T-MOTOR AT40A 2-4S Fixed-Wing Airplane ESC with 5V/3A UBEC

AT (Fixed-Wing Series) ESC Manual

Disclaimer

Thank you for purchasing our Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). Incorrect operation of a high-power RC system may cause danger. Please read this manual carefully and strictly follow the operating procedures.

We assume no liability for personal injury, property damage or consequential loss resulting from improper use of the product or unauthorized modification of its workmanship.

Product Features

1. All components are original, ensuring high ESC quality and reliability.

2. Strong current-flow resistance.

3. Multiple protection functions, including abnormal input voltage protection, battery low-voltage protection, overheat protection and throttle signal loss protection.

4. Supports normal, soft and ultra-soft startup modes and is compatible with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

5. The throttle range can be configured for compatibility with different transmitters, providing smooth, responsive and linear speed control.

6. The maximum supported motor speed is 210,000 RPM for a 2-pole motor, 70,000 RPM for a 6-pole motor and 35,000 RPM for a 12-pole motor.

Specifications

Before Using Your New ESC

IMPORTANT: Because different transmitters have different throttle ranges, calibrate the throttle range before flying. The throttle range should be recalibrated whenever a new transmitter is used.

Programmable Items

The option shown in red is the default setting.

1. Brake Setting: Disabled/Enabled.

2. Battery Type: LiPo/NiMH.

3. Low-Voltage Protection Mode (Cutoff Mode): Limit Power (gradually reduces the output power)/Cut Off (immediately stops the output power). When low-voltage protection is activated, the motor can be restarted by moving the throttle stick to the minimum position. However, because the battery voltage remains low, the available power output will be limited.

4. Low-Voltage Protection Threshold: Low/Medium/High.

When the battery type is set to LiPo, the ESC automatically detects the number of battery cells. The low, medium and high cutoff voltages are 2.85V, 3.15V and 3.3V per cell, respectively. For example, when the Medium threshold is selected for a 3S LiPo battery, the cutoff voltage is 3.15V × 3 = 9.45V.

When the battery type is set to NiMH, the low, medium and high cutoff thresholds are 0%, 50% and 65% of the startup voltage. Selecting 0% disables the low-voltage cutoff function. For example, a fully charged six-cell NiMH battery has a voltage of 1.44V × 6 = 8.64V. When the Medium threshold is selected, the cutoff voltage is 8.64V × 50% = 4.32V.

5. Startup Mode: Normal/Soft/Super-Soft. The time required for the motor to accelerate from stationary to maximum speed is approximately 300ms, 1.5 seconds or 3 seconds, respectively. Normal mode is suitable for fixed-wing aircraft, while Soft and Super-Soft modes are suitable for helicopters. Soft mode takes approximately 1.5 seconds and Super-Soft mode takes approximately 3 seconds to advance from the initial throttle position to full throttle.

If the throttle is fully closed and then reopened within three seconds after the first startup, the ESC automatically switches to Normal mode. This helps prevent a crash caused by an excessively slow throttle response.

6. Timing: Low/Medium/High (3.75°;/15°;/26.25°;). Low timing is suitable for most motors. Because motor structures differ, test the available timing settings to achieve satisfactory performance. High timing may be selected to increase motor speed. After changing the timing setting, always test the system on the ground before flying.

Throttle Range Calibration

Normal startup procedure

Protection Functions

1. Startup Protection: If the motor fails to start within two seconds after throttle input, the ESC will cut off the output power. In this situation, the throttle stick MUST be returned to the minimum position before restarting the motor. This protection may be activated by an unreliable connection between the ESC and motor, disconnected motor output wires, a blocked propeller or a jammed reduction gear.

2. Temperature Protection: When the ESC temperature exceeds approximately 110 Celsius degrees, the ESC will reduce the output to approximately 40% of full power instead of shutting down completely. This maintains limited motor power and helps prevent a sudden loss of control. The ESC will gradually restore maximum output power after the temperature returns to a safe level.

3. Throttle Signal Loss Protection: If the throttle signal is lost for one second, the ESC will begin reducing the output power. If the signal remains unavailable for another two seconds, the ESC will completely cut off the output. If the throttle signal is restored while the power is being reduced, normal throttle control will resume immediately. A momentary signal loss of less than one second will not cause an immediate power cutoff.

4. Overload Protection: If the load suddenly becomes excessive, the ESC will cut off the output power or restart automatically. A blocked motor or propeller may cause this sudden increase in load.

Troubleshooting

Program the ESC with Your Transmitter (4 steps)

The ESC programming procedure consists of four steps:

1. Enter programming mode.

2. Select a programmable item.

3. Set the parameter value.

4. Exit programming mode.

Note: Make sure the throttle curve is set to 0% when the throttle stick is at the minimum position and 100% when it is at the maximum position.

1. Enter Programming Mode

1. Switch on the transmitter, move the throttle stick to the maximum position and connect the battery to the ESC.

2. Wait for two seconds. The motor should emit a special "beep-beep-" tone.

3. Wait for another 5 seconds. The motor should emit a special "56712" tone, indicating that programming mode has been entered.

2. Select Programmable Items

After entering programming mode, the ESC will repeatedly play eight tone sequences. Move the throttle stick to the minimum position within three seconds after hearing the required tone sequence to select that item.

Note: 1 long "beep-----" is equivalent to 5 short "beep-"; tones. Therefore, one long tone followed by one short tone "beep-beep-" represents the sixth programmable item.

3. Set the Parameter Value

The ESC will play several tone sequences in a repeating loop. When you hear the tone corresponding to the desired value, move the throttle stick to the maximum position. A special "1515" tone will sound, indicating that the selected value has been set and saved.

Keep the throttle stick at the maximum position to return to Step 2 and select another programmable item. Move the throttle stick to the minimum position within two seconds to exit programming mode.

4. Exit Programming Mode

There are two ways to exit programming mode.

1. In Step 3, move the throttle stick to the minimum position within two seconds after the special tone "1515"; the tone is emitted.

2. In Step 2, wait for the "beep-----beep-----" tone for item 8, then move the throttle stick to the minimum position within three seconds.