Flying FPV drones is thrilling, however tuning them for final efficiency can elevate the expertise to a complete new stage. On this article, I’ll share my finest AM32 ESC settings and clarify what every setting does that can assist you perceive their affect in your FPV drone’s flight efficiency.
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My AM32 Settings
- Protocol: Auto
- Allow:
- Caught rotor safety
- Variable PWM
- Complementary PWM
- Timing Superior: 15°
- Motor KV: Match your precise motor
- Motor Poles: Match your precise motor
- PWM Frequency: 24kHz – 48kHz
Necessities
Protocol
You possibly can choose the ESC protocol you plan to make use of. Usually, setting this feature to “Auto” permits the AM32 ESC to mechanically detect and use the protocol your flight controller sends to the ESC. That is extra handy and versatile, however you’ll be able to manually choose particular protocols like DShot or PWM should you desire.
Reverse Rotation
This setting reverses the motor’s route. You possibly can obtain the identical end result by swapping two of the three motor wires or via Betaflight settings.
3D Mode
Used for 3D flying, this mode permits the motors to change between regular and reverse rotation throughout flight, enabling the drone to fly the wrong way up like an RC helicopter. The throttle vary is split between regular and reverse, with the middle stick place being impartial. For more information: https://oscarliang.com/3d-inverted-flying-quadcopter/
Motor Settings
Caught Rotor Safety
This function is designed for FPV drones (multirotors). It detects when a motor is caught, comparable to when it’s caught on a department, and stops driving the motor to forestall injury. Guarantee that is enabled to guard your motors.
Stall Safety
Stall safety is primarily for RC crawlers. It’s finest to depart this disabled for drones because it will increase throttle if the motor slows down, which may result in motor overheating.
Use Corridor Sensor
Disable this for quads. It’s not at present used as a consequence of a scarcity of corridor sensor-capable targets.
Variable PWM
This setting adjusts the PWM frequency based mostly on the motor’s RPM to keep away from PWM frequency/commutation frequency interference. It is suggested to have this enabled for easy throttle response.
Complementary PWM
Complementary PWM acts as a brake to decelerate the motor extra shortly when the throttle is lowered. That is essential for the responsiveness of FPV drones because it helps change motor RPM extra shortly. Allow this for higher flight efficiency.
Timing Advance
Timing advance (a.okay.a. motor timing) determines when the ESC fires the coil relative to the motor magnet’s place.
- 0° Timing: Coil fires when the magnet is instantly reverse the coil. This provides higher efficiency however dangers desyncs.
- Optimistic Timing (Timing Advance): Coil fires barely earlier than the magnet is instantly reverse the coil, serving to construct the magnetic subject power within the coil.
A setting of 15 levels typically gives the most effective steadiness between energy, responsiveness, reliability, and effectivity for a variety of drones.
Startup Energy
Startup Energy solely impacts the primary few commutations when the motor begins from a cease, and it doesn’t affect efficiency as soon as the motor is spinning. Setting this to 100% is really helpful.
Motor KV
Set the Motor KV to match the KV of your motors.
Throttle is restricted based mostly on the entered KV worth. Setting this worth too excessive imits the utmost throttle utilized to the motor, so your motor could have much less energy. In the event you set it too low, it doesn’t essentially affect motor efficiency, however might result in extreme present draw and motor overheating. In case you are unsure concerning the actual motor KV, select a barely decrease worth to make sure optimum efficiency.
Motor Poles
Set the motor poles accurately (sometimes 14 poles for 5-7 inch motors and 12 poles for micro quad motors) to make sure correct RPM readings and optimum efficiency. If uncertain, rely the magnets on the motor bell—every magnet is one pole.
Beeper Quantity
This adjusts how loud the motor beeps with the DShot Beacon.
PWM Frequency
PWM frequency refers to how briskly the FETs within the ESC change on and off to drive the motor.
The PWM frequency will be adjusted from 8kHz-16kHz as much as 48kHz-96kHz, with the default worth being 24kHz-48kHz.
Greater PWM frequencies would possibly really feel smoother and enhance effectivity in some instances, however might cut back motor braking, resulting in much less responsiveness and propwash dealing with.
A setting of 24kHz-48kHz provides the most effective steadiness in efficiency. Keep away from settings as little as 8kHz-16kHz to forestall extreme present draw and potential injury.
Limits
Low Voltage Cutoff
This function is mostly not really helpful for multirotors, as it will probably trigger the mannequin to fall from the sky if the ESC shuts off as a consequence of low voltage. It’s higher for the pilot to observe voltage contained in the goggles and manually land the drone earlier than reaching critically low ranges.
Temperature and Present Limits
Whereas these can present extra safety for the ESC, I personally disable them on my FPV drones to keep away from sudden energy loss mid-flight. What works for me doesn’t mandatory apply to you, so you must determine whether or not to allow these protections based mostly in your circumstances. For wings, setting a temperature restrict (e.g., 140°C) may also help forestall injury as a consequence of overheating, as you would possibly nonetheless be capable of glide and land safely. For quads, sudden energy loss will be problematic particularly when flying over water or difficult terrain.
Sinusoidal Startup
This setting permits the motor to start out at very low RPMs utilizing open-loop commutation. It’s helpful for crawlers however pointless for drones, so it may be disabled.
Brake
Brake on Cease
This setting applies braking drive when the motor is stopped, helpful for crawlers autos if you’d like the automotive to creep down a hill, or wings with folding props. For multi-rotor drones, it’s not helpful and must be disabled.
Working Brake Stage
The drive used to brake the motor when it’s nonetheless spinning. Helpful to cut back this if utilizing massive propellers and you don’t want to emphasize the motor. Additionally helpful in rock crawlers to keep away from performing endos. Depart it at default for FPV drones.
Servo Settings
These settings are solely related for these feeding the ESC with analog indicators comparable to PWM, Oneshot, and Multishot. They don’t seem to be related when utilizing DShot.
Conclusion
Configuring your AM32 ESC with the optimum settings can considerably improve your FPV drone’s efficiency. By understanding and adjusting these settings, you make sure that your drone isn’t solely responsive and highly effective but in addition protected in opposition to potential injury. Joyful flying!