Maclan Racing DRK 160 RS Edition ESC Installation Guide

DRK 160 RS Edition ESC
Quick Installation Guide

DRK ESC Physical Diagram

1. Fan power port
2. RX receiver port
3. Power switch port
4. Micro USB host port
5. LED #1
6. LED #2

Power on DRK ESC

There are 2 ways to power on and off DRK ESC; with the included slide switch plugged into the ESC, it will be controlled by the switch. If the slide switch is not installed, the ESC power is controlled by the battery connection and the ESC will power on as soon as the battery is plugged in. It will then power off when the battery is unplugged.

Radio Calibration

a. Power on your transmitter with the ESC off.

b. Hold FULL BRAKE on your transmitter while powering on the ESC. You will get a confirmation tone. You will see a solid RED on LED #1 with flashing ORANGE LED #2. (The flashing ORANGE LED means the ESC is capturing the FULL BRAKE position)
c. When the ORANGE LED turns solid, you will get a second confirmation tone. The LED #2 will begin flashing BLUE. Apply FULL THROTTLE now.
(The flashing BLUE LED #2 means the ESC is capturing the FULL THROTTLE position)
d. When the BLUE LED turns off with a third confirmation tone, release the throttle to neutral position. The ESC is now capturing the neutral position.
e. You will get a power-on tone to confirm the calibration process is complete.
**A complete radio calibration video could be found from Maclin Racing web site and its YouTube channel. Visit the web site to view the complete process.

Programming DRK ESC

There are some options to program your Maclin DRK ESC. You can connect the DRK ESC to Maclin Rolnik (sold separately) via the receiver (RX) port on the ESC, or to the micro USB port to change settings. You can connect DRK ESC to a Windows 7/10 PC via its micro USB port to change settings. You will need to download Maclin Panel PC software from Maclan-Racing.com web site. You can also connect DRK ESC to an Android based mobile device (Android OS version 5.0 and up) to change settings by Maclin Link app with USB connection. Or, you can use Maclin AirLink WiFi module to wirelessly connect your Android based mobile device (Android OS version 5.0 and up) or Apple iPhone (iOS 13 and up) by Maclin Link app.

LED Indicators

| LED 1| LED 2| Actions
---|---|---|---
Power on & no receiver signal| Red| Blue| LED 1 & 2 flash every sec simultaneously
Power on & ROAR  blinky mode| Red| Blue & Orange| LED 1 (solid) + LED 2 (alternating blue & orange)
Power on & race open mode| Red| Blue| LED 1 (solid red) + LED 2 (solid blue)
Power on & vehicle runs forward| Red| Blue| LED 1 (solid Red) + LED 2 flashes blue rapidly to solid (full throttle)
Power on & vehicle brakes| Red| Orange| LED 1 (solid Red) + LED 2 flashes orange rapidly to solid (full brake)
Low voltage cut off| Red| Blue| LED 1 & 2 flash every sec alternately with motor beeping
ESC temperature cut off| Red| Orange| LED 1 & 2 flash twice every sec alternately with motor beeping
Motor temperature cut off| Red| Orange| LED 1 & 2 flash 3 times every sec alternately  with motor beeping

Introduction

The DRK 160 RS Edition ESC is the ultimate in engineering design from Maclan Racing. Our commitment to quality and exhaustive track testing ensures that the DRK ESC gives you the smoothest power band and reliable performance in the most demanding R/C conditions.
Please read the following instructions carefully before installing your new DRK system.

What’s New on the DRK 160 RS Edition ESC

• Specifically designed for No Prep Drag Race with proven results and extended track testing with Team DRK racers.
• All new profiles for Real Street NPRC class.
• 10 AWG power wires to handle more power.
• DRK Super Capacitor module.

Precautions

• For the best performance, we recommend using DRK ESC with Maclin Racing DRK series motors.

• Never operate your DRK ESC without the capacitor module. It will cause permanent damage to the ESC and void factory warranty.

• DRK ESC is a high end racing product that offers many tuning parameters. If you are not well versed in ESC setup, we have numerous factory default profiles to get you  started. If you need help with detailed settings, please contact Maclin directly for assistance.

• Maclin Racing allows control of turbo/boost timing set up in the ESC. Any ESC damage caused from excessive turbo/ boost will not be covered under warranty. This method of tuning the ESC should be done with EXTREME caution and a good knowledge of boost profiles.

• Never “free rev” and brake the motor and ESC system with no load. It can cause extreme spikes that can damage both the motor and ESC, and moreover, will void the factory warranty.

• Do not connect reversed voltage. This will damage the ESC and void the factory warranty.

• Pay attention to the motor and ESC timing. More timing will generate more heat on both the ESC and the motor.

• Do not leave batteries plugged into the ESC when not in use.
  This will prevent short circuits and over discharging of the battery.

