Overview
The Hobbywing RPM Sensor HW86060041 is an essential accessory for RC helicopter enthusiasts and serious RC modellers in the UK who demand precision governor control and real-time RPM monitoring. This compact yet powerful sensor detects voltage changes across the wires of your brushless motor and outputs a clean RPM signal that integrates seamlessly with advanced electronic speed controllers. Whether you're flying a high-performance helicopter with a V-Bar governor system or running a cutting-edge brushless RC setup, this sensor delivers the accuracy and reliability needed for smooth, stable flight and optimised motor performance.
Designed by Hobbywing, one of the world's most trusted names in RC electronics, this RPM sensor is included as standard equipment with several premium ESC models including the Platinum-120A-HV, Platinum-70A-HV, FlyFun-100A-HV and FlyFun-80A-HV. The sensor's primary application is as the dedicated RPM sensor for the V-Bar system made by Mikado, a popular gyro stabilisation system used in RC helicopters. If you own any of the compatible Hobbywing ESC units mentioned above, this sensor unlocks full V-Bar governor functionality, ensuring your helicopter maintains consistent rotor speed even during aggressive manoeuvres and varying flight conditions.
For RC car and truck enthusiasts in the UK looking to upgrade their brushless setups, the Hobbywing RPM sensor also works with certain speed control systems designed for helicopters, making it a versatile choice for modellers seeking professional-grade telemetry and performance monitoring. Its tiny footprint and lightweight design mean minimal impact on your model's weight distribution and balance, crucial factors in maintaining optimal flight characteristics and handling responsiveness.
Key Features
- Voltage Change Detection — The sensor monitors voltage fluctuations at the motor wires and converts them into accurate RPM signals, allowing your ESC and governor system to respond intelligently to throttle input and maintain perfect rotor speed stability throughout your flight.
- V-Bar Governor Compatibility — Works as the dedicated RPM sensor for Mikado V-Bar systems, one of the most popular and trusted gyro stabilisation platforms in the RC helicopter community, giving you professional-grade helicopter control.
- Compatible with Premium Hobbywing ESCs — Designed to work seamlessly with the Platinum-120A-HV, Platinum-70A-HV, FlyFun-100A-HV and FlyFun-80A-HV electronic speed controllers, ensuring perfect firmware compatibility with any software version these units run.
- Universal Firmware Compatibility — The sensor maintains full compatibility with any firmware version of the supported ESCs, meaning you never have to worry about updates breaking your setup or requiring hardware changes.
- Included Input and Output Wires — Comes supplied with all necessary wiring harnesses, eliminating the need to source separate connectors and ensuring quick, straightforward installation into your RC setup.
- Compact and Lightweight Design — At just 23mm in length, 10mm in width and 2mm in height, this sensor is barely noticeable on your model yet delivers full-featured functionality, weighing only 6 grams including wires.
- Wide RPM Detection Range — Capable of monitoring RPM from 1000rpm all the way to 300,000rpm on 2-pole brushless motors, covering everything from slow, controlled hovers to high-speed dynamic flight.
- Broad Motor Wire Voltage Compatibility — Works with motor systems running from 2S to 14S LiPo battery configurations, making it suitable for a massive range of brushless motor and ESC combinations used in modern RC helicopters and drones.
Technical Performance
The Hobbywing RPM Sensor HW86060041 represents professional-grade engineering at an accessible price point for UK RC modellers. Its working voltage range of 3.5V to 8.4V (equivalent to 1S to 2S LiPo battery) ensures stable operation across a wide variety of power systems, whilst its ultra-low current draw of just 1 to 5 milliamps means it adds virtually no drain to your onboard power supply. The sensor's ability to detect motor voltages up to 14S LiPo capacity makes it compatible with powerful multi-cell brushless setups, yet its RPM detection range specifically optimised for 2-pole brushless motors spans from 1000rpm to 300,000rpm, offering exceptional precision at any throttle position. The sensor maintains full operational accuracy across standard RC operating temperatures of 0 to 50 degrees Celsius (32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), ensuring reliable performance whether you're flying in winter British conditions or during warm summer sessions. Built with the engineering quality Hobbywing is renowned for throughout the RC car, truck, boat and helicopter communities, this sensor represents a genuine upgrade path for modellers seeking to unlock advanced governor and RPM monitoring capabilities on compatible ESC platforms.
