Spektrum Firma 40 ESC - Better than you think!
I go over the features, pros and cons of the new Spektrum Firma 40 ESC & Reciever combo. It's much better than you might think, and a super affordable way to get into the SMART DSMR ecosphere. Enjoy the running video at the end!
Get one here:
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Programming Card:
bit.ly/3iwSXwi
I ran mine in the Axial SCX10II UMG10:
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Пікірлер: 255
Awesome review Matt! 😎😎😎
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! 👍
@nicholaswoodard4586
3 жыл бұрын
Hi
@juancorona4262
3 жыл бұрын
Spektrum tech: Hello do you know what's the limit motor I can't find this info anywhere, I want change the 35t but what the limit motor on 2s and 3s thanks in advance
@Jrod_FPV
3 жыл бұрын
@@juancorona4262 you would have to do testing to find out. Because the ESC is rated at 40amps continuous. Amps are determined by motor size, vehicle weight, and gear ratio. I run this ESC for my 20 turn 550 size motor and don't have any issues. Heavy truck geared for a lot of speed so it's definitely pulling a lot of amps too.
@Jrod_FPV
3 жыл бұрын
@@juancorona4262 also forgot to mention it's rated at 180amps burst current, so I think it would be really difficult to overload this ESC with a crawler/trail truck.
I pre ordered 2 of these and got them before I started seeing people bash them. It works for what I need in a brushed setup. Mine came with drag break off, so I was happy I got the programming card. I have now decided most people who bash new stuff don't know what they are talking about. There are a lot of keyboard warriors who just want to watch the world burn, and I now ignore them and just spend the money if I like what I see. This is a hobby and I don't take it very seriously. I just have fun. Good video.
@jcchaconjr
4 жыл бұрын
Eh, since returning to the hobby, one thing I've noticed lately is that a lot of people seem quick to dump on things as soon as they see the Spektrum name. I myself am returning to the hobby after a very long break (I'm a racer, but I like all this crawler stuff). I decided to come back with an open mind and gave Spektrum a shot. No complaints so far. Now sure, I'm not saying that people haven't had problems with Spektrum products, but in my time back, I've seen way more "I saw this guy" stories than people who personally had a problem. Anyway, I'm not one to judge. The bottom line is that I'm happy so far, and if I continue to be so, I'll spread a good word for a change. 🙂
@lrburns4
4 жыл бұрын
I also ordered two simply because I loved the idea of 2in1. Multiple people told me “it’s rtr low quality”. I’m glad I ignored that because spektrum did an amazing job!
I've been with spektrum since the beginning I'm glad to see a person of your caliber speak highly on the subject👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I preordered it for my scx10iii kit when they announced it and I haven’t had a single problem with it and it’s awesome for the price and saving weight with not having separate esc /receiver
I bought a DX5C, largely on Matt's recomendation, great radio. A few months later Spektrum released the DX5 Rugged. Now Spektrum fixes the only problem with the DX5 Rugged over the DX5C, the touchscreen. Guess who bought a DX5 Rugged 3 months ago? :-| This ESC sounds and looks suspiciously like it's based on a WP1080. But $45 for that ESC with a 4ch receiver in it certainly isn't bad.
Right on right on! I knew Spectrum would eventually make a brushed esc around that price mark to compete and it sound like it cones with some nice options included! I’ll be looking to pick up one of these and try it out.
You don’t need the program card specific for it. I used a program card for a 1080 and set it up just fine
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
I should note it's a generic card that works with multiple ESC's. Thanks!
@Random4RC
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that info, I already have the card for the 1080!
@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916
4 жыл бұрын
Bryan Harrison make sure you look at the chart that comes in the instruction sheet on the Firma esc the table choices are different but the card does the same basic thing it cycles through groups of choices it just depends on what sheet your reading off of
@Evan_Moore61
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome! I was just going to say I wonder if any program card will work. I have one from the 1080 in my TRX4 Sport Kit so I was curious.
@joss67uk
4 жыл бұрын
Thats good to know, also is the esc as smooth as the 1080 ?
Nice driving at the end of this video and nice to see the one truck that did not come with portal's that came with them one to one now running truly scale. Thanks for sharing
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
Iv had one of these esc for about a month or so. I love it. Makes building new kits cheaper. It’s a hobbywing 1080 with a reciever and smart tech.
@dave-iq3dq
4 жыл бұрын
You can't bump the BEC up to 7.4v but still it's a killer deal.
