Catalyst Dual Brushless ESC with Integrated RX for Ants and Beetles (AFHDS2A)

Maximum Capability with Minimal Wires!

The Catalyst is sort of like two AM32 brushless drive ESCs and an FS2A mashed together, packed into a board the size of an SD card. Basically a brushless Malenki Nano. Catalyst has been designed and optimized for 1lb and 3lb combat robots, but has been successfully tested in larger robots as well. The AM32 firmware is fully configurable, and Catalyst supports firmware updates via the same tool used to configure and flash AM32.  

Developed by Chronos Labs, CAD is available here. 

Key features:

• Input Voltage: 2–6S*
  
• Dimensions: 19 × 29 × 5 mm
  
• Weight: 4 g
  
• Antenna: Compact 2.4 GHz chip antenna
  
• Pads: Castellated for easier soldering
  
• Components sized for 3lb and 1lb drive applications
  
• Firmware: AM32 ESC (preconfigured, user-configurable)
  
• Radio Protocol: AFHDS 2A
  
• PWM Outputs: 2 (for weapon ESCs or servos)
  
• Supports: Mixing and AUX switch for inverting controls
  
• Recommended Robot Weight: 1 lb – 3 lb

Please read the full user guide posted here!

Default settings are for Blitz Lite 2850kV drive motors!

The Catalyst is aimed squarely at competitive builders looking to get the most performance out of the smallest possible package, or pack their electronics into a super-tight space. Note that it requires some fairly difficult soldering to get up and running. Ground wires need to be soldered for programming but desoldered for use, making AM32 settings changes more challenging than traditional ESCs. While not ideal for a beginner builder, the Catalyst is a one-of-a-kind board that allows for more compact and lightweight setups than is possible otherwise. However, the channel mapping can be changed with your radio control, including enabling and disabling onboard mixing and an invert switch input.