Multi-engine ESC Wiring

[@olsoncarlton]

I know this is an old video but I learned some new tricks. After 10 or so years, I am now changing from old to new motors & Lipos. Before it was a twin Islander with one controller and old battery. Now I see two controllers and lipo with props running in different directions. Beforev it was also two 05 Cobalts with props in same direction.

[@MonacoBlast]

This video may actually save my sanity. So clear and straight forward. It does remind me of "Thing" from the Adams Family.

[@MrDoyley35]

After spending ages on other tutorials this one was the best. Perfect video thankyou.

[@Skydive4ever]

This has to be one of the best explanation out there on how to do this, thanks a lot for posting :-)

[@airplaneguy70]

thank u so much without this video i would be so lost.

[@WM5000-ek9nk]

10 years ago with this video and editing quality, wow 👌

[@terryblackman6217]

I know this is an old video but thank you for this one, it has helped me greatly. Thank you. Terry

[@g3ngst889]

Thanks so much brother, you have helped me gain an understanding on how to upgrade the all in one flight controller for my helicoper to something I can bind my spektrum controller with.

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, FOR THIS, EXCELLENT TUTORIAL, ON THIS ASPECT OF MOTOR/BATTERY/ESC/RECEIVER CONNECTIONS!! AWESOME!!!!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!

[@kennethalderslade8541]

Was a mystery ,but not now thanks for a very good explanation.

[@2BrothersHobby]

To support john50049's point, using one battery for two or more motors does nothing to the voltage, it's just going to consume the battery very quickly. When you wire two identical batteries in series, the voltage is doubled and the capacity stays the same. In parallel, the voltage stays the same but the capacity doubles. Thanks for posting a correct response john50049!

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Thanks for your explanation of the connections of the esc

[@ricardopr54]

Watching this in 2017...Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge. I'm building a My Twin Dream plane and was wondering how to make the wiring for the two motors... I'm saving this video in my favorites... Thanks again! A million thumbs up 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Greetings from Douglas, Arizona 👍🇵🇷👍🇵🇷👍

[@aerofpv2109]

Yaaaay your building an MTD! Awesome Ricardo haha. This has always been a great classic video for a multi setup.

[@homebrewman23]

Awesome video!! I have been searching all over for an answer and now ive got it. My situation was that I bought a 60 amp esc for my new jet and it doesnt have a BEC built in but I do have an old 30 amp esc that does. What im going to do is wire them like you show except for not hooking the 30 amp one to the motor. That should solve my problem without waiting a month for a bec to get here or adding a heavy battery temporarrily Again thank you!

[@72Z15SS]

Nice tutorial! I have plans for an electric twin Cessna 310 and this video verified my plans on setup. Just had to make sure... Thanks for posting. Good Job

[@DaveLprintz]

One of the highest quality and most informative videos on the subject. Thank you!

[@charlesgoehring3445]

You vids on wiring are very good.

[@gonzalomedina6378]

Perfectly explained. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Greetings from Madrid (Spain)

[@piratetaurussackinhaff9402]

Nicely done video, quick, detailed and informative. I appreciate what you do.

[@myklobe]

Thanks so much! I was just trying to figure out how to wire up the P-38 I'm building, and this explained it perfectly for any configuration I want to use with this plane! Thanks!!!

[@Physicsless8]

how did it go? ik I'm 13 years late lol, but still

[@2BrothersHobby]

Yes, on a multi-engine setup you can use a parallel adapter to connect the batteries. Just be sure they are the same size and discharge rating (identical batteries). The clear benefit is that you drain the batteries at the same rate and avoid differential low voltage cutoff which would lead to one motor cutting out sooner than the other. The other leads are the balancing connectors. Balancing chargers use these leads to charge each cell equally for the best performance and pack longevity.

[@quinnbayless1366]

Extremely helpful, Thanks.

[@IronDome79]

This is very useful thanks I'm buying a twin engine FPV, and I had no idea how to reverse one of the motors, now I know. really cool!

[@2BrothersHobby]

Either isolated or parallel are acceptable configurations. For people who cannot parallel the main packs, don't be concerned. This is perfectly acceptable as well but you're best to manage your flight times and land before cutoff, just to be safe. The Hangar 9 Twin Otter comes to mind. You physically cannot parallel the batteries since they reside in each engine nacelle. This is still an acceptable practice, but calls for flight time management.

[@MonacoBlast]

It looks like "Thing" from the Adams Family has found true love. Great video!

