eTronix Photon LED Program Card for Photon 3.0 Brushless ESC ET0106

Overview

The eTronix Photon LED Program Card (ET0106) is an essential accessory for anyone running an Etronix Photon 3.0 brushless speed controller in their RC car. This programmable setup card transforms your ESC from a basic plug-and-play component into a precision-tuned performance tool, allowing you to fine-tune sixteen different parameters to perfectly match your driving style, track conditions, and vehicle setup. Whether you're racing a 1/10-scale buggy, truggy, short-course truck, or stadium truck, this programming card unlocks the full potential of your Photon 3.0 brushless system with an intuitive visual interface and straightforward navigation.

Designed by Etronix for ultimate convenience, the ET0106 program card features an on-screen LCD display that eliminates the need for connecting your ESC to a computer. Simply plug the card into your Photon 3.0 ESC and scroll through the menu to access all adjustable settings directly at the track or on the workbench. This pit-friendly form factor means you can make quick adjustments between runs, test different configurations, and optimise your setup without any complicated software or technical knowledge. For UK RC enthusiasts looking to maximise the performance of their brushless RC car or truck, the Photon LED Program Card is an affordable, must-have upgrade that puts complete control in your hands.

The card is specifically engineered for the Photon 3.0 range and is not compatible with earlier Photon 2.1 ESCs, ensuring full compatibility and optimal performance when paired with your brushless speed controller. This makes it the ideal companion piece for anyone who has invested in a Photon 3.0 system and wants to extract every ounce of performance and responsiveness from their RC vehicle.

Key Features

• Visual LCD Screen Display — The on-board screen provides a clear, menu-driven interface that allows you to navigate through all programmable settings with ease, making adjustments quick and intuitive without the need for a computer connection.
• Sixteen Adjustable Parameters — Fine-tune throttle response, brake characteristics, motor rotation direction, running modes, and more to create a custom ESC profile that matches your exact driving requirements and vehicle setup.
• Throttle Response Control (1-3ms) — Adjust the acceleration response of your brushless motor by setting throttle response times, allowing you to dial in anything from lightning-quick acceleration to smooth, progressive power delivery.
• Advanced Braking Options — Control brake response timing (0.1-3ms), minimum and maximum brake force levels (15-100%), and independent forward and reverse drag brake forces to achieve the stopping power and trailing-brake characteristics you need.
• Coast Function (Off, 10-30) — Enable coasting behaviour that allows your RC car to roll freely when throttle input is reduced, perfect for momentum-based racing lines and smooth track navigation on UK circuits.
• Neutral Range Adjustment (5-12%) — Set how far you need to move your transmitter trigger or stick from centre before the motor engages, allowing you to minimise unwanted mid-range throttle inputs during competition.
• Speed Control (40-100%) — Independently adjust maximum forward and reverse speed limits, allowing you to dial back power for handling in high-grip conditions or increase it for maximum acceleration in looser terrain.
• Motor Rotation Direction (CW/CCW) — Reverse motor spin direction electronically if your physical installation requires it, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments or rewiring.
• Three Running Modes — Choose between Forward/Brake, Forward/Brake/Reverse, or Forward/Reverse modes depending on your racing discipline and track requirements.
• Automatic Cut-Off Voltage Detection — When set to Auto mode, the ESC automatically detects the number of LiPo cells (2S or 3S) on power-up; alternatively, select Off mode for NiMH or NiCd battery packs.
• Thermal Protection Settings — Activate thermal protection at 95°C or 105°C to automatically shut down the ESC if internal temperatures exceed your chosen threshold, protecting your brushless motor and speed controller from heat damage.
• Reverse Mode Options — When running in Forward/Brake/Reverse mode, choose between One Shot (single throttle pull) or Two Shots (quick double pull) to engage reverse, depending on your preference and transmitter setup.
• Pit-Friendly Portable Design — Compact form factor fits easily in your pit bag or toolbox, allowing you to make track-side adjustments without requiring a laptop or complicated computer setup.
• Exclusive Photon 3.0 Compatibility — Engineered specifically for the Photon 3.0 range of 50A brushless speed controllers, ensuring seamless integration and full feature support with no compatibility issues.

