Trackstar / Toro 150A Gen II with multi-function program box
 

$76.05 Turnigy Trackstar 150A GenII 1/8th Scale Sensored Brushless Car ESC - PC Programmable

$11.48 TrackStar Multi-Function Smart Program Box

(Also available in blue with Toro / SkyRC branding, similar price, maybe a few bucks more). EDIT! - SKYRC PROGRAM BOX IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH TRACKSTAR ESC

Anybody tried these yet? I'm excited just to use the program box. Can test receiver signal width and frequency, KV and RPM readings on motor, voltage in individual cells on lipos, servo input voltage, servo travel position and peak current - and adjust esc settings or plug into PC and use software or upgrade firmware. And soon there will be a bluetooth adapter for the esc so you can adjust the esc settings through an app on your smart phone - how cool is that!

Mine are en route from China right now. I didn't see any other posts on these items, but I figured someone else out there has either been drooling over them or already started using them. I'll be able to post my pro's/con's after I receive/install/test them in a week or two. Feel free to post your questions/comments/concerns in this thread.

Stock photos:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...wford/150a.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...d/progcard.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n.../toto150a1.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...d/torocard.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...wford/PC-1.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n.../iphone2-1.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n.../iphone1-1.jpg

Specs:
Constant/Burst Current: 150A / 950A
Motor Compatibility: Brushless sensored and sensorless
Car Compatibility: 1/8 on road, off road, monster and crawlers
Motor Limits:
2~4S LiPo: KV<3000, 2~6 poles
2~6S LiPo: KV<2400, 2~4 poles
Resistance: 0.0002ohm
Battery Cell Count: 6~19S NiMH or 2~6S LiPo
BEC Output: 6V @ 5A
Dimensions: 58x41x38mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 95g (without wires)
*FAN: [email protected]
• 10 Programmable User Preset Profiles
• ESC Overheat Protection
• Motor Overheat Protection
• Programmable Brake and Throttle Curves
• Adjustable Boost and Turbo Timing
• Adjustable Brake and Drag Brake
• PC Programmable

I got the Trackstar program box the other day, which was very fast delivered from China, probably because I ordered it alone. It does not appear to have one of the features available on the Toro program card: KV and RPM readings on motor.

Still waiting on the esc to arrive from China. It's part of a bigger order, which tends to slow down cheap International shipping time a good bit.

Great! Eager to hear your thoughts on this ESC.

Compatability
 

Hi there glad to stumble upon this topic, I have been asking hobbyking if the kv/rpm function is missing in their version(still no reply, 2 weeks) am just about to order the trackstar 150amp gen11 esc and turnigy box is on BO, just really need to know if the sky rc box is fully compatible , as I need the kv/rpm function.
If you can confirm that the skyrc is fully ok to use with turnigy will buy it instead, thanks

I hope someone here can confirm that the skyrc box IS compatible with turnigy. I emailed skyrc support for confirmation

Hi there, can anyone tell me if your program box SK-300046 will work
with Turnigy
Trackstar 150A GenII 1/8th Scale Sensored Brushless Car ESC - PC
Programmable PRODUCT ID: 9052000047 from Hobbyking, I wish to buy your
product if it does, thanks


and this is what I received back

A customer support staff member from SKYRC has replied to your support
> request, #10650 with the following response:
>
> Hello Sir,
>
> Thanks for your support to SKYRC products
> Our program box is not compatible with Turnigy Trackstar 1/8 150A ESC
>
> Best Regards
>
> Chris

have emailed again asking why it is NOT compatibile and if bluetooth IS compatibile am still waiting response ... will post again when they get back to me

I'm also interested to know if the program cards are interchangeable between the ESC's.

I ordered a SkyRC program card just now, so I can test it on the Trackstar esc in a week or so. Cost $18+ shipped. I now see the SkyRC program box has a motor sensor input on the top, and the Trackstar program box does not. The KV / RPM function must only be available for sensored motors.

If you look at the SkyRC manual, #5 is instructions for the KV / RPM function. If you look at the Trackstar manual, #5 is missing and it skips from #4 to #6. Everything else about the manuals are identical. Same grammatical errors and misspelled words, same Engrish.

Also the PC software is slightly different, with a different download available from each website. There might be other watered down features on the Trackstar version, we will see... I'm going to bet everything is interchangable with a couple less bells and whistles on the Trackstar version.

UPDATE: I also just ordered the SkyRC bluetooth module, and I'll test it with the Trackstar esc and my iphone. Had to order from China through eBay's Australia website. Cost $22+ shipped. This could easily be one of the coolest features I have ever seen on a speed control.

I am extremely interested to hear what you discover, I am not convinced that the support guys have even looked at my question, would love to tell them to "give yourself an uppercut" if they are compatible.:D
that should confuse them:sneaky::D

Update: ordered the trackstar esc last night so cant wait to find out how it goes

also found this forum with info (warning site certificate might be invalid but I didnt seem to have any problems) :)//endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=55147,

if you dont want to visit page this is the info that is relevant by

daverobson08.. quote: I'm pretty sure mine is the same model - vanilla SkyRC without the HK Trackstar branding. Unfortunately I can't say what it's like yet as I bought the bluetooth adapter for programming instead of the progbox . It turns out that the bluetooth programming app doesn't yet work. I've tried it on both Android and iOS with no luck. I have contacted SkyRC and I received this reply:

SkyRC Support wrote:
A customer support staff member from SKYRC has replied to your support request, #9977 with the following response:

Dear sir,

For your understanding, Android can be workable in December. And APPLE can be workable in January next year.

If you want to use it right away, we suggest that you can buy a skylink or program box.
We're very sorry for this convenience.

Best regards,
Sophia


Not particularly impressed really. The bluetooth programming capability was one of the main reasons why I bought this ESC (also because it is quite small). For the app to not work at release date is pretty poor. Must have been a case of"Just ship it!" end quote.

Hmmm... they are sorry for this convenience....

Well, I received my programming card today and plug it into the computer.

Looking through the menu of the car and it looks like there are heaps of options available.

I then attempted to plug it into the computer via USB I haven't been able to get the application to read the settings from the ESC it constantly comes up with fail to read ESC. Pres Read ESC again.

I guess I can expect too much when upgrade is spelt "upgrate". I've tried to downgrade the Programming card to version 1.00 and upgraded it to 1.01.

I've tried downloading the sky rc application and I can't even get it to run. The application won't even open for me. I get an error on application open however it is in random ASCII characters. I'm assuming because I don't have a language pack installed.

I am not having any luck at all. Is anyone else having some luck?

matt_stomper: More info needed. What esc are you using? The program card will not work with other Trackstar ESC's. I tried it on an SCT 120A Trackstar ESC and it gave me an error. Just making sure you're using it on the right ESC because you didn't say.

I got my two 150A Trackstar Gen II esc's last weekend and soldered them up. They seem to work perfectly fine and the program card has many many options available. I have not tried to locate a USB cable to connect mine to the computer yet, so I cannot comment on that aspect at the moment.

I ordered the Skyrc with program box form RCMart, and it should be here in the next few days, Ill let you guys know how it goes.

Sorry here is the details
ESC: Trackstar 150A genII
Programming card: Trackstar Program box - Multi functional smart program box

The program card works great with the ESC directly - I have not been successful at modifying the settings on the ESC via the computer.

Hi there, I'm having same problem. I realised that in Throttle input Curve the options are "yes" or "no". I think that options should be "custom" or "line" as in brake input curve. If someone get to connect the ESC to PC. Please upload a file saving a profile. Maybe we can solve the problem loading a profile. If I found a solution I will post it there.

The SkyRC program box DOES NOT work with the Trackstar 150A Gen II esc. It says "Connecting fail!"

I have not connected anything to a PC yet because none of my scrap USB plugs fit. It's possible we can flash the Trackstar ESC with the SkyRC ESC firmware, but maybe not.

Thanks for the info, :cry:.
I wonder if the firmware on the skyrc box could be "blended" with the turnigy firmware, must be something simple as they look nearly identical,
I wonder if the bluetooth will work?