[@atw98]

That was a fantastic and very helpful video thanks. Love those quick informative video that don't waste time. Many Thanks

[@fettuccineman8942]

2020 and this is still a great video

[@2BrothersHobby]

Yep, just run each ESC to a separate channel. It doesn't have to be only on the throttle channel, but keep in mind that in order to arm, the channel typically has to be in the "0%" position, so spring loaded centering gimbals will not allow most ESC's to arm. Furthermore, channels that are reversed in relation to 0% and 100% as seen by the ESC will typically put the ESC into stick programming mode upon initialization and won't arm until programming is exited or re-initialized at 0%.

[@2BrothersHobby]

Yes sir. Look for a pusher prop of the same type, size and manufacture if you're planning on setting up counter-rotating props. You'd need a standard prop (clockwise turning from rear) and a pusher prop for the motor turning counter-clockwise.

[@st0pvide0]

Thanks this helped a lot for planing my twin EDF YB-70 Valkyrie

[@2BrothersHobby]

@Zovex11 - Robots, specifically motor actuators, typically rely on independent control so the radio connections would be to two different channels instead of combined into one like we do with multi-engine airplanes.

[@trondaustad8617]

Very good video, tells what u need know i very good way. Thanks for making this 😃

[@2BrothersHobby]

You'd need a monster switch due to the current loads. We use an arming switch on bigger models that works great. It uses an Anderson Power Pole plug so all you do is unplug the cap when you're done flying, plug it in when you're ready to go. It's made by Maxx Products. I can't link in comments but go to maxxprod dot comm, click on accessories, and then page 2 of 4 in the top navigation. Scroll down and you'll see the different size arming switches depending on the amp rating of your setup.

[@Hewey19]

Great video with great info. Thanks for making it!!!

[@2BrothersHobby]

This has been discussed a lot over the years. Probably the best bet if you don't want to set a throttle curve on one using two channels is to get ESCs that have governors. You could get into the ESC and adjust the governors to a specific RPM. No external sync's that I'm aware of for electric, only fuel.

[@aussiefrenchman-hobbytable9960]

just perfect for my battleship thanks alot mate 👍👍👍👍

[@AstroBananna]

Excellent video, thanks for the info

[@JurassicJordan808]

This helped me so so much thank you!!! I will now Hook up 10 ecs for no reason other then I can lol

[@winstone24]

Thanks so much for making this video, answered alot of questions for me with multi motor setup, Currently making a 8 foot wingspan flying wing :D

[@B0M0A0K]

Outstanding video! Brilliant newbie information.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@minileafe - Most ESC manufacturers are ok leaving both BEC wires in place. To be 100% safe, remove one of the RED conductors from one of the ESC radio leads. You can still use your "Y" adapter.

[@tbremard]

pertty nice, also what could be added as benefit of parallel BEC in addition of redundancy, is that you get twice much power : so 2 BEC capped at 2 Amps become stronger BEC at 4 Amp, even if i am aware that your plane will not need it

[@shaggygoooxide]

Thanks for the video! It explained everything I needed to know.

[@2BrothersHobby]

Yep, that's pretty much it but it would have to be on a channel that is in the proper position to arm the motor. If you're wanting to control them both from the throttle channel just set up a custom mix, mixing the second motors channel with the throttle channel and you can sub-trim, set throttle curves, etc. if you're looking to sync the motors.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@spitfiremk1980 - Not a problem. Just follow the same method: you only need one red wire from one BEC enabled ESC going to the radio system. The others should arm just fine as you plug in your flight batteries. We recommend just pulling the red leads out and taping them instead of cutting them, but that's ok. All you'll need is one.

[@icefirelee8039]

Great video,thanks so much

[@B737200300]

You guys are amazing thx so much for all your tips.

[@TheAerialAddict]

Great video. Thanks for making that!

[@2BrothersHobby]

Most ESCs are ok with leaving the positive wire in place on both units, some require that you remove one. In our experience, most all are fine with both BEC leads connected, but that is not a 100% rule. If you can, check with your manufacturer for certainty.

[@iispjhanna]

Simply BRILLIANT! Thanks.

[@Triple88a]

Thanks for the video, just confirmed this working on my vehicle. Hello dual rc550s :P

[@smiffy788]

Thanks, this will come in very handy on my 1/5th scale Mosquito.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@eventhorizonbm - You're absolutely correct. You'd need a standard prop(clockwise turning from rear) and a pusher prop for the motor turning counter-clockwise.

