How to Use 1S/1A Brushed ESC: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 1S/1A Brushed Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) is a compact and lightweight device designed to regulate the speed, direction, and braking of brushed DC motors. Manufactured by Generic under the part ID "NoName," this ESC is ideal for low-power applications such as micro RC vehicles, drones, and robotics. It operates on a single-cell (1S) LiPo battery and supports a maximum continuous current of 1A, making it suitable for small-scale projects requiring precise motor control.

• Micro RC cars, boats, and drones
• Robotics and automation projects
• Educational and DIY electronics
• Small brushed DC motor control in hobbyist applications

The following table outlines the key technical details of the 1S/1A Brushed ESC:

The 1S/1A Brushed ESC has three main connectors:

1. Connect the Battery: Attach the battery to the ESC's battery input connector. Ensure the polarity is correct to avoid damage.
2. Connect the Motor: Connect the two motor wires to the ESC's motor output terminals. If the motor spins in the wrong direction, reverse the connections.
3. Connect the Signal Input: Use a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO) or an RC receiver to send a PWM signal to the ESC's signal input pin.
4. Power On: Turn on the power supply. The ESC will initialize and be ready to control the motor.

• Voltage Compatibility: Only use a 1S LiPo battery (3.7V). Higher voltages may damage the ESC.
• Current Limitations: Ensure the motor's current draw does not exceed 1A continuously or 2A peak.
• Signal Calibration: Calibrate the ESC to match the PWM signal range of your controller for optimal performance.
• Heat Management: Avoid prolonged operation at maximum current to prevent overheating.
• Polarity Check: Double-check all connections to avoid reversing polarity, which can damage the ESC.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to control the ESC using a PWM signal:

// Example code to control a 1S/1A Brushed ESC with Arduino UNO
// Connect the ESC signal input to Arduino pin 9

#include <Servo.h> // Include the Servo library to generate PWM signals

Servo esc; // Create a Servo object to control the ESC

void setup() {
  esc.attach(9); // Attach the ESC signal wire to pin 9
  esc.writeMicroseconds(1000); // Send minimum throttle (1ms PWM signal)
  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds to allow the ESC to initialize
}

void loop() {
  esc.writeMicroseconds(1500); // Set motor speed to 50% (1.5ms PWM signal)
  delay(5000); // Run motor at 50% speed for 5 seconds

  esc.writeMicroseconds(2000); // Set motor speed to 100% (2ms PWM signal)
  delay(5000); // Run motor at full speed for 5 seconds

  esc.writeMicroseconds(1000); // Stop the motor (1ms PWM signal)
  delay(5000); // Wait for 5 seconds before repeating
}

• Replace 9 in esc.attach(9) with the appropriate pin number if using a different Arduino pin.
• Ensure the ESC is properly calibrated to the PWM signal range (1ms to 2ms) before running the code.

1. Motor Does Not Spin

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Verify all connections and ensure the battery is charged.

2. Motor Spins in the Wrong Direction

   • Cause: Motor wires are connected in reverse.
   • Solution: Swap the two motor wires to reverse the direction.

3. ESC Overheats

   • Cause: Motor is drawing more current than the ESC's rated capacity.
   • Solution: Use a motor with a lower current draw or reduce the load on the motor.

4. No Response from ESC

   • Cause: Incorrect PWM signal or signal wire not connected.
   • Solution: Check the PWM signal range and ensure the signal wire is properly connected.

5. ESC Beeps Continuously

   • Cause: ESC is not receiving a valid PWM signal.
   • Solution: Verify the connection between the ESC and the microcontroller or RC receiver.

Q: Can I use this ESC with a 2S LiPo battery?
A: No, this ESC is designed for 1S (3.7V) LiPo batteries only. Using a higher voltage may damage the ESC.

Q: How do I calibrate the ESC?
A: To calibrate, send the maximum and minimum PWM signals (e.g., 2ms and 1ms) during initialization. Refer to the ESC's specific calibration procedure if available.

Q: Can I control multiple motors with one ESC?
A: No, this ESC is designed to control a single brushed DC motor. Use separate ESCs for multiple motors.

Q: Is this ESC compatible with brushless motors?
A: No, this ESC is specifically designed for brushed DC motors. Use a brushless ESC for brushless motors.