Hobbywing SEAKING V4 Series ESC User Manual

SEAKING 120A V4, 90A V4, 60A V4, 30A V4

01 Disclaimer

ATTENTION CAUTIONS

Thank you for purchasing this HOBBYWING product! Please read this user manual carefully before use, once you use the product, it is understood that you have read and agreed with all the content. Brushless power systems can be very dangerous and any improper use may cause personal injury and damage to the product and related devices, so please strictly follow the instruction during installation and use. Because we have no control over the use, installation, or maintenance of this product, no liability may be assumed for any damages or losses resulting from the use of the product. We do not assume responsibility for any losses caused by unauthorized modifications to our product. We have the right to modify our product design, appearance, features and usage requirements without notification. We, HOBBYWING, are only responsible for our product cost and nothing else as result of using our product. Regarding the possible semantic differences between two different versions of declaration, for users in mainland China, please take the Chinese version as standard; for users in other regions, please take the English version as standard.

Document Version: 20250219, Model Number: HW-SMA708DUL00

02 Warnings

• Ensure all devices in the system are connected correctly to prevent any damage to the system.
• It is important to ensure that all wires and connectors soldered are properly secured. A good soldering station is recommended to do such a job to avoid short circuits, floating solder joints and overheating.
• Do not attempt to drive two brushless motors with a single ESC, as this may cause damage to the ESC.
• Please hold the boat in the air and ensure that the propeller can free spin and may not catch body parts or objects during setup, in order to avoid accidents.
• The battery must be disconnected after use. There is a small draw even when the system is off, and will eventually fully drain the battery. This may cause damage to the ESC, and will NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

03 Features

• Excellent waterproof performance (IP67). Users can use it directly without any waterproof treatment (note: if water enters after use, please blow dry each plug to prevent rusting).
• Built-in ultra-powerful switch mode BEC and adjustable voltage, supporting high torque and high voltage servos.
• Supports LED program card, LCD Program Box Pro/G2, OTA programmer (Note: optional) to set the parameters of the ESC.
• Data logging function to view various running data on the HW LINK app using the OTA Bluetooth module.
• Supports the firmware upgrade of the ESC, allowing users to enjoy the latest functions.

04 Specifications

05 Connections

Diagram showing connections between Battery, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Receiver, and Motor.

1. Motor connection: There are no wire sequencing requirements for the connection between the ESC and the motor. If the motor rotates in the opposite direction, you can exchange two of the motor wires, or set the "Motor Rotation" parameter to change the motor direction.

2. Connect the water-cooling pipe: Connect the corresponding water-cooling pipes to the ESC according to the wiring of the water-cooling pipe inside the boat. It is recommended to use clamps or ties to secure the water cooling tube to prevent loosening.

3. Receiver connection: Insert the throttle cable of the ESC into the throttle channel of the receiver. The red wire of the throttle cable provides the BEC voltage to the receiver and steering servo. Do not supply external power to the receiver, otherwise the ESC may be damaged. If external power is needed, unpin/disconnect the red wire from the throttle cable, insulate it, and secure it away.

Yellow signal cable: This is an auxiliary (AUX) cable, used to connect to the idle/AUX channel on the receiver. You can use the channel switch/knob specified by the transmitter to set the ESC in real time. The default parameter item is "Max. Reverse Force", and other parameter items can also be specified through item 11 "AUX CH function".

4. Battery connection: Make sure that the (+) pole of the ESC is connected to the (+) pole of the battery and (-) to the (-). The red wire is the positive pole, and the black wire is the negative pole. If the connection is reversed, the ESC will be damaged and will not be covered by the warranty.

06 ESC Setup

1. Set the Throttle Range - ESC Calibration Process

The calibration must be done on the first use of the ESC, or if a new radio or receiver is installed, otherwise the ESC may not work correctly. It is strongly recommended to enable the fail-safe function of the transmitter, set the no-signal protection of the throttle channel ("F/S") to close the output or set the protection value to the throttle neutral position. Thus, the motor can stop running if the receiver cannot receive the signal from the transmitter. The calibration steps are below.

1. Turn on the transmitter, ensure all parameters (D/R, EPA, ATL) on the throttle channel are at default (100%). For transmitters without an LCD, turn the knob to the maximum, and the throttle "TRIM" to 0. (If the transmitter has no LCD, turn the knob to the middle point). This step can be skipped if the radio's settings are default!

2. If you are using a pistol-type transmitter:

• a) Pull the throttle trigger to the full throttle position, then connect the ESC to the battery pack; 2 seconds later, a row of "Beep- Beep-" can be heard, indicating the full throttle position has been confirmed.
• b) Release the throttle trigger to the neutral position; a long "Beep--" can be heard, indicating the neutral position has been confirmed.