• Always monitor both the ESC and motor temperature after running them. Temperature should never exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

• DRK ESC adapts a high performance switching BEC. This requires a high quality radio system. 2.4G and higher quality FM radio systems are the most suitable to work with the DRK system. AM radio systems can cause noise that results in poor performance or operation failure of the DRK system.

Features

• High performance 32-bit CPU for high speed and accurate processing.
• DRK firmware algorithms for the strongest ever throttle and drag race launch performance.
• Upgraded Hi-Res data logging
• All new DRK Super Capacitor module for the best performance and protection.
• All aluminum structure with omni directional heat sink for maximum airflow and optimum cooling performance.
• All detachable connectors with several optional length cables.
• Adjustable throttle and brake PWM frequency for fine tuning.
• Advanced Boost/Turbo/Over-Boost system for top level drag racing.
• Motor/ESC temperature protection and low voltage protection.
• MS Windows compatible software for data logging, programing, and firmware updating.

Specifications

Scale: 1/10th Brushless Censored/Sensor less ESC
Continuous Current: 160A
MOSFET Rated current: 400A/phase
Power input: 2S Li-Po
BEC output: Linear Mode 6V to7.4V, 4A
Wire input: Black-10AWG-200mm2
Wire output: Black-10AWG-200mm3
Cooling Fan: 30x30x10mm high voltage turbo fan
Motor Limit: Brushless Censored 3.5T
Dimension: 40x30x19mm (without fan)
Net Weight: 48g (without wires and capacitor module)

DRK 160 RS Edition Programming Parameters

Parameter 1: Run Mode
Options are Drag Open and Drag Blinky
The Drag Open mode allows advanced turbo timing.
The Drag Blinky mode is for stock class without advanced turbo timing.
Parameter 2: SBEC Voltage
Options are from 5.0V to 7.4V in 0.1V Increments.
A higher voltage will make servos react faster at the expense of a shorter life span. However, do not set SBEC Voltage above the servo manufacturer’s recommended voltage.
Parameter 3: Forward Power
Options are from 50% to 100% in 1% Increments. This setting allows you to limit the forward power.
Parameter 4: Reverse Power
Options are from 0% to 100% in 1% Increments. This setting allows you to limit the reverse power.
Parameter 5: Sensor Mode
Options are Full Censored and Smart Sense
The Full Censored mode will operate the ESC in censored only mode. It will provide the highest performance and smoothest power at all times. The Smart Sense mode will allow the Esc to operate with either a sensor less or sensored motor. This option can be helpful in the case of sensor wire malfunction or failure.
Parameter 6: Motor Rotation
Options are normal and reverse.
This allows for the changing of motor rotation for some specific chassis that require to run a reversed motor rotation.
Parameter 7: Battery Cut Off
Options are Disable, 2.9V to 7.4V in 0.1V increments.
This parameter monitors the Li-Po pack voltage. If the voltage drops to the setup value, the ESC will reduce the power output to the motor to avoid battery damage.
Parameter 8: Motor Temperature Cut
Options are Disable/ 160 degrees F to 230 degrees F
This parameter displays both Fahrenheit and Celsius (℉ and ℃) for easier reading.
When the motor reaches the setup temperature value, the ESC will reduce the power output to the motor to 30% to avoid overheat damage.
Note: This temperature is read from the sensor unit circuit inside the motor can. There can be discrepancies between the temperature that you capture on the outside of the motor can and what the sensor board is indicating.
Parameter 9: ESC Temperature Cut
Options are Disable/ 160 degrees F to 230 degrees F.
This parameter displays both Fahrenheit and Celsius (℉ and ℃) for easier reading. When the ESC reaches the setup temperature value, the ESC will reduce the power output to the motor to 30% to avoid overheat damage.
Note: This temperature is read from the CPU temperature sensor. It may be different from the temperature that you capture from the ESC heat sink.
Parameter 10: Brake Strength
Options are 0% (Disabled) to 100%, in 1% Increments.
A lower Brake Strength percentage will have less powerful brakes, while a higher percentage will have stronger brakes.
Parameter 11: Drag Brake
Options are 0 (disable) to 100% in 1% Increments.
This function will provide a drag force when the throttle is released to the neutral position.
Parameter 12: Throttle Punch
Options are 1% to 100% in 1% Increments.
A lower Throttle Punch percentage will have a slower throttle response and feel softer initially. A higher Throttle Punch percentage will have a faster throttle response.
Parameter 13: Dead Band
Options are 1% to 10% in 1% Increments
This is the amount of “play” when the throttle is engaged. A setting of ‘Off’ will make the throttle engage more instantaneously, while ‘Wide’ would require more trigger movement.
Warning: Turbo function is an advanced features for experienced users, and if used incorrectly can damage the ESC or motor system. Make sure to monitor temperature levels in both the speed controller and motor carefully, and adjust gearing as needed. Any system damage caused by boost/turbo/over boost will not be covered by our factory warranty.

