Overview
Unlock the convenience and performance of brushless technology with the eTronix Photon 3.0 50A ESC paired with a 9.0R 4350KV brushless motor. This is a sensorless waterproof system designed for easy setup and offering exceptional value for most 1/10-scale off-road applications. Whether you're shopping for a brushless RC car upgrade in the UK or building your first brushless RC buggy, truggy, short-course, or stadium truck, the Photon 3.0 delivers reliable power, smooth throttle control, and the kind of performance that makes the jump from brushed systems worthwhile. The 9.0R 4350KV motor specification is ideal for high-speed applications, giving you genuine grunt and acceleration when you need it most.
The eTronix Photon 3.0 is the ideal upgrade path from a stock brushed system or the perfect starting point for your first brushless build. Thousands of RC enthusiasts across the UK have chosen this system for its combination of affordability, reliability, and genuine performance gains over traditional brushed alternatives. The sensorless brushless motor delivers smooth acceleration and consistent power delivery across the entire throttle range, whilst the 50A ESC provides more than enough headroom for aggressive driving, weekend bashing, and competitive use. This combo represents genuine value for money without any compromise on quality or engineering.
What truly sets this combo apart is the included programmable setup card (ET0106), which allows you to fine-tune sixteen different ESC parameters to perfectly suit your driving style, chassis setup, and personal preferences. This level of customisation means you can dial in exactly the throttle response, braking behaviour, and motor rotation you need, making it equally suitable for beginners learning the ropes and experienced drivers looking to extract maximum performance.
Key Features
- Waterproof ESC Design — The 50A ESC is fully waterproof, meaning you can push through puddles, splash through wet grass, and tackle muddy tracks without worrying about water damage to your electronics. This durability extends the lifespan of your investment and gives you genuine confidence in all-weather RC car UK use.
- Sensorless Brushless Motor — The 9.0R 4350KV sensorless brushless motor delivers smooth, responsive acceleration with minimal cogging and maximum efficiency. Brushless motors require far less maintenance than brushed alternatives, meaning no carbon brushes to replace and no commutator wear to worry about.
- 50A Continuous Current Rating with 300A Burst Capacity — The ESC is capable of handling 50A continuous current, with a burst rating of 300A for those rapid acceleration moments. This substantial power envelope ensures smooth performance even under heavy load, and provides genuine headroom for aggressive driving without thermal stress.
- Programmable Setup Card (ET0106) with Sixteen Adjustable Parameters — Fine-tune throttle response from 1ms to 3ms, adjust coast behaviour, set neutral range from 5% to 12%, control minimum throttle from 5% to 16%, and dial in maximum forward and reverse forces from 40% to 100%. Additionally, adjust brake response from 0.1ms to 3ms, minimum and maximum brake force, forward and reverse drag brake force, motor rotation direction (CW or CCW), running mode options (Forward/Brake, Forward/Brake/Reverse, or Forward/Reverse), reverse mode settings (One Shot or Two Shots), cut-off voltage (Off or Auto for automatic LiPo cell detection), and thermal protection thresholds (Off, 95°C, or 105°C).
- Multi-Chemistry Battery Compatibility — Supports 2-3S LiPo batteries or 5-10 cell NiMH/NiCd battery packs, giving you flexibility in your power choice. The BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) outputs a regulated 6V at 3A, sufficient for powering your receiver and servos without requiring a separate battery.
- Compact Dimensions and Lightweight Construction — Measuring just 48x38x32mm (without fan) and weighing only 95g, the ESC is small enough to fit easily into tight engine bays and light enough that it won't dramatically increase your vehicle's overall weight or impact handling characteristics.
- Three Distinct Running Modes — Choose between Forward/Brake only, Full Forward/Brake/Reverse operation, or Forward/Reverse mode depending on your application and preferences. Reverse can be activated via One Shot (single pull) or Two Shots (double pull) method.
- Intelligent Thermal Protection — The ESC automatically monitors internal temperature and can be configured to shut down at either 95°C or 105°C, protecting your electronics from damage during extended high-load sessions.
