Well, well, well, it seems we’ve got some new players in the FPV ESC game. Ian from MadsRC has taken a closer look at VoltaraRC’s latest offerings—yes, those shiny Electronic Speed Controllers that have sprung up since the BLHeli_32s decided to throw in the towel.
Here’s the lowdown on what makes these ESCs tick (and hopefully not catch fire) in Ian’s detailed review.
Overview of the Voltara ESCs
Designed by Liviu, these little beauties are made to meet the current needs of the FPV industry. The range includes a robust 70A full-size version and a pint-sized 50A mini—both compatible with KISS Ultra and surprisingly adaptable to Betaflight. No more faffing about with configurations; they come pre-set for an easy plug-and-play experience.
Unboxing and Specifications
Unwrapping the 70A ESC feels quite posh, with everything neatly packed in a static bag alongside a wiring harness and a rather impressive capacitor. The specs? It’s rated for a solid 70A (bursting at 80A), takes voltage inputs from 3-8S, and has a smattering of supported DShot protocols. Plus, it’s coated to withstand a bit of moisture—perfect for those dodgy British weather days.
Configuration Options
If you’re using it with a KISS Ultra flight controller, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of settings to play with, from current limits to beeper volume. Who knew flying could be so… bespoke?
The Voltara Mini ESC
Now, if you’re after something a tad more compact, the 50A Mini ESC is your friend. With dimensions that would fit comfortably in a pocket—or perhaps a very small drone—it doesn’t skimp on features. It, too, boasts water-repelling capabilities and is DShot compatible.
Firmware and Features
What sets the Voltara ESC apart is its custom firmware running on STM32 microcontrollers. This means it can actually monitor motor outputs to prevent shorts, rather than just shutting down in a dramatic fashion like its rivals. Quite the clever clogs, isn’t it?
Performance Insights
Ian took the 70A ESC for a spin with both KISS Ultra and Betaflight setups and was happy to report no hiccups. It’s efficient, reliable, and a decent alternative to the now-defunct BLHeli_32.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the Voltara ESC models present a solid choice for anyone seeking dependable performance in the highly competitive FPV market. With their unique traits and compatibility, they’re certainly worth considering.
FAQ Highlights
- Can the Voltara ESCs be used with other flight controllers? Absolutely! They’re DShot compatible, so feel free to mix and match.
- What are the key advantages? Think personalised monitoring and a straightforward setup.
- Where can I purchase them? You can find them at the KISS Ultra store or retailers like TBS, Pyrodrone, and, of course, Unmanned Tech.
- Differences between the 70A and 50A? Mainly, it comes down to how much load you need your ESC to handle—choose wisely based on your project.
For those keen on delving deeper, Ian’s original video is well worth a watch: MadsRC on YouTube.
So there you have it. The Voltara ESCs—potentially the new darlings of the FPV world. Let’s hope they live up to the hype.
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