LLC
“Throttle-Tech”
™
Users Guide
Copyright 2013 Tech-Aero Designs LLC
www.tech-aero.net
Throttle-Tech Overview
Thank you for purchasing the Tech-Aero “Throttle-Tech” system. Throttle-Tech is a first of its
kind system that fulfills what model enthusiasts have wanted since the beginning of e-powered
models; a reliable, consistent throttle response throughout the useful supply range of the battery
supplying the ESC (electronic speed controller) and motor. It does this by continuously analyzing
the changing battery voltage at the ESC connections and applying the appropriate compensation
factor to the throttle commands that it passes on to the ESC. It is effectively a battery de-rating
system that continuously adjusts the throttle signal to the ESC as the supply battery discharges,
thus maintaining a consistent motor response to throttle stick movements from the transmitter
throughout the flight.
It is both sophisticated and simple to use, while providing enough flexibility to be used with a
wide cross section of model ESC’s. The factory default settings will suffice for many
applications, but can be modified with Tech-Aero’s FlexLink
TM
PC configuration software and an
available USB to Serial Port adapter cable. Flexlink also provides the capability to install
firmware updates for feature enhancements as they become available.
ESC Compatibility
At the time of this publication, Throttle-Tech has been tested to be compatible with popular
aircraft ESC’s from Castle Creations, YGE, OS, Hacker and Jeti. ESC compatibility updates will
be posted to the Tech-Aero Designs website as may be required.
Throttle-Tech System Description
The Throttle-Tech system is comprised of two small circuit boards with interconnecting wiring. A
1 1/4” by 1” microcontroller board connects in between the receiver’s throttle channel and the
ESC, while a 1” by ½” LiPo Tap board provides a filtered voltage reference from the ESC battery
supply voltage to the microcontroller. For proper functioning and also to prevent damage to the
microcontroller, the LiPo Tap board
must
be properly matched to battery cell count and chemistry
(LiPo or Li Ion). Most applications will be Lithium Polymer, however other battery chemistries
may be supported by contacting Tech-Aero Sales at [email protected].
The LiPo Tap board performs a precise voltage division function so that the microcontroller has
the correct voltage levels to analyze. This allows the Throttle-Tech system to perform equally
well with different battery cell counts, provided that the correct LiPo Tap board is connected for
the battery being used. Note that the battery cell count and cell chemistry are the only battery
specs that matter for the proper selection and connection of the LiPo Tap part of the system. In
fact, the amp hour and C ratings of the battery are not relevant to the operation of the Throttle-
Tech system. The smaller LiPo Tap board connects to the full battery supply voltage to the ESC
directly to the battery leads from the ESC.
