Castle ESC Endpoint Calibration with AR7200BX

This video explains the procedure that I use to calibrate the throttle endpoints of a Castle Creations ESC. I shot this on my iPhone 5S so I'm sorry for any out-of-focus spots or shakiness.
If you find this video useful, please click on the "thumbs-up". Also, your comments are welcomed.
Enjoy!

[@herminigildojakosalem8664]

Very nicely explained - clearly and in detail. Easily understood. Thank you. Useful to me for when I could afford the AR6200BX.

[@HalStaniloff]

Herminigildo Jakosalem Thanks! I try. 😊👍✨

[@HellbentforHelis]

By far, you have the BEST video/explanation of this calibration process!!! thanks for the effort!

[@HalStaniloff]

Glad you found it useful! I hope others find it useful as well.

[@BrianHall]

This video was made almost 7 years ago, and it still provided me with crucial information I needed to get my T-Rex 550E PRO DFC to throttle up with my DX8. The one step I missed was that the first time around, I set the throttle limits to 30-30 before I turned on the AR7200BX. But, I re-watched the video and did it right the second time, and it worked! THANK YOU!

[@HalStaniloff]

Brian Hall I am delighted that my video helped you! It’s turning out to be an oldie but a goodie. 😉💪🏻

[@madmax40ful]

100% couldnt find a video that didnt confuse me even more

[@prior8t2000]

Sir, I live in Oceanside, Cali. I was trying for the life of me to get this figured out on my own. I understand all that you have done to get this ESC work. I will do the same as soon as I get home. I thank you very much, and my hat goes off to you Sir... Great video post........

[@crusher-101]

I've watched a dozen of these vids and couldn't figure it out. Yours is the best! Watched it 1.5 times and got it. Thank you for the detailing in the process. Awesome job! Cheers to you, Thumbs-up

[@escsniper]

Excellent video! Best explanation yet of the quirky nature of the AR7200BX when trying to enter the Castle calibration mode!

[@NerdSteve]

Worked great - thanks! Was stumped for about 2 hours and then found your video.

[@timothytrott1668]

I just wanted to let you know, personally; I have been searching and searching for long time for someone that actually made some damn sense. You, my friend, are the expert at doing so. I just wanted to personally thank you for your step-by-step, easy to follow, down-to-earth explanations. It was just absolutely amazing to experience that much understanding from one video. I've already set my 450L Dominator up and completed the build/process prior to watching this video. I wasn't using a castle creation but a lot of the things that you were covering correlated/answered other questions pertaining to oftentimes confused subjects that always seem to be popping up. Which leads to frustration and make you wanna quit. So again thank you for saving the love of the hobby for me. I mean that.... obviously,.......I took the time to check my grammar and punctuate lol

[@HalStaniloff]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I’m glad you appreciate my video as you do. 😁👍🏼✨

[@MrFilthy57]

i just did this on a plane and not a castle ESC! Thanks man! Made my day!! :')

[@XB223]

Nice job Hal! It's always great to learn different methods!

[@salmans21]

Great video!!! Finally got my Blade 550x in the air after watching this video!!

[@HalStaniloff]

Awesome! I'm delighted that you were able to follow the video and get your ESC going. I also have a video on configuring the auto-rotation bailout feature as well.

[@tomepixel]

Nice and Clear Vid , much better than some others I have seen :-) I have the CC Phoenix , Jr 9503 and Spektrum Rx 7010. Thought I had it set , but when I plugged batt in , ESC got VERY Hot ! ,Unplugged quick ! Need to watch Yur Vid again, to understand the use of the Pigtail and seperate battery . Now to watch again.. Thanks for the Vid tom e

[@salines70]

A huge THANK YOU For months now I try only with your straight I managed to bind again ar 7200bx after finishing end points

[@HalStaniloff]

Awesome!

[@fridgewater3]

Cheers 4 advice , worked great thanks for taking the time to explain everything thanks again stu

[@banyaraung12]

Thank you for making this video.

