Hobby King Turnigy 20A Brushed ESC Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Hobby King Turnigy 20A Brushed Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). The ESC is designed to regulate the speed of brushed motors in remote-controlled models. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper function and safety.

Important Note: This ESC is designed exclusively for brushed motors. It is not compatible with brushless motors.

2. Safety Information

Always disconnect the battery from the ESC when not in use to prevent accidental motor activation.
Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated to avoid short circuits.
Never operate the ESC with damaged wires or connectors.
Keep the ESC away from water, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
Verify that your motor is a brushed type before connecting it to this ESC. Connecting a brushless motor will cause damage.
Use only compatible batteries (2-3S LiPo or 4-10 cell NiMH/NiCd) as specified.
Mount the ESC in a location with adequate airflow to prevent overheating.

3. Specifications

Feature	Specification
Continuous Current	20A
Burst Current	25A
BEC Mode	5V / 1A
LiPo Cells	2-3S
NiMH / NiCd Cells	4-10 Cells
Weight	17g
Dimensions (L x W x H)	45 x 21 x 8mm
Motor Compatibility	Brushed Motors ONLY

4. Product Overview

The Turnigy 20A Brushed ESC features connections for your motor, battery, and receiver. It also includes jumpers for configuring battery type (LiPo/NiMH) and brake function.

Turnigy 20A Brushed ESC with wires and connectors

Figure 1: The Turnigy 20A Brushed ESC, showing its compact size and various connection points for motor, battery, and receiver.

5. Setup and Installation

Connect to Motor: Connect the two motor wires from the ESC to your brushed motor. Polarity typically does not matter for brushed motors, but ensure secure connections.
Connect to Receiver: Plug the ESC's servo lead (usually black, red, white/orange wires) into the throttle channel (typically channel 2) of your RC receiver.
Set Battery Type Jumper: Locate the jumper pins on the ESC. Set the jumper according to your battery type:
- For LiPo batteries (2-3S), place the jumper on the designated LiPo pins. This activates the Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) for LiPo cells.
- For NiMH/NiCd batteries (4-10 cells), place the jumper on the designated NiMH pins.
Incorrect jumper settings can damage your battery or model.
Set Brake Function Jumper: The ESC features a programmable brake. Set the jumper to enable or disable the brake function as desired for your application.
Connect to Battery: Finally, connect your fully charged battery to the ESC's power input wires. Ensure correct polarity (red to positive, black to negative).
Mounting: Securely mount the ESC in your model, ensuring it has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating during operation.

6. Operating Instructions

Initial Power-Up: With your transmitter turned on and throttle at the lowest position, connect the battery to the ESC. The ESC will initialize, and you may hear a series of beeps indicating it's ready.
Throttle Control: Use your transmitter's throttle stick to control the motor speed. The ESC provides a linear throttle curve for precise control.
Brake Function: If the brake jumper is enabled, releasing the throttle will activate the motor brake.
No Reverse: This ESC does not support reverse functionality. It is designed for forward-only operation, typical for aircraft and some surface vehicles.
Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC): If using LiPo batteries, the LVC will reduce or cut power to the motor when the battery voltage drops below a safe level, protecting the battery from over-discharge.
Power Down: Always disconnect the battery from the ESC first, then turn off your transmitter.

7. Maintenance

Regularly inspect all wires and connectors for signs of wear or damage.
Keep the ESC clean and free from dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air for cleaning.
Ensure the ESC's heat sink (if present) is clear of obstructions for efficient cooling.
Store the ESC in a dry, cool place when not in use.

8. Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Motor does not respond.	Battery not connected or discharged. ESC not connected to receiver. Transmitter not on or throttle not at lowest position. Motor or ESC damaged.	Check battery connection and charge level. Ensure ESC servo lead is plugged into the correct receiver channel. Turn on transmitter, ensure throttle trim is centered and stick is at minimum. Test motor directly with a battery; inspect ESC for visible damage.
Motor runs intermittently or at low power.	Low battery voltage (LVC activated). Poor connections. Overheating.	Recharge or replace battery. Check all wiring for loose or corroded connections. Allow ESC to cool; ensure adequate ventilation.
ESC gets excessively hot.	Insufficient airflow. Overloaded motor or propeller. Short circuit in motor or wiring.	Improve ventilation around the ESC. Use a smaller propeller or a motor with lower current draw. Inspect motor and wiring for damage.

9. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Turnigy 20A Brushed ESC may vary by retailer and region. Please refer to your purchase documentation or contact your point of sale for details regarding warranty coverage.

For technical support or further assistance, please contact the manufacturer or your authorized dealer.

Hobby King 20A Brushed ESC