Features
- Enhanced electronic design and hardware for improve reliability
- Black Edition Case
- Expanded programmable options (see manuals and support for more information)
- Smart all-in-one telemetry
- Fast, powerful 32-bit ARM M4 processor
- Button programming
- Smart ESC Programming Box
- SmartLink USB Updating and Programmer application
- Multi-point protection:
- Over-current protection
- Automatic LiPo low-voltage cutoff
- Thermal protection
- Failsafe protection
- Waterproof
- Multiple options for easy programming:
- Developed and designed by SpektrumT engineers, in partnership with the industry's leading ESC manufacturer
- Compact for easy installation in most applications
- Ready to install - no soldering required
- Rugged plastic case with mounting tabs
- Aluminum heat sink for high efficiency
- Cooling fan
- Adjustable high-power BEC
- Firmware updatable through the Smart ESC Programming Box
- High heat-resistant ICT connectors, backwards compatible with ECT connectors
- Limited 1-year warranty
Overview
Like every component in the SpektrumT Smart ecosystem, FirmaT Smart ESCs combine "plug-and-play" simplicity with the ability to communicate with other Smart electronics - together, creating the best-performing RC system for your vehicle imaginable.
Firma Smart ESCs do much more than regulate power. They function like a virtual engineer inside your model, providing a direct path to the vital operating data you need to reach peak performance. Firma Smart ESCs give you an extra layer of confidence that your electronics are all operating at their best.
With Firma Smart ESCs, you'll be better connected to your vehicle than ever before - without installing extra components that all work independently of each other. You won't need extra wires, modules, or links. A Firma electronic speed control provides a one-wire solution for obtaining telemetry data such as RPM, temperature, battery voltage and capacity.
Firma ESCs not only gather the data but also send it to your transmitter in real time, instead of only storing it for after-run study. You're able to adjust settings as needed to boost performance on the go. The Firma Smart single-wire telemetry solution has been tested for quality and performance by the best brands in RC. Their verdict? Smart technology is both simpler and superior!
Video Overview
Overview
The SPM Firma 160 Amp Brushless Smart ESC V2 represents the pinnacle of electronic speed control technology for high-performance RC vehicles. Developed and designed by Spektrum engineers in partnership with the industry's leading ESC manufacturer, this brushless electronic speed control delivers exceptional power handling and intelligent telemetry capabilities that transform how you monitor and optimise your RC car or truck. Whether you're running a competitive 1/10 scale buggy, a high-speed basher, or any brushless RC vehicle across the UK, the Firma 160A Smart ESC combines professional-grade performance with user-friendly smart technology that connects seamlessly with your Spektrum transmitter and Smart batteries.
This is not just a simple speed controller—it's a virtual engineer inside your model. The Firma 160A continuously monitors vital operating data including RPM, temperature, battery voltage, capacity and balance, transmitting this information in real-time directly to your transmitter screen. This revolutionary one-wire telemetry solution eliminates the need for multiple sensors, modules and separate wiring harnesses, streamlining your vehicle's electronics while providing unprecedented insight into performance. The result is a smarter, faster, more connected RC experience that appeals equally to competitive racers and weekend enthusiasts.
With support for 3S through 8S LiPo battery packs, the Firma 160A accommodates everything from lightweight 3-cell setups to extreme 8S configurations, making it an exceptionally versatile choice for diverse RC applications. Its compact, waterproof design ensures reliable operation in nearly any terrain—dust, gravel, snow and water won't stop this ESC from performing. Built with high heat-resistant connectors, an integrated cooling fan, aluminium heat sink, and comprehensive protection systems, the Firma 160A Smart ESC V2 is engineered for durability and longevity.
Key Features
- Smart All-in-One Telemetry — The Firma 160A provides one-wire telemetry that transmits real-time data including RPM, temperature, battery voltage, capacity, balance information and speed directly to your compatible Spektrum transmitter, giving you complete visibility into your vehicle's performance without installing extra components or wiring harnesses.
- 32-Bit ARM M4 Processor — This fast, powerful processor delivers higher resolution signal input and more accurate motor output, resulting in smoother throttle response, improved precision and better overall vehicle control compared to conventional ESC designs.
- 160-Amp Continuous Current Capability — The 160A continuous rating with peak burst capability of 1,050A makes this ESC suitable for powerful brushless motors and demanding driving styles, whether you're racing on-road or bashing off-road.
