Introduction
Introduction
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs), which have a direct impact on your bot's speed, acceleration, and maneuverability, are essential components of motor control in combat robotics and robowar sports. For your robot to operate at its peak efficiency, selecting the appropriate ESC firmware is essential.
To help you choose the best ESC firmware for your combat bot, we'll explain the differences between four common options in this guide: Simonk, BLHeli, AM32, and VESC.
1. SimonK: The Pioneer in Combat Robotics ESCs
1. SimonK: The Pioneer in Combat Robotics ESCs
Pros:
✅ The KKMulticopter flash tool makes programming simple
✅ Renowned for its quick throttle response
✅ Lightweight and straightforward firmware
Cons:
❌ Because it is incompatible with more recent ESC hardware, it is no longer widely accessible
❌ Does not have sophisticated features like active braking or telemetry
Overview:
One of the earliest popular ESC firmwares in the combat robotics community was Simonk firmware. Because of its quick response time and simplicity of programming, it was particularly well-liked in early drone and remote-control applications. Simonk-compatible ESCs became more difficult to locate as newer protocols like BLHeli and AM32 appeared, which resulted in a decrease in its use.
Best for:
• Legacy ESCs are still being used by older combat robots
• Simple control of a weapon or drive motor without intricate tuning
2. BLHeli: The Successor to SimonK in Combat Robotics
2. BLHeli: The Successor to SimonK in Combat Robotics
Pros:
✅ More features than SimonK, such as PWM frequency tuning, active braking, and damped light mode
✅ After SimonK's demise, it became widely utilized in combat robotics.
✅ Very adaptable to various use cases
Cons:
❌ For combat robotics to operate at their best, manual tuning is necessary.
❌ The conflict between Russia and Ukraine halted development.
❌ It's possible that some ESCs won't get updates anymore.
Overview:
Following SimonK, BLHeli emerged as the preferred ESC firmware for combat robots. It provided enhanced response times, adjustable startup power, and braking modes, among other features. It is unclear whether future ESCs will continue to be fully compatible with BLHeli firmware, though, as official development and support have halted due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Best for:
• Combat robots that require a quicker throttle response than SimonK
• Builders who are prepared to adjust parameters for best results
3. AM32: The New Budget-Friendly King for Combat Robotics
3. AM32: The New Budget-Friendly King for Combat Robotics
Pros:
✅ The best and most affordable choice for combat robots that are small and medium in weight
✅ Created by Alka Motors, this product is becoming more and more well-liked among crawler and combat robot enthusiasts.
✅ For robots that need immediate acceleration, this high initial torque at zero speed is crucial.
✅ Completely open-source and programmable
Cons:
❌ Not as extensively tested in high-speed combat robotics as BLHeli
❌ For best combat performance, some ESCs might need to be adjusted further.
Overview:
In the field of combat robotics, AM32 is the newest and most reasonably priced option, especially for small to medium-sized bots. It was created by Alka Motors and is ideal for drive motors in robot crawlers and wedge-style combat robots because it performs exceptionally well in low-speed, high-torque applications. AM32 is a highly recommended choice for novice builders because it is still being developed and supported, unlike SimonK and BLHeli.
Best for:
• Small to medium combat robots
• Crawler-style robots that require immediate torque
• Builders seeking an affordable programmable ESC
4. VESC: The Most Powerful ESC for Advanced Combat Robots
4. VESC: The Most Powerful ESC for Advanced Combat Robots
Pros:
✅ Complete with features like telemetry, real-time data logging, and FOC (Field-Oriented Control)
✅ It can control both brushed and brushless motors, making it a universal ESC for weapons and drive systems
✅ Provides precise control and tuning for exceptional performance
Cons:
❌ More expensive than AM32, BLHeli, and SimonK
❌ This device requires manual parameter setup and is not plug-and-play
❌ More difficult to set up than other ESCs
Overview:
The most sophisticated and feature-rich ESC for combat robotics is VESC. With VESC, you can adjust every element of motor performance, including torque control, RPM limits, and regenerative braking, in contrast to other ESCs that concentrate on simple PWM control. It is not a plug-and-play solution, though; you have to manually set up the settings for every use case.
Despite its higher cost, VESC is the best choice if you're building a high-performance combat robot.
Best for:
• Highly precise advanced combat robots
• Systems of heavy weapons (such as flippers, hammers, and spinning drums)
• Builders who require the greatest amount of motor performance control
Which ESC is Right for Your Combat Robot?
| Feature | SimonK | BLHeli | AM32 | VESC |
| Price | Low | Medium | Low | High |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Medium | Easy | Complex |
| Features | Basic | Advanced | High Torque | Full Control |
| Support | Discontinued | Stopped | Active | Active |
| Best for | Basic Bots | Mid-tier Robots | Small Crawlers | High-end Robots |
Which ESC is Right for Your Combat Robot?
• AM32 is a good choice if you want something simple and inexpensive
• BLHeli is still a good option if you need more features and don't mind tuning
• Select VESC if you want the most potent and adaptable ESC but be ready to invest some time in its setup
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Your budget, degree of experience, and performance requirements will all play a role in selecting the best ESC protocol for your combat robot.
We provide tested and suggested ESCs for various weapon types and weight classes at Technobotix.in. Our website offers the ideal ESC for your application, regardless of whether you're building a featherweight, middleweight, or heavyweight combat robot.
For expert recommendations and battle-tested motor controller setups, visit Technobotix.in today!