[@nathantownsend1511]

Great video...very clear explanation....thanks!

[@tha_factory_of_fun]

Thank you so much for this, worked perfectly. Really great information in the video, Thanks again

[@HalStaniloff]

My pleasure! If it helps one guy, then I've done my duty to pass on the knowledge. So much of this hobby is not well explained - witchcraft; totally unnecessary. Glad it helped!

[@passinthru4328]

Very clear instructions. Good job!

[@jimmyd4092]

Im ready for my first build on a 600x so gathering as much info as I can . I don't know if I will need this but it is saved in favorites for when I get stared, thanks a lot. really nice helicopter by the way

[@HalStaniloff]

If you use a CC ESC, then this procedure will be required.

[@jimmyd4092]

Thanks , very informative

[@codebuster3132]

Thanks Hal. this we very clear and useful

[@HalStaniloff]

I am delighted that so many people have found my video useful! Awesome.

[@jo2Video]

Thank you for sharing this information !

[@HalStaniloff]

I'm so glad that people are benefitting from my video!

[@arfrekr]

thank you Hal love your ingenuity I am going to make a similar setup very easy to follow. thank you.

[@HalStaniloff]

Yes. You have to perform a throttle calibration on all the CC ESCs and program the operational characteristics via the Castlelink Software.

[@MrLeeRossi]

Hi do i have to buy the bec for the this unit to

[@HalStaniloff]

lee rossi No. It has a built-in BEC. Visit castle creations.com for more information.

[@HalStaniloff]

For those of you that have watched my video, I thank you for your viewership! Some of you (very few) have had issues saying that at the end, the procedure didn't work. Remember to rebind your AR7200BX to your receiver after you find the calibrated endpoints for the ESC. Or your receiver will use it's last known endpoint settings (100/100) and the ESC will not arm.

[@JAY2BLADESPERRY]

Thanx for your time and share..

[@ChampionRC]

Life saver thank you so much

[@nitrokyosho]

nice job buddy great video

[@HalStaniloff]

Thanks Ray! I love your videos as well! Clear, down-to-earth, honest, and awesome.

[@AlpineWarren]

I find it quicker and safer to bind to a spare standard receiver and hook the ESC to that and setup the transmitter endpoints. Then rebind to your heli and go.

[@viper4060]

Also a 6.6v Life pack as been running my trex 600 servos and fbl since i got my 600e pro and its fine

[@megadeth1952]

hey hal. ....do u set the endpoints back to 100/100 when its all done and rebound, or leave where they confirm and add +2 clicks like in the video. and those are our new endpoints

[@HalStaniloff]

No, you leave the end points at their new values - that's the whole purpose for this task. Then re-bind to the 7200BX. All done.

[@ericmaggard6182]

Thanks so much for this video. My only question is did you leave the travel adjust at 92 and 90 when you were done or did you put them back to 100? Im assuming you left them alone but I just wanted to double check. Thanks again and take care!

[@HalStaniloff]

Yes. You leave the endpoints at the values you arrived at as per the procedure in the video. Then you are good to go!

[@MrLeeRossi]

hiDid you hook the switch and the wire you made up on the red and black to the battery plug . my battery is a 22v what size do I need to use for this hook up.

[@HalStaniloff]

lee rossi Visit TowerHobbies and pick up a 2S LiFe pack and switch. 22v is too big to hook up to the BeastX.

[@edwardsaladhands]

great video mate thanx but i did here that the castle creation esc,s dont have a built in bec so theres no need to take the red wire out is this true ?

[@doughowdy7009]

Great vid, I have the same equipment, but after programing everything and starting up I was getting a flashing yellow? what the heck? Found out it was in logging data mode ,so I just disabled it, don't need it! Thought it was a problem with esc, Thanks

[@mark8975]

Hal... This is great! can't wait to try this... I just bought a 700fc3 (one flight) without a receiver. I put an ar7200bx on it and bound it right away to my DX8...(with no issues) set up the ar7200/DFC head per all instructions (perfect) I've been struggling with ESC (castle 120 HV-no card came with it) won't spool up for anything! The heli has a BEC, so I'm thinking I need to still make up a harness for the ESC for binding purposes... or, sinse I have a BEC, should I permanently remove the red wire from the ESC harness?

