voltage: 2-4S LiPo/5-12 Cell NiMH BEC: Output6V@4A (Switch-mode) Wires & Connectors Input Wires: Red-16AWG-150mmx1 / Black-16AWG-150mmx1 Output Wires: Blue-16AWG-100mmx2 /...HW30120301RRP £39.99 -
Outcry III Dual Motor Waterproof ESC Z-E0114 RC4WD Brushed LiPo 3A BEC 320 amp
RC4WD
MSRP: £54.99Now: £52.24Was: £54.99Additional Information - Outcry III Dual Motor Waterproof ESCThis new Outcry II Waterproof ESC features great characteristics for scale trail driving, making it the perfect choice for any scale build!Specifications:Input Voltage: 2-3S Lipo/5-9 Cells...Z-E0114MSRP: £54.99Now: £52.24Was: £54.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun-WP-16BL30 Waterproof Brushless Sensorless ESC HW30110000 RC
Hobbywing
MSRP: £29.99Now: £26.99Was: £27.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN-WP-16BL30 WATERPROOF 30A BRUSHLESS SENSORLESS ESC The QuicRun WP 16BL30 brushless sensorless ESC is specially designed for new beginners and intermediate modelers. This speed controller is applicable to...HW30110000MSRP: £29.99Now: £26.99Was: £27.99 -
Hobbywing OTA Programmer HW30850400
Hobbywing
MSRP: £44.99Now: £42.74Was: £44.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING OTA PROGRAMMERThe Hobbywing OTA Programmer is a module which connects via Bluetooth communication technology for transferring data between your ESC and a smart device (Android/IOS phone, tablet etc). It makes wireless...HW30850400MSRP: £44.99Now: £42.74Was: £44.99 -
Hobbywing Xerun XR8 Sct 140A ESC HW30113301
Hobbywing
MSRP: £99.99Now: £89.99Was: £99.99Additional Information - THOBBYWING XERUN XR8 SCT 140A ESCThe first 1/8 scale competition ESC which can work the full-sensored mode at all times (when pairing it with a HOBBYWING matching motor). Turbo timing technology is implemented by the XR8 SCT to...HW30113301MSRP: £99.99Now: £89.99Was: £99.99Qty in Cart: 0Quantity:Price:MSRP: £99.99Now: £89.99Was: £99.99Subtotal: -
FMS Reflex V2 Gyro Flight Controller FMSREF001
FMS
RRP £22.99Additional Information - FMS REFLEX V2 GYRO FLIGHT CONTROLLERWe are proud to introduce the new and improved FMS Reflex V2!A USER-UPGRADABLE FLIGHT CONTROLLERReflex V2 can be reprogrammed easily with different model files via a simple software-allowing...FMSREF001RRP £22.99 -
Hobbywing 1/10th XERUN Switch Non-Waterproof HW30850003 Power Programming
Hobbywing
RRP £4.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING 1/10TH XERUN SWITCH (NON-WATERPROOF) Replacement Hobbywing power switch SPECIFICATIONS Supported ESC:Xerun 120A V2.1, 90A, 60A, Ezrun 18A, Justock, Xtreme, QuicRunHW30850003RRP £4.99 -
Hobbywing VBAR Neo Connection Cable Wire HW30810001 HW Platinum ESC
Hobbywing
RRP £6.49Additional Information - HOBBYWING VBAR NEO CONNECTION CABLE/WIRE The VBAR Cable accessories is for HW Platinum ESC's.The VBAR supports the real-time transmission of Hobbywing telemetry data from Mikado's Vbar-control remote Control.Only the Platinum...HW30810001RRP £6.49 -
Etronix Female XT90 Bridging Adaptor w/ 10G Wire ET0857 XT-90 RC Plug connector
Etronix
RRP £2.50Additional Information - ETRONIX FEMALE XT90 BRIDGING ADAPTOR W/10G WIRE ET0857This is a briging cable 10G wire on a remale XT90 connector. Sometimes called a Loop Lead XT-90.The XT90 Bind Plug Loop Connector is designed to short circuit...ET0857RRP £2.50 -
Etronix Female XT-60 To Male EC5 Plug Connector Adaptor ET0842EC5 XT60 EC 5 Plug
Etronix
RRP £3.75Additional Information - ETRONIX FEMALE XT-60 TO MALE EC5 PLUG CONNECTOR ADAPTOR ET0842EC5Male EC5 (as fitted to a ESC) and Female XT-60 (as fitted to an battery)14 AWG Cable.100mm long.ET0842EC5RRP £3.75 -
Etronix XT-60 Connector Male & Female w/ Protective Sleeve ET0796P XT60 Plug RC
Etronix
RRP £2.25Additional Information - ETRONIX XT-60 CONNECTOR (MALE/FEMALE) W/PROTECTIVE SLEEVE ET0796PMale XT-60 (as fitted to a ESC) and Female XT-60 (as fitted to an battery).These are supplied with protective covers for the soldering locations.ET0796PRRP £2.25 -
Etronix CSG Countersteer Gyro ET0078 help beginners stay straight FTX Sidewinder
Etronix
RRP £15.99Additional Information - ETRONIX CSG COUNTERSTEER GYRO The Etronix CSG Countersteer Gyro allows you to drive your RC car with more confidence, the CSG's hold effect manages the steering output by automatically keeping the car’s tires aligned in...ET0078RRP £15.99 -
Hobbywing Xerun AXE 540L 2800Kv R2 FOC Sensored B/Less Combo HW38020313
Hobbywing
MSRP: £227.99RRP £204.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING XERUN AXE540L 2800KV R2 FOC SENSORED B/LESS COMBOSPECIFICATIONSESC DataType:Brushless FOCMax cont/peak current:80A/480ACells count:2s-3s LiPo, 6-9 Zellen NiMHMotor limit:For XeRun-AXE "R2" rangeBEC:6V/7.4V with...HW38020313MSRP: £227.99RRP £204.99 -
Hobbywing Xerun AXE 540L 1400Kv R2 FOC Sensored B/Less Combo HW38020311
Hobbywing
RRP £227.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING XERUN AXE540L 1400KV R2 FOC SENSORED B/LESS COMBOSPECIFICATIONSESC DataType:Brushless FOCMax cont/peak current:80A/480ACells count:2s-3s LiPo, 6-9 Zellen NiMHMotor limit:For XeRun-AXE "R2" rangeBEC:6V/7.4V with...HW38020311RRP £227.99 -
Hobbywing Multifunction V2 LCD Program Box HW30502001 Brusless field card
Hobbywing
RRP £29.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING MULTIFUNCTION V2 LCD PROGRAM BOXThe Hobbywing multifunction program box is for programming Hobbywing brushless ESC's. The friendly LCD interface makes ESC programming easy and quick. With a PC you can upgrade ESC...HW30502001RRP £29.99 -
Hobbywing Quicrun Fusion 1200kv Sensored Brushless 2-In-1 Program Box HW30120400
Hobbywing
MSRP: £149.99RRP £134.99Additional Information - HOBBYWING QUICRUN FUSION 1200K SENSORED BRUSHLESS 2-IN-1 (INCLUDES FREE LED PROGRAM BOX)Integrated design of Hobbywing's patent technologyThe integrated design of the ESC makes the overall volume only the size of 550 motor, and...HW30120400MSRP: £149.99RRP £134.99Qty in Cart: 0Quantity:Price:MSRP: £149.99RRP £134.99Subtotal: