Question regarding EPA for throttle and esc calibration.
 

I've seen several people mention in different threads that Futaba radios need to be set to 120% EPA for throttle for esc calibration.

But I haven't heard why specifically? Is 120% technically "max"? So if I've been running with it calibrated at 100%, then I'm technically only running my throttle at 80%?

Do I set it to 120% before I calibrate the ESC, or calibrate it at 100% then, then crank it up to 120% after? I never found any definitive answers on the matter.

If I understand the point of calibrating the ESC, which I'm guessing is for the ESC to know where the "endpoints" are, in terms of pulse width measurements for max throttle and max brakes, then set them internally as what to read as 100%. Meaning if you set your EPA to 25%, then calibrate your ESC, when you nail your throttle, it reads that 25% endpoint as "100% full throttle" and you still get your max speed anyways, only with much less resolution (aka steps).

Bleh, might be quicker to hook my esc up to my 'scope and see what's really going on here.

If you set it at 100% and calibrate it you will be fine. That's how I have always set my Futaba radios.

You pretty much nailed it on the head.

Me personally I've always calibrated at %100 the set EPA at %105, only because the first Gen tekin RS had some issues with it not sensing full throttle and not kicking in the turbo so that made sure it sensed full throttle, just a habit I've kept.

So if I wanted to limit my speed to 50% while I learn to drive, which do I do:

1. Have EPA at 100, calibrate the ESC, then turn EPA down to 50
Or
2. Have EPA at 50, and calibrate ESC, done?

Thanks in advance!

Number 1 is what you want. If you don't turn it down after calibrating it shouldn't be any slower/easier to learn on.

That's assuming it would calibrate correctly with number 2. I've heard guys say if the radio is turned down too far it may not calibrate, at least with some combos of equipment. Never tried or experienced that myself, but I suspect it is where some of the turn it up past 100% before calibrating advice comes from. Plus some are trying to maximize any possible radio resolution available.

Thanks! Just to confirm, always calibrate at the 100, THEN make adjustments is what you are saying?

Yes. Note the brakes can be turned down separately with many radios. Don't want to have brakes that are real touchy, lock the wheels up real easy, send ya skidding all over (well, unless your just doing it for fun, been there :nod:).

Depends on the combinations of equipment, but I think all of my RCs have the brakes turned down for better control, yet I can still kick it around a little with a flick of the steering if needed.

Leave it all at 100% or you will have to relearn everything later. Obviously if your car has a super fast motor that is a problem. Use a stock motor. Turning down the epa will help but is the wrong way to go. Simply learn to not pull on the throttle trigger all the way. If you get too creative with epas and such then each time you adjust the epa you will need to relearn where in the trigger travel the power kicks in etc. Learn to use 100% epa on the throttle and never change it. If you adjust the epa later then your brain has to readjust as well. Brain, finger, motor, all the same.

AWESOME ADVICE!! Thanks so much!