@synrene
2 жыл бұрын
so can I use a hobbywing program card for it
I got this along with a DX3 transmitter to go in my TRX4 Sport build kit and I am super happy with it. It has no problem running my motor and Traxxas 400 steering servo.
@EtherealProject3D
3 ай бұрын
UPDATE. Ben running this for almost 2 years now with zero problems. An absolute wonder of a unit for the money, small, simple and capable right out of the box.
Nice to see the UMG10 running again. 🤙🏼
I have a Tamiya TC-01 on order, and this combo looks PERFECT for that application. Thank you for sharing.
@Al-qn3sj
3 жыл бұрын
How did this work on your TC-01?
@RFVCXR200R
3 жыл бұрын
@@Al-qn3sj Haven't built it yet
Thanks for the awesome review. I've watched it 3 times now and finally pulled the trigger and ordered 2 of them. One for my Trailwalker and one for my SCX10ii F100. Looking forward to hitting the trails. I think these would pair well with a 5 slot motor.
@scalebuildersguild
3 жыл бұрын
Right on!
I didn't watch any videos on this, just got it and tried it, gotta say I really like this esc receiver.👍
Thanks for the video, I had just ordered a DX5C Rugged and the rest of the Firma 40s that RPP had in stock. It seems really tough to beat the price of $45 for an ESC and 4 channel RX.
I will certainly add the Firma 40 to my wish list for a scale build. When I get one, I will try connecting a Hobbywing program card to it. Awesome Unimog by the way!
I have 7 of them and they are a fantastic unit
I just bought a used one pulled from a new model last week off Ebay. I had no idea what the extra black/white & black/red connectors were for so thanks for that! I had only looked up the basics to get it started and have been tooling around the backyard since.
@scalebuildersguild
2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help, have fun with it, and thanks for watching!
@jerrywilson6921
2 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild you earned a subscriber. These are the kind of videos I'm looking for.
Nice shots of the UMG10 😀😀👍
I just really like my castle stuff. Great experience anytime I need anything and great performance from most of their products I have purchased
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more! There's a place for the more expensive hardware. I typically run Tekin and Castle in most of my more high end, technical trucks, but for simple trail trucks that don't need a lot of features, this is an excellent alternative.
@ajosepi1976
4 жыл бұрын
I love my Castle stuff as well, but for brushed, I find it overkill... Not that overkill is bad, but this is a nice smooth little setup in a brushed only truck.
I got one about month or so ago to try, it was cheaper to get it then a higher channel receiver, and it is amazing I have 3 of them now, and also little tip, as far as programming, a regular hobbywing 1080 program card with plug in and program it and access all the features.
Man If every single one of my trucks didn’t already have hobbywing 1080s and 4ch spektrums I would get these! They seem amazing and definitely a lot more budget friendly. And 4 channel is a lot of channels too! I don’t even own a truck that uses more then 4 channels. These are great! This thing is basically the price of a 3 channel receiver
It would work well for my kids and gfs crawler. Cheap everything included and easy to use. Nice video
I managed to squeeze this rx/esc into a 1/18 Gelande 2 D90. A massive inprovement on the p.o.s combo in the rtr from RC4WD. It now has modulation. Lucky enough to get it with a Spektrum Tx for approx 110 bucks.
I do think it is a better than some people have said about it. And for the semi trucks I can see it as a huge win considering how little room those trucks have in them before you ad light and sound kits in them.
Great review. I love the idea that spectrum has with their eco-system but, I really do wish there was a way to use regular lipo batteries and get the same telemetry info from them.
Love your videos man. They have helped me out with so much information I have needed in the past
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it!
Putting one in my new Capra and I really enjoyed the firma in my enduro. Paired with the trail master sport it is a great setup, same possibly better than the hobbywing 1080!
Love the mog! I may have to pick up a rugged or two!
Really appreciate the move to 4k. Dat eye candy. This is a great unit. I just wish that bec went up to 7.2v so I wouldn't have to run a separate bec for high voltage servos. I also wish there was someway to activate brake lights.
Not a bad unit. Gets the job done for a trail truck just fine. Decent adjustability, with the same card I use for my Losi Rock Rey. I think the 40a and RTR stamp are what make most people think it's junk and needs swapped out right away. Another RTR ESC I like and most don't is the reedy sc480x in the newer elements. With the $14 card, it has tons of adjustable parameters. All my trucks have the stock motor and ESC in them, some for a few years now. Except my wraith, got a deal on a new hobbywing 1080, figured "why not?" Great review 👍👍
@scalebuildersguild
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this matt! I may be replacing some of my ESCs with this. I don't do any comp stuff, so it is enough for my needs. Pretty crazy that it comes in at the price of a stand-alone RX!