[@kingsleykronkk3925]

Mix rudder to each motor Chanel. I find adding + 15 to 30 % extra power to the outside motor on each turn direction simulates and enhances rudder and stall turns etc. I personally prefer not to mix negative or less throttle to the inside motors (each to there own) as this usually avoids the inside wing dropping and avoids adding more power on turns. Or Mix in a flight mode switch increase percentages and to reduce power to the inside motors for crazy flat spins or aggressive stall turns. My twin motor float planes don't need water rudders with this rudder/motor control.

[@johnpenny1825]

Brill post. Very informative 👌👌👌👌

[@2BrothersHobby]

@airsoftreviewers09 - Yes, on all accounts. Follow the same guidance for 4 engines as we suggest with 2. Just make sure you aren't drawing too much amperage on your radio system for your BEC's rating. In that case, you'd need either an external BEC with higher amperage ratings or you'd need an external battery pack for you Rx.

[@ninfan2003]

thanks i found it very easy.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@homebrewman23 - I would suggest disconnecting the white wire from the ESC you're using as a stand alone BEC. That way no errant signalling is sent to the second ESC. I've had some strange arming attempts happen before with ESCs that were only being supplied 5.0 volts from a radio pack during setup. Just to be safe and ensure no mid-air issues..:)

[@thecheviotwildcamper6172]

Awesome tutorial clear video.....explained perfectly nonsense very concise......can you do one for a twin rc boat with esc that have reverse lol

[@boniybanez4362]

Greetings! Thanks to your videos. It helps. On this particular, you connected individually first each to two batteries. If i only have one battery, can i connect the two esc to one battery directly. Thanks

[@ketan247]

Thank u for ur explanation....I was really worried for how to connect the motor for my psv scale model ship

[@2BrothersHobby]

@farcwarts - You're going to have to fabricate or buy "Y" harnesses for both your battery and your radio connections. Drop the positive off of three of the ESC wires and use only one speed control's positive for BEC power.

[@2BrothersHobby]

NOTE: DO THIS WITH THE PROP OFF!! If it isn't arming, you may have to raise and lower the throttle channel after everything is connected. Some ESC's require that you take the throttle to full, and then back to zero before they arm. Another possibility is that you need to reverse the throttle channel on the radio transmitter. Either way, sounds like it isn't arming. Most often this is solved by one of the above adjustments.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@Teamsorkracing - You would run the two ESCs to two seperate channels on your receiver. As for the operation, that would depend on which channels you choose and how you mix them in the computer radio programming.

[@RChobbyTylerJones]

enjoyed this video because i am making an rc boeing 737 with edfs

[@parjacpar3077]

Thanks for video Tried doing that on a boat at a boat club meeting and they couldn't figure why it wouldn't work i was using just one battery turns out they told me to remove wrong wire one 2nd esc servo lead which i now know thanks to your video

[@2BrothersHobby]

@snakev10v5 - Yep, just multiply everything by 2, and use Y-adapters to get the radio connections linked. Alternately, if you have a computer radio system you could "Y" two to the throttle channel and the other two to an AUX channel and mix the channels together.

[@TBloodFPV]

right side prop is onbackwards. but thanks for the info you helped me alot

[@2BrothersHobby]

@boomanfabo31 - Yep. Just get a "Y" harness for the radio leads and it will work just fine. Just be sure the ailerons are moving in the opposite direction before you complete the installation. Since they are both tied to the same channel, they can't be independently reversed, so you're stuck with the physical orientation.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@boomanfabo31 - The ESCs and Motors used in this clinic are made by E-flite. Just about any ESC and Motor manufacturer support this setup. Just remember to remove one of the positive wires from one ESCs radio connection if you're unsure if they support parallel connections.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@Sunset235 If you are powering your receiver through one or more of your ESC's radio connections, than no. You should be fine. The BEC will provide either 4.8 or 6.0 volts to the radio system (check your specs). The main flight pack voltage (11.1) only gets fed to the motors.

[@rcspeedjunkie]

you could also use a simple v-tail mixer to have yaw capabilities through the rudder channel

[@BWWGL9]

GRATE, I finally know how to do it properly!

[@tasnimulhasan5702]

Very well explained😍

[@mrquackerz9346]

Very helpful thanks 😊

[@jonienglish3231]

very good video

[@2BrothersHobby]

@The787guy - This demo used e-flite ESCs (pro 25's) and e-flite motors (Park 450). Yes, it supports parallel connections.

[@cenkaetaya]

Do you need to use two batteries? Can they be wires to the same one?

