OwenDuffy.net 


Turnigy Multistar 10A ESC

*** draft ***

From Hobbyking's website specifications:

Details:
• Smooth and linear throttle control
• Fast response to throttle input
• Atmel MCU
• Stalled motor protection
• Throttle signal lose protection
• Safe power-on (throttle lockout)
• Support 480Hz+ high refresh rates (up to 499hz)
• Compatible with programming card

Specs:
Constant Current: 10A
Input Voltage: 2-3 cell Lipoly
BEC: Yes (linear) [Remove middle wire to dissable]
BEC Output: 5V/2A
PWM: 8 KHz
Max RPM: 240,000rpm for 2 Pole Brushless Motor
PCB Size: 22mm x 17mm
Weight: 16g
Fig 1:
 

Fig 1 shows the label of a Multistar 10A ESC.

Fig 2:
 

Fig 2 shows the top side of the ESC. This uses a MLF package Atmega8A, and important pins for programming have no tracks on them, no pads, so it is necessary to attach wires direct to the chip pins to reprogram them. So despite Hobyking's statement [a]ll Multistar ESC's feature an ATmega MCU that opens the door to customizable firmware, these are very difficult to reprogram the flash, it just isn't practical.

Fig 3:
 

Fig 3 shows the underside of the ESC. The ESC uses 4407A P FETs on the high side, P FETS tend to have higher resistance than N FETs for the same size, twice the RDS(ON) in this case.

The input and output wire sizes are smaller than any other 10A ESCs that were tested.

BEC

The 2A rated BEC uses a pair of D package linear regulators which it appears also power the MCU.

Since the ESC had such other issues, the BEC was not tested.

Summary

Issues include:

Basically, use them as they are, or reconfigured with the specific programming card, warts and all, or buy something else. These are very diffult to re-flash and best forgotten if that is your intention or planned recovery for the poor performance (eg restarting).

No warranty

Advice (or a warning) to those who might try to replace the firmware on an ESC. Most FW comes with no warranty, and typically the OEM firmware is read protected so you cannot save and restore it. In most cases, changing the firmware may terminate any seller's warranty.

In making hardware or firmware modifications, you may damage the ESC, or the model may fail and cause consequential damage.

The author gives no warranty and makes no representations about the suitability of this technique or any particular products for the end user, or the accuracy of the article content, they must inform themselves and make their own judgment aware that there are risks. If you are not competent to do these things, don't do them!

Products

The article should not be seen as a recommendation or endorsement of any products.

The products shown in this article are from Hobbyking who manufacture products under a range of brand names, possibly creating an illusion of competition. Their products tend to be low in cost and low in quality, products are not good value when you have to throw a proportion of them in the rubbish because the cost of returning them exceeds the value of the replacement which is only available after excessive delay, many follow ups and haggling. If you see the claim [o]ther stores will force you to ship the product back to China in full retail packaging every time! Hobbyking's warranty service is professional, fair and fast, don't believe it, it doesn't work that way in my experience... I get better service from most eBay sellers!

Links

 

Changes

Version Date Description
1.01 09/06/2013 Initial.
1.02    
1.03    

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