Power Pack A Motor Troubleshooting

zombiefox

New member
I recently assembled the power pod for a Tiny Trainer. Some of the instructions weren't clear and I had tried to attach it using four screws instead of the two it showed in the video which didn't work. I also used the medium sized screws rather than the smallest ones that came with the motor. After a while I tried just using two but it still stuttered until I loosened the screws slightly but, it still stutters intermittently.

The battery is fully charged, according to the tester it is around 11 volts.

I can't see any specific damage to the motor but it's obviously stuttering:
https://youtu.be/8LPZS3tmmO8

I've calibrated the ESC several times but I still get the same result.

Most likely I'm thinking the screw went up into the motor but given the behavior, it seems like the ESC could be an issue. Anyone have any ideas where to start? The connections to the motor all look good. The ESC's connection to the AR400 receiver did take a rather rough push to get into the receiver. I don't see any visible damage or impact against the copper coils.

I have since taken this off the power pod and tried powering it up but I'm getting the same intermittent stutter. I've also tried reversing the leads but it does the same thing in clockwise motion.
 
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Hai-Lee

Old and Bold RC PILOT
First of all the Firewall should have a central hole to allow for the motor to rotate freely when the mounting screws are tightened.

Secondly if the motor occasionally stutters you should see about changing the timing of the ESC. Download the manual and follow the procedure therein.
 

zombiefox

New member
The central hole is clear. I've even gone as far as taking it off the power pod to test it the last few times.

I have followed the instructions on reprogramming the ESC timings (also made dang sure the brake was set to off) but with all settings there was no difference. Even resetting the default settings made no difference either.

Unfortunately the local hobby stores don't carry the right ESC to test this with so I'm a bit of a loss. It'd be nice to figure out if this is the motor or ESC's fault but I lack the hardware needed to figure it out. I'll contact store support and see what they can do for me.
 

mrf

Member
Have seen this before on one of my setups. I fixed it by configuring the ESC timing to a higher setting. As per the programming guide:

"For some high KV motors, if it shakes while rotating in high speed, the High timing mode is recommended"

You can program the ESC using your transmitter, you just need to enter programming mode and then move your throttle stick at the correct time. This is a great reference for the code combinations: https://dronebuildersblog.wordpress...i-brushless-esc-programming/#programmingtrans

Timing Mode is 2 beeps off the main menu, and then HIGH is the 5th option (one long beep).

This is also a great video reference for programming via the transmitter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QWj7lmXgS0
 

zombiefox

New member
This ended up being the motor. When you're installing the power pod use the smallest screws. The mid-sized ones (the next size up) can damage the motor.

I ordered both a replacement ESC and motor and discovered after testing it was obviously the motor that was broken. Thanks for the guide above, I figured out how to program the ESC to troubleshoot the video validated what I was doing was correct.