- Automatic LiPo Cell Detection — When set to Auto cut-off voltage mode, the ESC automatically detects your LiPo battery's cell count (2S or 3S) on startup, eliminating guesswork and providing proper low-voltage protection tailored to your specific battery configuration.
Technical Performance
The eTronix Photon 3.0 50A system represents genuine engineering quality at an accessible price point. The 9.0R 4350KV motor is engineered specifically for 1/10-scale off-road vehicles, delivering the high RPM and snappy throttle response that makes RC buggies, truggies, short-course trucks, and stadium trucks genuinely fun to drive. The motor's 4350KV rating means it will spin approximately 4350 revolutions per minute per volt applied, creating excellent acceleration and mid-range punch when paired with appropriate gear ratios and battery configurations. The sensorless design means the ESC actively manages commutation without requiring position sensors, simplifying the motor construction and reducing cost whilst maintaining smoothness and reliability. The 9.0R resistance specification indicates a moderate-resistance motor configuration that balances speed and torque across typical driving scenarios. The 50A ESC is built around modern MOSFETs and advanced power management circuitry, capable of handling the demands of 1/10-scale off-road driving without thermal stress. With a 300A burst capability, the system handles sudden acceleration demands and maintains performance even under sustained high-current conditions. Battery compatibility spans the two most common RC power sources: LiPo batteries offer lightweight, high-discharge capabilities perfect for competitive driving, whilst NiMH/NiCd packs provide budget-friendly, beginner-friendly alternatives with more forgiving charge characteristics. The BEC output of 6V/3A is sufficient for most standard servos and receivers used in 1/10-scale vehicles. Materials throughout the ESC are selected for durability and thermal efficiency, with the compact casing designed to fit within standard RC vehicle electronics bays. The fully waterproof construction means you're not restricted to dry-track use—this system is genuinely ready for real-world RC driving in the UK, where wet grass, puddles, and damp conditions are commonplace.
What's in the Box
- eTronix Photon 3.0 50A Sensorless Waterproof ESC
- 9.0R 4350KV Brushless Motor
- ET0106 Programmable Setup Card
What You Need to Complete
- RC Vehicle compatible with 1/10-scale 540-size brushless motors (1/10 buggy, truggy, short-course truck, or stadium truck)
- 2-3S LiPo battery pack or 5-10 cell NiMH/NiCd battery pack with appropriate connectors
- Battery charger compatible with your chosen battery chemistry
- RC transmitter and receiver system (not included)
- Motor pinion and spur gears appropriate to your vehicle and desired performance characteristics
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the eTronix Photon 3.0 50A good for beginners new to brushless RC? — Yes, absolutely. This is specifically marketed as a practical first brushless choice and an ideal upgrade from stock brushed systems. The included programmable setup card makes it beginner-friendly without being simplistic, offering enough adjustment options to grow into whilst providing sensible default settings for immediate use. The 16 adjustable parameters mean that as your skills develop, you can fine-tune the system to match your improving driving ability and personal preferences.
- What battery does the Photon 3.0 50A need? — The system supports both 2-3S LiPo batteries and 5-10 cell NiMH/NiCd packs. For maximum performance and responsiveness, most users choose 3S LiPo (11.1V nominal), which pairs perfectly with the 4350KV motor for genuine speed and acceleration. NiMH packs offer a more budget-friendly, beginner-friendly alternative with simpler charging requirements, though they are heavier and provide less punch than equivalent LiPo configurations.
- What makes the 9.0R 4350KV motor specification suitable for 1/10-scale buggies and trucks? — The 4350KV rating creates excellent acceleration and top-end speed when paired with appropriate gearing, making it ideal for high-speed applications across buggies, truggies, short-course trucks, and stadium trucks. The 9.0R resistance provides a good balance between current draw and efficiency, preventing excessive heat generation during extended driving sessions whilst maintaining the responsive feel that makes RC driving enjoyable.
