Think about your heart for just a moment. Think about all the hard work your heart does every single day. Most of us never give our hearts much thought; Mmm Donuts! I like to think of the ESC as the heart of a car, and I think the analogy fits. All the current flows through the ESC, just like blood flows through your heart. Without a heart, you won’t go very far, mmm chocolate frosted donuts, and without an ESC, neither will your car. As technology advances, features and benefits (like granola bars and exercise for your heart) thatwere formerly found only on the highest end of ESC’s gradually trickle down to become standard on even the most basic speedo. But which one is the right speed controller for you? I took some time and gathered up some of the best speed controllers you can get for under a hundred bucks, looked at the highs and lows of each one, and broke it all down for you.

HIT FEATURES • Small footprint • 3-throttle maps on the F2000 • Reverse lockout

While better known for their M8 and MX-3 radios, Airtronics does offer several speed controllers for the budget conscious among us.
The BL-Racer has a very small footprint that should fit in just about any car, a 19-turn motor limit, along with high-frequency FET’s that has both forward and reverse capabilities. The F2000 steps things up with a 13-turn motor limit, higher amp limits, 3-throttle profiles, and of course, reverse.

F-2000: Part No.: 96316Z- $64.99
BL-Racer: 96305Z- $42.99

POLK'S HOBBY
www.polkshobby.com, (973) 351-9800

This speed controller somewhat caught us by surprise, but if you look at the details, this unit has some potential. While the info page states that it’s great for boats, it can also be used in cars and trucks as well. The high frequency operation should be good for surface applications, while the one-touch setup makes it super dialed to get set up.

Pro 0100: Part No.: PLK00100- $75.00

DURATRAX
www.duratrax.com, (800) 682-8948

You gotta hand it to Duratrax; they found a niche and have filled it by offering excellent products at bargain prices. The Streak is a perfect example of how attention to detail can pay off. The large button for the one-touch setup sits a little taller than the case itself to help keep dirt and crud out of the internals. Once you’re in the setup mode, two different colored LED’s confirm that the brake and throttle have both been properly set. Additionally, the Streak also features a current limiter and ABS to help make the car more controllable. Additionally, the Duratrax Streak has been used in the Evader ST and BX RTR’s for some time, and it is reliable and functional all in one. The Intellispeed lineup of speed controllers has something for everyone, with the least expensive Intellispeed ESC costing just over $20! Most of the Intellispeed ESCs are named by their motor limit, i.e. the 12T Modified Reversible can handle down to, you guessed it, 12 Turn motors. Just about any need you have can be filled with the Intellispeed lineup.

If you need a speedo with one-touch setup, thermal overload protection, high-frequency operation, and can work with 15 Turn or higher motors, look no further than the SC-1. The large finned heat sink has a very industrial look to it, but it does a great job of keeping the SC-1 cool during operation.

SC-1: Part No.: JRPSP100- $64.99

5-STEP ESC INSTALL GUIDE

Step 1.
After you’ve selected your new ESC, locate your mechanical speed control or your old electronics speed control.

Step 2.
If you are replacing an old ESC, simply remove the unit and install the new one in the same fashion the old one was installed. If you have an MSC, you will need to remove the throttle servo and its plug wire from the channel 2 slot on the receiver. You also need to remove the wiper arm unit with all of its wires and the MSC’s resistor.

Step 3.
Install the new ESC in an open area on the chassis, most likely where you removed the MSC. Clean the surfaces with rubbing alcohol or motor spray and stick the ESC down using the two-sided tape it came with; affix the switch in the same fashion.

Step 4.
Plug the ESC’s 3-wire plug into the channel 2 slot on the receiver and hook up the bullet connectors to the
motor and battery plug to the battery.

Step 5.
Set up the ESC using manufacturer’s instruction manual.