- 3S to 8S LiPo Battery Compatibility — Supporting battery input from 3S (11.1V) through 8S (29.6V), the Firma 160A works with a broad range of LiPo configurations, allowing you to scale your power setup from lightweight 3-cell packs to extreme high-voltage 8S competition batteries.
- Multiple Programming Options — Configure your ESC using simple button programming, the dedicated Smart ESC Programming Box for track-side adjustments, or the SmartLink USB Updating and Programmer application on your PC—choose whatever method suits your needs.
- Waterproof Design — The all-weather, waterproof construction allows the Firma 160A to perform reliably through dust, gravel, snow and water, making it ideal for year-round RC operation across the UK and beyond.
- Integrated Inline Capacitor — The added capacitor pack smooths voltage and current spikes during high-output, high-speed operation, providing additional protection to the ESC and improved stability when running demanding setups like 8S speed runs or high-power basher configurations.
- Multi-Point Protection System — Over-current protection, automatic LiPo low-voltage cutoff, thermal protection and failsafe protection work together to keep your vehicle and battery safe during operation.
- Adjustable High-Power BEC — The onboard battery eliminator circuit provides up to 5A of continuous current at 6V output, powering your receiver, servos and other accessories without needing a separate BEC or receiver battery pack.
- IC3/IC5 Connectors with EC3/EC5 Compatibility — High heat-resistant IC series connectors are designed for superior connection quality and effortless installation, whilst remaining backwards compatible with EC3 and EC5 connectors for basic operation and ESC telemetry.
- Compact and Installation-Friendly — The rugged plastic case with mounting tabs, compact dimensions and ready-to-install design (no soldering required) make it easy to fit this ESC into most RC vehicle platforms.
- Firmware Updateable — Keep your ESC current with the latest performance improvements and features through firmware updates via the Smart ESC Programming Box.
- Aluminium Heat Sink and Cooling Fan — Efficient heat dissipation through the aluminium heat sink combined with an active cooling fan ensures the ESC remains at optimal operating temperature even during extended high-power runs.
- Spektrum Smart Ecosystem Integration — Like every component in the Spektrum Smart ecosystem, the Firma 160A communicates seamlessly with other Smart electronics, creating a unified, intelligent RC system where all components work together.
- Brake Function and Reverse Control — Full forward, reverse and braking functionality gives you complete control over your vehicle's motion in all directions.
Technical Performance
The Firma 160A Smart ESC V2 is engineered with professional-grade performance specifications that satisfy both competitive racers and high-performance RC enthusiasts. The 32-bit ARM M4 processor provides significantly improved signal processing and motor control compared to older 8-bit or 16-bit designs, resulting in crisp throttle response and ultra-smooth speed ramping. The 160A continuous current rating with 1,050A peak burst capability delivers the raw power needed for high-KV brushless motors, whilst the wide battery input range of 3S to 8S LiPo accommodates virtually any modern LiPo setup in the RC hobby. The integrated capacitor pack proves especially valuable in high-speed and high-power applications where voltage spikes can damage sensitive electronics. Dual IC5 connectors with EC5 backwards compatibility ensure future-proof connectivity whilst maintaining compatibility with older Spektrum Smart batteries. The aluminium heat sink and active cooling fan maintain thermal stability even under sustained full-throttle operation, and the comprehensive protection suite including over-current, low-voltage cutoff, thermal and failsafe monitoring safeguards both the ESC and your LiPo battery investment. Weighing just 280g (9.9oz) with overall dimensions of 70mm (length) × 77mm (width) × 44mm (height), the Firma 160A achieves an impressive power-to-weight ratio, fitting neatly into competitive 1/10 and 1/8 scale vehicles as well as larger platforms. The waterproof rating ensures reliable operation regardless of weather or terrain conditions, making this a true all-weather ESC for demanding British RC racing and bashing applications.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum Firma 160A Smart ESC with integrated capacitor
- Spektrum Smart sticker sheet
- Product manual with full specifications and programming guides
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum Surface Receiver (must be compatible with Spektrum DSMR+ or Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2/DSMX transmission)
- Spektrum 2.4GHz RC Transmitter (DX-class or higher recommended)
- LiPo Battery pack (3S to 8S configuration) with IC5 or EC5 connectors
- Battery charger suitable for your LiPo pack (not included)
- Brushless motor with suitable KV rating for your battery configuration and vehicle weight
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Firma 160A Smart ESC suitable for beginners to RC hobbies? — The Firma 160A is a premium, advanced ESC designed more for experienced RC enthusiasts and competitive racers rather than complete beginners. Its smart telemetry features and programmable options require familiarity with RC electronics. However, the multiple programming options including simple button programming do make it accessible. Beginners would benefit from starting with a simpler ESC before graduating to the Firma 160A's advanced capabilities.
