[_paralyzed_]

I just read this on rc-tech and thought I'd share. I searched here first and didn't find anything definitive, so I thought this would be a welcome addition to archive. What I read-

I'm not sure how much you know about these little beasties....but they are built in theory similar to a motorcycle alternator....in fact.....nearly exactly. If you're running cars....you are probably using an in-runner type. Most of the aircraft guys use out-runners....where the moving piece of the motor is a bunch of strong magnets glued to the inside of a bell housing surrounding the field. The whole system is a lot like a three-phase alternator. Without pulses from the ESC in the correct sequence....the motor won't run. I haven't had a motor go defective yet....but I have had an ESC lose a phase. The motor just sits there & gets hot....grunts....but doesn't turn.
Now the test.... Remove your motor and chuck the shaft in a drill....or better....a drill press. Secure the non-moving part of the motor so that it won't turn. Spin it up to make sure all is secure....you certainly don't want to see your motor go flying across your shop. With the motor shaft spinning at as high a speed you can muster from your drill...get out your volt meter....set it to AC vots and measure the voltage between all leads. They should all be about the same. If not..... one of your windings has shorted or maybe open. If your motor gets warm during this test.....it's defective.
Flash