Speed Passion makes some of the best ESC’s on the market today. For the most part they are very easy to use, but ill be the first to admit it can get confusing when the topic of settings, profiles,programming and firmware comes up. I am going to try to clear up some of the confusion and break it all down by program box type.I wont get into how to connect,install and flash softwares there are just to many things to cover. I recommend watching the videos on speed passions website, it walks you through every step. As with all things electronic always read the manual. Many people that have reported problems do not completely read the manual for the ESC they have. Also make sure you install all the appropriate software and USB drivers. For official drivers,manuals and updates always consult www.speedpassion.net
Multi ESC Program box
Also referred to as the LED box, due to its LED type display. This box comes with all speed controls except the CLUB SPEC units. The key thing about this box is that you cannot update your ESC firmware with this box. The confusion comes from the fact that it has a mini USB port making everyone think you can hook to a PC, when you cannot. Think of this box as your track side ESC programmer. IT can make adjustments to the active PROFILE on the ESC. IT will make changes to the 3-10 default ITEMS in a stock out of the box ESC.(meaning original firmware is loaded). NOTE:There are a few versions of this box out there they all work the same.
DeviceMaster ® Ethernet Device Servers. The DeviceMaster Ethernet Device Servers enable superior device networking capabilities. Link RS-232/422/485 serial devices to the network with select DeviceMaster products. Supports native COM, TTY, or TCP/IP socket communications. This is the Speed Passion Reventon Series Smart LCD Programmer Card, with a built in USB connection port. The Smart LCD program card is a compact, toolbox friendly device used to set programmable parameters of the Reventon brushless ESC. The card will allow the racer to adjust ESC settings, upgrade ESC software and view the last recorded ESC.
Compatible with:
- GT V2.0 PRO / EX UPDATE: If using Firmware V1.36 the LED box is no longer compatible. you must use LCD box only
- GT V2.1 Pro stock UPDATE: If using Firmware V1.36 the LED box is no longer compatible. you must use LCD box only
- CIRTIX Stock Club Race (3 SETTINGS ONLY)
- CIRTIX R8 ESC
- CIRTIX Inspire/D-manager/ Short Course
- CIRTIX Rhino
- CIRTIX RR / PRO
- Silver Arrow V2.0
LCD Professional Program Card
As per Speed Passion: The Speed Passion LCD programming card not only allows you to make finer adjustments on your ESCs, but it also functions as the interface between your ESC and PC to allow for software package updates(firmware) and expanded ESC functionality with new features and settings constantly being developed between our race team and software engineers.
This box will do everything the LED box does, but also allows you to switch between 3 PROFILES within you ESC. So your 10-15 ITEMS can be set up differently for 3 different PROFILES saving you time at the track by simply switching to pre-programmed PROFILES.
Once you start using the LCD box and install the latest software(firmware) on your ESC you wont be able to use the older LED box any longer. The LCD will be required to be able to access the finer level of adjustment and additional ITEMS that some software use. Once again its very important to read the included documentation that comes with the latest software. Speed passion is constantly evolving their software so its critical to read up on the changes before you use them.
“Speed Passion USB Interface software” will update your LCD box and ESC software. Once your ESC is loaded with the firmware your after you don’t require your PC for further adjustments, the LCD has full access on its own.
NOTE: There are various versions of this box that all work the same, even hobbywing boxes work(i use one) but try to stick with the SP box to ensure future compatibility.
Compatible with:
- GT V2.0 PRO / EX
- GT V2.1 Pro stock
- Silver Arrow V2.0
- NOT COMPLIABLE IN REVENTON SERIES ESC
Cirtix ESC USB adatpor
Confused yet? LOL! What the heck is this thing right? Forget the LCD, Its not for the Cirtix. To connect to the “Cirtix ESC PC interface software” you use just this USB adapter. Be sure to have up to date USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers to make your life easy.
Compatible with:
- CIRTIX Stock Club RaceNOT USB SUPPORTED
- CIRTIX R8 ESC
- CIRTIX Inspire/D-manager/ Short Course
- CIRTIX Rhino
- CIRTIX RR / PRO
Reventon: New Smart LED/LCD Programmer Cards
- LED
- LCD
These boxes allow you to make fine adjustments as well as interface between your ESC and PC to allow for software package updates(firmware) and expanded ESC functionality with new features and settings constantly being developed.
Both LED and LCD boxes can do the same things. Each allows you to switch between 3 PROFILES within you ESC. So your 10-15 ITEMS can be set up differently for 3 different PROFILES saving you time at the track by simply switching to pre-programmed PROFILES.
The LCD adds and extra level of customization for some ITEMS. For example finer adjustment of braking power in 1% increments. As well, is required to access The (STOCK1) software. A software that uses Hybrid Boost Turbo technology.
Because the STOCK CLUB RACE is locked in STOCK0 mode for blinky racing the LCD should give no added features over the LED box.
Compatible with:
Speed Passion Port Devices Drivers
- Reventon – S
- Reventon – R
- Reventon Stock Club Race Program Card Support Basic setting adjustment only** locked in blinky mode.
- Reventon – Pro
Speed Passion Port Devices Driver Ed
I hope this clears up some of the confusion. At the end of the day if your ESC supports the LCD box get one, it future proofs your ESC. IF your running a STOCK/Blinky ESC it really does not matter. You wont be flashing fancy firmwares, that would go against the rules that these ESCs are legal for.
TIP: Always navigate to your ESC model on the SP site to find the most current docs and files for your ESC..
Source: Speed Passion and Team Speed Passion