MAD MAX4 160A HV 3-6S Brushless Sensored ESC for 1/8 RC Model Car, Bluetooth, BEC 6.0/7.4/8.4V, IP67

Overview

MAD MAX4 160A HV is a brushless sensored electronic speed controller (ESC) for 1/8 RC model car use, supporting 3~6S LiPo input. It supports sensor or sensorless square wave control of brushless motors, includes built-in Bluetooth for mobile app setup, and provides an adjustable BEC output (6.0V/7.4V/8.4V) for servo power.

Key Features

• Built-in Bluetooth transmission: direct connection to mobile app for parameter setting, data reading, firmware upgrade, and operation data observation (data log and real-time data).
• Fan intelligent start/stop function:
  • Temperature > 55°C: fan power turns on
  • Temperature < 50°C: fan power turns off
  • When there is a large current abnormality, the controller turns off the fan power supply
  • Fan powered by BEC; if a short-circuit current occurs to the fan, power is cut off and recovers in 1 second
• Built-in real-time data recording functionality via the mobile app (static and real-time data viewing).
• Built-in BEC function: supports up to 15A current output (BEC voltage settings of 6.0V/7.4V/8.4V).
• Protection rating: IP67 (waterproof and dustproof performance).
• Turbo timing available; Turbo max support 26°.
• Supports X.BUS protocol for real-time control and reading operation data through bus (can be used for automation/robot control or other programmed control).
• Full protection: low voltage, over voltage, throttle loss, abnormal braking, over temperature, etc.
• Commutation and power-stage features:
  • Meticulously proved commutation scheme, smooth commutation even in noninductive.
  • Active freewheeling technology to reduce MOS heating while avoiding excessive current pulses.
  • Current limiting in each PWM cycle to reduce the impact of pulse current on the motor.
  • High-power DC conversion circuit makes BEC a potent loading capacity.

For product support, setup help, or firmware/app guidance, contact support@rcdrone.top or visit https://rcdrone.top/.

Specifications

Connections

• Switch wire: red and black
• Throttle wire: red: BEC+, black: BEC-, white: throttle
• X.BUS wire: red: BEC+, brown: BEC-, yellow: X.BUS

Configurable Items (via Mobile App)

Parameter Notes (Selected Items)

1. Running Mode

• Option 1: Forward with brake - The vehicle can only move forward and has brake function. This is commonly acceptable in races.
• Option 2: Forward/Reverse and Brake - “Training” mode. The vehicle brakes the first time the trigger is pushed to reverse/brake. If the motor stops when the trigger returns to neutral and then the trigger is pushed to reverse again, the vehicle reverses. If the motor does not completely stop, it will still brake; return to neutral and push to reverse again. This helps prevent accidental reverse.
• Option 3: Forward and Reverse - When the trigger is pushed from neutral to reverse point, the motor reverses. Generally used in special vehicles.

2. Lipo Cells

Set the correct value according to the actual number of LiPo batteries used. The default is automatically calculated.

3. Low Voltage Cut-Off

This function helps prevent excessive discharge of lithium batteries causing damage. The ESC monitors battery voltage; once voltage falls below the set threshold, power output is reduced and then cut off after a few seconds, and generates a 10% braking force. For NiMH batteries, it is recommended to set this parameter to “Disabled”.

4. Motor Rotation

Sets motor rotation direction. If the vehicle runs in the opposite direction at full throttle due to drivetrain differences, set motor rotation direction to the opposite direction (CW or CCW).

5. BEC Voltage

BEC voltage supports 6.0V/7.4V/8.4V. Generally, 6.0V is suitable for standard servos, while 7.4V/8.4V is suitable for high-voltage servos. Set according to the servo specifications. WARNING: Do not set BEC voltage above the maximum operating voltage of the servo, as this may damage the servo or the ESC.

6. Max. Brake Force

Proportional braking: braking effect depends on throttle trigger position. Sets the percentage of available braking power at full brake. A large value may shorten braking time but may damage pinion and spur gear.

7. Max. Reverse Force

Refers to reversing speed. Smaller reversing speed is recommended to avoid errors caused by reversing too fast.

8. Punch

Set in stages: higher value gives faster acceleration. Consider site, tire grip, and vehicle configuration. Aggressive settings may cause tire slippage, excessive starting current, and adverse effects on electronics.

9. Drag Brake Force

Brake force generated by the motor when throttle returns to neutral. Choose according to vehicle type, configuration, and site.

10. Turbo Timing

Turbo timing can additionally increase motor RPM and initiates at full throttle (often used on long straight sections). Higher values increase RPM and also increase running current and temperature of motor and ESC; set reasonably.

