Seaking 180 ESC, stock TRX 2.4g radio, something is wrong...

[Checkmateguy01]

I just installed a brand new Seaking 180 ESC in my Spartan, replacing what i thought was a bad Castle ESC. The boat also has the upgraded Castle motor. When i plug in my batteries the motor instantly starts to run, low RPM but just continuously runs and the throttle trigger has no control over it what-so-ever. I also noticed tho, that if i turn the wheel the rudder moves accordingly but the motor revs up as tho it's the throttle, the steering is controlling both!! WTF?? I've tried switching the leads around on the motor/ESC conection but that doesn't make any difference! I was told the stock traxxas radio would work fine with the T180 ESC but it will not let me calibrate the throttle. I have a Seaking 180 in my Daytona cat, so i know how they work. I don't get it, any ideas? Bad radio?

[dag-nabit]

Bad ESC possibly. We got one that acted up brand new out of the box (turnigy) it was replaced on warranty.

Also possible your Rx took a hit when the castle ESC fried.

I know this sounds obvious, but the leads are plugged into the Rx on the correct pins and correct polarity?

Kevin

[Brushless55]

sounds like the RX
I do know the 180s need the EPA set sometimes...

[Checkmateguy01]

EPA?? What's that?

[Brushless55]

End Point Adjustment on the esc

[Checkmateguy01]

Is that done with the transmitter or with the program card? It won't let me do anything with the transmitter as far as the throttle is concerned.

[dag-nabit]

Read the programming sheet that came with the esc. EPA is usually done when you power the esc for the first time. It will instruct you to wait xx number beeps, then move throttle to full forward, wait for xx number of beeps, the move throttle to full reverse, wait xx number of beeps, then return throttle to nuetral for xx number of beeps.

There will be a way to initialize it that should be described in documentation. Been too long since I did one to remember the exact process.

Kevin

Edit: I think it may be as simple as holding the throttle to full while plugging in the batteries to initiate EPA, but I could easily be wrong. Check the documentation.

[dag-nabit]

Just found a copy of the documentation on the bench behind the charger.
1. Hold throttle to full position and plug in batteries to power esc. (Tx turned on of course, throttle trim set neutral)
2. After about 2 seconds you will hear 2 beeps, this confirms full throttle position is recognized/confirmed.
3. Move throttle to neutral position wait until you hear one beep, neutral position is recognized and confirmed.

If it works, you are ready to go.

[Checkmateguy01]

Nope, doesn't work, i've tried it a few times. I have the same ESC in my Daytona Cat, it is very easy to calibrate. Like i said, as soon as i plug in the batts the motor imediatly runs. I'll have to try again and see if i get any beeps but i don't think so. Warranty will be no good on my ESC (if that is the prob) becuase i cut the 3 motor lead wires down so i didn't have an abundance of wire, i've seen others cut the wires on the T180's so i didn't think it would be a problem.

[dag-nabit]

I doubt trimming the wires will void the warranty. Worth sending it in. They will test the electronics and make the call on warranty.
Buy another in mean time to get yourself up and running, if they replace it on warranty, you hav a spare.

Also it is recommended to cut the wires on the ESC rather than on the motor. Some motors are ok to shorten wires, some they tell you not to. Has something to do with how they are wound. Any if the castle motors I have run are ok to shorten, leopards are not recommended.

Kevin