How to Use ? a Mini ESC with Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32 & Raspberry Pi Pico

What is a Mini ESC?

The Mini Brushed ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) is a small but powerful device that helps control the speed of coreless brushed DC motors. using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). It operates on voltages between 3.7 volts and 9 volts, and it is very easy to connect with different types of microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi Pico, and it is a perfect choice for STEM learning, robotics, mini drones & RC planes, and DIY projects.

Now I hope you will understand, so let’s learn how to connect mini ESC with different types of development boards!

This is a labeled image of the Mini ESC showing connection:

• Red Wire - V (VCC)

• Black - G (GND)

• Brown - S (Signal)

• Orange & Yellow - M+ & M- (Motor Output)
  
  

Where Can You Use It?

• STEM and robotics school kits

• Mini drones and RC planes

• DIY electronics and toys

• Arduino-based robots and automation

• Coreless motor testing setups
  
  

🧵 Wiring Connections:

🔧 Using with Arduino UNO

 Simple wiring diagram showing ESC connected to Arduino Nano and coreless motor.

📋 Sample Code:

int escPin = 9;  // Connect to ESC signal wire

void setup() {

  pinMode(escPin, OUTPUT);

}

void loop() {

  analogWrite(escPin, 128);  // Motor runs at 50% speed

  delay(2000);

  analogWrite(escPin, 200);  // Speed increases

  delay(2000);

}

🔧 Using with ESP32

Simple wiring diagram showing ESC connected to ESP32 and coreless motor.

ESP32 needs ledcWrite() for PWM.

📋 Sample Code:

int escPin = 5;

void setup() {

  ledcAttachPin(escPin, 0);

  ledcSetup(0, 5000, 8);  // Channel, frequency, resolution

}

void loop() {

  ledcWrite(0, 128);  // 50% speed

  delay(2000);

  ledcWrite(0, 220);  // Faster speed

  delay(2000);

}

🔧 Using with Raspberry Pi Pico (MicroPython)

📋 MicroPython Code:

from machine import Pin, PWM

import time

esc = PWM(Pin(15))  # Signal pin

esc.freq(1000)

while True:

    esc.duty_u16(32768)  # 50% speed

    time.sleep(2)

    esc.duty_u16(60000)  # Faster speed

    time.sleep(2)