DRK 160 RS Edition ESC Parameters Table

| Parameters| Values
---|---|---
General & Protections| 1.Run Mode| Drag Open/Drag Blinky
2.SBEC Voltage| 6.0V to 7.4V
3.Forward Power| 50% to 100%
4.Reverse Power| 0% to 100%
5.Sensor Mode| Full Censored/ Smart Sense
6.Motor Rotation| Normal/ Reverse
7.Battery Cut Off| Disable/ 3.0V to 7.4V
8.Motor Temperature CL| Disable/ 160° F (71° C) to 220° F(104° C)
9.ESC Temperature Cut| Disable/ 160° F (71° C) to 220° F(104° C)
Brake Settings| 10.Brake Strength| 0% (disable) to 100%
11.Drag Brake| 0% to 100%
Throttle Settings| 12.Throttle Punch| 1% to 150%
13.Dead Band| 1% to 10%
Launch Power Control| 14.1st Stage Power| 1% to 100%
15.1st Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
16.2nd Stage Power| 1% to 100%
17.2nd Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
18.3rd Stage Power| 1% to 100%
19.3rd Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
20.3rd Stage Boost| 0° to 10°
21.4th Stage Power| 1% to 100%
22.4th Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
23.4th Stage Boost| 0° to 10°
24.5th Stage Power| 1% to 100%
25.5th Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
26.5th Stage Boost| 0° to 15°
27.6th Stage Power| 1% to 100%
28.6th Stage Time| 0.05 sec to 2.50 sec
29.6th Stage Boost| 0° to 15°
30.7th Stage Power| 1% to 100%
31.7th Stage Turbo| 0° to 65°
Advanced Timing. Setting| 32.Up Slew Rate| 2°@0.1 sec to 23°@0.1 sec

Parameter 14 to 31: Stage Power and Time
Options are 1% to 100% in 1% Increments.
It sets the power output of each stage launch power control.
Options are 0.2 sec to 2.5 sec in 0.05sec Increments
It sets the time duration of each stage launch power control.
Parameter 32: Turbo Up Slew Rate
Options are Level 1 to 10.
This sets how fast the ESC reaches the maximum advanced top speed timing. The larger number will have more aggressive top speed acceleration while the smaller number will have smoother feeling.

Factory Profiles

 The DRK ESC has 6 preset profiles that was designed for 3.5T/4.0T/4.5T motors in low or high traction conditions. You can select a corresponding profile for your application, then make fine adjustments for the actual track condition. You can also reload factory default settings for each profile via the Rolnik, Maclin Link app, or a PC. You can also fine tune all parameters in each profile to meet your needs.

Data logging

The Maclin data logging function records system info in the ESC’s CPU memory. This includes throttle/ brake position (on mobile Maclin Link App only), motor RPM, ESC and motor temperature. The DRK ESC data logging is designed to display high resolution with 0.1 sec / line recording. When viewing data through the Maclin Rolnik or the Maclin Panel software, it will show you the maximum and minimum of all values. When viewing data through the mobile Maclin Link App, you will receive much more detailed information broken down into sessions.

Service & Warranty

 Your Maclin DRK ESC is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 30 days. Your original receipt showing the item and the date and place of purchase is required with your warranty service application. An ESC that is found to have been mishandled, abused or used incorrectly, including use in an application other than that for which the ESC is intended, will not be covered under the warranty. Maclan Racing has no control over the use of the ESC application with other electronic devices such as motors and batteries. Maclan Racing is not liable for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential, or any situation from the use, misuse or abuse of the product. Your DRK ESC is not a toy. This product is not intended for use by a child under age of 14 without adult supervision. The DRK ESC generates a lot of power that could result in physical injuries. By setting up, connecting or operating the product, the user accepts all related liabilities.

Manufacture disclaimer:

• If the ESC was able to power on, calibrate, and run a motor, it is free of factory manufacturing defect.
• Reverse polarity damage is not a warranty.
• Tire burnout is controlled by the racer. It can damage the ESC. It is not a warranty.
• Due to the nature of the drag race application, Maclin Racing only guarantee free from manufacturing defect. Any damage during a race is not a manufacturing defect. It is not a warranty.

For service, please visit www.hadrma.com and follow the service instructions for the quickest turnaround time.
For all technical questions, please visit www.maclan-racing.com for the corresponding FAQ, or e-mail your question to service@hobbyauthority- dist.com
Maclin Racing offers a product trade-in program and reserves the right for all warranty applications. Please visit www.maclan-racinng.com for details.

http://MACLAN-RACING.COM

WWW.MACLAN-RACING.COM
DRK
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References

• dist.com
• Maclan Racing
• Maclan Racing

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