In the trackstar pc link program there is an option to "upgrate" the firmware on the esc and the program box so maybe we could work on flashing the skyrc program box with "homebrew" firmware to make it compatible and retain the extra functions

$97.66 shipped from RCMart.com for a SkyRC Toro 150A Gen II esc plus smart program box. That's pretty much the same price you would pay for the Trackstar version of esc and program box shipped.

http://www.rcmart.com/toro-ts150a-br...m-p-37241.html

I pulled out a Novak SS Pro 17.5T 2-pole sensored brushless motor. I plugged the sensor wire into the SkyRC program box, connected motor to Trackstar esc, connected 2S lipo to Trackstar esc, and connected lipo balance plug into the SkyRC program box. Novak markets this as a 2200KV motor, so at no load and wide open throttle I should theoretically see 2200KV on the program box. With radio in one hand and iphone in the other I snapped a few pics going from low to high throttle. Here are the results:

RPM Voltage KV
1 7,380 7.69 959
2 9,690 7.68 1,260
3 13,570 7.67 1,767
4 16,350 7.67 2,131

I don't think I had the trigger squeezed all the way on the last pic, so the max measured KV could have been a little higher (closer to advertized 2,200) and I just didn't capture it in a photo. This is a neat little tool, but I can't see much use for it other than assigning KV values for sensored 540 can motors that only have turn counts stamped on the side.

This should work with any esc, any sensored brushless motor, and any lipo with a balance lead.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...59543DB7_2.jpg

SkyRC Bluetooth module DOES NOT work on Trackstar esc
 

I got my SkyRC Bluetooth module today. Downloaded app for my iPhone, plugged in Bluetooth module, synced it to my iPhone, ran the app, and this is what I got :(

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...7152A56D08.png

But I'm not surprised since program boxes aren't interchangeable.

If its any interest to you guys in January I'm going to start bringing in the Toro competition line on esc's, program boxes and blue tooth modules here to the US.

That's great! Hope your prices are competetive with eBay sellers shipping from China (prices posted already in this thread). I know Vicious Teknology in North Carolina is also selling some of the Toro competition line, but not the 150A yet.

Well crap... I got my SkyRC esc in the mail today, soldered it up, tested it out, hooked up the Bluetooth module (which is awesome) and tested it out. But then I finally downloaded the SkyRC PC software and got this foreign language error message. Any idea what this means?

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...F6526226A1.jpg

I had the same problem with the application. I haven't lodged a helpdesk ticket yet and I thought it might just be me having the problem.

I just got the Trackstar GenII today and same problem here with the PC programming. It can't read the ESC. Wth?

I submitted a request for HobbyKing support to look into this Trackstar ESC/PC connectivity issue, and PM'd Beaker151 to see if he is aware of the issue with Toro/SkyRC products.

NOTE: THE BLUETOOTH MODULE WORKS GREAT ON THE TORO ESC WITH MY iPHONE 5!! I think it's a supercool feature. And it appears to have most or all of the features found on the PC software. Let me know if you have any questions about that, or want to see pics.

I sent you a PM

I just ordered a SkyLink module for about $12 on eBay from HobbyHot (SK-600013-02). I'll see if I get the same PC connectivity error using that instead of the program box on the Toro ESC. Now to wait another 2 weeks for shipping from China...

Turnigy does not appear to offer a SkyLink or bluetooth module, but both brands say the program box can connect the ESC to PC.

Toro TSR competition ESC's
 

Hey guys I'm am a dealer with SkyRC and I will try to assist as much as I can with any issues as I can. I'm just getting up and running so I will be flying blind on somethings at first.

On the Toro competition esc's it looks like you will have to buy a module for each of the three ways to program the esc's. The programming box, the Bluetooth Module and the skylink PC interface module.

Programming Box
SK-300046-01

Bluetooth Module
SK-600058-01

Skylink Computer interface module
SK-600013-02

I will try to get a representative from SkyRC to participate here on rctech to help all of get us to speed on their products and any questions that we have.

Until then feel free to shoot me a pm on any question that you may have and I will do all that I can. If Skyrc does agree to have a rep or reps participate here on RCTech I will start up a new thread.

Anyone get any updates on this?