[@KalibasauRC_64]

Thank you for the tutorial on multi engine esc wiring, and one queation is why is one esc unplugged from the connection pin??

[@2BrothersHobby]

@freak99z - Any manufacturer can be used in a multi-engine setup. Just be sure to verify the BEC compatibility (you may be required to remove one of the ESCs positive from the radio lead).

[@2BrothersHobby]

To support john50049's point, using one battery for two or more motors does nothing to the voltage, it's just going to consume the battery very quickly. When you wire two identical batteries in series, the voltage is doubled and the capacity stays the same. In parallel, the voltage stays the same but the capacity doubles.

[@griffmustard]

For counter rotating, it seemed like both props in the video had the same pitch direction, instead of opposite.

[@2BrothersHobby]

@ColdBloodSouthernPro - The flight packs in this video are Flight Power 2170 mAh 3s (11.1V) 25C discharge/1C charge packs.

[@zoomie9134]

ok thanks!!! i tried it and it started again... THAK YOU SO MUCH. i was about to throw out a 30$ motor...

[@2BrothersHobby]

@farcwarts - Off hand, I can't think of any but some google searches may turn up some options. Problem is: there's no "standard", so the options are nearly endless. If you're comfortable with soldering and shrink-tubing, I'd make your own battery "Y" adapters at just the right length. As for the radio "Y" harnesses, I'd just pick up some shorties and connect them together. That would be easiest.

[@fsa0033]

Is there any chance of having one motor rotating at a different rate than the other, if so how do you advance or reduce that rate so they match? This is important for 2/3/4 motor aircraft too.

[@garrettsmedley7935]

Keenan Lee Yes! You accomplish this my mixing in the rudder (usually) you can mix in a percentage of the rudder to each throttle channel to slow down and speed up motors, I start off with 30% +/- To do this you must have a computerized transmitter I use a 9XR. It is easiest to use rudder as you will be simulating the movement of a rudder so it feels natural, you could also use a pot I guess but that would be odd to use.

[@hifinsword]

Garrett Smedley is right. Something to add is to make sure with electrics that you have the inboard motor in a turn slow down, and not have the outboard motor speed up. That way, if you accidently bump the rudder sitting on the ground, the plane doesn't lurch forward and hurt someone.

[@mikeparkercreative5136]

Helpful video, Thanks, but what about if I want to use 4 motors?

[@markpedwell1250]

Thanks very concise

[@adarsfpv]

It was too helpful tq

[@srijal]

2 brushless motor 2 esc 2 battery packs 1 Y servo lead Your transmitter and receiver all the parts are available on hobbyking

[@2BrothersHobby]

@petegrimsby - Yes, indeed. Just remove the positive wire from 2 of the 3 ESCs radio connections. They'll get their power from the main power pack(s) once you connect them. They won't likely arm until you've connected all of the main pack(s), so expect them to initialize as you plug in the batteries.

[@zoomie9134]

that first sound that the motor makes... thats all my motor makes it does not make a connection sound after that... what should i do?

[@Aladinscave]

Great vid thanks

[@2BrothersHobby]

@veilkrand - Yes, with twin engines you typically buy one standard and one pusher prop and run the pusher prop motor (typically the right motor) counter-clockwise.

[@farcwarts]

This is a great tutorial. I see that others have asked about wiring 4 engines. I want to wire all 4 motors and their 4 individual speed controllers to one lipoly 3 cell battery pack. I am wondering how to configure this. Is there a diagram or tutorial for such a configuration? Particularly confusing is how to bring 4 speed controllers into on Y connector to go to the receiver, and also how to bring 4 motors to one battery connector. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

[@jonahtillman9499]

just a beautiful explanation of a how to. short concise and most importantly, it has a short time (unlike my comment) and teaches you all the variables and options. one question though. does the same thing apply for EDFs? im assuming so since its just the same motors but with a "jacket" on i guess.

[@kymcainday6677]

I dont see any problem with both esc supplying power to the receiver. in fact the Y connected still has red wire on both sides, that means you can combine power from two ESCs, and that is good for redundancy; when the other ESC shuts off, you still have the other one. Having them both connected won't double the voltage, only the current, which is not a problem because the receiver and servos will only draw the current that they need. If you use both ESC's BEC , it will still be 5 volts. But of course we have to make sure that both ESC's are identical to avoid imbalance.

[@RC96TRUCK]

so Good video.

[@Golph246]

the extra wire that is coming from the batteries is for balanced charging so you don't destroy these extremely flammable batteries.

[@zoomie9134]

Thanks I figured out it was just a faulty esc.