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How to Install PowerZone Brushless Adapters

You can install a PowerZone Brushless Adapter on your remote-control aircraft's electronic speed control (ESC). This will enable you to operate certain models of PowerZone or HobbyZone model aircraft with a more efficient brushless motor, rather than a standard brush motor. Installing an adapter requires you to solder different parts of your power assembly to the adapter board, and to connect the leads of the adapter to your ESC. So, when you convert your electronic speed control and power pack using the PowerZone Brushless Adapter, the conversion is secure and the components remain connected when you fly your adapted model aircraft.

Things You'll Need

Low or adjustable power soldering iron
Rosin core electronics solder
Electronic speed control (ESC) with integrated battery eliminator
Brushless model aircraft motor
Electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing

Instructions

- 1
  Twist or braid the three motor wires of your new brushless motor to prepare for soldering.
- 2
  Solder the electronic speed control to your new brushless motor and battery pack connector, according to the instructions given by the manufacturers of each piece of equipment. Be sure to install the ESC and motor wires as far as possible from the receiver and antenna.
- 3
  Slide the three-wire ESC cable receptacle over the three prongs of the PowerZone Brushless Adapter so that the brown wire is on top, near the status LED of the adapter.
- 4
  Disconnect the two wires that power the existing brush motor by cutting or pulling them as close to the motor housing as possible.
- 5
  Solder the negative motor lead, which is usually black and is one of the two wires you disconnected from your old motor, to the bare lead at the top-left of the brushless adapter. Use electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing to cover the connection that you soldered.
- 6
  Cut off and insulate the end of the second motor wire for future use.
- 7
  Mount the adapter on top of the ESC, if you wish, by using double-sided tape or plastic adhesive. Install it on the side of the ESC that does not get hot, making sure that the LED status indicator of the adaptor is exposed.
- 8
  Configure your ESC using your remote control, according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 9
  Make sure the status light blinks three times upon power-up. If the motor does not run, even though the indicator does blink, make sure that the cable is fastened to the adapter in the right direction as described in step 2.

Aviation