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Right?! Sure, it could offer more amps, have a higher powered BEC, etc. but in all honesty, for most enthusiasts and scale modellers like myself, you don't really need much more.
@CCxRC
4 жыл бұрын
Scale Builder's Guild the one thing I’d want is more power for digital servos, but not a deal breaker for most of my rigs. That cost for the features is pretty impressive. Dig that axial hat.
Excellent info Matt. I just ordered 3 of them.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Good stuff!
Definitely need to start using these I just blew up an esc so this is perfect
Excellent video and wish they had an esc like that for futaba
Excellent information. Thank you.
The main problem I had with the usual 2-In-1 ESC/RX units was the 5 wire servo output, but I'm quite happy they made it available with a 3 wire as well as working with a good amount of Spektrum radios. I believe this is also the one that comes in the 10.3 RTR as well
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info!
I never get bored of ‘that’s what she said’ 👍🏻😂
I think people like to "bash" things they really don't know about. Will consider this on my next build. Thank you Matt for your honest opinion. 👍
Great review thanks. It takes the confusion out of the mix
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I agree with the fact that this is great for space saving.
Thanks for the review Matt; I've seen lots of opinions on this ESC but appreciate the actual review. For comparison, are there other ESC's on the market that offer real time telemetry without adding multiple individual sensors? I don't own much Spektrum (just some old DX2L transmitters) but this is very tempting for the money.
The programming card looks identical to the Hobbywing ones so I'd say they share technology
@rick442
4 жыл бұрын
yeah I used my hobbywing program card and it worked
@zanthraxnl
4 жыл бұрын
Where 'sharing' means 'manufactured for Spektrum by Hobbywing'. Still, they could have chosen a lot of manufacturers that are lower quality and/or more expensive.
@royomtb
4 жыл бұрын
@@rick442 Could you change the BEC voltage to 7.4v with hobbywing program card?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
No. Locked into 6v.
Great review and video as usual. Liked and subbed. Besides the adjustable output voltage, what other features were you thinking you would have liked to see in this product? I think all the programmable features/ settings are the same as the 1080, no? I have the firma 40 and can confirm it is legit! I've had mine for a couple months now and have put countless packs through it and have not had one hiccup in performance, this thing is rock solid! It is such a huge improvement and upgrade from your typical RTR ESC that it is ridiculous! Make sure to enable freewheeling and set startup power to the lowest setting for best crawling performance. I prefer to run drag break increase rate at the slowest available level and prefer throttle response as quick as possible for those times when I need to use a quick burst of throttle to jump up from one rock to another ledge.
This plus an external BEC seems like a winner for cost and footprint
Im curious to try one of these, just waiting on my rugged to show up.
Actually fits perfectly in an scx24
With this and the updated rugged, it might be time for me to try Spektrum out.
Looks perfect for my Tamiya cars/trucks
I am told that the Hobby wing Programming card also works with this setup if you have one already. Not fact. Just thought I would mention it. Maybe you can clear this up for us.. They dio seem to be a lot alike.. Thanks for sharing Matt. And I have to say the Price is actually pretty good.
Spektrum also offers a high torque servo with a receiver built in S6240RX incase you want a different esc..
Seems like pretty damn good deal👍
Interesting. Spektrum is rocking the boat, seemingly to our advantage.
Everyone speculates.... FEW are correct! Thank you Matt for the detailed information about this. As I'm sure you know, most People form the opinion on ESC/Reciever combos, that they're absolutely TOY Grade. Face it, where would you normally see the overwhelming majority of them? 😲 You've showed that the fear is definitely unfounded!! I actually like the Slow Speed modulation on that. 👍👍 ...... That Program Card looks shockingly like my Hobbywing Card. 😜😁 Carmine ✈🚂🚙
@CarminesRCTipsandTricks
4 жыл бұрын
And Matt, I can't wait to try one! Something I've been WAITING 11 years for, is FINALLY happening by the end of the year! Om finally getting my INHERITANCE!!!!! 😲😁😁😁😁😁😁 (And Brother, it's a LOT)💰💰💰💰💰(a LOT!) It will feel so good to join the Forums again, because I will no longer be in the sad position of having to ask for help............ Hopefully around November.
i have been bring the Firma 40 esc into the shop since it was released, and sometime have trouble keeping them in stock. Spektrum have their own firma programing card and it appears to have more settings on it then the Dynamite card. I think that this will be the new must have esc for the majourity of scale guys as they get into the scale scene
@jerrywilson6921
2 жыл бұрын
So the Spektrum card will work with this? I've only seen the Dynamite card suggested. I already have a few Spektrum ESCs at this point and was thinking about picking one up.