- Can I adjust the Photon 3.0's settings after purchase? — Yes, the included ET0106 programmable setup card allows you to adjust 16 different ESC parameters at any time. You can fine-tune throttle response (1-3ms), neutral range (5-12%), minimum throttle (5-16%), forward and reverse forces (40-100%), brake response (0.1-3ms), brake force ranges, drag brake force, motor rotation direction, running mode, reverse activation method, voltage cut-off, and thermal protection thresholds. This flexibility means you can customise the system to match your driving style, track conditions, and setup changes without purchasing new electronics.
- Is this ESC waterproof for serious all-weather use? — Yes, the Photon 3.0 50A is fully waterproof, meaning it can handle wet grass, muddy puddles, and damp conditions without risk of water damage. This is particularly valuable for UK RC enthusiasts, where wet weather driving is common. Whilst you should still rinse the vehicle after muddy sessions and allow it to dry properly, the waterproof construction gives you genuine confidence for all-weather RC car use.
- What is the difference between the 50A and 60A versions? — The 60A version offers higher continuous current handling (60A vs 50A), providing additional headroom for sustained high-power driving, heavier vehicles, or more aggressive use. For most standard 1/10-scale buggy and truck applications, the 50A is sufficient; however, if you plan to run particularly aggressive setups, heavier bodies, or extended high-speed sessions, the 60A variant offers extra safety margin and thermal headroom.
- Does this combo include a motor pinion? — No, motor pinion and spur gears are not included and must be sourced separately based on your specific vehicle requirements and desired performance characteristics. The correct gearing depends on your vehicle's transmission, your battery chemistry choice, and your preferred balance between speed and torque.
- Can I use this system in my existing 1/10-scale RC car? — Compatibility depends on your specific vehicle. This system is designed for 1/10-scale buggies, truggies, short-course trucks, and stadium trucks with standard 540-size motor mounts and typical ESC mounting positions. If you're upgrading an existing brushed system, the physical dimensions (48x38x32mm) should fit most standard vehicles, but it's worth confirming compatibility with your particular chassis.
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 3.0 50A ESC / 9.0R 4350KV MOTOR COMBO ET0443 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.
- Brand: eTronix
- Model Number: ET0443
- Scale: 1/10
- Recommended Vehicle Types: Buggy, Truggy, Short-Course Truck, Stadium Truck
- ESC Type: Sensorless Waterproof
- ESC Current Rating (Continuous): 50A
- ESC Current Rating (Burst): 300A
- Motor Type: Brushless Sensorless
- Motor Size/Configuration: 540-size
- Motor KV Rating: 4350KV
- Motor Resistance: 9.0R
- Battery Compatibility: 2-3S LiPo or 5-10 Cell NiMH/NiCd
- BEC Output: 6V/3A
- Waterproof Rating: Yes (Fully Waterproof)
- ESC Dimensions: 48x38x32mm (without fan)
- ESC Weight: 95g
- Programming Method: ET0106 Setup Card Only
- Throttle Response Range: 1ms to 3ms (adjustable)
- Coast Function: Off, 10 to 30 (adjustable)
- Neutral Range: 5% to 12% (adjustable)
- Minimum Throttle: 5% to 16% (adjustable)
- Maximum Forward Force: 40% to 100% (adjustable)
- Maximum Reverse Force: 40% to 100% (adjustable)
- Brake Response: 0.1ms to 3ms (adjustable)
- Minimum Brake Force: Off, 15% to 50% (adjustable)
- Maximum Brake Force: 50% to 100% (adjustable)
- Forward Drag Brake Force: Off, 20% to 100% (adjustable)
- Reverse Drag Brake Force: Off, 20% to 100% (adjustable)
- Motor Rotation: CW or CCW (adjustable)
- Running Modes: Forward/Brake, Forward/Brake/Reverse, Forward/Reverse
- Reverse Activation: One Shot or Two Shots (adjustable)
- Cut-Off Voltage: Off or Auto (with automatic LiPo cell detection)
- Thermal Protection: Off, 95°C, or 105°C (adjustable)
- Included Accessories: ET0106 Programmable Setup Card
- Box Contents: Photon 3.0 50A Sensorless Waterproof ESC, 9.0R 4350KV Brushless Motor, ET0106 Setup Card
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.