Castle Creations Hydra X 8S Quick Start Guide

About the Hydra X 8S

Please note that while the Hydra X 8S is capable of handling incredible amounts of power, your motor must also be up for the task. Always run your motor within the manufacturer's specifications. Monitor motor, battery, and controller temperatures carefully and never let the motor get above 100° C (212° F). Excessive heat in the motor can damage the motor, the Hydra X 8S, and the batteries.

Always start with a smaller prop size. If you wish to change the prop, motor, or battery, check your temperatures often on the first run. If the electronics get too hot, decrease the prop pitch or diameter, or reduce the pack voltage.

Programming: The Hydra X 8S is programmable via transmitter (refer to the Driver's Ed Guide) or settings can be programmed via computer using a Castle Link USB adapter (a coupon for a free adapter is included in the package). You can also program with a mobile device using a Castle B-Link Bluetooth® Adapter (sold separately or utilize product discount in lieu of a free adapter). Refer to the Driver's Ed Guide for more instructions on transmitter programming and the Castle Link system ("Tuning with Castle Link" and "Transmitter Programming").

Data Logging: The Hydra X 8S features data logging. You can measure and record important power system information during your run, turn-by-turn. After your run, download and analyze this log using Castle Link. You will be able to inspect many parameters, including battery voltage, motor RPM, ESC temperature, and more. Additional information about using the data logging features can be found in the Driver's Ed Guide ("Data Logging").

© 2023 Castle Creations. Castle Creations, 540 North Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062. Phone: (913) 390-6939. Product Support: castlecreations.com/contact-support. Service: castlecreations.com/contact-service. Website: castlecreations.com. Part Number: 095-0468-00. Revised 05/2023.

Hydra X 8S Specifications

Specification	Details
Application Guidelines	Hobby boats up to 36"
Input Voltage Range	Min: 3S LiPo, Max: 8S LiPo, 33.6V
BEC Specs	Adjustable from 5V to 8.5V (8 A peak), default 5.5V
Sensors	Yes, with optional Sensor Harness (P/N 011-0108-00)

Product Use Statement

Applying voltages higher than 33.6V will cause irreparable damage to your controller.
The Hydra X 8S is a high-performance controller; you must use high-discharge cells in your high-performance application to ensure vehicle performance (see Driver's Ed Guide, "A Word About Batteries").
The Hydra X 8S requires the use of connectors designed for 150+ amps continuous. Example: Castle 6.5mm polarized or 8mm bullet (refer to Driver's Ed Guide, "Connectors and Power Wiring").
The Hydra X 8S is not intended for human or animal propulsion.

*Failure to adhere to the Product Use Statement constitutes a violation of the warranty agreement, and will result in non-warranty service fees to repair or replace damaged products.

Getting Started

Solder a high-quality battery connector to the ESC (refer to Driver's Ed Guide, "Connectors and Power Wiring").
Mount the ESC and motor into the vehicle.
Connect the motor to the ESC (refer to Driver's Ed Guide, "Motor Wiring").
Plug the RX wire into the throttle (#2) channel and the AUX wire into an auxiliary (#3/#4) channel on your receiver.
Calibrate your ESC to your radio (see below).

You are now ready to go!

Throttle Calibration

Ensure your radio is on, the battery is plugged in, and the ESC is off.
Hold full throttle on your transmitter and turn the ESC on (the green LED should illuminate).
When the red LED flashes, move the throttle stick to full reverse.
When the yellow LED flashes, move the throttle stick to neutral.
The ESC is now armed and ready!

Receiver Connection

RX Wire: Plug the RX wire into the throttle (#2) channel on your receiver.

AUX Wire: The AUX wire allows you to adjust a setting "on-the-fly" using an auxiliary channel on your receiver. The AUX wire function is disabled by default and is programmable via Castle Link. Plug this wire into the auxiliary (#3/#4) channel on your receiver.

Transmitter Programming Reference

This section outlines common programming options accessible via your transmitter.

Parameter	Options
1. Brake/Reverse Type	With Reverse Without Reverse* Crawler Reverse
2. Voltage Cutoff	Auto-Lipo* None
3. Brake Amount	25% 50%* 75% 100%
4. Drag Brake	Disabled* 10% 20% 30% Full On
5. Motor Type	Brushless* Brushed Reversing
6. Motor Direction	Normal* Reverse

*Default Setting

Audible Alert Reference

Alert Type	Description/Indication
Start Fail	Indicates a failure during the startup sequence.
Low Voltage Cutoff	Indicates the battery voltage has dropped below the set cutoff threshold.
Over-Current	Indicates the ESC detected an over-current condition.
Radio Glitch	Indicates a loss of signal from the receiver.
Over-Temperature	Indicates the ESC has exceeded its safe operating temperature.
Excessive Load	Indicates the motor is drawing excessive current.
AUX Wire Radio Glitch	Indicates a signal issue with the AUX wire connection.
BEC Over-Temperature	Indicates the BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) has overheated.
Data Log Full Warning	Indicates the internal data logger memory is full.

Driver's Ed Guide

For more detailed information regarding Getting Started, Throttle Calibration, using Castle Link, or Transmitter Programming, please read the Driver's Ed Guide by visiting:

https://www.castlecreations.com/HydraX8sDEG

Alternatively, scan the QR code with your smart device to open the link.

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