This FAQ Page is applicable to the following ESCs: Talon 15, Talon 25, Talon 35, Talon 60 and Talon 90.
1.) What is the difference between the Talon and Phoenix Edge series?
The Talon series of ESCs does not have a data logger or the auxiliary wire. They do offer a higher amperage rated BEC over the Phoenix Edge series and at a lower price point.
2.) Does my Talon ESC have data logging?
It does not. The Phoenix Edge and older Phoenix ICE ESCs have data logging capabilities.
3.) Are these just for airplane guys?
No, these highly versatile controllers have all the programing capabilities to fill the need of airplane, helicopter and multirotor enthusiasts alike.
4.) My Talon ESC is beeping and/or flashing in a pattern. What does this mean?
These are error codes built into the Talon controllers to let you know what issue your setup is currently experiencing. Please refer to Talon User Guide for more information.
5.) What is the maximum recommended operating temperature of the Talon ESCs?
We recommend a maximum of 180° F/82° C. The over-temperature error code will start at ~220°F/104° C. It will thermally shut down at ~250° F/121° C.
6.) What size bullet connectors should I use between my motor and ESC?
This is dependent entirely on the amperage level of the setup. We offer bullet connectors ranging from 4mm (60 amps) up to 8mm (300 amps). You can find our bullet connectors here along with other Castle accessories. The Talon 90 ESC has 5.5mm female bullets attached directly to the circuit board (the Align version of the Talon 90 uses 4mm female bullets)
7.) What size motor bullet connectors does my Talon 90 use?
The Talon 90 ESC has 5.5mm female bullets attached directly to the circuit board; the Talon 90 sold RTF in Align helicopters uses 4mm female bullets.
8.) Can I adjust the BEC output voltage on the Talon ESC?
The Talon 90 can be set to 6.0(default) or 8.0 volts via the Castle USB programmer. The Talon 15/25/35 have a fixed BEC voltage at 5.5 volts.
9.) Which Talon ESC do I need for my application?
We have a flight calculator program on our website with many of the available motors on the market, various batteries, any prop or fan unit you’d like, and any one of our speed controllers. You can plug in the numbers and see if you can find an appropriate setup for your needs. If you should need assistance, or simply prefer to get help from one of our experienced technicians, feel free to give us a call at 913-390-6939 or send them a message.
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10.) Can I lengthen the wires on the motor or battery side of the speed controller?
Yes. You can lengthen the wires on the motor side of the speed controller and the battery side, but caution must be taken in both instances. If you do not HAVE to lengthen the wires, DO NOT DO IT.
On the motor side you must ensure that you use the same gauge of wire that is already on the controller or larger and use the same length of wire for each of the extensions. The longer the extension the greater the chances of having a motor operation issue (trouble starting, etc). Obviously you will want to thoroughly check motor operation prior to flight.
On the battery side you will want to use the same gauge of wire that is already on the controller or larger and use the same length of wire for each of the extensions. We include 7” (17.8cm) of wire on the battery side of our controllers. Most LiPo battery packs will have approximately 5” (12.7cm) on them.
You can run up to 18” of total wire between the ESC and battery (including the above mentioned wires on the ESC and battery) Anything over this combined 18” (30.5cm) you will need to add extra capacitors to smooth out the ripple that will be generated as a result of the extensions. A good rule of thumb is one capacitor for every 4-6” (10-15cm) of wire you add to the system. Remember that you must count any y or series harnesses to this as well. You want to place the capacitor(s) as close to the point where the battery wires solder to the ESC as possible. We sell a capacitor bank called the CC Cap Pack that works very well in these situations.
11.) Will my Talon ESC work with batteries other than LiPo and NiMH (A123/LiFePO4)?
It will. Check with your battery manufacturer for the proper cutoff voltage, and use our Castle Link Programmer to set the proper cutoff voltage for your particular cell type.
12.) I broke my Talon ESC, and it was my fault. Am I stuck with a dead controller?
No, all Castle speed controllers have a core value. You can visit our Repair Center for details on how to send in your ESC for non-warranty replacement. Or you can contact our repair department regarding details. 913-390-6939, or send them a message.
13.) What types of motors will the Talon ESCs run?
Castle Creations makes every effort to ensure that our speed controllers will run every sensorless brushless hobby grade motor currently available on the market.
14.) When I get to full throttle, my ESC cuts power to the motor. I have to throttle off then back on to get the motor to start, but it cuts off again at full throttle. Why is that?
The most likely cause of this problem is a lithium polymer battery pack that is not capable of providing the current the motor, gear ratio, and propeller are asking for. Normally the voltage curve for LiPo batteries is almost flat, but when overdrawn their voltage will fall below the cutoff point before the battery is discharged completely. The solution for this situation is either a higher gear ratio or a smaller prop, which lowers the current draw of the system. Or, if the performance is not wished to be lost, a higher mAh, or more capable brand of LiPo pack can be used.