[@HalStaniloff]

It's your call whether or not to use the internal BEC of the CC ESC or not. Either way, you will need to go through the video procedure to get the end points calibrated correctly. Also: watch my video on setting the auto-rotation bailout. It effects end points so you might as well set it up now while you have your mind wrapped around programming tasks - even if you aren't doing autorotations. Let me know how it goes!

[@terrygovan7781]

Before calibration, what is the bind procedure for the esc? I have an Align Trex 700 with a Beastx flybarless system, a Phoenix Edge HV 160 esc, and a Spektrum DX18... A technician at a hobby shop was able to the esc to bind to his Soektrum DX8 but was unable to get a bind on his DX18. I have searched high and low and made many calls and cannot get any direction. All Im asking for is the binding procedure for the above mentioned equipment if possible.

[@HalStaniloff]

Hey Terry: Nice to speak with you on the phone! Download the CastleLink Software and obtain the interface board in order to program your ESC. Then go through the throttle calibration procedure above. Also, be sure to run through the settings of the AR7200BX to make sure that they are all set correctly for the equipment that you are using. There are plenty of videos here on KZbin to help you out. Good luck!

[@farzulali7021]

this worked perfect!

[@HalStaniloff]

Rock 'N Roll!

[@tomepixel]

I am working with an Elec sailplane , noticing yur 6.6v Batt Oooops which I don't have . Do have 4.8 v paks , suppose those would be suitable ??

[@jeffpierpont4581]

thanks for the info, I just finished the exact same set-up. Can you give me your set-up for the ESC and what are you running for head speeds and tail gains. I fired up mine but the tail is very sensitive meaning oscillates really bad. Thanks Jeff

[@terrygovan7781]

Also, if u can help with the bind procedure step by step, do I do the calibrations after that or do i do the calibrations before the bind?

[@HalStaniloff]

Start with this video for the AR7200BX, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIOoi6mgnq9obrc then go through each video that explains each step so you can verify the setup of the AR7200BX with the equipment that you are using. Then watch this video to get you started in programming up the ESC kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6exfGmIbttsiNk

[@_thevre3331]

hi nice video man! but if i put it down to low stick then i dont hear any tones...

[@terrydonscheski2415]

Thanks...

[@695look]

I followed the steps in your video and it worked great. When I run the helicopter on the bench the motor will stall when I bring it down to low throttle and back to high ...any ideas?

[@HalStaniloff]

Barney Meza check to see if you still have a linear throttle curve engaged. Does the motor run well at 100%?

[@695look]

Hal Staniloff yes I have linear curve it runs great at high throttle it's just sluggish down low I used a different beast x and it seems better I've just never encountered this issue before it's already caused two crashes

[@HalStaniloff]

Barney Meza Sounds like you have an ESC problem. The motor will run funny without blades to load it down but this sounds different to me. Check your ESC logs and/or try a different ESC.

[@695look]

Hal Staniloff I'll try that next thank you for your time much appreciated

[@sebastianlundahl1282]

My talon 90 just keeps blinking when i move the travel rates up, it never beeps even if i pas 100

[@amitten]

Do do you have to do this with all CC esc? As well as program in your pc to run them?

[@HalStaniloff]

All CC ESC's have to be programmed and calibrated in this manner.

[@tha_factory_of_fun]

I watched your other video as well but im having a hard time setting up the auto rotation bail out, actually i have never been able to get it to work with an AR7200BX. I set up the endpoints as you did in this video. Then i plugged it back to the castle link and enable the "autorotation mode" but now the esc will not arm, thus i can not set up the throttle hold percentage?? I would love any help to get this going thanks!

