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Motors, ESCs & Servos

SAMPATHI 1 supports high-performance motor control for multirotor aircraft and also provides servo support for applications that require actuated control surfaces or mechanisms.

This section explains how to safely connect and configure motors, ESCs, and servos using Betaflight.

Motor & ESC Support Overview​

SAMPATHI 1 supports:

  • Up to 8 motor outputs
  • Standard ESC control protocols:
    • PWM
    • Digital protocols such as DShot (recommended)
  • Configurations including:
    • Quadcopters
    • Hexacopters
    • Octocopters

ESCs are connected directly to the motor output connectors on the FCU.

Safety Before Connecting Motors​

⚠️ Always remove propellers before motor or ESC testing.

Motor testing without removing propellers can cause:

  • Serious injury
  • Damage to components
  • Loss of control of the aircraft

This rule applies at all times during configuration and testing.

Connecting ESCs and Motors​

  • Connect each ESC signal wire to a motor output on SAMPATHI 1
  • Ensure correct signal and ground connections
  • Power ESCs according to the ESC manufacturer’s recommendations

The FCU does not power motors directly; it only provides control signals.

Motor Output Configuration in Betaflight​

After wiring ESCs:

  • Connect to Betaflight Configurator
  • Open the Motors tab
  • Enable motor test mode
  • Test each motor individually
  • Verify:
    • Correct motor numbering
    • Correct rotation direction

If a motor spins in the wrong direction, adjust it using:

  • ESC configuration software, or
  • Motor direction settings in Betaflight (if supported by the ESC)

Choosing Motor Control Protocol​

Betaflight allows selecting the motor protocol in the Configuration tab.

General guidance:

  • Digital protocols (DShot) are recommended for modern builds
  • PWM may be used for legacy or specialized setups

Use the protocol recommended by your ESC manufacturer.

Servo Support​

SAMPATHI 1 includes dedicated support for servo outputs.

Servos may be used for:

  • Camera tilt or mechanisms
  • Control surfaces
  • Actuated payloads

Powering Servos (Important)​

⚠️ Servos must be powered from the designated servo power rail.

  • Do not power servos from USB
  • Do not overload the servo power rail
  • Use servos that operate within the supported voltage range

Incorrect servo power connections can damage the FCU or servos.

Configuring Servos in Betaflight​

To use servos:

  • Connect the servo to the servo output connector
  • Open Betaflight Configurator
  • Enable servo features if required
  • Assign servo functions according to your application
  • Save and reboot

Servo configuration varies depending on use case and should be tested carefully.

Motor and Servo Coexistence​

SAMPATHI 1 allows motors and servos to be used together, provided:

  • Power limits are respected
  • Motor outputs are not reassigned unintentionally
  • Servo movements are tested without propellers installed

Always verify correct behavior before flight.

Common Motor & Servo Issues​

  • Motors do not spin:

    • Check ESC power
    • Verify protocol selection
    • Confirm motor output mapping

  • Motors spin but aircraft is unstable:

    • Check motor order
    • Verify board orientation
    • Re-check rotation direction

  • Servo does not move:

    • Verify servo power
    • Check servo configuration in Betaflight
    • Confirm servo is functional

Best Practices​

  • Test motors and servos separately
  • Perform motor tests without propellers
  • Avoid making multiple configuration changes at once
  • Verify behaviour after every change