The Rival Mt 8 Esc is a versatile and feature-rich electronic speed controller that is perfect for a wide variety of applications. However, in order to get the most out of your Rival Mt 8 Esc, it is important to calibrate it properly. In this article, we will explain how to calibrate your Rival Mt 8 Esc in a step-by-step manner.
First, you will need to connect your Rival Mt 8 Esc to your receiver. Once you have done this, you will need to power on your receiver and transmitter. Next, you will need to enter the programming mode on your Rival Mt 8 Esc. To do this, you will need to press and hold the SET button for 3 seconds. Once you have entered the programming mode, you will need to use the CH1 and CH2 buttons to navigate through the menu.
Understanding the Rival Mt 8 ESC
The Rival Mt 8 ESC is a high-performance electronic speed controller designed for brushless motors in RC vehicles. It features advanced programming capabilities, allowing users to customize its performance to suit their specific needs.
Key Features:
- Supports a wide range of brushless motors
- High-frequency operation (up to 20 kHz)
- Multiple programmable parameters, including timing, braking, and throttle response
- Built-in BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) to power receiver and servos
- Compact design and lightweight construction
Understanding the ESC’s Functions
The Rival Mt 8 ESC acts as a bridge between the battery and the motor, controlling the flow of power to the motor. It also provides various onboard features to enhance the performance and protection of the RC vehicle.
| Input Voltage Range: 7.2V – 12.6V (2S – 3S LiPo) |
| Output Current: 8A continuous, 12A burst |
| BEC Output: 5V/2A |
| Programmable Parameters: Timing, braking, throttle response, etc. |
| Protection Features: Overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, loss of signal |
Required Equipment for Calibration
To effectively calibrate your Rival Mt 8 Esc, you will need the following essential equipment:
1. Rival Mt 8 Esc
The primary component of the calibration process, this electronic speed controller regulates the motor’s power and direction.
2. Computer or Laptop
A computer or laptop equipped with a USB port is required to connect to the Rival Mt 8 Esc and run the calibration software. Note that a dedicated calibration box is not necessary for this model.
Specific Software Requirements:
| Operating System | Software |
|---|---|
| Windows | Castle Link USB |
| Mac | Castle Link USB |
| Linux | Castle Link USB via Wine Emulator |
3. USB Cable
A USB cable compatible with the Rival Mt 8 Esc’s USB port is needed to establish a connection between the device and the computer or laptop.
Initial Setup and Hardware Connection
1. Installation
Before beginning the calibration process, ensure the Rival Mt 8 Esc is properly installed and connected to your vehicle. This involves mounting the ESC securely within the vehicle and connecting the appropriate wires:
* Motor wires: Connect the three motor wires from the ESC to the corresponding terminals on the motor.
* Battery wires: Connect the positive and negative battery wires to the designated terminals on the ESC.
* Receiver wires: Connect the throttle, brake, and steering wires from the receiver to the respective channels on the ESC.
2. Power Up
Once the ESC is installed and connected, power up the vehicle by connecting the battery. The ESC will perform a self-test, indicated by a series of beeps or LED flashes.
3. Transmitter Configuration
Configure your transmitter to match the settings on the ESC. This includes setting the throttle endpoints, brake strength, and steering direction. Refer to the transmitter and ESC manuals for specific instructions on how to adjust these parameters.
| Transmitter Setting | ESC Setting | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Throttle Trim | Throttle Neutral Point | Adjusts the neutral position of the throttle stick. |
| Brake Amount | Brake Strength | Sets the amount of braking applied when the brake trigger is activated. |
| Steering Trim | Steering Neutral Point | Adjusts the center point of the steering wheel. |
Accessing the Calibration Mode
To enter the calibration mode on the Rival Mt 8 ESC, follow these steps:
- Power off the ESC and ensure the motor is disconnected.
- Connect the ESC to a computer or smartphone using the USB programming cable.
- Launch the Rival ESC Calibration Software
- Once the software is open, click on the “Connect” button.