11. Turbo Delay

Duration of continuous full throttle required to trigger Turbo.

12. Initial PWM

Minimum starting force at the initial throttle position. Set according to tires and site grip; on slippery surfaces, use a smaller value to avoid slipping.

13. Motor Pole Pairs

Motor rotation speed = Electrical speed / Pole pairs. To obtain precise mechanical rotational speed, the pole pairs must be set correctly.

14. Communication BUS

FUTABA_T4PM & FS sensor-to-sensor data transmission modes allow voltage, temperature and motor speed, etc. to be viewed on RC. X.BUS controls ESC throttle in the form of programming, dynamically adjusts motion parameters, and reads ESC operation parameters; can be used in automation or robot situations.

15. X.BUS-ID

Takes effect when X.BUS is selected. X.BUS can control up to 16 ESCs.

Precautions

1. Do not connect ESC input wires DC+ and DC- in reverse. Reverse connection may damage the ESC; warranty service will not be provided in this case.
2. If a Hall sensor is used, check motor phase wires and Hall wiring.
3. For motors without temperature sensors, long-term high-power operation may cause burnout.
4. Some motors’ mechanical structures cannot support high speed. Forcibly increasing speed may damage the motor.
5. If not used for more than 1 hour, unplug the power wires of the ESC.
6. If any modifications are made to wiring, check the circuit carefully before use. Open the throttle slowly and confirm there are no errors before normal operation.

Start The Process

1. Check whether the circuit is open, short circuit, or in poor contact.
2. Check whether the motor is stuck.
3. Plug in the power cable.
4. Turn on the power button. When the battery prompt tone is heard (described in the “Normal startup” prompt in the light/sound prompt section), startup is normal. If the throttle is normal, throttle operation can be performed normally.

Set The Throttle Range (Throttle Calibration Steps)

1. Keep the ESC off; move the throttle to the end point of reversal; power up the ESC; wait for the red light and green light to stop flashing (about 5s).
2. Move the throttle to the end point of forward within 1s and hold it; wait for the green light to stop flashing.
3. Set the throttle to the neutral position within 1s and hold it; wait for the red light to stop flashing.
4. Success prompt repeats four times: red light and green light on + motor beep “so, mi, do” + red/green lights off + 0.2s vacancy. Failure prompt: no signs, ESC powers on.

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth name follows the rule: “approximate model” + “-” + “ESC code ID”. Example: “XC_E3-1C89”, where XC_E3 is the approximate model and “1C-89” is the hexadecimal code ID of the ESC. Even if the Bluetooth name is changed by the user, the ESC code ID is retained to avoid two devices with the same name.

Recover Factory Parameters

How to restore Bluetooth to factory settings

1. Connect ESC wire (the white wire) to BEC+ (red wire).
2. Turn on ESC.
3. Disconnect from BEC when green light is off and red light is on.
4. Remove short circuiting.

When boot is activated, Bluetooth status restores to factory value (password restored to 1234, name restored to factory state). Restart ESC. If there is a hardware error, Boot can be activated in this way to upgrade hardware.

How to restore parameters to factory settings

Click the default button on the app parameter page.

LED Status & Beep Instructions

Notes:
1. Red light matches long tone. Green light matches short tone.
2. For saving power, all “beeps” last for 5 mins; if all faults are recovered, it takes effect again in next 5 mins.
3. Ellipsis “...” in light cue represents repetition of previous action.

Throttle Calibration

Details

The MAD MAX4 160A sensored ESC pairs a top-mounted cooling fan with clearly labeled LiPo 3–6S and BEC 6–15A max support for RC car installs.

The MAD MAX4 160A HV sensored ESC uses an intelligent cooling fan that starts and stops based on temperature.

The MAD MAX4 brushless sensored ESC includes built-in Bluetooth for direct mobile app connection for parameter setting, data reading, and firmware upgrades.

Built-in real-time data recording lets you review power and running status through an app-style graph during tuning.

The built-in BEC supports up to 15A output and selectable 6.0V, 7.4V, or 8.4V settings for powering high-voltage servos.

The MAD MAX4 160A HV sensored ESC is rated IP67 for all-weather operation in wet and dusty conditions.

The MadMax4 160A sensored ESC for model cars supports 3–6S LiPo power and uses a fan-cooled housing for heat management.

MAD MAX4 160A HV sensored ESC is rated for 3–6S setups with 10AWG motor leads, a 6A–15A max BEC, and an IP67 waterproof level.

The MAD MAX4 sensored ESC wiring layout connects the motor, batteries, receiver, and XBUS module with labeled lead routing for easier installation.

MAD MAX4 ESC throttle calibration uses the red and green LED prompts while you set reverse, forward, and neutral throttle endpoints.