ETRONIX PHOTON 2.1W COMBO W/9.0R 4350KV MOTOR/45A ESC ET0412

Overview

The Etronix Photon 2.1W Combo represents an excellent entry point into brushless RC technology, delivering professional-grade performance in an accessible package that won't break the bank. This sensorless weatherproof system combines a 9.0R 4350KV brushless motor with a 45A electronic speed controller, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a stock brushed setup or purchase their first brushless RC car in the UK. Whether you're interested in 1/10 buggies, truggies, short course vehicles or trucks, the Photon system has been specifically engineered to provide reliable, consistent power across a wide range of RC car applications and ability levels.

What sets the Photon 2.1W apart from other budget brushless RC kits is its combination of simplicity and customisation. Despite being straightforward to set up and operate, the system ships with the ET0107 Photon SBS LED Programming Card, which grants access to ten different adjustable parameters. This means that whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced RC enthusiast, you can fine-tune throttle response, braking characteristics, motor timing and more to match your driving style and track conditions. For hobbyists across the UK seeking a brushless RC car combo that balances affordability with genuine performance capability, the Photon 2.1W delivers excellent value.

The weatherproof design ensures your investment is protected against the elements, while the compact form factor makes this system suitable for retrofitting into many existing 1/10 scale chassis. The included programming card and comprehensive parameter adjustment options mean you're not locked into a single setup—you can evolve your configuration as you develop your skills and preferences in the RC hobby.

Key Features

• Brushless Motor Technology — The 4-pole sensorless brushless motor eliminates the wear and maintenance associated with brushed motors, delivering cleaner power delivery and significantly longer service life compared to traditional brush-type motors found in entry-level RC cars.
• Weatherproof Construction — The sensorless weatherproof system design protects the electronic components from moisture, dirt and harsh outdoor conditions, allowing you to run your RC vehicle in variable weather without constant concern for water damage to the ESC or motor.
• 45A Constant Current / 260A Burst Capability — The ESC provides a solid 45 amps of continuous current with impressive 260-amp burst capacity, giving you responsive throttle delivery and the ability to handle sudden acceleration demands without the system cutting out or throttling back.
• ET0107 Programmable Setup Card — This LED-based programming card unlocks ten different adjustable parameters within the ESC, allowing you to customise everything from motor timing and initial acceleration response to reverse throttle percentage, drag brake settings and neutral deadband range.
• Dual Battery Chemistry Support — The system works with both 2-3S LiPo batteries and 5-10S NiMH/NiCd batteries, giving you flexibility in choosing your power source based on availability, budget and performance preferences for your brushless RC setup.
• Automatic Cell Count Detection — The ESC automatically detects your battery cell count and adjusts the cutoff voltage appropriately, protecting your battery from over-discharge damage and extending its lifespan across different charging scenarios.
• Multiple Running Modes — Configure the ESC for forward-only operation, forward/reverse, or forward with a pause before reverse engages, adapting the control scheme to suit the specific vehicle type and your personal preferences.
• Variable Motor Timing Control — Five motor timing settings (very low, low, normal, high, very high) allow you to optimise power delivery and throttle response characteristics for different track surfaces and driving styles without changing hardware.
• Fine-Tuned Acceleration Control — Initial acceleration settings range from low to very high, letting you dial in smooth launches for precision driving or aggressive acceleration for bashing and high-speed running.
• Flexible Throttle and Braking Adjustment — Throttle reverse percentage ranges from 20% to 100%, throttle limit adjusts from 0% to 90%, braking percentage can be set from 10% to 100%, and drag brake is adjustable from 0% to 30%, giving granular control over vehicle behaviour.
• 2A/6V BEC Output — The onboard battery eliminator circuit provides regulated 6-volt power at up to 2 amps, sufficient for powering receiver systems and servos without requiring a separate battery pack, simplifying your RC car's electrical architecture.
• Standard 3.2mm Motor Shaft — The motor features an industry-standard 3.2mm shaft diameter, ensuring compatibility with a vast range of existing 1/10 scale pinion gears, allowing straightforward installation into most 1/10 chassis without modification.
• Deans Connector Battery Connection — The ESC features Deans (T-connector) style battery plugs, a reliable standard connector that provides secure power connections and low resistance for optimal performance delivery.

Technical Performance

The Etronix Photon 2.1W is engineered around the principle that quality brushless performance shouldn't require a premium price tag or advanced technical knowledge. The 4-pole sensorless brushless motor rated at 4350KV with a 9.0R (9.0-turn) configuration provides the ideal balance between torque and top speed for 1/10 scale applications when paired with appropriate gearing and battery specifications. Built on proven motor design principles, the sensorless technology eliminates the need for magnetic position sensors, reducing cost and complexity whilst maintaining reliable commutation across the full RPM range. The motor is specifically optimised for use with 2S LiPo batteries or equivalent 5S NiMH/NiCd packs, though the included programming card lets users adjust timing and power delivery characteristics to fine-tune performance on their chosen battery chemistry. The 45-amp continuous current rating with 260-amp burst capability ensures the ESC can handle the demands of aggressive driving, whilst the weatherproof housing keeps electronic components safe from water ingress during wet weather running. The 2A/6V BEC output is well-suited to most receiver and servo combinations, simplifying the electrical setup by eliminating the need for separate power systems. For UK-based RC hobbyists seeking a brushless system that bridges the gap between ultra-budget offerings and high-specification competition gear, the Photon 2.1W delivers reliable performance with genuine customisation depth through its ten-parameter programming system, making it equally suitable for first-time brushless upgrades and experienced enthusiasts looking for a proven secondary vehicle setup.