- If the ESC is successfully connected, the “Calibrate” button will become active.
- Click on the “Calibrate” button and follow the prompts on the screen.
Calibrating the ESC
The calibration process will automatically adjust the ESC’s settings to ensure optimal performance with the connected motor.
The calibration process typically involves the following steps:
- Selecting the motor type and timing.
- Setting the throttle range and neutral point.
- Adjusting the braking force and punch control.
Once the calibration is complete, click on the “Save” button to store the settings in the ESC.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Throttle Range | Sets the minimum and maximum throttle values for the ESC. |
| Neutral Point | Sets the throttle value at which the motor stops. |
| Braking Force | Controls the amount of braking force applied when the throttle is released. |
| Punch Control | Sets the initial acceleration rate of the motor. |
Adjusting the Throttle Endpoints
Calibrating the throttle endpoints ensures that your ESC accurately detects and interprets the full range of throttle input from your transmitter. Follow these steps to adjust the endpoints:
1. Connect the ESC and Receiver
Connect the ESC to the receiver’s throttle channel. Turn on the transmitter and receiver.
2. Center the Throttle Stick
Move the throttle stick on your transmitter to the neutral (center) position.
3. Set the ESC to Programming Mode
Consult your ESC’s manual for specific instructions on entering programming mode. This typically involves pressing a button on the ESC for a certain amount of time.
4. Locate the Throttle Endpoint Adjustment
In programming mode, navigate the ESC’s settings until you find the option to adjust the throttle endpoints.
5. Adjust the Endpoints
The throttle endpoints can be adjusted in two ways:
- Neutral Endpoint: Adjust this endpoint to ensure that the ESC recognizes the neutral position of the throttle stick. If the endpoint is set too low, the motor may start running when the throttle stick is centered. If it is set too high, the motor may not start rotating when the throttle stick is slightly moved.
- Full Throttle Endpoint: Adjust this endpoint to define the maximum throttle output that the ESC will provide. Setting the endpoint too low will limit the motor’s speed, while setting it too high can potentially damage the motor or ESC.
To fine-tune the endpoints, move the throttle stick to the extreme positions and check the ESC’s response. Adjust the endpoints until the motor starts rotating smoothly at low throttle and reaches its maximum speed at full throttle.
Setting the Neutral Point
The neutral point is the position where the throttle stick is centered. This point should be calibrated to ensure that the ESC provides a smooth and linear response when you move the throttle stick. To set the neutral point:
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Turn on the ESC and transmitter.
-
Move the throttle stick to the center position and hold it there.
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Press and hold the "SET" button on the ESC for a few seconds until the LED flashes.
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Release the "SET" button.
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Move the throttle stick to the full throttle position and then back to the center position.
-
Advanced Neutral Point Calibration:
- Resetting the Endpoint: If you want to adjust the neutral point precisely, you can reset the endpoint of the throttle channel on the transmitter. Turn on the transmitter, enter the transmitter’s programming menu, and navigate to the throttle channel settings. Set the endpoints for both the maximum and minimum throttle positions to 100%.
- Fine-tuning the Neutral Point: Use the transmitter’s trim function to slightly adjust the throttle stick’s center position until the motor spins smoothly and responds linearly to your throttle inputs.
- Verifying the Neutral Point: To verify that the neutral point is set correctly, connect a servo tester to the throttle output of the ESC. When you move the throttle stick on the transmitter to the center position, the servo tester should display a value of 1500us (microseconds). This value corresponds to the neutral point.
Calibrating the Steering
To calibrate the steering, follow these steps:
1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver.
2. Hold the transmitter steering wheel in the neutral position.
3. Press and hold the “Cal” button on the ESC.
4. The ESC will beep once.
5. Turn the transmitter steering wheel fully to the left.
6. The ESC will beep again.
7. Turn the transmitter steering wheel fully to the right.
8. The ESC will beep a third time.
9. Release the “Cal” button on the ESC.
10. The steering is now calibrated.
Verifying the Steering Calibration
To verify the steering calibration, follow these steps:
1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver.
