First off, a big thank you to Flycolor for sending over the Trinx G20/G5 60A 4in1 ESC for review. Regrettably, my travel plans for the rest of the year will prevent me from conducting a hands-on test. Anyway, I think it’s essential to provide you all with a overview, accompanied by detailed images of this ESC. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review and build log when I’m back!
Learn more about ESC in this buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/esc/
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
Get the Trinx G20 here:
Get the Trinx G5 here:
Both ESC comes with the same accessories, including:
- 4x Silicone vibration absorber
- 5x O-Ring
- an FC to ESC ribbon cable
- a Low ESR 35V 1000uF capacitor
- a 7cm 14AWG XT60 pigtail
Specifications
Flycolor Trinx G20 Specs
- Continuous Current: 60A
- Burst Current: 70A (for 10 seconds)
- Max PWM Frequency: 128KHz
- Features: Built-in current sensor and VBAT output
- Supported Protocols: DShot600, DShot300, Oneshot125, Oneshot42, Multishot, Proshot
- BEC: None
- Input Voltage: 3S-6S LiPo
- Mounting: M3 screws, 20x20mm pattern
- Firmware: BLHeli_32
- Firmware Target: Flycolor_Raptor_5
- Dimensions: 44x36x6.3mm
- Weight:
- Without heatsink:
14.4g15.4g - With heatsink: 18.3g
- Without heatsink:
Flycolor Trinx G5 Specs
- Input Voltage: 3-6S LiPo
- Continuous Current: 60A
- Burst Current: 70A (for 10 seconds)
- Supported Protocols: DShot600, DShot300, Oneshot125, Oneshot42, Multishot, Proshot
- BEC: None
- Firmware: BLHeli_32
- Firmware Target: Flycolor_Raptor_5
- Mounting: M3 screws, 30x30mm pattern
- Dimensions: 45x41x8.3mm
- Weight:
19.2g20g
Key Differences Explained
The names of the ESC might be a little confusing. “G5” denotes the fifth generation, while “G20” signifies a 20×20 mounting pattern.
At a glance, the Trinx G20 and G5 4in1 ESCs might appear closely matched in price, specs, and capabilities. However, a deeper dive reveals distinct differences tailored to various flying needs:
- Size & Weight: Compact and lightweight, the G20 comes with a 20x20mm mounting pattern. Its reduced footprint makes it perfect for racing drones, fitting effortlessly into tighter frames.
- Build & Durability: Equipped with more robust MOSFETs, the G5 is built for longevity, offering superior durability compared to the G20, but that makes it slightly larger and heavier.
- Performance & Tuning: Thanks to the additional filtering capacitors on its larger PCB, the G5 delivers cleaner gyro signal. This results in improved quad flight performance and a smoother tuning experience.
In summary, while the G20 is optimized for racers and long range pilots seeking lightweight agility, or ultimate light weight and efficiency, the G5 is the go-to for those prioritizing performance and resilience, particularly in freestyle and cinematic drone builds.
A Closer Look
Having been on the market for nearly a year, these ESCs continue to impress with their specs and features, offering the latest advancements in BLHeli_32 technology. It’s noteworthy that ESC technology has remained relatively stable during this period, not much has changed.
Design & Build
The motor solder pads are generously sized, promising a straightforward soldering experience. However, the pads designated for the XT60 might benefit from a bit more space.
Thoughtfully, they’ve incorporated a couple of holes to make attaching a low ESR capacitor easier.
Silicone coating is applied on both sides of the ESC, enhancing its water resistance. Appears to be hand brushed on, not machine sprayed, which is more effective and thorough.
Compatibility & Customization
The G5 ESC’s 10-pin connector might pose compatibility challenges with numerous flight controllers (FCs) that typically feature 8-pin connectors. It could have used an 8-pin connector as one pin remains unused (marked NC) and another is just a duplicated ground (GND), but you’re not out of options. With a little careful tweaking of the ribbon cable and selective wire removal, it should be compatible with all FCs.
The G20 ESC gives you a choice when it comes to the heatsink—it’s not pre-attached. Leaving it off shaves nearly 3 grams off its weight and ensures a more compact form. But there’s a trade-off: without it, cooling takes a hit. It’s a tad disappointing that no thermal tape or paste is included, users have to provide their own.
Pricing & Accessories
At a somewhat steep $86 per unit, one can’t help but draw comparisons with the more affordable BLHeli_S 4in1 ESCs currently available on the market, which offer comparable performance and features but at almost half the price. Take for example the 55A ESC from Speedybee F405 V4 stack.
The continued use of the STM32 chipset, while many competitors have transitioned to the more economical AT32 chips, could partly explain the higher cost. For this price point, a few more accessories would’ve been welcome. For example, long M3 bolts for mounting, different lengths of FC to ESC cables, and an assortment of rubber grommets would have been nice.
Conclusion
In summing up, the Flycolor Trinx G20 and G5 ESCs, while offers the best of BLHeli_32 technology, come with a premium price tag.
Get the Trinx G20 here:
Get the Trinx G5 here:
Their design is great, balancing performance with adaptability. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the BLHeli_S counterparts for little advantage in performance.