The Setup
A simple but educational setup to test the control of cheap Aliexpress ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) and visualize the signals being sent to brushless motors.
What I Built
-
ESC control circuit - generating PWM signals to control motor speed
-
Oscilloscope integration - visualizing the control signals in real-time
-
Test platform - safely mounting the motor for experimentation
Why It Matters
Brushless motors are everywhere in modern robotics:
-
Drones and quadcopters
-
Electric vehicles
-
High-performance robotic actuators
Understanding how ESCs communicate with motors is fundamental to building anything that needs precise motor control.
The Learning
Using an oscilloscope to visualize the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals taught me:
-
How ESCs interpret control signals - the relationship between pulse width and motor speed
-
Signal timing requirements - the precise timing needed for reliable control
-
Debugging motor issues - using visual feedback to diagnose problems
Beyond Drones
While this started as drone experimentation, the knowledge applies to any brushless motor application. The same control principles would later appear in my work with robotic actuators and prosthetic systems.