Operation Manual

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ESCs - The 16A Vortex 150/180 ESC
Overview
The ESCs used in the Vortex Mini are a full-custom design, which uses a potent 32-bit ARM processor. 
They are small enough to be enclosed completely in the plastic ESC covers of the Vortex 150/180 Mini, where
they are well protected against the elements, and from physical damage from passing tree-branches.
The ESCs come pre-configured for all motors supported by the Vortex, and they have also been used
successfully with various aftermarket motors used by our test team.
NOTE: The first generation of EzESCs cannot have their firmware upgraded by end-users. Upgrading them
requires special equipment, used in the factory, and at ImmersionRC repair centers.
RotorSENSE
A unique feature of the ESCs used in the Vortex is RotorSense.
This feature puts an end to the decade-old ‘wire-swapping’ technique used to get brushless motors to spin in
the correct direction.
Once props are installed, at power-up before arming the flight controller, a simple spin of a prop will program
the rotation sense.
NOTE: This procedure may be performed with props in place, or props removed. For safety’s sake it is
recommended that props are removed.
If they are left installed, it is recommended to use a stick, or other object instead of a finger to flick the
prop.
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The full procedure is as follows:
1) Cycle power to the quad to ensure that the flight controller is not armed.
2) Spin the motor in the desired direction. If the ESC recognizes the spin, two short beeps will be
generated.
3) Spin the motor again in the desired direction. If the ESC recognises the spin, 5 longer beeps will be
generated and the ESC has learned the direction.
IMPORTANT: ImmersionRC ESCs DO NOT REQUIRE CALIBRATION. The calibration process required by
most ‘budget’ ESCs is required since a precise quartz oscillator is not used in the ESC. The ImmersionRC
ESCs all include this critical component, and therefore never need calibration.
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