ESC Issue Causes Nose Dives
The latest discussion in the RC community revolves around a concerning issue with the new FIRMA 150 V2 ESC. Users have noticed that when transitioning from around 34% throttle to one-quarter throttle, there is a brief moment of breaking action. This seemingly innocuous action, unfortunately, can lead to a nose dive while the vehicle is in the air.
Varied Experiences
It is worth noting that not everyone has experienced this problem. Some users, like myself, have not yet noticed any issues. This could be due to differences in driving style. Personally, I tend to alternate between full throttle and brakes, which may not trigger the problem. However, I am curious to see if my ESC will manifest this issue on further testing.
Replicating the Problem
To investigate the problem further, it is essential to attempt to replicate it. Starting out slow, everything seems fine at lower speeds. However, when reaching around half throttle, we can observe the nose of the vehicle diving down upon releasing the throttle. Repeating the test confirms the issue. This breaking action above half throttle is definitely noticeable and concerning.
An ESC-Specific Problem
Earl ER, a trusted source in the RC community, has confirmed that this is indeed an ESC problem. In my truck, the only stock electronic component remaining is the ESC. I have my own receiver installed, along with an upgraded servo and motor. Therefore, any electronic issues that match those reported by other users can reasonably be attributed to the ESC.
Testing the Problem on a Jump
To gauge the extent of the issue, it is necessary to induce it in a controlled environment. This, however, requires a departure from my usual driving style. With a jump ahead, I prepare myself to drive differently to trigger the problem and analyze the results.
In conclusion, the new FIRMA 150 V2 ESC has a significant issue that has been causing nose dives during mid-throttle transitions. While not everyone has experienced this problem, it is evident that it is a concern for many users. The ESC-specific nature of the problem has been confirmed, and further testing has revealed the extent of the issue. The RC community eagerly awaits a resolution and hopes for a quick fix to enable uninterrupted enjoyment of the Arrma Kraton and Outcast models.
Issue with the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC
So let’s see if we can make it happen, yep, one more go: yeah, every single time. Okay. At this point, I can confirm that at least on my sample of this ESC, it does have a problem. It appears as though the transition from 34 throttle to about 14 throttle or lower is not a smooth transition, resulting in almost a breaking action.
Testing the ESC
I’d like to confirm this now by hooking up a motor and just running it in free air, and seeing if we can feel that issue just in this motor without it attached to a car. Okay, this is definitely a don’t. Try this at home kind of thing. You don’t want to run a brushless motor in free air. They tend to get hot really fast, they just don’t like it, but we should be able to run this long enough to see if we can get more information on this Theory. Turn those fans off. First time, I’ll just slowly ramp the motor up to full speed. It should be a nice smooth ramp. Oh wait a minute, there’s something going on right about half throttle. Can you hear that? Did you hear that warble? That was right at half throttle. That shouldn’t be happening.
Repeating the Test
Let’s go to full speed and then come back down. I can’t really feel anything coming down, but I can definitely feel it going up. Let me show you that half-speed warble again. Did you hear that? That definitely shouldn’t be there, and you can really feel it in the motor. What’s going on here? Is there a point in the throttle curve where the ESC is not properly driving the motor, and it’s causing a step to happen in the power to the motor? I expect that same exact step is happening on deceleration.
The Issue with the New FIRMA 150 V2 ESC
You probably can’t notice it as much on acceleration, but it’s definitely noticeable on deceleration, and that’s almost certainly what’s causing the problem. The new FIRMA 150 V2 ESC seems to have a major issue that affects its performance.
The Problem with Acceleration and Deceleration
The problem appears to be that when you accelerate and decelerate, there is a noticeable step in the middle of the curve. This step is not smooth, and when you quickly decelerate and go over this step, it causes the ESC to suddenly tell the motor to slow down. Essentially, this creates a braking action.
This issue is causing a nose dive on flat ground, and it becomes even worse when you induce jumping off a ramp. It’s important to note that whether or not this problem will actually affect you depends on your bashing style. If you’re constantly on the gas or on the brakes, you may not notice it at all. However, if you do let off the throttle as you come off a ramp, this problem becomes apparent.
The Ramifications of the Issue
The ramifications of this issue are significant. Horizon, the manufacturer of the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC, will definitely need to address and fix this problem. It’s likely that many customers have already contacted them about it. As a result, the release of the new ARRMA Kraton and Outcast EXB RTR vehicles may get delayed.
It’s crucial for Horizon to ensure the quality and performance of their products, and resolving this issue is essential for customer satisfaction. The delay in the release of the Kraton and Outcast EXB RTR may be an inconvenience to some, but it’s a necessary step to maintain the reputation of both the company and their products.
In the meantime, if you already have the new FIRMA 150 V2 ESC or are planning to purchase the ARRMA Kraton or Outcast, it’s advisable to stay updated with any announcements or developments from Horizon. They will likely provide instructions on how to address the issue or offer a fix for those who have already purchased the product.
The Issue with FIRMA 150 V2 ESC
One of the most anticipated releases in the RC world is the new FIRMA 150 V2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) designed for the Arrma Kraton and Outcast. However, it seems that this new ESC has a major issue that has caught the attention of many enthusiasts. But is the issue really as big as it seems?
Same ESC, Same Problem?
One thing that has been pointed out about the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC is that it is essentially the same as its predecessor, the original FIRMA 150 ESC. This similarity has raised concerns, as it is believed that the new ESC has inherited the programming flaws of its predecessor.
With the assumption that the new ESC has the exact same programming, it is very likely that it will suffer from the same problem as the previous version. This news may disappoint many who were hoping for an improved performance in the updated ESC.
A Different ESC, A Different Problem?
However, some RC enthusiasts are skeptical about the assumption that the new ESC will have the same issue. They argue that since the FIRMA 150 V2 has a different ESC and probably different programming, it is unlikely to encounter the exact same problem.
While this perspective offers a glimmer of hope, it is important to approach it with caution. Although the new ESC may indeed have a different problem, it is still too early to say for certain. The complexity of electronics can often lead to unexpected issues, making it difficult to predict the exact nature of the problem.
A Potential Fix
If the issue with the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC does arise, there is some good news. It is highly likely that the problem can be resolved through a firmware update. This means that most users will be able to fix the issue without the need to send their ESCs in for repair.
However, there is one caveat – in order to perform the firmware update, users will require a Spectrum programmer and a computer. This could potentially be an inconvenience for some users who do not have access to these tools. It remains to be seen whether Horizon, the manufacturer of the ESC, will provide free programmer units to address this concern.
Adding my Own Thoughts
As a fellow RC enthusiast, I wanted to investigate the issue with the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC and provide my own thoughts on the matter. It is important to acknowledge the credits given to Earl Morehead and others who first discovered the problem.
After considering the different perspectives, I must admit that I am perplexed. While it is understandable that the new ESC may have inherited the same problem, the possibility of a different issue is also intriguing. It leaves me questioning the intricacies of the ESC’s programming and its potential impact on performance.
Only time will tell how serious the issue with the FIRMA 150 V2 ESC truly is. As more users get their hands on the product and put it through its paces, we will gain a better understanding of the problem and its implications. Until then, let us hope for a speedy resolution and a satisfying RC experience for all.