Since the LHS does not carry spektrum or Horizon products i went with the Hobbwing 1080. this was also beore i knew of this esc. might be good when the next one dies to give it a try with my DX5C radio. but im still running SR201 and SR300/SR300WP recievers so i dont know if they will be compatible. great video as usual.
I'm indifferent on the telemetry. But simplifying the electronics, this seems like be a better fit for the project I have on hold... Hmmm.... Well, maybe the next scale build.
i used my hobbywing 1080 programing card to adjust mine. works the same other then bec.
I'd get it just for the nifty little startup beeps. 😃
I HATE YOU!!!! I watched you video this morning while I was working out and because of it I ordered a Dx5 Rugged and the program card for my Scx10iii RTR.... or and another servo for the 2- speed. 😭😭😭 just when I thought I needed nothing else for this rig. Haha
Very thoughtful. Wondering if it will work with my 4c 🤨
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
If it’s Smart and works on the latest firmware, it might! I’d check with Spektrum to confirm.
Amazing price point on this combo. Great video Matt as always. But can this systems telemetry tell me when to flip my grilled cheese sandwich? I'm constantly burning one side.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Not that I know of, but I'll ask the designers if they can add this feature later!
Thank you for this review. But I do have questions regarding the program card. I see that you’re recommending the Dynamite program card, but others have suggested using the Hobbywing HWA30501003 program card. Each person suggests that their specific program card is compatible. What I’ve noticed, there is a difference when it comes to the program card values for each different card. For example, Dynamite Card is value 2 for Drag Break, but for the Hobbywing Program Card it is value 11. Dynamite Program Card Drag Break Force is value 2, but for the Hobbywing it is value 8. The problem I see, is that one may think they're setting the drag break, but it could be an entirely different setting. I welcome your feedback. Thank you!
Pretty good:)
That green Rugged looks good...hopefully better than my orange one which looks like a ToysRUs exclusive.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
It is, the touch controls have been made much better too.
@rvlyssup
4 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild Haha...speaking of the controls...that touch interface was a PITA at first. Then I realized I needed to...well, I'm sure you get my drift. ;-)
Could you please show us how you shoot your running videos sometime? The Lightroom tutorials are great.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
I certainly will do that!
I need a new one for my yeti jr can am. Think this is a solid upgrade??
but i love my hobby wing Quicrun Crawler Brushed ESC :) i just discovered it ....
I run same tires on my umg10, my umg10 is a beast H.H REVOLVER, SW4 ESC grunt tires, its a comp stomper
Nice integrated unit, cool! Do you know offhand if the led outputs are always hot or can they be switched off via an aux channel?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
They're always on Kevin.
Hey, good vid. I bought the Redcat danchee ridgerock, do you have any suggestions on programming the DX5C and 6 avc ch rx for the dual motor of the Danchee?
It would be interesting to find out if a Hobbywing program card would work on the Firma 40.
@rick442
4 жыл бұрын
yes it does
Great! Right after I bought 7 Hobbywing 1080’s. Need the 7.4v for Servo anyway. Ah well.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Why do you need the 7.4? Many servos operate pretty darn well on 6 volts.
@woodland_rc4712
4 жыл бұрын
Your right. How’s the new Rugged? Disliked the first one.
I just figure out how to connect an ess one sound unit when there is no throttle port to plug into
Which smart 3s battery did you use? I'm currently using the protek shorty. Would like to use a smart batt to get the full telemetry. I've looked at the 5000 hard pack but that is full size batt.
I have it but my DX6R doesn't have it on the list of receiver so I bind it to a 4 channel receiver but I don't get the smart Technology
The program card look like the ones that come with the hobbywing 1080 esc.
Great intro! Not a submarine WTF? Lol
what table did you go off of on the dynamite program card? theirs 4 tables.
tell me about motor limit? can its use with crawlmaster 5 slot 550 with 10T
Matt do you publish your 3D files or share them?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
I don’t really have many, but if I do, they’re on my Shapeways store.
