Hobby 365: How to program the Castle Creations ESC

In this hobby 365 video we will talk about the Castle Creations Speed controllers. I will show you the calibration, both the audible error tones and the LED error codes. I will also show you the Castle B-link and the Castle link software.

[@PIZZA_and_NITRO]

By far the clearest and most concise, understandably paced tutorial video I've ever watched. No fluff. No repeating or flakey verbal wandering. Just easy to understand facts and how to's. Liked and sub'd and thank you. I was dreading the high tech aspect of setting up this esc. You made it informative and enjoyable.

[@Hobby365]

So glad I was able to help you out.

[@manoman0]

That's why I just subscribed. No bs, no loud in-and-out music, choons and jingles, no wobbly cam, no shouting, no cursing.

[@dirtrider88]

BY FAR the best video about programing this esc. without a doubt. awesome.

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Been using hobbywing exclusively for about 4 years now. Their programming card makes programming so easy. Your video will make give castle a try.

[@napieraustin]

Thank you sir. Exactly what I was looking for

[@ronchang9791]

Thanks for the honest take on the android app, as I knew this was an issue with other brands, but not the Castle in my new car. There's some reviews which state how awesome the bluetooth programmers are, and they would be, if the app worked. And they aren't cheap, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[@alankowalski8781]

You made this so easy, thank you

[@Hobby365]

You are so welcome. I am glad it helped you.

[@Otiesh]

wow thanks for that trick we actually learn different thinks every day, I normally use the computer , some how more ease and just a click and you are done.

[@offthewallhobbyman6978]

This is one of the best videos that I've seen on KZbin period. So informative and easy to understand. Thank you. I just subscribed ☺ Great video!

[@Hobby365]

Thank you for subbing. I am glad it worked for you.

[@TheCrys1976]

You made it pos to set my ESC on my new xmax build thank you very much this is a very helpful video

[@Hobby365]

Thank you for commenting, I am glad it helped you.

[@scottishlyscubaru145]

Thank you so much brother, I was stuck until I viewed your video.

[@Hobby365]

Awesome! I am so happy it was able to help you.

[@buckfiden2988]

Best video on this subject. Thanks.

[@ItsAboutTime4Smoke]

Wow bro ty 🔥 … I couldn’t get my XLX2 motor rotation right until I found your video!!! Subbed

[@Hobby365]

So glad I was able to help you out.

[@SweetTooth10]

😭😭😭😭Thank you so much! I just got the 8s system for my arrma felony and couldn’t use a program card.

[@keithc40]

Super helpful thanks!

[@22Phanatic]

Excellent tutorial! 🙏

[@Hobby365]

I am very happy it helped you

[@marksmola7299]

Excellent video. You answered all my questions. Thank you

[@geoffreyhudson2975]

What app do I need to do this and hook up for the PC

[@ahmadfaris8044]

Hi.. can the servo voltage allocation be programmed using transmitter only on mamba monster 2?

[@vwagon5566]

Hey, I've just purchased the Mamba Micro X2 crawler 14 series edition. Can't I just install it and go? Do I have to buy extra parts for this Mamba thing? Thank you for your help and consideration....

[@youtubsuck]

Wow, amazing video full of information, thank you. Question, just bought a xlx2 last week and tested it today. When I pass half throttle and start turning the motor losses power and regains after the turn or release of the turn control. Is this a setting or esc issue?

[@Hobby365]

This error is not actually a setting in the ESC. The XLX ESC's need a capacitor pack (cap pack for short). This will do 2 things: 1. Stabilize the voltage for the BEC which is powering your receiver and keep the BEC voltage high. 2. Solve Voltage ripple that will lead to overheating due to the inefficiency caused by over gearing and high power motors. For the XLX you will need a very large cap pack.

[@doseofmusic1510]

Hi, when i first calibrated my ESC to the traxxas TQI, the forward and reverse are the opposite. Neutral works fine. Should i have to buy a castle link adapter to reverse the motor direction? Or is there a way to reverse it without castle link? While keeping the full power of forward and 50% brake.