[@HalStaniloff]

Sorry you are having trouble. Start over. Before calibrating the endpoints, be sure that the Auto Rotation checkbox is ticked off. If you don't do that, then your endpoints are going to be different - enough that the autorotation bailout will not calibrate. So try it again and see what happens.

[@kevosrcadventures9019]

Wow thank u

[@Skammy5]

Obviously it worked for a lot of people but I have a concern about the red wire deal. A buddy of mine says he also disconnects the red wire from his ESC's when using a separate power supply for Rx and servos but the instructions with my CC Phoenix Edge HV 160 specifically states do NOT disconnect the red wire. I'm kinda leery about the whole thing since the maiden attempt of my Assault 700 I barely got it half spooled up and my Turning dlux 160 amp HV ESC decided to incinerate itself. I'm also using the AR7200BX. Luckily the only damage was the ESC.

[@HalStaniloff]

You are only disconnecting the red wire for the calibration procedure. After you are done, you connect your normal ESC lead in to the AR7200BX. If you simply connect the external power supply to the FBL along with the ESC without removing the red wire you will back feed voltage in to your ESC. Which is bad.

[@Skammy5]

Thanks and sweet video. I'm still unclear as to why it wouldn't still back feed when you reconnect it after programming. I love helis unfortunately understanding electronics is not my strong suit.

[@HalStaniloff]

Because after you do the end points, you're done with the external LiFe pack. You unplug everything and reconnect your ESC and away you go. This setup is only used to calibrate the endpoints - it's not the permanent setup of the Heli.

[@MythosVR4]

+Skammy5 You're Edge HV 160 doesn't have a BEC it is opto isolated. You only need to remove the Red wire if you will have 2 conflicting power sources.

[@natertater1978]

Okay..you lost me at setting the travel in ur tx at 30 30....1. you sed forget about the numbers..ther not important....why do u hafta set them numbers if not important? 2. What does 30 30 do...and theres nothing like that in my tx (dx6i) i mean i have travel adjust..what would that be in my tx?

[@epoweredrc]

Another heli, someone said i need o calibrate the esc even tho im using fixed rpm mode in the castle?? is that true? and i cant do what you did in the video if i have those set can i? right now i have norm set to 30% flat, stunt 1 set to 70% and stunt 3 set to 100%. would i have to just set my throttle curve in normal to do the calibration? then just set back to a flat 30% to fly ? or do i need to change something in the ESC first? Thanks

[@HalStaniloff]

You still need to tell the ESC the range of the throttle signal that the radio is sending through the throttle channel. That is what the calibration step does. I would set a linear throttle curve just like in the video and perform the calibration steps. The put the ESC in to whatever mode you want.

[@gbaker11112010]

Can you elaborate for set ups that use a bec? I run 1 6s battery that powers both the AR7200BX and the esc.

[@HalStaniloff]

I'm not sure I understand as you state that you have a 6S battery that powers the AR7200BX and the ESC. Whether you have a BEC in the middle or not, the procedure is the same. You have to get the AR7200BX to initialize first using an external power source. Then power on the ESC to calibrate it.

[@gbaker11112010]

Ok that makes sense. Thank you!!!

[@salines70]

hi, did as dire.tutto ok but it does not work, if I remove the battery to another flight. I have to raise and lower .Otherwise gas does not work. My dx radio 9 ar 7200 bx trex 550 dfc talon 90 because?

[@HalStaniloff]

No idea. As you can see in the video, the procedure works. Remember to keep the new endpoint values and rebind your Rx to the 7200bx. But without watching you perform the procedure, it's almost impossible to guess what you are doing wrong.

[@salines70]

thank you I think it was wrong bind, I try to do it all Three months that I leave then I try and resume

[@edolsonhelifreak]

Can this be done using a dx6i?

[@HalStaniloff]

Yes.

[@epoweredrc]

Cant get mine to work. DX8 G2 with Castle creations 120A HV esc. did everything u did unplugged my Castle pro esc. hooked up external pack after making extention with red wire pulled. leaving at 100% end points turned on AR7200 after it booted switching to 30 30 then high throttle moving numbers up it never beeped for me.

