Mike,

Hey thanks a lot,  I will check this out. 

Zarzul

That is the problem,  the ESC controller takes a hybrid type of PWM. 

Since I am using this for engraving and PCBs the high speed works pretty well.

Thanks for your insight, the info on poor turndown is very useful.   I wonder if these could be run from a different type of controller?  Like a DC servo motor controller with encoder like you suggested?

Has any had much luck using a PWM signal to run an ESC controller for a RC plane outrunner motor as a spindle.
I am trying to do this but having some difficulties.
The PWM is a little different for the ESC controller. 

This is a description of how they work.
DC ESCs in the broader sense are PWM controllers for electric motors. The ESC generally accepts a nominal 50 Hz PWM servo input signal whose pulse width varies from 1 ms to 2 ms. When supplied with a 1 ms width pulse at 50 Hz, the ESC responds by turning off the DC motor attached to its output. A 1.5 ms pulse-width input signal results in a 50% duty cycle output signal that drives the motor at approximately half-speed. When presented with 2.0 ms input signal, the motor runs at full speed due to the 100% duty cycle (on constantly) output.

I have had some success by doing an odd ball start sequence where I start the spindle and call for 50 rpm which gives me a 1ms pulse width, then a pause to allow the ESC to initialize, then I call for 100 rpm (scale of speed is 1000 rpm) and it will run 2ms pulse for full speed on the motor.
 

just a bump to remind of my email address change  arnie@wyomingwireless.com

Richard,

Try stretching the spring a little more.

For those looking for a nice printed manual  for Mach3 CNC Controller Software Installation and Configuration Manual Version 3, they are now available.

These are done by a professional print shop and are available for immediate shipment.
The manual includes a nice section for recording your configuration settings and has full color pictures and diagrams. It is Spiral Bound so it will lay flat when using in your shop.

The cost is $17.95 and it includes the shipping in the US.  Email mach3@pbrprinting.com for other locations, we can ship almost everywhere.
(update - Shipping to Canada is $1 more)

(update) - If you are ordering 2 copies the second one is $15.95.

To order you can simply paypal $17.95 to mach3@pbrprinting.com, include a message Mach3 Manual,
or you can visit his web page at www.pbrprinting.com.

Hard to beat a printed manual when you want to quickly look something up.

Change in my email address   arnie@wyomingwireless.com

Also the price is $135  + shipping

I have a new email address   arnie@wyomingwireless.com

I had to change because of a mailbot was sending tons of spam and spoofing me as the sender.

Had to change my email address,  arnie@wyomingwireless.com 
Had a mailbot sending out spam with my old address listed as the sender.
Current price on these is $135 +shipping of $7 US or $11.50 international

PBR Printing has changed it's Email and Web Address. To Order a Spiral Mach 3 Manual, Email Mach3@PBRPrinting.com or goto www.PBRPrinting.com and Request a manual. We will get aback to you the same day. We accept Paypal and Credit Cards.