[@Hobby365]

You can reverse the throttle with out the castle link. It is quite a confusing process with out the castle link. On page 29 of your manual starts the instructions for reversing the throttle. The programming option is number 6: dzf8vqv24eqhg.cloudfront.net/userfiles/4671/6540/ckfinder/files/Product%20Manuals/Surface/X_Series_Drivers_Ed_Guide_095-0290-00.pdf

[@bonbonesrc3968]

Hi, great video I calibrated it my EFC but my phone doesn’t want stay on any reason for this

[@davideabreu6999]

hey great video, but can i install the motor on the vehicle with only the steps on the intro?

[@vwagon5566]

Very good question, you get any answers?

[@Dktk42]

I'm having a bear of a time programming my esc for crawling. Can you put up the beep chart for those of us that don't have a book?

[@ISIAH_STL]

Hey im having problems with my castle esc it just keeps blinking red yellow green and when I turn off the radio it keeps beeping amd flashing

[@Nick-tr2zd]

Loved it!!! Thank you!!!

[@Hobby365]

Thank you! I am glad it helped.

[@MasterTy777]

What if I am using DX5 pro with a spectrum receiver? Can I just program it on the transmitter?

[@dirtrider88]

uh how are you gonna program an ESC with a transmitter?

[@grocer3]

I have a Mamba X installed in my RYFT. It has two servos. One for the steering and one for the 2 speed shifter. If I raise the BEC for my steering will that also raise the voltage on the shifter micro servo?

[@Hobby365]

Yes it will. Raising the BEC voltage will affect everything you plug into the receiver. That includes light kits, servos, winches ETC.

[@dirtrider88]

@@Hobby365 what about if you have rear steer with the servo plugged into another channel?

[@vadimvogel]

thank you very much, man

[@Hobby365]

You are very welcome thank you for the comment.

[@larryfisher]

I just purchased the mamba micro x esc and 2850 kv 14series crawler combo.not pro crawling .looking for cheapest set up to program and run.with 7.4 v servo I don't have a computer but have access

[@Hobby365]

The cheapest option would defiantly be the manual programing route, though no the easiest. If you wanted the easier castle link option without a computer you would need the B-link. I haven't tested the newest software to say if it is better on android than the day I published the video.

[@DarinDerb]

How do you use the software with an external BEC? I bought some used equipment that works well but I wanted to get into the programing without having to do it manually. Great video BTW.

[@Hobby365]

Thank you for your comments. You can use the castle BEC with the castle link. I is really simple just plug it in and there is only one adjustment.

[@Michi8080]

what is this conector called to plug the esc into the pc?

[@Hobby365]

It is called a castle link. There is also a Field link that will plug into the esc as well as adjust a few functions with out the need for a pc. Here are the links to a place where you can buy them. www.hobbytown.com/castle-creations-castle-link-v3-usb-programmer-adapter-cse011-0119-00/p-xuhrhdgaae2bg4yz www.hobbytown.com/castle-creations-car-field-link-programmer-cse010-0063-00/p-xqyehdha3uabg4yz

[@jasonrojas2176]

I’m having problems with the radio glitch or no signal, not sure what to do

[@Hobby365]

I am willing to try to help you with that however I need much more info to even start. What transmitter, receiver, esc, battery, and servo do you have?

[@jasonrojas2176]

@@Hobby365 I have a traxxas Maxx with a 4s 5000mah and a xmaxx servos I think it pulls too much power , it’s a tqi controller to a tqi link receiver I kee getting code • • -. It’s the Radio Glitch

[@jasonrojas2176]

It’s a mamba monster X with the 1515 2200kv

[@Hobby365]

@@jasonrojas2176 Okay There is a few things to try. First thing is Does it do that as soon as you turn it on? This could indicate that your servo is bad. Try unplugging your servo and test it again. If it works replace your servo. If the system randomly does that you want to try a Glitch buster. Try one of these: www.hobbytown.com/search?s=glitch+buster This will help keep your receiver voltage up while you are running your truck and can eliminate browns outs. If the system does this consistently you will want to try a BEC Like this one : www.hobbytown.com/castle-creations-10-amp-adjustable-bec-cse010-0004-00/p-xqyyhehqzqsbg4yz This hooks inline with your battery and receiver and supplies 10 amps of current right to your ESC. You do need to hook this up in a certain way for dual battery vehicles: dzf8vqv24eqhg.cloudfront.net/userfiles/4671/6540/ckfinder/files/Product%20Manuals/Accessories%20and%20replacement%20parts/ccbec_multi-pack-large.png. You can verify that the BEC will solve your issue if you have a 4aa battery holder such as this one: www.hobbytown.com/traxxas-4cell-aa-battery-holder-w-switch-cover-tra1523/p-xehnsfaq3qsbg4yz Just plug it into the receiver and check.

