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Getting Started

Getting Started Guide

📦 What’s in the Box​

  • Brave 55A 4-in-1 ESC (AM32 firmware)
  • Rubber mounting dampers
  • 12 AWG power lead with XT60
  • Low-ESR electrolytic capacitor

Key Specifications

  • Input Voltage: 3–8S LiPo
  • Continuous Current: 55 A
  • Burst Current: 75 A
  • Firmware: AM32 (32-bit)
  • ESC Protocols: DSHOT150 / 300 / 600 / 1200
  • Telemetry: ESC telemetry supported
  • Mounting Pattern: 30 × 30 mm
  • Board Size: ~45.4 × 41 × 7.3 mm

🔌 Installation & Wiring​

Power Connection​

  1. Mount the ESC to your frame using the provided rubber dampers.
  2. Solder the XT60 power lead to the ESC battery pads, observing correct polarity.
  3. Install the included capacitor directly across VBAT and GND as close to the ESC as possible to reduce voltage spikes.

⚠️ Always verify polarity before connecting a battery.

Flight Controller Connection​

  1. Select either the short or long ESC-to-FC harness based on your stack height.
  2. Connect the harness between the ESC and the flight controller ESC header or pads.
  3. Confirm the following signals are correctly aligned:
    • VBAT
    • GND
    • Motor Outputs (M1–M4)
    • Current Sense
    • ESC Telemetry

🧠 AM32 Firmware Overview​

The Brave 55A ESC ships with AM32, a modern open ESC firmware designed for high performance and flexibility.

AM32 features include:

  • 32-bit MCU for fast, precise motor control
  • Support for modern digital ESC protocols
  • ESC telemetry for RPM filtering and diagnostics
  • Adjustable PWM frequency, timing, and startup behavior
  • Actively developed open firmware ecosystem

AM32 provides excellent responsiveness and configurability for both racing and endurance platforms.

Initial Setup​

  1. Connect your flight controller to your computer and open Betaflight Configurator.
  2. Navigate to Configuration → ESC/Motor Features.
  3. Set ESC Protocol to:
    • DSHOT600 (recommended starting point)
  4. Enable:
    • Bidirectional DSHOT (for RPM filtering, if supported)
  5. Save and reboot.

Telemetry Setup​

  1. Go to the Ports tab.
  2. Enable Telemetry on the UART connected to the ESC telemetry wire.
  3. Save and reboot.

Motor Verification​

  1. Remove all propellers.
  2. Open the Motors tab.
  3. Slowly spin each motor to confirm:
    • Correct motor order
    • Correct rotation direction
  4. Reverse motor direction in software if required.

🔧 AM32 Configurator (Advanced Tuning)​

For deeper ESC tuning, the AM32 Configurator can be used via flight-controller passthrough.

Typical adjustable parameters include:

  • PWM Frequency
    • 24–48 kHz recommended depending on motor and application
  • Motor Timing
  • Startup Power / Boost
  • Brake Strength
  • Telemetry Output Mode
  1. Connect to the ESC using AM32 Configurator.
  2. Read settings from the ESC.
  3. Make incremental changes.
  4. Write settings and power-cycle.
  5. Test at low throttle before full-power operation.

⚠️ Incorrect tuning values may cause overheating or desync. Adjust conservatively.

🔍 Common Troubleshooting​

Motors Do Not Spin​

  • Verify battery voltage at ESC
  • Confirm ESC protocol matches Betaflight setting
  • Check FC-to-ESC harness orientation

No ESC Telemetry​

  • Confirm telemetry UART is enabled
  • Verify telemetry wire connection
  • Ensure Bidirectional DSHOT is enabled (if applicable)

Excessive Heat or Noise​

  • Reduce motor timing
  • Adjust PWM frequency
  • Verify proper capacitor installation

⚠️ Safety Notes​

  • Always remove propellers during setup
  • Never connect a battery without verifying polarity
  • Perform first tests at low throttle
  • Inspect solder joints regularly

📘 Support​

For additional documentation, wiring diagrams, or configuration examples, contact:

Ewing Aerospace
Engineering & Support Team
www.ewingaerospace.com