Hobbywing has recently released the XRotor G2 45A and 65A 4in1 ESCs. These state-of-the-art ESCs feature an AT32F4 processor, dynamic 128KHz PWM frequency, and a refined overall design. In this article, we will delve into the XRotor G2’s features and capabilities while providing our thoughts on the product.
If you’re new to FPV drones, don’t miss our comprehensive ESC buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/esc/
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can purchase the Hobbywing XRotor G2 4in1 ESC from the following vendors:
XRotor G2 65A 4in1 ESC:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlMl6hJ
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-eczg
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TR72b1
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-919d
XRotor G2 45A 4in1 ESC:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DB9wUEv
- Hobbywing: https://www.hobbywing.com/en/products/info.html?id=275
The X-Rotor G2 ESC package includes a pre-wired capacitor (680μF, 35V), an XT60 connector, a user manual, and a wiring harness specifically designed for compatibility with Hobbywing’s own flight controllers. This ESC is compatible with other FC, you just have to make sure the wire connections are correct which might involve swapping the wires around in the harness.
Features and Capabilities
At first glance, the XRotor G2 ESCs might seem similar to the previous XRotor Micro ESC in terms of design. The 65A version features a 30x30mm mounting size, while the 45A version offers a 20x20mm mounting size.
Each version boasts a 5-amp increase in continuous current rating compared to the previous generation. Key features include:
- AT32 F4 processor running at up to 120MHz
- 3in1 gate driver
- Running the latest BLHeli_32 32.9 Firmware
- PWM frequency range between 24kHz and 128kHz with dynamic PWM support
- Supports Dshot and other ESC protocols
- 3-6S input voltage
Further Reading: What’s AT32 F4?
The ESC provides both connector and solder pad options for connecting to the flight controller. Motor pads are located on the top side only. There’s an onboard 5V BEC in the 65A version, allowing the ESC to power a flight controller if it doesn’t take battery voltage.
A 45A version of the ESC is available as well which is smaller and doesn’t have the onboard 5V BEC. The 45A version weighs 12 grams, slightly lighter than the 65A’s 15 grams, offering a weight-saving option for those looking to optimize their build.
Build Quality and Design
Hobbywing ESCs are known for their hardware reliability and resilience in crashes, especially popular among FPV drone racers. Their previous XRotor Micro has been one of my go-to ESCs since 2019, and I have nothing but praise for their products. The overall quality of the new version looks excellent as expected, with no noticeable issues in soldering or component placement.
These ESCs have 13cm silicone wires and low-ESR capacitors pre-soldered to the power pads, which might be convenient for those who dislike soldering. However, you still have to solder the included XT60 connectors, but this allows you to cut the wires to the desired length for your specific build, which makes sense. The soldering quality is exceptional as you can see in these images.
The wire gauge is 12AWG for the 65A version and 14AWG for the 45A version. Both ESCs come with 35V 680uF capacitors.
The ESC is conformal coated for water resistance protection and includes soft mounts. I recommend applying another layer of coating on the solder joints after soldering if you care about water resistance.
While these ESCs are great, I have to point out some issues I encountered during use.
The 65A version features a 5V 0.6A BEC, but it’s unclear why they added it, as modern flight controllers no longer take 5V from ESCs. In fact, it makes wiring more confusing when using a 3rd party flight controller, as you have to remove the 5V wire from the connector harness before connecting it to the FC.
This ESC is BLHeli32, but there’s no ESC telemetry output on the 65A version (no connection to FC UART). It’s not a dealbreaker since most people don’t normally set up ESC telemetry these days anyway. However, there are more than enough pins available in the connector (there’s even a pin labeled NC (not connected)), so it’s odd that a TX pin isn’t included.
The capacitor is quite bulky and might not fit in some frames (as it might get in the way of the VTX mounted in the back) and may require relocating. I simply cut the capacitor legs and soldered some long wires between the power pads and the cap, so I can mount the cap in the front of the frame where there’s room. Using 20AWG or even 22AWG wires should be fine as long as you keep them short.
Here are the specs and pinout from the included manual:
Conclusion
The Hobbywing X-Rotor G2 45A and 65A 4in1 ESCs are yet another top-notch ESC from Hobbywing, boasting an enhanced design and new features that make it an outstanding choice for FPV drone enthusiasts. With its dependable performance and exceptional build quality, the X-Rotor G2 is a formidable competitor in the ESC market.
5 comments
As an electrician I used to think the same thing but after many years of experience with RC/ Drones I’ve changed my mind.
As Oscar said, screw terminals add weight plus there’s the size consideration. It will also be difficult to incorporate a screw terminal into the PCB isn’t as easy as it might sound. Considerable bracing of the PCB will be required to handle the torque involved with screw terminals.
Soldering might be something that turns many off to the hobby but it’s an absolute necessity to stay in the hobby for any length of time. I actually enjoy the soldering part of the hobby now. Almost a hobby in and of itself.
Hi there
In the review you mention that HobbyWing ESCs are reliable, and I have noticed a lot of people useing them for Cinelifters. Would you recommend the 65a Version of this ESC for Cinelifter Builds? if not, which would be your go to 4in1 Escs for that purpose?
Kind regards
The capacitor needs to be very close to the input terminals to be most effective so adding long wires to it is not a good idea. Long wires can cause inductance and voltage spikes which is why the capacitor is originally installed close the end of the power wires. It may well work ok but will cause additional stress on the electronics that can lead to early life failure.
For whatever reason many customers of RC equipment seem to be reluctant to purchase equipment that needs to be soldered. With that in mind, i was looking at the photo of this ESC and wondered why manufacturers of 4-in-1 ESC’s, AIO flight controllers and in many cases, single ESC’s do not add non solder terminals using a screw to lock down the power leads? Many people complain of solder pads coming loose early on which may possibly be caused by poor soldering. The cost would be pennies per board and may save the cost of returns because of pad failure
Screw terminals are way heavier than simple solder joints, and the contacts are inconsistent and less reliable, they might not provide good enough contact for the high power application of our hobby.
There used to be ESC and motors that come with connectors that are similar to XT30 but they are just not as popular as the ones that require soldering and eventually manufacturers gave up on the idea.