See I knew size wasnt everything !! *LOL* I love the Hobbywing Quickrun 1080 esc, does anyone know how it compares to this combo for smoothness?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
It's been a little while since I ran my 1080, but they seem about on par with each other. Smoothness also depends heavily on the quality and type of motor.
Love your channel! I recently purchased the SCX10 III Gadiator and am trying to put the ESS sound emulator in it. There is no throttle plug to hook the y cable to with the Spektrum Firma 40 ESC combo. Any suggestions?
@scalebuildersguild
2 жыл бұрын
That's an all-in-one unit, so there's no option for your sound unit, sorry!
@genealterio
2 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild Bummer!!! :(
@genealterio
2 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild Do you think this is what the industry is moving towards overall? I see that even the new brushless setups have the all in one ESC. We love running sound in our trucks. This is very dissapointing to lose this capability. I really hope someone comes out with something to rectify this aside from replacing the thing with separates.
@scalebuildersguild
2 жыл бұрын
@@genealterio There's plenty of units that still offer that functionality, but they're going to be standalone units. They won't be going anywhere. These all-in-one's are great for people who want simplicity and convenience.
Can a hobby wing card work??I have the dual 880 in my moa.it works with it I know..not sure about the firma40.i have the jt.stock it's not bad on set up it seems to me..im no pro though.the gladiator jt is my first scale truck.its fun..no moa but that's another argument.lol.
@scalebuildersguild
3 жыл бұрын
Yep, sure can!
I wish they made an 80 amp as an option
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Who knows what the future holds?
Hello do you know what's the limit motor I can't find this info anywhere, I want change the 35t but what the limit motor on 2s and 3s thanks in advance
Can you get the updated Rugged transmitter in orange now or does it have to be green?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Just green right now.
Does the voltage telemetry work if you aren't using SMART batteries? I don't really care about the rest of the stuff but having voltage would be nice.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
No, it doesn’t. Requires Smart batteries.
Can I run an external BEC?
On a brushless motor it can count phases
Just when I get my orange DX5 they come out with a green!?!? Sonofa!!!
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
This one's touch screen is also revised, and works much better than the original.
@Blackshuck73
4 жыл бұрын
Scale Builder's Guild /cry
I’m having issues programming the 3rd channel/aux from my rugged.burned out two mini Servos in my rtr iii trying to get the dang end points for the drag brake. Any ideas?
@Adamsracing15
4 жыл бұрын
The back button on scroll was engaging the servo?maybe a video on it?!?!
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
That's very strange, I've never heard of that. That said, many of the switches are pre-applied to other functions and need to be set to inhibit before you start making changes. I suggest you look at that first. End points can be difficult to set up, but with a little practice and patience, it can be done!
I'm going to add these to my 1/14 scale rigs...
So is this the same esc that comes with the newer RTR Bomber?
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
No, the Bomber comes with the AE5-L.
Where do I plug the capacitor if I remove it to use the aux2 channel? My choices are the firmware port or program port and just removing the capacitor is not an option.
@scalebuildersguild
2 жыл бұрын
Capacitor? There’s no cap on this ESC. Perhaps you’re commenting on a different video?
@grp3333
2 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild The capra 4ws comes with a capacitor plugged into aux 2 on the firma 40
How do I add extra lights to it? Can i just add a splitter on the 2 existing front and rear wire lights?
@scalebuildersguild
6 ай бұрын
Should work, but not sure what the voltage output is, so I’d stick to 6volts.
@r4lfaglipa
6 ай бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Do all hobbywing progamming cards work?
@scalebuildersguild
3 жыл бұрын
I believe that they do.
How do you know which table to use?
@scalebuildersguild
3 жыл бұрын
Which table?
Someone can help me? I have this esc, but I would like to use this guy with an other receiver (Radiolink) is that possible (jump this esc to other receiver) ? because I need 7 ch and my DX4S have only 4.
@scalebuildersguild
Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, no.
Do i have to use the spektrum batteries? What happens if I cut the connector off and use the xt 60s that I have in everything else? I know I'll lose battery telemetry.
@scalebuildersguild
4 жыл бұрын
Yep, you'll lose all battery telemetry. I haven't tried it, but imagine you'll also void warranty.
@Viatlejeep
4 жыл бұрын
@@scalebuildersguild makes sense. I love the idea of it. And its simplicity. And the price is amazing. I guess I could always make a jumper too. Hmmm.
@Steve_R
4 жыл бұрын
@@Viatlejeep Yep. Just make up a very short xt60 to ec3 adapter.