Honestly, I grabbed a Toro 120 amp (black) for an Emaxx, 6 months ago and the way it chimes, counts cells, and signals ready, even idling, it chimes to remind you it's on, I would swear it's a Castle knock off, at least the software. We used the card to program it, but be aware, there is two types of cards and they don't interchange per internet chatter. Fan quit on it, but that might have been because 3s was sending too much voltage to it, known issue on some esc's. But never fixed it and it never overheated. It ran fine, on a Blue Xerun 2300Kv until the EMaxx was traded. Right after that, their prices went up.

Better explanation of functions
 

Long post but worth the read, the LIPO Cells info might save a few Lipos :flaming:


This info was obtained from the user manual of HobbyWing 150amp 1/8th car/buggy esc
(Competition version).
I found it provides a better explanation of the functions of the ESC as the Turnigy and SkyRC manuals are pretty lacking in this department. I am not saying that these units are the same or interchangeable, just that the functions seem to be the same, even the manuals have the functions listed in the same order. The full manual is available from the HobbyWing website


2.1. Running Mode: With “Forward with Brake” mode, the car can go forward and brake, but cannot go backward, this mode is suitable for competition;
“Forward/Reverse with Brake” mode provides backward function, which is suitable for daily training.
Note: “Forward/Reverse with Brake” mode uses “Double-click” method to make the car go backward.
When you move the throttle stick from forward zone to backward zone for the 1st time (The 1st“click”), the ESC begins to brake the motor, the motor speeds down but it is still running, not completely stopped, so the backward action is NOT happened immediately. When the throttle stick is moved to the backward zone for the 2nd time (The 2nd“click”), if the motor speed is slowed down to zero (i.e. stopped), the backward action will happen. The“Double-Click” method prevents mistaken reversing action when the brake function is frequently used in steering.
By the way, in the process of brake or reverse, if the throttle stick is moved to forward zone, the motor will run forward at once.
“Forward/Reverse” mode uses “Single-click” method to make the car go backward. When you move the throttle stick from forward zone to backward zone, the car will go backward immediately. This mode is usually used for the Rock Crawler.

2.2. Drag Brake Force: Set the amount of drag brake applied at neutral throttle to simulate the slight braking effect of a neutral brushed motor while coasting.

2.3. Low Voltage Cut-Off: The function prevents the lithium battery pack from over discharging. The ESC detects the battery’s voltage at any time, if the voltage is lower than the threshold for 2 seconds, the output power will be reduced 70%, after 10 seconds the output will be completely stopped, and the red LED flashes in such a way:

“☆-☆-, ☆-☆-, ☆-☆-”.

There are 6 preset options for this item. You can customize the cutoff threshold by using an advanced LCD program box (optional equipment) to trim it with a step of 0.1V, so it will be more suitable for all kinds of batteries (NiMH, NiCd, Li-ion, Lipo, LFP,etc). Please always keep in mind that the customized value is not for each cell, it is for the WHOLE battery pack.

2.4. Start Mode (Also called “Punch”): Select from “Level1” to “Level9” as your like, Level1 has a very soft start effect, while level9 has a very aggressive start effect. From Level1 to Level9, the start force is increasing.
Please note that if you choose “Level7” to “Level9” mode, you must use good quality battery pack with powerful discharge ability, otherwise these modes cannot get the burst start effect as you want. If the motor cannot run smoothly (the motor is trembling), it may caused by the weak discharge ability of the battery pack, please choose a better battery or increase the gear rate (Use a smaller pinion).

2.5. Maximum Brake Force: The ESC provides proportional brake function. The brake force is related to the position of the throttle stick. Maximum brake force refers to the force when the throttle stick is located at the top point of the backward zone. A very large brake force can shorten the brake time, but it may damage the gears. The “Disable” option inhibits the inherent brake function of the speed controller. When this option is selected, the brake function is realized by a traditional disc-brake system driven by a servo.

2.6. Maximum Reverse Force: Sets how much power will be applied in the reverse direction. Different value makes different reverse speed.

2.7. Initial Brake Force: It is also called “minimum brake force”, and it refers to the force when the throttle stick is located at the initial position of the backward zone. The default value is equal to the drag brake force, so the brake effect can be very smoothly.

