What is timing?

[domp444]

I was programming my SeaKing 120a ESC with the programming card and didn't know what "timing" means. It's currently set to 15 and is in my Pursuit mono with a Leopard 4074 2200kv motor.

[steve-b]

Not sure myself.
I'm sure that one of the guys with more knowledge will chime on soon and answer this one.

[domp444]

Haha, it must mean something. I should google this instead of being lazy ;p

[m4a1usr]

Static timing or fixed is actually very simple to understand. Variable is a bit more complex and where you need to know many details of what you desire or want to accomplish. Essentialy you can define "Esc Timing" as the point when the motor coil is energized in sequence or location if looking at it as a sine wave.

The basic rules are, more TIMING=more RPMS, but less torque. And the opposite is true of less timing. Less TIMING=less RPM's, but more torque.

Thats a extremely basic description but easy to grasp. For us boaters timing is pretty basic. Since us sport boaters want to run WOT as much as possible its easy to assume our settings should be set for the most eff setting. If you race then it might become become more complex. Doesnt have to be but there might be gains in certain RPM/torque bands where cornering on a certain race course might require you to slow down/ accelerate. I dont race so that philosophy would need input from racing types.

For some good info on motor/ ESC information look here (dont remember how to embedd a url. sorry mod's) http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=64727


John

[domp444]

Oh alright I see. So I should just leave it at 15? I'm not doing any racing or anything, at least not for now. Thanks for the info!

[m4a1usr]

Actualy I dont think I explained "What is ESC timing?" very well. I danced around the question so let me give it another shot.

ESC timing is pretty simple so I will get to the basics and give you my understanding of it. By measuring the back EMF, the esc knows where the rotor location is, there is actually a bit more involved in detecting the zero crossing of the back EMF signal. But the timing we are talking about refers to the difference between that "zero" crossing and "when" the motor winding voltage is applied. Does that make more sense?

John

[domp444]

I think that would make more sense if I knew what EMF meant. Haha, what is it?

[driftah]

so laymans terms is the higher the timing means less torque and more rpm..... and lower timing means more torque a bit less rpm.My turnigy 180amp esc came stock at 15 degrees and I left it there as most do and/or recommended to do so.I would only go down from that point unless you know what you are doing as its side effect may equal extra heat too with minimal speed differences bud.Think of it as a graph of rpms and torque

[domp444]

Yeah I think I'm getting a clearer picture now. I'm gonna keep it on 15, if I ever need to change it, I'll know, haha. Thanks for all the info!