[@HalStaniloff]

epoweredrc Try it again this time go past 100 until you get the beeps.

[@epoweredrc]

Thank you for the reply, I had the red wire pulled and on the HV escs you have to leave it plugged in, soon i did that it worked first try.

[@lucaleivrb]

My friend, I've tried setting up my 90's talon endpoints on this AR7200BX with DX7 black, but the ESC does not recognize the throttle. What can it be?

[@HalStaniloff]

Luciano Gonçalves Aleixo Can you be more specific?

[@lucaleivrb]

I did what you taught in the video, but not right.

[@lucaleivrb]

ESC does not recognize radio endpoints

[@HalStaniloff]

Luciano Gonçalves Aleixo Try it again. Unless something has drastically changed in the firmware of the BeastX this procedure should work just fine.

[@HalStaniloff]

Luciano Gonçalves Aleixo Then the 7200 is still in Failsafe mode. If you powered it separately and allowed it to power up fully then power on the ESC with throttle stick high the the WSC should go in to program mode.

[@lpcthug]

what happens if you dont calibrate the sticks? will it stil fly?

[@HalStaniloff]

Ron Busch If you don't calibrate the throttle end points, you won't be utilizing the full throttle signal. Sure, it will probably work but you may not get full power.

[@ArcticRc]

is it ok to use a standard receiver for calibration and then rebind to the Bx7200?

[@HalStaniloff]

ArcticRc No. You need to calibrate your endpoints using the AR7200BX.

[@ArcticRc]

Hal Staniloff Ok thank you sir.

[@natertater1978]

Can anybody explain the 30 30 on the travel adjust?..i understand about seeing the pulse...but whats the signifcance of the 30 30?..why not 0?

[@HalStaniloff]

You could set it to zero/zero. It’s arbitrary.

[@natertater1978]

@@HalStaniloff okay..could u plz elaborate...why 30 30?

[@natertater1978]

@@HalStaniloff if you dont feel like trying to explaining it..i get it...but can i ask if it would be the same values for dx6i?..only askin bcuz i watched another video of someone showing how they do it...and the values they set were way off from 30 30...but also..i know that different tx's...do it different ways...the same principal...but just looks different..

[@HalStaniloff]

@@natertater1978 It’s been a while since I was using this FBL and ESC. BUT I remember that it’s just an arbitrary minimal value to start with. That’s all.

[@natertater1978]

@@HalStaniloff gotcha...okay...now that ive watched ur vid ahalf dozen times..its finally startin to sink in lol....but hey...sum learn faster than others..i just watched one where the guy does away with the pullin of the red wire and making diy plug..what he did was use a separate rx..plugged the dsmx and the thro wire from esc into it..then made sure thro curv was linear..and then he also sets a 30 30 value in travel adjustments...but then he moves stick to hi position..and rebinds tx to rx...he claims it easier than the way u showed...but i would have to disagree..he had to rebind like 3 times that way

[@JMULIKOW]

Didn't work for me!

[@salines70]

I wanted to change talon, I thought I was dead. Italian forum absurd Red Baron, nobody knew.

[@viper4060]

Warning DO NOT USE THE DAT/BIND it shorted out on Life pack for a second and smoke ar7200bx is fine and my pack is ok

[@HalStaniloff]

Can you be more clear as to what happened? I have never had a problem.

[@viper4060]

I went to plug in the battery red up and saw a big spark and smoke I, witch i assume was a short, most Spektrum RX's say BAT/BIND not Data/Bind because on the AR7200BX it is a data and bind port only and not a battery port

[@HalStaniloff]

Hmmm... 👌Ok. Thank you very much for commenting on this. Most people have the GEAR channel open so that could be an alternate input to plug in to just to be safe. Thanks for relaying your experience. 😊👍✨

[@viper4060]

No Problem I don't want someone blowing up there AR7200BX @ 250 USD its not cheap

[@HalStaniloff]

Neither do I!!!! 😊👍✨