2. Hold the transmitter steering wheel in the neutral position.
3. The ESC should not beep.
4. Slowly turn the transmitter steering wheel to the left. The car should begin to turn left.
5. Continue to turn the transmitter steering wheel to the left until the car reaches the desired angle.
6. Release the transmitter steering wheel. The car should remain in the desired angle.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn on the transmitter and receiver. |
| 2 | Hold the transmitter steering wheel in the neutral position. |
| 3 | Press and hold the “Cal” button on the ESC. |
| 4 | The ESC will beep once. |
| 5 | Turn the transmitter steering wheel fully to the left. |
| 6 | The ESC will beep again. |
| 7 | Turn the transmitter steering wheel fully to the right. |
| 8 | The ESC will beep a third time. |
| 9 | Release the “Cal” button on the ESC. |
| 10 | The steering is now calibrated. |
Fine-Tuning the Parameters
Once you have calibrated your Rival MT8 ESC, you may want to fine-tune the parameters to optimize its performance. Here’s a detailed explanation of the eight parameters you can adjust:
1. Timing
Adjusts the timing of the motor to improve efficiency and power. Higher timing provides more power but generates more heat. Choose the lowest timing that provides acceptable performance without excessive heat buildup.
2. Brake Force
Determines the force applied to the motor when braking. Higher force provides stronger braking but can cause the car to jerk or lock up. Adjust according to your driving style and track conditions.
3. Drag Brake
Applies a small amount of brake force when the throttle is not activated. This helps to slow down the car smoothly and maintain control in corners.
4. BEC Voltage
Sets the voltage supplied to the receiver and servos. Higher voltage provides more power to the servos but can generate more heat. Choose the lowest voltage that provides adequate performance without overheating the servos.
5. Over Voltage Protection (OVP)
Protects the ESC from damage caused by voltage spikes. Adjust the OVP threshold to match the maximum voltage your battery can deliver.
6. Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC)
Prevents the ESC from over-discharging the battery by cutting off power when the voltage drops below a certain threshold. Adjust the LVC threshold according to the manufacturer’s specifications for your battery.
7. Thermal Protection
Protects the ESC from overheating by reducing power output or cutting off power completely if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.
8. Neutral Point Adjustment
A highly specialized parameter that fine-tunes the neutral point of the throttle, ensuring that the motor responds evenly to throttle inputs. This setting requires advanced knowledge and should only be adjusted by experienced users.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Timing | Adjusts the timing of the motor for efficiency and power |
| Brake Force | Determines the force applied to the motor when braking |
| Drag Brake | Applies a small amount of brake force when the throttle is not activated |
| BEC Voltage | Sets the voltage supplied to the receiver and servos |
| Over Voltage Protection (OVP) | Protects the ESC from damage caused by voltage spikes |
| Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) | Prevents the ESC from over-discharging the battery |
| Thermal Protection | Protects the ESC from overheating |
| Neutral Point Adjustment | Fine-tunes the neutral point of the throttle |
Saving and Exiting Calibration Mode
Once you have finished calibrating your Rival MT 8 ESC, you will need to save and exit the calibration mode. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the SET button for three seconds.
2. The ESC will beep and the LED will flash green.
3. Release the SET button.
4. The ESC will now be calibrated.
5. To exit the calibration mode, press and hold the SET button for one second.
6. The ESC will beep and the LED will turn off.
Your ESC is now calibrated and ready to use.