Technical Performance

The eTronix Photon LED Program Card works in concert with the Photon 3.0 50-ampere brushless ESC, which is designed for sensorless brushless motors in 1/10-scale off-road applications. The Photon 3.0 ESC itself supports 2-3S LiPo batteries or 5-10 cell NiMH/NiCd packs, with a maximum continuous current of 50 amps and an impressive burst current rating of 300 amps for extreme acceleration scenarios. The included BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) outputs a stable 6V at 3 amps, sufficient for powering servos and receivers in most 1/10-scale RC buggies, truggies, short-course trucks, and stadium trucks. The ESC housing measures 48x38x32mm (without cooling fan) and weighs just 95 grams, making it compact enough to fit into tight chassis layouts without excessive weight penalty. With full waterproof construction, the Photon 3.0 is suitable for wet conditions and water crossings, though the program card itself should be kept dry. The ET0106 programming card provides complete access to all sixteen adjustable parameters, enabling users to optimise throttle characteristics for anything from smooth, technical course work to aggressive high-speed bashing. The millisecond-level precision of throttle and brake response timing (adjustable in 0.1-3ms increments) allows competitive racers to fine-tune their ESC profiles to match specific driving lines and vehicle weight distributions, whilst the drag brake forces and coasting functions enable momentum-based racing techniques popular on UK indoor and outdoor tracks.

What's in the Box

• eTronix Photon LED Program Card (ET0106)
• Instructions for use

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Photon LED Program Card and why do I need it? — The ET0106 is a programmable setup card designed exclusively for the Etronix Photon 3.0 brushless ESC. It allows you to adjust sixteen different ESC parameters without connecting to a computer, making it essential if you want to customise throttle response, braking characteristics, speed limits, and motor behaviour to match your driving style and track conditions. Most serious RC racers use a program card to gain a competitive advantage by fine-tuning their ESC profile.
• Is this compatible with all Photon ESCs? — No, the ET0106 program card is specifically designed for the Photon 3.0 range only and is not compatible with the earlier Photon 2.1 ESCs. Make sure you have a Photon 3.0 ESC before purchasing this card.
• What parameters can I adjust with this program card? — You can fine-tune throttle response (1-3ms), coasting (off or 10-30), neutral range (5-12%), minimum throttle (5-16%), maximum forward and reverse speed (40-100%), brake response (0.1-3ms), minimum and maximum brake force (15-100%), drag brake forces for both forward and reverse, motor rotation direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), running mode (three options), reverse mode (one-shot or two-shots), low-voltage cut-off, and thermal protection thresholds (95°C or 105°C).
• Can I use this at the track to adjust my ESC between races? — Yes, absolutely. The portable design and visual LCD screen make it perfect for pit-side setup adjustments. You can easily change parameters between runs to test different configurations and optimise your RC car's handling without requiring a computer or complicated software.
• What battery types does the Photon 3.0 ESC support? — The Photon 3.0 is compatible with 2-3S LiPo batteries or 5-10 cell NiMH/NiCd packs. The program card includes automatic voltage detection for LiPo cells when set to Auto mode, or you can select Off mode for NiMH/NiCd chemistry.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst the program card is easy to use thanks to its visual interface, the number of adjustable parameters means it's better suited to users who understand ESC tuning concepts. Beginners can use the default settings, but getting the most from this card requires some knowledge of throttle curves, brake characteristics, and neutral range tuning. However, the straightforward menu system makes learning these concepts much easier than computer-based programming software.
• How does the thermal protection feature work? — You can set thermal protection to activate at either 95°C or 105°C. When the ESC's internal temperature exceeds your chosen threshold, the controller automatically stops operating to prevent damage to the brushless motor and electronics from overheating, which can happen during extended high-speed running or in hot weather.
• What is the difference between this and using computer software to program my ESC? — The ET0106 program card provides an all-in-one, portable solution that doesn't require a computer, software installation, or USB cable. It's faster for track-side adjustments and more convenient to carry in your pit bag. Computer software typically offers more detailed information and graphical representations of settings, but the program card is ideal for quick tuning between races.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ETRONIX PHOTON LED PROGRAM CARD (PHOTON 3.0 ESC) ET0106 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.