Hobbywing EZRUN MINI28 Brushless ESC User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Hobbywing EZRUN MINI28, a high-performance sensored brushless electronic speed controller designed for 1/28 scale RC cars.

Important Notes:

• Read all instructions carefully before use.
• Improper usage or unauthorized modifications can be dangerous and damage the product.
• Hobbywing is responsible only for the product cost, not for any damages resulting from its use.

Cautions

General Precautions:

• Ensure all wires and connections are well insulated to prevent short circuits.
• Verify all device connections are secure to prevent damage.
• Confirm power configuration is rational by reading manuals of power devices and chassis.
• Use a soldering iron with at least 60W for wires and connectors.
• Discontinue use if ESC casing exceeds 90°C (194°F). Hobbywing recommends setting ESC Thermal Protection to 105°C (221°F).
• Always disconnect batteries after use, as the ESC consumes current even when off, which can discharge and damage batteries/ESC. This is not covered under warranty.

Features

• Special programming for Mini Z racing with adjustable parameters for different tracks and controls.
• Adjustable throttle driving frequency, brake frequency, and initial throttle force for precise motor control.
• Multiple protection functions: low battery voltage, ESC overheat, and fail-safe (throttle signal loss).
• Supports parameter setting via LCD G2 program box and OTA programmer.
• Supports ESC firmware upgrades for the latest functions.

Specifications

Connections

Proper wiring is crucial for operation and safety.

ESC Setup and Transmitter Calibration

Calibrate your ESC with your transmitter before use. It is recommended to set the radio system's "Fail Safe" function to "Output OFF" or "Neutral Position".

Programmable Items

The EZRUN MINI28 ESC offers a wide range of programmable parameters to fine-tune performance. Below is a summary of the programmable items and their typical value ranges.

Detailed Parameter Explanations:

1A. Running Mode:

• Forward with Brake: Racing mode with forward and brake functions only.
• Forward/ Reverse with Brake: "Training" mode using "DOUBLE-CLICK". First trigger push brakes; second push reverses. Reverse only engages when the vehicle is stopped.
• Forward and Reverse: For rock crawlers, uses "SINGLE-CLICK". Vehicle reverses immediately upon pushing the throttle trigger forward (brake).

1B. Max. Forward Force: Sets the force at maximum forward throttle, affecting forward speed.

1C. Max. Reverse Force: Determines reverse speed. Low values are recommended for safety.

1D. Cutoff Voltage: Protects LiPo batteries by reducing or cutting power when voltage drops below a set threshold. RED LED flashes (☆, ☆, ☆) when activated. For NiMH batteries, set to "Disabled" or customize.

• Disabled: No low voltage cutoff. Not recommended for LiPo batteries.
• Auto: Calculates cutoff voltage (default 7.0V).
• Customized: User-set cutoff threshold (4.0V to 7.4V per pack).

1E. ESC Thermal Protection: Cuts off output if ESC temperature reaches a preset value. GREEN LED flashes (☆, ☆, ☆) when activated. Output resumes when temperature drops. Warning: Do not disable unless in competition, as high temperatures can damage ESC and motor.

1F. BEC Voltage: Adjustable between 6.0V (for common servos) and 7.4V (for high-voltage servos). Set according to servo voltage requirements.

1G. Motor Rotation/Direction: Sets motor shaft rotation (CCW/CW). Generally, CCW rotation means forward movement, but this can vary by chassis design.

2A. Throttle Rate Control: Controls throttle response speed. Lower values limit response for smoother control, higher values provide quicker response.

2B. Neutral Range: Adjusts the neutral throttle band to accommodate transmitter stability variations.

2C. Initial Throttle Force: Sets minimum throttle input required to start motor rotation. Useful for slippery surfaces or motors with cogging effects. Helps achieve smoother control.

2D. Coast: Gradually reduces motor RPM when throttle is reduced, allowing the vehicle to coast. Higher values increase the coasting effect. Note: This function is void if "Drag Brake" is not set to 0%.

2E. PWM Drive Frequency: Affects acceleration smoothness and heat generation. Low frequencies offer aggressive initial acceleration; high frequencies are smoother but generate more heat. "Customized" allows variable frequency settings.

2F. Softening Value: Fine-tunes throttle response at the low end for milder acceleration, improving control, especially in Modified classes. Increasing Softening Value may allow for increased motor mechanical timing.

