How to: Calibrate an ESC

Reaction time and a little dexterity with the controls are all needed to be a successful RC driver. How well the throttle is used can determine whether a limp spinout or a lovely drift occurs.

But if the throttle endpoints are not calibrated correctly, it won't matter how good your trigger finger is. If you've installed a new ESC or your car (like mine) periodically forgets that reverse exists, you may need to do this. However, there is excellent news! It's pretty simple to set.

We're telling the car where the full throttle, maximum brakes, and neutral are. Since the throttle signal functions similarly to a car's accelerator pedal, we can achieve fully proportional throttle and brakes.

Because the throttle/brake endpoints are not adjusted correctly, RC cars may run much slower than they should, have trouble going into reverse, or even have non-responsive brakes.

Ensure your controller is turned on and the throttle trim dial is set to zero before proceeding.

Throttle Trim Note: Many ready-to-run (RTR) RC cars include a FlySky GT-2 version controller. The middle dial on these is the throttle trim dial. The small notch on this dial should point to the left, or nine o'clock, to set it to zero.

Holding the set button adjacent to the ESC's power switch will turn the controller on when ready. The ESC will begin beeping to alert you that it is in programming mode. Let go of the set button.

A single beep will sound if you press the programming button once more when the hand controller is seated with its trigger in the neutral position. You pointed out neutral to the ESC. Pull the trigger in your direction now, just like you would if going full speed in a drag race. The ESC will beep twice to inform you that it has learned that this trigger position is full throttle if you press the set button again. Finally, depress the trigger completely, as if you were applying severe brake pressure. Press the set button again to put the maximum brake/reverse point, causing it to beep three times.

When the trigger is released, the ESC will emit a single, prolonged beep, indicating that the throttle range has been appropriately adjusted. Excellent work! You can now demolish some lap times because your trigger finger will completely control the RC.