3. If you are using a board-type transmitter:

• a) Push the throttle stick to the full throttle position, then connect the ESC to the battery pack; 2 seconds later, a row of "Beep- Beep-" tone can be heard, indicating the full throttle position has been confirmed.
• b) If you want to set it (/the throttle range) to half-range, please move the throttle stick to the neutral position; a long "Beep--" can be heard, indicating the neutral position has been confirmed. If you want to set it to full-range (in such a case, the boat cannot run backward), please pull the throttle stick to the bottom position; a long "Beep--" can be heard, indicating the bottom position has been confirmed.

Note: When the motor emits "Beep" tone(s), the red LED in the ESC flashes at the same time.

2. Power on/off and beep instructions

1. Move the throttle trigger/stick to the zero throttle position, then turn on the transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to the ESC. The motor emits several "Beeps" to report the cells number in your Lipo battery pack. Please make sure that the number is correct. A short "beep-" means the #1, and a long "beep--" means the #5. For example: "beep-beep-" means 2 cells. "beep--, beep-" means 6 cells.
3. One second later, the motor emits a long "beep--" to confirm the zero throttle position.
4. You can start the motor.

3. Instruction for programmable items

Note: The highlighted options are the default settings of the ESC.

Notes:

• Regarding the "LiPo Cells" item, SEAKING 30A/60A V4 supports 2-3S adjustable, SEAKING 90A V4 supports 2-4S adjustable, SEAKING 120A V4 supports 2-6S adjustable.
• Regarding the "BEC Voltage" item, SEAKING 30A/60A V4 do not have "8.4V" option.
• Regarding the "Freewheeling" item, SEAKING 30A V4 does not have "Disabled" option.

Detailed Item Descriptions:

1. Running Mode: Option 1: Forward Only - In this mode, only single direction operation is provided without reverse. Option 2: Forward and Reverse - In this mode, the motor can run in both directions.

2. Max. Reverse Force: Refers to the reversing speed. Please confirm if the boat's transmission system supports the setting. A small reverse force is generally recommended.

3. LiPo Cells: Set the correct value according to the actual number of LiPo batteries used. The default is automatically calculated. If the same cells of LiPo batteries are usually used, it is recommended to set this parameter to avoid misjudging (e.g., a 3S Lipo without power may be incorrectly calculated as a fully charged 2S Lipo).

4. Low Voltage Cut-Off: This function prevents excessive discharge of lithium batteries. The ESC monitors battery voltage and cuts off power if it falls below the set threshold. The throttle trigger needs to be returned to neutral for 50% power restoration, with power cut off again after 5 seconds. If battery voltage is below 3.0V/Cell, only 25% power is restored. When voltage protection is entered, the red LED flashes (single flash, "☆, ☆, ☆"). Note: If the battery discharge capacity cannot meet the boat's load, and the battery voltage easily restores above the set value after triggering low voltage protection, the ESC will allow maximum 50% output power to continue running.

5. BEC Voltage: BEC voltage supports 6V/7.4V/8.4V. Generally, 6.0V is suitable for standard servos, while 7.4V/8.4V is suitable for high-voltage servos. Set according to servo specifications. Note: Do not set the BEC voltage above the maximum operating voltage of the servo, as this may damage the servo or ESC.

6. Motor Rotation: Used to set the motor's rotation direction. If the boat reverses when the throttle is applied forward, adjust this item.

7. Punch: Controls throttle response. Higher punch means more aggressive throttle application. Setting it too high may cause excessive start-up current and adversely affect the motor/ESC/battery.

8. Freewheeling: When enabled, it slows down faster when releasing the throttle, provides better throttle linearity and energy recovery, and reduces heat under the same conditions.

9. Drag Brake Force: Refers to the brake force generated by the motor when the throttle trigger returns to neutral. Typically, drag brake is set to 0.

10. Timing: This feature has three functions: 1) Compatibility with different motors; 2) Improves power system efficiency; 3) Fine-tunes motor speed (higher timing means higher speed and current). The actual speed increase depends on the motor and load.

11. AUX CH Function: Sets real-time adjustment parameters for the transmitter's idle channel. Connect the yellow signal cable from the ESC to an idle channel on the receiver. Then, set the desired parameter for this idle channel. This allows real-time adjustment using the transmitter's button/knob. The default is "Max. Reverse Force". Other parameters can be set via the mobile app.