2G. Softening Range: Defines the throttle input range (0% to 100%) over which the "Softening Value" is applied.

3A. Drag Brake Force: Simulates the slight braking effect of a neutral brushed motor when throttle is released. Not recommended for buggies and monster trucks. Increases power consumption and heat.

3B. Max. Brake Force: Sets the maximum braking power applied when the throttle trigger is at the full brake position. Higher values shorten braking time but can stress pinion and spur gears.

3C. Brake Rate Control: Adjusts brake response speed. Lower values provide quicker braking.

3D. Brake Frequency: Affects brake force and smoothness. Lower frequencies yield stronger braking; higher frequencies provide smoother braking. "Customized" allows variable frequency settings.

4A. Boost Timing: Dynamically adjusts motor timing based on RPM or throttle input to improve speed on straights and corners. Timing is variable.

4B. Boost Timing Activation:

• RPM: Boost Timing is activated based on motor RPM. It increases as RPM rises between "Boost Start RPM" and "Boost End RPM".
• Auto: Boost Timing is activated based on throttle amount, reaching full set value at full throttle.

Boost Timing vs. RPM Example:

4C. Boost Start RPM: Defines the RPM at which Boost Timing begins to activate.

4D. Boost End RPM: Defines the RPM at which the full set Boost Timing is applied.

5A. Turbo Timing: Adjustable timing that initiates at full throttle, typically used on long straights to maximize motor potential.

5B. Turbo Delay: Sets how quickly Turbo Timing is activated after reaching full throttle. "Instant" activates immediately; other values require holding full throttle for a set duration.

5C. Turbo Increase Rate: Controls the speed at which Turbo Timing is applied. Faster rates increase acceleration and heat.

5D. Turbo Decrease Rate: Manages how quickly Turbo Timing is deactivated when throttle input changes. A smooth decrease prevents abrupt slowdowns and improves control.

Warning: Boost and Turbo Timing can significantly improve performance but increase heat. Monitor ESC and motor temperatures during trial runs and adjust timing and FDR accordingly to prevent overheating.

Programming Methods

The EZRUN MINI28 ESC can be programmed using either a multifunction LCD G2 program box or an OTA programmer with a smartphone app.

1. Using a Multifunction LCD G2 Program Box:
   • Connect the ESC and program box via the throttle cable and turn on the ESC.
   • Press any button on the program box to initiate communication.
   • Use the "ITEM" and "VALUE" buttons to adjust settings, and press "OK" to save.
2. Using an OTA Programmer:
   • Connect the ESC (via throttle cable) and OTA Programmer using a "Y" shaped cable.
   • Install the HOBBYWING HW Link App on your smartphone.
   • Refer to the OTA Programmer's manual for detailed programming instructions.

Attention: The throttle cable is required for connecting the program box or OTA programmer.

Restoring Default Values

You can reset the ESC to factory default settings using the programming methods described above.

• Via LCD G2 Program Box: Navigate to "RESTORE DEFAULT" and press "OK".
• Via OTA Programmer (& HW Link App): Open the HW Link App, select "Parameters", then "Factory Reset".

LED Status Indicators

Understand the ESC's status through its LED indicators.

1. During Start-up Process:
   • Solid RED LED: ESC detects no throttle signal or throttle trigger is at neutral.
   • Rapidly Flashing GREEN LED: Transmitter's neutral throttle value differs from the ESC's stored value. Recalibrate the throttle range.
2. In Running:
   • Solid RED LED, GREEN LED Off: Throttle trigger is in the neutral zone. RED LED blinks quickly if Boost/Turbo Timing is 0.
   • RED LED Off, GREEN LED Blinks: Vehicle running forward. GREEN LED solid at full throttle.
   • RED LED Off, GREEN LED Blinks: Vehicle braking. GREEN LED solid at full brake.
   • RED LED Off, GREEN LED Blinks: Vehicle reversing. GREEN LED solid at full reverse.
3. When Protection is Activated:
   • Flashing RED LED (☆, ☆, ☆): Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) protection activated.
   • Flashing GREEN LED (☆, ☆, ☆): ESC Thermal Protection activated.
   • Simultaneously Flashing RED & GREEN LEDs: ESC automatically switched to sensorless mode due to abnormal sensor signal with a sensored motor.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions: