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Getting started with Beier modules (5 the ESC)

Beier actually sell 3 (at the time of writing) ESC modules. The UFR1230, UFR1230D (both esc and lights) and the SFR1(sound, esc and lights). To set the esc up under the configuration tab select ESC

This is from the SFR1 but the UFR1230 tab is more or less the same except that some things are in different positions.

The first thing to look for is the speed controller properties. On the UFR1230 you need to decide how you want to communicate with the USM-RC-2 if one exixts. Digital communication passes through all theesc and lighting information and allows very accurate sound responses. At the time I used a UFR1230 I had a left turn and reverse warning added to the sounds - unfortunately the digital pass through for sounds is indicators so I could not use my additional sounds. I got around that by using direct 4 wire communications from the lighting outputs to the Grey block connectors In1 to In 4 and used those to trigger my sounds.

The speed controller has 4 modes of operation and you can set those in the speed controller properties box. I really like the speed control you get with cruise control so I use that - Its a royal pain in reverse so I choose Cruise only active when driving forwards. Yes you need barkes so speed controller has braking function is good ( for wheeled and maybe tracked vehicles but probably not boats or submarines!). I do like to be able to stop in a hurry so I choose emergency stop possible. This stops the vehicle immediately.

You can switch in and out of cruise control using one of the functions, this is available on both UFR1230 and SFR1.

The next box down switches the direction of the servos. The steering servo is as we will see not straight through!

Load regulation is good but you need to play with it to get it right. It aims to keep the vehicle moving at a constant speed - it monitors the current drawn and adjusts the throttle accordingly. You can clearly hear the effect when going up an incline or round a corner.

The next column Starts with inertia. I use inertia medium on my trucks ( heavy on the block truck) it slows the speed increase and braking effect and adds more realism.

Steering inertia I have not used but it will slow the application of steering. Speed dependent steering reduces the steering effect when you are going fast.

Handbrake applies a brake effect.

Throttle curve is interesting. It allows you to adjust the actual throttle response to whatever you want rather than a straight line. I have done an example in the above picture - compare it to the first one. The forwards throttle has been adjusted for a curve that gives a high throttle response low down and lesser response high up. This is a personal preference thing so have a play.

The throttle curve 2 can be activated with a function while driving. This enables for example to use throttle curve 1 for normal driving and throttle curve 2 for maneuvring with very sensitive acceleration behaviour. The function throttle curve 2 toggles this. Useful for tight manouvering I think but I have not used it.

Getting started with Beier Modules (4 controlling the engine sound)

The last article showed how to load sounds to the module. The Additional sounds can be triggered by functions (selected by stick position on the TX) The engine sound control is a little different and has its own tab under the configuration tab. This tab uses the sounds that were defined under the top level tab engine sound.

Read more: Getting started with Beier Modules (4 controlling the engine sound)

Getting started with Beier Modules (0 prerequisites)

The Beier modules are hugely capable becoming used more widely. They differ from other modules out there in that they are hugely flexible and programable.

Read more: Getting started with Beier Modules (0 prerequisites)

Getting started with Beier Modules (3 Functions)

So now we know how to connect the unit and set the radio up to control it and how to manipulate the proportional channels, but what do we control?  Well essentially we control one or more of a number of functions. The list is rather large and this is where things get a bit tricky as you may set up and control the functions but unless there is some order to it it will be extremely difficult to remember what is what. I have been using the Beier modules for a number of years and so have come to a method that works for me. It essentially revolves around grouping actions together on one channel. So I will have lights on one channel, horns on another, selectable sounds , engine controls etc.

Read more: Getting started with Beier Modules (3 Functions)