2.8. Throttle Neutral Range: Please refer to the following picture to adjust the neutral range as your like. ATTACHED



2.9. Timing: There are many differences among structures and parameters of different brushless motors, so a fixed timing ESC is difficult to compatible with all brushless motors. It is necessary to make the timing value programmable. Please select the most suitable timing value according to the motor you are just using. Generally, higher timing value brings out higher power output, but the whole efficiency of the system will be slightly lower down.

2.10. Over-Heat Protection: If the function is activated, the output power will be cut-off when the temperature of the ESC or the internal temperature of the sensored brushless motor is higher than a factory-preset value for 5 seconds. When the protection happens, the Green LED will flash.
(Note: The over-heat protection function is permanently enabled by the manufacturer).
 When the ESC is over-heat: The Green LED flashes as “☆-, ☆-, ☆-”.
 When the motor is over-heat:The Green LED flashes as “☆-☆-, ☆-☆-, ☆-☆-”.
Note3: The motor over-heat protection function is only available for the sensored brushless motor made by the same manufacturer of the ESC. For motors made by other manufacturers, this function maybe not available or the protection point doesn’t match the design of the ESC

2.11. Motor Rotation: You can use this item to change the rotation direction. Face to the motor shaft (That means the rear cover of the motor is far from your face), and move the throttle stick to the top point of the forward zone. If this item is set to “CCW”, the shaft runs counter-clockwise; If this item is set to “CW”, the shaft runs clockwise.

2.12. Lipo Cells: We strongly suggest setting the “Lipo Cells” item manually . Because the normal voltage of each Lipo cell varies from 2.6V to 4.2V, it is quite difficult to calculate the cells number of a discharged Lipo battery pack. If it is calculated incorrectly, the Low Voltage Cutoff Protection function may work abnormally, so the option “Auto Calculate” is only available for 2s, 4s and 6s Lipo. If the voltage of the battery pack is lower than 8.8V, it is judged as a 2s Lipo; If the voltage is between 8.8V to 17.6V, it is judged as a 4s Lipo; If the voltage is higher than 17.6V, it is judged as a 6S Lipo.
So in order to make the Low Voltage Cutoff Protection function always work correctly, please set the “Lipo Cells” item manually.

My 150A Trackstar Gen2 connects to the Program Card fine. When I connect it to the PC, I get both green lights on the software showing USB Connected and ESC Connected. But I also always get the message Failed to read ESC. :flaming:

I found this info in one of the USBlink manuals somewhere,

Connect the ESC, LCD program box and PC according to the picture(same as turnigy manual). Run the USB Link Software.
And then connect ESC to battery and
turn it on, the USB Link Software will
try to communicate with the ESC. After
the connection is established, user
can easily set the ESC or update its
firmware on the PC .
have'nt tried to connect mine yet , but will post findings when I do,
also remember reading somewhere that the order of connection(as above) is important
Hope this helps

I tried exactly this method.

When the esc is connected to a pc through the card, the card displays "connected to pc". The fan turns slowly.

Opened the software.

Connected the battery and the led turns on and is red. The fan speed picks up. The esc beeps the number of cells.

Push the power button and it does nothing.

Click the "read esc" button on the software and it acts as if it's going to open and then closes completely.

Also, if you push and hold the power button, the esc shuts off and the software tries to open and then completely closes.

Something is wrong with the software.

Have you tried the hobbywing usblink v3.4 software, looks like it has the same fuctions, dont know if it will work though, good luck

Ok guys I'm trying to start bringing in the Toro competition line of esc's, program boxes, blue tooth modules, and PC links. But with Chinese New Year right around the corner I'm holding off until February. Also right now rcmart has them at a insanely cheap price that is below my cost so it won't be easy to bring these here at price that I'm not losing money.

Same thing here with the Hobbyking Trackstar. Just tried again. Definitely a design issue somewhere. Can't read data from the ESC to the PC via the Programming card.

I haven't tried it. Do you download it from Hobbypartz website?

Can get it from here, w.hobbywing.com/product_show.asp?id=218[/url]
hope it works , good luck

I cant post urls yet just add the ww

I tried it this afternoon. Software will not play with the Trackstar stuff at all.

Dont know if you guys tried this but hobbyking website has this comment

FELIX:: If you having issues running the software with windows 7, right click and select run as admin.