4.2 Operation Modes and LED functions

On the HERKULES III Powerboards are various LEDs indicating the status each ESC

  1. The Internal Voltage Regulator LEDs (GREEN and ORANGE)
  2. The ESC / Motor Status LEDs (BLUE)
  3. The Overcurrent Protection LEDs (RED)

Figure 5 - Location of Status LEDs




The Internal Voltage Regulator LEDs (GREEN and ORANGE)

  • The GREEN LED indicates a correct working internal 5V Voltage and
  • The RED LED indicates a correct working internal 8V Voltage

If both LEDs are continuously on, the internal Power supply is working correctly.

The ESC / Motor Status LEDs (BLUE) is ON in case of

  • The Motor is running correctly or
  • The Motor controller receives valid motor setpoints

The brightness of the LEDs varies with the Motor Setpoint value. The higher the setpoint, the higher the brightness of this LED.

The Overcurrent Protection LED (RED)

A flashing RED LED indicates an overcurrent event on the Motor output which could be caused by

  • A fast accelerating motor. The LED is on as soon the Motor speed increases and the ESC limits the power to avoid an overstressing of the Power MOSFETs
  • A failure at the motor occurs. e.g. shorted motor wires or shorted windings in the motor itself.

A shortly flashing LED during acceleration is usually normal only in case the LEDs is continuously on and the motor has startup and running problems the system wiring and components should be checked carefully.