Saving and Exiting Calibration Mode (Detailed)
Here are the steps in more detail:
1. Press and hold the SET button until the LED flashes green. Release the button.
2. The ESC will now be in calibration mode.
3. Follow the calibration steps for your specific ESC.
4. Once you have completed the calibration steps, press and hold the SET button for three seconds.
5. The ESC will beep and the LED will flash green.
6. Release the SET button.
7. The ESC will now be calibrated and saved.
8. To exit the calibration mode, press and hold the SET button for one second.
9. The ESC will beep and the LED will turn off.
10. Your ESC is now calibrated and ready to use.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Press and hold the SET button until the LED flashes green. Release the button. |
| 2 | The ESC will now be in calibration mode. |
| 3 | Follow the calibration steps for your specific ESC. |
| 4 | Once you have completed the calibration steps, press and hold the SET button for three seconds. |
| 5 | The ESC will beep and the LED will flash green. |
| 6 | Release the SET button. |
| 7 | The ESC will now be calibrated and saved. |
| 8 | To exit the calibration mode, press and hold the SET button for one second. |
| 9 | The ESC will beep and the LED will turn off. |
| 10 | Your ESC is now calibrated and ready to use. |
Throttle Range Calibration
To calibrate the throttle range, follow these steps:
- Power on the transmitter and receiver.
- Move the throttle stick to the minimum position.
- Press and hold the ESC button for 5 seconds.
- The ESC will beep twice to confirm the minimum throttle setting.
- Move the throttle stick to the maximum position.
- Press and hold the ESC button for 5 seconds.
- The ESC will beep once to confirm the maximum throttle setting.
Brake Calibration
To calibrate the brake, follow these steps:
- Power on the transmitter and receiver.
- Move the throttle stick to the minimum position.
- Press and hold the ESC button for 3 seconds.
- The ESC will beep three times to confirm the brake setting.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Optimal Performance
1. The ESC is not responding
Check if the ESC is properly connected to the receiver and the battery. If the connections are correct, try resetting the ESC by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
2. The motor is not running smoothly
Check if the motor is properly connected to the ESC and that the gears are meshing correctly. If the connections are correct, try recalibrating the ESC.
3. The ESC is overheating
Reduce the load on the ESC by using a smaller propeller or reducing the throttle setting. Ensure that the ESC is properly ventilated and not enclosed in a tight space.
4. The ESC is beeping
Refer to the ESC manual for the meaning of the beeping pattern. Common beeping patterns indicate low voltage, overheating, or a fault condition.
5. The ESC is not arming
Ensure that the throttle stick is in the minimum position when arming the ESC. If the ESC still does not arm, try resetting the ESC by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
6. The motor is reversing
Reverse the two motor wires connected to the ESC.
7. The brake is not working
Recalibrate the brake according to the instructions in the ESC manual.
8. The ESC is not providing enough power
Increase the throttle setting or use a higher-capacity battery.
9. The ESC is drawing too much current
Reduce the load on the ESC by using a smaller propeller or reducing the throttle setting.
10. Advanced Tuning Options
For advanced users, the ESC offers adjustable parameters such as timing, punch control, and low-voltage cutoff. Refer to the ESC manual for specific instructions on adjusting these parameters.
How To Calibrate Rival Mt 8 Esc
1. Connect the ESC to a battery and receiver.
2. Turn on the transmitter and receiver.
3. Move the throttle stick to the full throttle position.
4. Press and hold the ESC’s SET button for 5 seconds.
5. The ESC will emit a series of beeps and the LED will flash.
6. Move the throttle stick to the full brake position.
7. Press and hold the ESC’s SET button for 5 seconds.
8. The ESC will emit a series of beeps and the LED will flash.
9. The ESC is now calibrated.
People also ask about How To Calibrate Rival Mt 8 Esc
How do I know if my Rival MT 8 ESC is calibrated?
When the ESC is calibrated, the LED will flash once when the throttle stick is moved to the full throttle position, and twice when the throttle stick is moved to the full brake position.
What are the symptoms of an uncalibrated Rival MT 8 ESC?
An uncalibrated ESC may cause the motor to run erratically, or may not respond to the throttle stick.
How often should I calibrate my Rival MT 8 ESC?
It is recommended to calibrate the ESC every time you change batteries or motors.