- What batteries does the Firma 160A work with? — This ESC supports 3S, 4S, 5S, 6S, 7S and 8S LiPo batteries, with maximum continuous current of 160A and burst capability of 1,050A. When used with Spektrum Smart batteries equipped with IC3 or IC5 connectors, you gain full battery telemetry including capacity used, remaining capacity, individual cell voltages and charge cycles. It also works with standard EC3 and EC5 equipped batteries for basic operation.
- What is the difference between the Firma 160A V2 and the original Firma 160A? — The V2 iteration features an enhanced electronic design and hardware for improved reliability, a Black Edition case for improved aesthetics, and expanded programmable options for greater tuning flexibility. The core performance remains exceptional, but the V2 represents the refined, second-generation version with lessons learned from user feedback and field testing.
- Does the Firma 160A work with non-Spektrum receivers? — The Firma 160A is designed for use with Spektrum receivers and transmitters. It will not function with receivers from other manufacturers like Futaba, Hitec, or other brands. You must use a compatible Spektrum surface receiver to operate this ESC.
- Can I use the Firma 160A in waterproof RC vehicles? — Yes, the waterproof design of the Firma 160A allows it to perform in wet conditions including rain, water crossings, snow and muddy terrain. The ESC itself is sealed against water ingress, though you should still ensure your vehicle's overall electronics compartment design provides adequate protection.
- How do I update the firmware on the Firma 160A? — Firmware updates are performed using the Smart ESC Programming Box, which connects to your Spektrum ESC and allows you to download the latest firmware files. This keeps your ESC current with performance improvements and bug fixes released by Spektrum.
- What is the peak burst current and how often can the ESC handle it? — The Firma 160A features a 1,050A peak burst current rating. This burst capacity is designed for short, intense acceleration events rather than sustained operation. Continuous operation should be limited to the 160A continuous rating to prevent thermal damage to the ESC. High burst events during racing or bashing are normal and expected, but sustained full-throttle running should not exceed the continuous rating for extended periods.
- Does the Firma 160A have a cooling fan and heat sink? — Yes, the Firma 160A includes both an aluminium heat sink and an active cooling fan. These work together to dissipate heat generated during high-power operation, maintaining the ESC at safe operating temperatures even during sustained full-throttle driving or racing.
- What size connectors does the Firma 160A use? — The battery input uses dual IC5 connectors (or IC3 for lower-current applications), which are backwards compatible with EC5 and EC3 connectors respectively. The motor output uses 6.5mm female bullet connectors, a standard size in RC racing and bashing.
- How much does the Firma 160A weigh? — The ESC weighs 9.9 ounces (280 grams), making it relatively lightweight for a 160A-capable unit. This compact weight makes it easy to integrate into competitive and high-performance RC vehicles.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the SPM Firma 160 Amp Brushless Smart ESC V2 3S - 8S P-SPMXSE2160 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
Finance Options
Click to see Novuna Finance Information
Novuna Personal Finance Available on this product
| DEPOSIT |
MONTHS |
APR |
MONTHLY PAYMENTS |
TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE |
| 24 Month Credit |
| £24.30 |
24 |
19.9% |
24 x £10.95 |
£287.10 |
| 36 Months Credit |
| £24.30 |
36 |
19.9% |
36 x £7.94 |
£310.14 |
| 48 Months Credit |
| £24.30 |
48 |
19.9% |
48 x £6.46 |
£334.38 |
| Buy Now Pay Later 48 months (6 months Deferred) |
| £24.30 |
48 |
24.9% |
48 x £7.62 |
£390.06 |
| Buy Now Pay Later 48 months (10 months Deferred) |
| £24.30 |
48 |
24.9% |
48 x £8.05 |
£410.70 |
| Buy Now Pay Later 48 months (12 months Deferred) |
| £24.30 |
48 |
24.9% |
48 x £8.51 |
£432.78 |
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