[@DeRock401]

You can’t adjust BEC voltage without the castle link?

[@Hobby365]

Yes! That is an adjustable parameter in the esc.

[@DeRock401]

@@Hobby365 but using the transmitter there isn’t an option for bec. It’s only with the castle link. I am using the castle copperhead and in the drivers Ed guide it doesn’t mention BEC adjustment using transmitter. I’m waiting for the castle link to arrive in the mail

[@Hobby365]

@@DeRock401 You are correct. The Castle link is required to adjust the BEC. You really should get one anyway. Firmware updates are all too common with electronic components these days. And the castle link will be required to do those too.

[@DeRock401]

@@Hobby365 yep I got the free one coming and might get the Bluetooth one so I can do it on the go with my phone as well. What is the BEC set for default ? My new servo has been kinda glitchy which led me to believe it’s not set to 7.4v out of the box.

[@Hobby365]

@@DeRock401 5.1v is the default. Just make sure you verify that your servo is rated for 7.4v

[@CarlosDominguez-qi4db]

I'm not understanding how to get it in full crawl mode

[@Hobby365]

The best way to put it into crawl mode is to use the PC or bluetooth link. You can program the Reverse type with a drop down menu. Other wise you need to use their complicated menu system in order to change the settings. The manual has this to say: To get into programming mode on the ESC: 1. Turn your transmitter on. 2. Plug the battery into the ESC with its switch off. Note: if your ESC does not have a switch, hold full throttle on your transmitter before plugging in the battery. 3. Hold full throttle on your transmitter and turn the ESC switch on. 4. The ESC will go through its boot up sequence blinking green 5. There will be a sequence of melodic tones and the light will turn red 6. Keep holding the trigger, within 6 - 8 seconds the light will turn yellow. You are in programming mode; let the trigger return to neutral. When in programming mode, the ESC will beep once, pause, then beep once again and repeat until a change is made with your transmitter. If you accept setting 1. Brake/Reverse Type’s default option 1: Reverse Lockout, you would pull full throttle to accept option one. When the trigger is returned to neutral the beep pattern will change to 2 beeps followed by 1 beep meaning that by selecting option 1 you jump to setting 2. If at setting 2: Brake Amount, you reject option 1. 25% by going to full brake/reverse the beep pattern will change to 2 beeps, meaning it’s still at setting 2, followed by 2 beeps meaning you are now at option 2 under setting 2. The first programing menu is your reverse type, option 3 is crawler mode. You can see why I recommend the castle link software.

[@fluxcapacitor8416]

how to run link on mac?

[@Hobby365]

Sadly you need a windows pc for the link software. You can use the new b link on a apple phone, but that is the only way to use an apple product to program electronically.

[@tktk-om8cg]

My mmx8s is backwards

[@jsportjake]

Would have been nice if you explained how the cheat works.

[@dirtrider88]

what are you even talking about?

[@jsportjake]

​@@dirtrider88if you didn't know, now you know. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqPdqnysadZ_iJY

[@bluefish_1242]

My esc just flashes green forever when I try to calibrate it. What do I do?

[@Hobby365]

Hi there. Flashing green means there is no signal from the esc. Double check that your ESC is plugged into the channel 2 or throttle slot not the Battery slot. Then make sure your ESC is plugged in the correct orientation. Plugging it in backwards could create your issue. Hope this helps.

[@bluefish_1242]

@@Hobby365 thank you so much man you are a real life saver

[@brianvillasenor4116]

@@Hobby365 hello I have the same issue when I turn on the esc it instantly starts flashing yellow red and green and will not allow me to calibrate it. Everything is plugged in CORRECTLY and it won't even connect to my b link.

[@4255Lee]

What happens when you have no Forward and just reverse…

[@Hobby365]

could be a programing issue where it is set up in forward with brake and the motor direction is not adjusted correctly. Could also be a calibration issue. If you try calibration and the system wont calibrate unless you give it a reverse command then you need to reverse the servo reverse switch and program again.