Zero Timing Electronic Speed Control Approval Corrections
June 21, 2022
During approval testing for a new model Electronic Speed Control earlier this year it was discovered that the smoothing or softening function remained active even when the ESC displayed the LED blink code indicating zero timing. Since this function provides a form of variable timing; ESC’s do not meet the requirements for Non-Timing ESC’s when the smoothing or softening function is activated. When informed of this, the manufacturer submitted new firmware which disabled the zero timing blink code when smoothing was activated and took the additional step of providing a unique blink code to indicate zero timing with the approved firmware.
Although the original intent of the smoothing function is to retard timing to reduce power at part throttle in mod motors, there are ways to exploit that function to gain additional performance in classes using spec wind motors.
This incident prompted a review of previously approved ESC’s with the smoothing or softening function. As a result of that review, Hobbywing and R1 were asked to submit new software / firmware for ESC’s originally approved in error by ROAR where the blink code was displayed while smoothing / softening was activated.
Both companies have submitted new software / firmware which now deactivate the zero timing blink code when smoothing is active. They have also adopted a revised blink code to easily differentiate from previous software levels. In the case of both manufacturers the new blink code is a series of rapid flashes (red for Hobbywing, green for R1) followed by a pause. This pattern then repeats.
The ROAR Approved Non-Timing ESC approval listings on the ROAR website have been updated to show the new software / firmware as the only approved software for these ESC’s. Racers should immediately update their ESC’s to these new software levels in order to assure they comply with the zero timing requirements. The approved software for the R1 digital 3 series (including Super Stock) is V1.020. The approved software for the Hobbywing XR10 Stock Spec is XR-4.2.05 and XR-4.4.12 is the approved software for the Hobbywing XR10 Pro G2. Previous software versions for these ESC’s have been removed from the approval list and are no longer legal for competition in ROAR sanctioned events.
We need to also state again that only approved software versions for all brands of ESC can be used in ROAR sanctioned competition. Many manufacturers have software versions which they do not submit for approval which may display a blinking LED under certain conditions even if zero timing requirements are not met. The only way to be certain that a particular ESC meets the zero timing requirements is to check for both the proper blink code and proper software level as listed on the approval page. It is a racer’s responsibility to be certain they are using the right software level. Technical inspectors at ROAR events have the right to check a competitor’s ESC at any time. Competitors are responsible for providing any programming devices needed to verify software level if inspected by ROAR officials.
ROAR regrets the inconvenience created by making this announcement so close to Offroad Carpet Nationals and any confusion caused by the inadvertent approval of the original software.
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