Help troubleshoot castle sidewinder
 

Hey all-

I've tried to email Castle and haven't gotten a response. Maybe you guys can give me some advice. Here's my abbreviated email:

Hello,

I am having some trouble with a 1/10 sidewinder ESC.

I am using this ESC with a Castle CM36 4600 motor that works perfectly with another Sidewinder ESC I have.

I can setup the ESC, and configure the setting (using the Tx) as normal. All beeps and tones seem appropriate and the ESC responds as it should. However, then I try to power the motor (on the bench, no load), the shaft begins to turn, but then act as if it is stalled. The ESC and motor will get warm quickly in this state.

I have also noticed that if I disconnect the white wire (motor side), I get the same response, as if that wire (or corresponding phase) is not doing anything.

Please advise if you have suggestions/information on this problem, and if there is any further troubleshooting I can do before requiring service.

Thank you for your time,

You may have the ESC configured for a brushed motor (only uses 2 wires)

Get the castle link usb adapter and use the PC software to change it

Cheers

Nothing is more frustrating then setting an ESC through the radio, I also say get the Castle Link and first update the ESC to version 3.30 and restore it to the factory defaults through the link. I have 5 Castle ESCs and wouldn't own one without the link, it's the best $25 you'll spend on accessories.

Castle's support is top notch, I never rely on e-mail for factory support. Just call them and you'll see that they are great guys to deal with.

Unfortunately my work schedule does not allow me to call Castle during their business hours.

I ordered a Castle Link on March 27. I got the automated order confirmation email, but haven't gotten any other notification. I've sent 3 emails, each time getting the autoreply and nothing further. I keep hearing they have great customer service, but it appears they may be leaving out those who are unable to reach them by phone.

I've programmed it to brusheless mode twice, each time it behaves the same.

Anyone have a Castle Link for rent? :)

sounds like what my wife's ESC control did in her RTR sc10. it quit working then started to go then stalled out and barely spun the wheels. then the motor leads to the ESC got very hot. hooked the motor to a different ESC motor worked fine. hooked the ESC to a different motor and the ESC did the same thing to that motor it barely spun the rear wheels and the leads from that motor got very hot. i say bad ESC. we had a couple at our local track that was bad. i say send it in for warranty repair/replacement.

That's what I was afraid of. Any other opinions?

Just to close the loop - castle did get back with me a couple days ago. Pretty much said the ESC was toast. Hopefully this may help someone with a similiar problem in the future.