What's in the Box
- Hobbywing RPM Sensor HW86060041
- Input wires (for motor voltage detection)
- Output wires (for ESC/governor connection)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hobbywing RPM sensor compatible with my ESC? — This sensor is specifically designed to work with Hobbywing Platinum-120A-HV, Platinum-70A-HV, FlyFun-100A-HV and FlyFun-80A-HV electronic speed controllers. If you own one of these ESCs, the sensor is fully compatible with any firmware version of your unit. It also works with certain other speed control systems designed for helicopters. Check your ESC model number against the compatible list to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
- Can I use this RPM sensor with a V-Bar gyro system? — Yes, this is one of the primary applications of the Hobbywing RPM Sensor. It works as the dedicated RPM sensor for Mikado V-Bar governor systems, which are among the most popular and reliable gyro stabilisation platforms in the RC helicopter hobby. The sensor's accurate RPM detection allows the V-Bar to maintain perfect rotor speed stability during flight.
- What battery does this sensor need? — The RPM sensor itself operates on a working voltage of 3.5V to 8.4V, which corresponds to 1S to 2S LiPo battery configurations. It draws minimal current of just 1 to 5 milliamps, so it will not significantly drain your RC model's power supply. The sensor can monitor motor voltages up to 14S LiPo, meaning it works with much larger battery packs used to power your brushless motor.
- What RPM range can this sensor detect? — For 2-pole brushless motors, the sensor can accurately detect RPM from 1000rpm at the low end right up to 300,000rpm at the high end, covering everything from gentle hovering to maximum throttle performance in RC helicopters and high-speed brushless setups.
- Is this sensor suitable for RC cars and trucks as well as helicopters? — Whilst the sensor is primarily designed for helicopter applications and V-Bar governor systems, it can also work with certain speed control systems beyond helicopters. However, most RC car and truck enthusiasts will find limited application unless their ESC specifically supports RPM sensor inputs. Check your ESC manual to confirm compatibility.
- How do I install the Hobbywing RPM sensor? — The sensor comes with input and output wires already included, making installation straightforward. The input wires connect to your brushless motor's power leads to detect voltage changes, whilst the output wires connect to your compatible Hobbywing ESC. Detailed installation instructions should be provided with your ESC or available on the Hobbywing website.
- Will this sensor work in cold or hot weather? — Yes, the sensor maintains full operational reliability across temperatures from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius (32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), covering typical British weather conditions from winter cold snaps to summer heat, ensuring consistent performance year-round.
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 HOBBYWING RPM SENSOR HW86060041 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.
- Brand: Hobbywing
- Model Number: HW86060041
- Product Type: RPM Sensor
- Dimensions Length: 23mm
- Dimensions Width: 10mm
- Dimensions Height: 2mm
- Weight: 6g (including input and output wires)
- Working Voltage: 3.5V to 8.4V (1S to 2S LiPo)
- Current Draw: 1 to 5mA
- Motor Wire Voltage Range: 2 to 14S LiPo
- RPM Detection Range: 1000rpm to 300,000rpm (for 2-pole brushless motors)
- Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50 degrees Celsius (32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Compatible ESCs: Platinum-120A-HV, Platinum-70A-HV, FlyFun-100A-HV, FlyFun-80A-HV
- Compatible Governor Systems: Mikado V-Bar
- Firmware Compatibility: Compatible with any firmware version of supported ESCs
- Included Accessories: Input wires and output wires
- Primary Application: RPM detection for V-Bar governor systems and compatible speed controllers
- Motor Type Compatibility: Brushless motors
- EAN: 5051294127336
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