What's in the Box

• Etronix Photon 4-pole 9.0R 4350KV sensorless brushless motor with 3.2mm shaft and pre-fitted motor connections
• Etronix Photon 45A electronic speed controller (ESC) with weatherproof housing
• ET0107 Etronix Photon SBS LED Programming Card for parameter customisation
• Motor wires with connection ends (unfitted, allowing customisation for your specific installation)
• ESC with pre-soldered and fitted Deans battery connector

What You Need to Complete

• RC car chassis compatible with 540-size (10-turn) motors and standard 3.2mm motor shafts, such as Tamiya models, FTX vehicles, HPI platforms or equivalent 1/10 scale buggies, truggies, short course trucks and truck variants
• 2-3S LiPo battery pack (recommended) or 5-10S NiMH/NiCd battery equivalent, with Deans connector or adapter cables for compatibility
• Battery charger compatible with your chosen battery chemistry (LiPo smart charger or NiMH/NiCd compatible charger)
• 2.4GHz RC radio system with receiver compatible with standard servo connectors
• Servo for steering control
• Soldering iron and solder (for connecting motor wires if you prefer to shorten them for a cleaner installation)
• Motor heat sink and small cooling fan (optional but recommended for sustained running, particularly in warm conditions or when running on 3S LiPo)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Etronix Photon 2.1W suitable for complete beginners new to brushless RC cars? — Yes, absolutely. The system is specifically designed with simplicity and broad compatibility in mind. Setup is straightforward, and the sensorless design means there are no sensor wires to connect. The programming card might seem intimidating at first, but you can run the car with factory settings immediately and then explore adjustments as you gain confidence. Many UK RC retailers recommend this combo as an excellent first brushless upgrade from brushed setups.
• What battery does the Photon 2.1W need, and can I use different battery types? — The system supports both 2-3S LiPo batteries and 5-10S NiMH/NiCd packs. For 2S LiPo operation, you can use the included 4350KV motor without modification. If you want to run 3S LiPo, you'll need to use a motor with a lower KV rating (2950KV), not the 4350KV motor included in this combo. The ESC automatically detects your battery cell count, so you don't need to reprogram anything when switching between battery types—just ensure you're using the correct motor KV for your chosen cell count.
• Can I fit this motor and ESC into my existing RC car chassis? — The motor features a standard 3.2mm shaft diameter, which is compatible with most 1/10 scale chassis including Tamiya models, FTX vehicles and many others. The system is particularly well-suited to 1/10 buggies, truggies, short course trucks and standard truck platforms. However, you should verify that your specific chassis accepts 540-size (10-turn equivalent) motors. If you're unsure about compatibility with your particular model, contact the RC Model Shop team for specific advice.
• What makes the Photon different from other budget brushless systems? — The inclusion of the ET0107 programmable setup card is the real differentiator. Rather than being locked into fixed ESC parameters, you get access to ten different adjustable settings covering motor timing, acceleration response, braking, drag brake, throttle limits and more. This level of customisation is rarely found at this price point, making it excellent value for hobbyists who want to fine-tune their vehicle's behaviour without purchasing multiple different ESCs.
• Is the Photon 2.1W weatherproof enough for outdoor running? — The system features weatherproof construction, protecting against moisture and dirt ingress during outdoor RC car sessions. However, weatherproof doesn't mean fully waterproof—you should avoid deep water crossings or submerging the electronics. For typical outdoor bashing, dirt tracks and occasional wet conditions, the weatherproof design provides adequate protection. For extreme water conditions, consider additional silicone conformal coating or a dedicated waterproof ESC enclosure.
• How does the 2A/6V BEC output affect what receiver and servo I can use? — The 2-amp BEC output is sufficient for most standard servo systems and receivers used in 1/10 RC cars. You won't need a separate battery pack to power your receiver and servo—they can draw power directly from the ESC's BEC. However, if you're running multiple servos or high-torque metal-geared servos, you might exceed the 2-amp capacity. In such cases, you'd need an external servo battery or a higher-capacity BEC unit.
• What do the different motor timing settings do, and which should I use? — Motor timing affects the electrical phase relationship between the ESC and motor, directly influencing power delivery, efficiency and heat generation. Very low timing is gentler on components but delivers less peak power, whilst very high timing offers maximum power but generates more heat and draws more current. Start with normal timing, then adjust based on your driving experience—if the motor runs cool and feels responsive, you're in the right setting. Higher timing can feel snappier for aggressive driving but requires adequate cooling.
• Can I adjust the reverse throttle percentage to disable reverse entirely? — The programmable ESC allows you to set reverse throttle percentage from 20% through to 100%. However, the minimum is 20%, so you cannot completely disable reverse through this parameter. If you need no-reverse operation, you can configure the running mode to forward-only using the programming card, which entirely prevents reverse operation at the ESC level.
• Is the Etronix Photon system suitable for upgrading my brushed RC car? — Yes, provided your chassis accepts 540-size motors with 3.2mm shafts and your current gearing is compatible with brushless operation. The upgrade typically feels like a substantial improvement in power delivery, efficiency and reliability. However, verify motor KV compatibility with your chosen battery—the included 4350KV motor is suited to 2S LiPo running. If you want 3S performance, you'd need a separate 2950KV motor instead.

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 ETRONIX PHOTON 2.1W COMBO W/9.0R 4350KV MOTOR/45A ESC ET0412 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.