The Castle Sidewinder SV4 12.6V Waterproof 1/10 ESC builds upon Castle’s most popular platform, the Sidewinder 1/10 series. The ESC is the first of its kind to run Castle’s CRYO-DRIVE technology that combines technology from cutting-edge hardware and software advancements to increase thermal performance. Cooler temps mean longer runs and more power! The Sidewinder 4 is a versatile ESC and is a great choice for short course, on road and monster truck applications when paired with the correct motor, as well as rock crawlers when used in brushed mode.
This combo includes a Sidewinder 4 ESC and 1410-3800Kv sensored motor. The 1410-3800kv is ideal for short course trucks running on 2s LiPo and weighing up to 6.5 lbs; it can be run on a 3s LiPo with very conservative gearing. It is a cool running torque animal for lighter 1/10th scale 2WD stadium trucks and buggies running up to a 3s LiPo.
Features:
- 2s - 3s LiPo; 6 - 8 cell NiMH use in vehicles up 6.5lbs with battery, ready-to-run
- Sensorless brushless and/or brushed motor operation
- Waterproof design ESC and splash resistant 30mm fan*
- 5.0 volts fixed, 2 amps Peak BEC
- Audible alerts for error conditions
- Enhanced drag brake functionality
- Smoother sensorless startups
- Convenient transmitter programming for six common adjustable settings
- Additional settings and software updates available via Windows®-based Castle Link software and USB adapter (sold separately) or via Field Link Card (sold separately)
- Telemetry Link compatible for Futaba® S.BUS2 (sold separately)
Specifications:
Input Voltage Range: 2s - 3s LiPo; 6 - 8 cell NiMH
BEC Specifications: 5.0 volts fixed, 2 amps.
Operating Environment: Waterproof* design allows for use in nearly any environment
Brake: Proportional
Reversible: Yes, but may be disabled for racing.
On/Off Switch: Yes
Cooling Fan: 30mm fan included
ESC Size: 2.08x1.50x1.28" (52.92x38.05x32.56mm)
ESC Weight (w/wires): 2.26 oz. (64 g)
Connectors: 4mm female bullets for motor connection.
Items Needed for Operation: Brushless or Brushed motor, Battery Connector required; Castle 4mm polarized connectors, Dean's Ultra Plug, or Traxxas Power Connector recommended.
Application Guidelines: The Sidewinder 4 is a versatile ESC that can be used in a wide variety of applications. it can be paired with any 14xx series 4-pole brushless motors; it can also be used in a rock crawling application with a brushed motor down to a 19 turn.
Max. Recommended Vehicle Weight: No more than 6.5lbs with battery, ready-to-run.
Programmability: Fully programmable Castle feature set using Castle Link USB adapter (sold separately) and freely downloadable Castle Link Windows software.
Telemetry Link Capable: Yes
*Product Use Statements: Although Sidewinder 4 is waterproof, it is not intended for operation while completely submerged in liquid. They can corrode when exposed to corrosive materials, such as salt water. Always rinse the ESC with clean water after exposure to corrosives or dirt. While the controller may be waterproof, Castle recommends users confirm that the rest of their vehicle, including the batteries, servos, radio and chassis are also waterproof before exposing them to liquids of any kind.
Tech Notes:
- Not all LiPos are created equal, and surge ratings should never be used to determine a pack’s suitability for a brushless application. Use the CONTINUOUS C rating only. Brushless setups frequently hit 100+ amps in peaks. Castle strongly suggests using 5,000mAh or larger LiPo cells with a discharge rating of at least 30C (or high quality 25C batteries). Castle suggests using only mild gear ratios with NiMH cells. Do not attempt to use NiMH cells in extreme setups.
- Please refer to the Castle Gearing Chart for recommended motor, battery and gearing for some of the more popular vehicles on the market.
This product was added to our catalog on February 20, 2018
After I installed this, what a difference! I was expecting it to cog, but the low end is fantastic (just as well or even better than a brushed motor)! It's got a ton of low-end torque, and it is much more responsive than the stock brushed motor. The reaction is almost instant, and it just goes! During braking, it is even able to lock the rear tires fairly easily and slows the car down a whole lot faster than before. Speed seems similar to the stock, maybe a bit faster or slower (not too sure), but it is not that noticeable.
In terms of heat, this system stays very cool. It even manages to stay relatively cool during 100F weather (ESC has a bit of warmth to the touch, the motor is noticeably warmer, but is definitely on the cool temp side)!
The system also runs very quietly, even with the fan on (the fan noise is hardly noticeable). The motor also does not make much noise either. It runs quiet enough to hear the slipper clutch slip, and you are only able to hear some gear noise. What I really like about this is that the "chirp" the ESC just sounds high-tech, which is very nice.
In terms of aesthetics, they knocked it out of the park! Castle did a great job. Love the green motor can, the finish is perfect, no blemishes or defects of any kind. I also really like the look of the SW4. It's a great thing that the color and words on the ESC are not stickers (the Traxxas ESC had stickers, which really bug me, and they also don't last that long), and seem to be silk screened on the plastic. There is a bit of blemishing on the bottom of the ESC, but I don't mind it, since I will not see it. With that said, everything about this seems to be pretty high quality.
I have liked nearly everything about this system, but there are a few things that Castle should definitely improve on. And that is its internal BEC. The Traxxas XL5 is at 6V with a current output of 1 amp, yet this is only at 5V with a current output of 2 amps. Though there is more amperage, more (or even the same) voltage would be great. Hobbywing, on the other hand, offers from 6V all the way up to 7.4V with an output current of 3 amps, which is noticeably better than Castle's.
Other than that, I am very happy with this system and would recommend this to anyone.
P.S. Another thing that I think is awesome with this system is that the motor is sensored, which always makes upgrading easier when I want a sensored system.
Bolt and play fun! Can't wait to try 3 cell.
Vary pleased.
It works better than I thought it would, I’m very happy with it. Thanks.
I definitely recommend the part as well as the company
Cheers,