Another less likely cause for premature low voltage cutoff is too small or too high a resistance plug between the battery and the ESC. Also make sure the wires on the battery pack are at least the same size as on the ESC.
If the battery pack is up to the task, and the wires and plugs are sized correctly, it is possible that a sudden motor cut off, with the ability to restart by going to the off throttle position, could be caused by the over current protection on that particular controller being too sensitive.
15.) My speed controller beeps approximately every 15-20 seconds. What is that?
That is a feature we added called the “Power On Warning Beep”. It lets you know that your battery pack is still plugged in whenever the speed controller is seeing zero throttle or no throttle from the transmitter at all. This is a safety feature implemented due to the advent of LiPo technology. You can disable it if you would like using the Castle Link software, but it is recommended that it be kept enabled.
16.) What does PWM frequency mean?
PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. The speed controller uses PWM to control the power going to the motor. The controller breaks the current going to the motor into separate pulses that occur thousands of times per second. The percentage of the pulse that is on power compared to the part of the pulse that is off power determines how much power the motor sees. An oversimplified example is that if 50% of the pulse is on and 50% is off, the motor sees 50% power. It is important to note that each on phase of the pulse is equal to the full current draw of the motor and prop at full throttle. Thus, the importance of all components in the system be fully capable of extended periods at full throttle.
17.) What PWM rate should I set my ESC for with “X” motor?
This is based entirely on the motor. Nearly all inrunner motors will use 12KHz. Scorpion outrunners operate best at 8KHz on our software. All other outrunners can use either 12KHz or outrunner motor. Check power output and motor temperature using both to determine which is best for your motor. If you are still unsure or just want to double check, give our tech support department a call at 913-390-6939 or send them a message.
18.) What is the difference between auto-calibrating throttle and fixed endpoints?
With fixed endpoints the ESC dictates what points will be used for full throttle and zero throttle. You calibrate the transmitter to the full throttle and zero throttle points the ESC has designated. With this method you do not have to run the motor up to full throttle prior to a flight. You simply plug in the battery and fly. This is handy with high powered aircraft, 3D planes, jets, or if you simply do not wish to go through the auto calibration process. See question #19 below for instructions on how to set your transmitter for fixed endpoints.
19.) How do I set up fixed endpoints on my transmitter?
You can follow along in this video, download a PDF of instructions, or follow these instructions: Go to the endpoint adjustment screen on your transmitter (EPA/Travel/ATV on the various radios). Move the throttle stick to the top position and bring the endpoint percentage down to 30%. Next, move the throttle stick to the bottom position and bring the endpoint percentage down to 30%. Put the throttle stick back to the full throttle position. If you have a separate receiver battery, turn it on. If not, plug your battery pack into the ESC. After the initialization tones, start dialing the endpoint percentage from 30% out towards 100% (and sometimes past) until you hear a single tone. Then increase the percentage two more points to ensure you will always achieve full throttle. Next, bring the throttle stick to the bottom position. You will hear another single tone. Increase the endpoint percentage from 30% out towards 100% (and sometimes past) until you hear a double tone (the arming tone). Then increase the percentage two more points to ensure you will always achieve zero throttle. USE CAUTION AS THE ESC WILL BE ARMED AT THIS POINT! That’s it! You should have throttle response as soon as the stick is moved up.
20.) Should I run a brake?
This is mainly dependent on the type of aircraft you are flying. NEVER use a brake if you are flying an EDF or a helicopter. Most people choose not to use the brake when they are flying 3D or aerobatic aircraft. This way the prop will freewheel when coming in for landing and when in throttle off situations during maneuvers. For all other types of aircraft it is up to the user.
21.) What is the difference between hard and soft brake?
Hard brake will engage at 100% strength and fully stop the prop at zero throttle. Soft brake will engage the brake at 50% strength which will slow the prop down.
21.) Will my Talon work with "HV" 4.35v/cell LiPo batteries?
Yes, but not up to the max cell count of the ESC and without Auto-LiPo detection feature. The new HV cells charge up to 4.35 volts per cell compared to a standard LiPo at 4.2 volts per cell. If you run the ESC to it's maximum cell count rating you will over volt the ESC. So if the ESC has an "6s" LiPo rating you will be limited to a 5s with using HV LIPo cells. The Auto-LiPo detection feature will not work correctly with HV cells; the ESC will detect an extra cell and set the cut-off voltage too high. When using HV LiPo cells you must set a custom cut-off voltage setting via Castle Link or B-Link.