Here is the result of my testing of which ESC's have the best chance to work with the VBar governor.
Do note that there will be combos of motors/ESC/Sensor that will have issues, I have not identified exactly which ones as all the ones I run works perfectly, but it's bound to happen as there is so many possible combos. (issue is in that case that phase sensor do not get a good reading, then you can use magnetic type sensor)
I would suggest keeping in mind that except from Kontronik & Yge, these ESC's are budget ESC’s, overhead on ratings is not something that is likely to be abundance of, so going for a bigger one instead of smaller is what I did.
Risk of them still going POOF is a real one, keep that in mind, it's up to you if you choose to run one.
TESTED AND CONFIRMED
Kontronik HeliJive v11
Use : MODE 8
External programmer required: No (all done with sticks)
Settings for optimal performance:
Collective add: 25
Cyclic add: 15
Collective dynamic: 0
Governor gain: 25
The throttle channel throws must be kept at -100 / +100 in Gov 2 tab.
(Helijive has FIXED endpoints made to match VBar when you enable Mode 8)
HobbyWing Platinum Series
(also sold as Turnigy K-Force)
Do not mix up with older version which is called Pentium, Sentilon etc which has serious reliability issues.
External programmer required: No (all done with sticks)
Settings for optimal performance: Factory settings + Startup type: Very soft
Notes:
v1.08 firmware (v2 hardware) MUST be v 1.08U, the previous does NOT work with VBar.
When using Phase sensor AND separate RX pack, common ground must be shared, run a cable with Negative lead only from RX -> Programming interface on ESC.
Overall: Very good performance, good soft start with above settings
Run 12khz setting (even if Scorpion says 8khz) drive rate, and keep 15 degree timing if possible, seems to be best bet for it to work.
Fusion Hawk 100 and 120A BL
(also sold as Mega Power, SJ Propo 100, and 120A BL)
External programmer required: Yes (purchased separately)
Setting for optimal performance: Fastest throttle response setting, Set motor start power to lowest (default).
Turn Brake OFF!
Overall: Very good performance, built in Fan, a bit large form factor.
Align ESCs
(Included in various heli combos)
External programmer required: No
Setting for optimal performance: Fastest response possible.
Notes:It has been reported some inconstancies with Phase sensors and Align motors, do not know if that’s motors fault, phase sensor or esc.
Then you might need to switch to magnet type of sensor.
Overall: Good performance.
YGE
External programmer needed: Yes (Progcard)
Setting for optimal performance: Plane-Fast or Plane-Middle
(use plane middle if you get stuttering from your motor)
Note: The programmed VBar mode from YGE (Plane Fast + Heli Middle) does not work well with low RPM flights, then you are better off doing Plane Fast only.
Hacker
(X-70 tested, probably works on others as well)
External Programmer needed: Yes (PC interface)
Setting for optimal perfomance: Governor off, High acceleration.
Castle Creation (currently not optimal)
External programmer required: Yes (purchased separately)
Setting for optimal performance: Airplane mode, Fixed endpoints, high throttle response.
Notes:
Balance between Gain in VBar governor and throttle response.
ICE: Use internal logging to make sure you do not hit 100% PWM (full throttle too often for optimal performance)
Overall:
Has delay on throttle response which in effect causing less performance compared to the others.
2011/11: update, new firmware is under testing, will be available shortly.
NOT WORKING (or with bad performance)
Kontronik all versions except HeliJive (Jive, Jazz, Koby)
Scorpion – all current versions, New working version will come out shortly (due beginning 2012).
Turnigy Super Brain (max 6s but with BEC and logging) – Has no airplane mode, always in heli governor, not usable.