[Thomas Porfert]

My standard response to using an aircraft ESC in a car application:

The ESC does have some braking functions, but it immediately engages at zero throttle and would not be proportional; so a mechanical brake would need to be used. There would also be no reverse function.

Also the trigger on a pistol grip radio won't work properly on an aircraft ESC. The neutral position on the throttle trigger will be read as 50% throttle on the aircraft ESC. Full brake/reverse trigger input on the radio will be zero throttle for the aircraft ESC. So you would have to hold full brake to be at neutral to arm the ESC, and if you let go of the trigger and it snaps back to "neutral" the ESC would run the motor to half throttle.

There is a product called a PiStix that hooks between the ESC and throttle channel on the receiver; it will emulate a signal from the receiver so the ESC sees zero throttle at the transmitters neutral position. You would also need to add a Y-harness to the throttle channel on the receiver. On one side of the Y-harness you would attach the brake servo; on the other side you would connect the PiStix and then the ESC. You also need to make sure the brake servo linkage does not engage the brake when throttle is applied.

Using an air ESC in a surface application will instantly put the ESC out of warranty."

Thomas Porfert
Tech Support
Castle Creations