Author: Tony Phalen

As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!

RC ESC Throttle Range Calibration Explained

RC ESC Throttle Range Calibration Explained

What Is Throttle Range Calibration? Throttle Range Calibration is the process of matching the throttle signal from your transmitter to the ESC. During calibration, the ... Read More

RC ESC Startup Power Explained

RC ESC Startup Power Explained

What Is Startup Power? Startup Power is an ESC setting that controls the amount of initial power delivered to the motor when accelerating from a ... Read More

RC ESC Softening Value Explained

RC ESC Softening Value Explained

What Is Softening Value? Softening Value is an ESC setting that reduces the aggressiveness of throttle response during initial acceleration. Instead of delivering full requested ... Read More

RC ESC Sensor Mode (Sensored / Sensorless / Hybrid) Explained

RC ESC Sensor Mode (Sensored / Sensorless / Hybrid) Explained

What Is Sensor Mode (Sensored / Sensorless / Hybrid)? Sensor Mode (Sensored / Sensorless / Hybrid) determines how the ESC identifies the position of the ... Read More

RC ESC RPM Limit Explained

RC ESC RPM Limit Explained

What Is RPM Limit? RPM Limit is an ESC setting that restricts the maximum motor speed by limiting the motor's revolutions per minute (RPM). Once ... Read More

RC ESC Reverse Delay Explained

RC ESC Reverse Delay Explained

What Is Reverse Delay? Reverse Delay is an ESC setting that determines how long the ESC waits before allowing reverse throttle after braking. When Reverse ... Read More

RC ESC Power Curve Explained

RC ESC Power Curve Explained

What Is Power Curve? Power Curve is an ESC setting that adjusts how throttle input is translated into motor power output across the throttle range. ... Read More

RC ESC Overheat Protection Explained

RC ESC Overheat Protection Explained

What Is Overheat Protection? Overheat Protection is a built-in safety feature that monitors the internal temperature of the ESC and reduces or shuts off power ... Read More

RC ESC Neutral Range (Dead Band) Explained

RC ESC Neutral Range (Dead Band) Explained

What Is Neutral Range (Dead Band)? Neutral Range (aka Dead Band) is the area around the transmitter trigger's neutral position where the ESC ignores input ... Read More

RC ESC Motor Timing Explained

RC ESC Motor Timing Explained

What Is Motor Timing? Motor Timing is the amount of advance applied to the magnetic field inside a brushless motor. By advancing the timing, the ... Read More

RC ESC Motor Direction Explained

RC ESC Motor Direction Explained

What Is Motor Direction? Motor Direction is an ESC setting that determines which way the motor rotates when throttle is applied. When you pull the ... Read More

RC ESC Initial Throttle Force Explained

RC ESC Initial Throttle Force Explained

What Is Initial Throttle Force? Initial Throttle Force is an ESC setting that determines how much motor power is applied when throttle input first moves ... Read More

RC ESC Forward / Brake / Reverse Mode Explained

RC ESC Forward / Brake / Reverse Mode Explained

What Is Forward / Brake / Reverse Mode? Forward / Brake / Reverse Mode is an ESC operating mode that allows the vehicle to drive ... Read More

RC ESC Drive Frequency (PWM Throttle) Explained

RC ESC Drive Frequency (PWM Throttle) Explained

What Is Drive Frequency (PWM Throttle)? Drive Frequency (PWM Throttle) refers to how quickly the ESC switches power on and off to control motor speed. ... Read More

RC ESC Drag Brake Explained

RC ESC Drag Brake Explained

What Is Drag Brake? Drag Brake is an ESC setting that automatically applies a specific amount of braking force whenever the throttle trigger returns to ... Read More