04 Programming Method

This system supports the use of LED and LCD Program Box Pro/G2 for parameter settings. Below is an example of the setting method using the LED program box; the connection method for the LCD Program Box Pro/G2 is the same:

Connect the throttle cable (white/red/black) to the interface marked with "- + " on the LED Program Box (red to positive, black to negative). Simultaneously, connect the yellow signal cable to the interface marked with "- + " on the LED Program Box (the yellow wire corresponds to the signal interface). Finally, connect the battery to the ESC. The "ITEM" and "VALUE" buttons on the programming card allow quick selection of programming items and parameter values. Press the "OK" button to save the new parameters in the ESC. (Refer to Figure 1)

Using the OTA Bluetooth module: Connect the ESC to the OTA Bluetooth module using a "Y" cable (included in the OTA Programmer packaging box). Install the HW Link APP on your smartphone to set the ESC. (Refer to Figure 2)

Data Reading with OTA Bluetooth Module:

Accessing Peak Data

The ESC does not need to be connected to the OTA Bluetooth module during running. After running, connect the ESC to the OTA Bluetooth module as shown in Figure 2. Open the app and select the "Data Records" option to view recorded peak data, which includes: 1) Minimum voltage, 2) Maximum current, 3) Maximum motor RPM, 4) Maximum ESC temperature.

Accessing Real-Time and Historical Data (Graphs)

To view real-time and historical operational data, the ESC must be connected to the OTA Bluetooth module during running. Connect the ESC's yellow signal wire to one female end of the Y cable (included in the ESC packaging box), aligning the yellow signal wire with the white signal line of the Y cable. Insert the Y cable's male end into an unused channel on the receiver, ensuring correct polarity. Connect the other female end of the Y cable to the OTA Bluetooth module (refer to Figure 3).

For the SEAKING 60A V4 ESC: Due to its independent 3-pin programming interface, the method of connecting the program box or OTA programmer is different from other ESCs. The connection method is as follows:

LED Program Box & LCD Program Box Pro/G2: Connect the programming port marked with "- + " on the ESC and the interface marked with "- + " on the program box using a cable with JR plug at both ends, then power on the ESC.

OTA Bluetooth module: Connect the OTA Programmer directly to the programming port marked with "- + " on the ESC, then power on the ESC and operate it using the HW LINK APP on your phone.

05 Factory Reset

Below are several ways to recover factory parameters:

1. The LED program card: Once the LED program card is connected to the ESC, press the "RESET" key and then press "OK" to save to restore the factory settings.
2. The LCD Program Box Pro: After connecting the program box to the ESC, click on "Parameter Settings" and select "Reset Parameters" to restore the factory settings.
3. OTA Programmer: After connecting the OTA Programmer to the ESC, open the HOBBYWING HW Link App on your smartphone, select "Parameters" followed by "Factory Reset" to reset the ESC.

07 Explanation for LED Status

1. The run status indication:

• The throttle trigger is in the zero throttle position and the LED lights are off.
• When advancing, the red light is constantly on, and the blue light will also come on at full throttle (100%).
• When reversing, the red light is constantly on; if the reversing force is set to 100%, the blue light will also come on at full reverse (100%).

2. What the LED means when the relevant protection function is triggered:

• The red light flashes (single flash, "☆, ☆, ☆"): enters the low voltage protection state. The phenomenon after triggering low voltage protection is detailed in the explanation of parameter item 4 (Low Voltage Cut-Off).
• The blue light flashes (single flash, "☆, ☆, ☆"): enters the ESC overheat protection state. The output power will be reduced to 50% after triggering the overheat protection, and full power output can be automatically restored after the temperature drops to a certain value.
• The blue light flashes (three flashes, "☆☆☆, ☆☆☆, ☆☆☆"): enters the current protection state. The ESC will cut off the output after triggering the over-current protection, and the output can be automatically restored when the throttle trigger is returned to the neutral/zero throttle position.
• The blue light flashes (five flashes, "☆☆☆☆☆, ☆☆☆☆☆, ☆☆☆☆☆"): enters the capacitor overheat protection state. The output power will be reduced to 50% after triggering the capacitor overheat protection, and full power output can be automatically restored after the temperature drops to a certain value.
• Notes: The SEAKING 30A/60A V4 ESC does not have capacitor overheat protection.

08 Trouble Shooting

SHENZHEN HOBBYWING TECHNOLOGY Co., LTD. · 101-402 Building 4, Yasen Chuangxin Hi-tech Industrial Park, 8 Chengxin Road, Baolong Industrial Town, Longgang District, Shenzhen, China.

Document Date: February 19, 2025

Model Reference: HW-SMA708DUL00