What exactly does Hotwire do?

[mk351e]

Seriously, what does it do? I don't race, so is it worth it? I've read the generic description about it, but either I'm dumb, or it's very generic. So what does it do or not do? Is it just a prettier and easier way to do all the things you can already do without it? Or does it do something else? Why don't I get it???

I really hope this RX8 proves to not break!!

[Aceldama]

It's just a bit of hardware that allows you to interface your Tekin ESC with your PC. Basically it connects via USB to the PC and via receiver cable to the ESC. You use the hotwire software, which is a series of slider bars pertaining to each setting, to configure the ESC and then save the settings.

The other added benefit is that Hotwire allows you to update the esc with new firmware.

I have to say though, the Hotwire interface itself is a bit hokey. You have to mouse over the text near the bottom of the sliders to get a description of what the slider does. Also right clicking a slider shows what the options are and their significance, it's not particularly intuitive. I'd prefer a table with just a series of drop-down boxes... the current Hotwire is a bit too 'form over functionality' for me. But it works and works well once you get past the quirks.

[js058515]

Once your at the point of purchasing a $330 speed control and motor combo, your probably gonna want to get the $35 thingamabob that's gets the full potential out of the system. If you use vehicle at the track regardless whether you race or not, I say get it! If you just bash, then maybe you can live without it!