Castle Creations COBRA 5 Quick Start Manual

ABOUT COBRA 5
Please note that while the Cobra 5 is capable of handling incredible amounts of power, your motor
must also be up for the task. Always run your motor within the manufacturer's specs. Monitor motor,
battery, and controller temps carefully and never let the motor get above 200° F. Excessive heat in
the motor can damage your motor, batteries and the Cobra 5.
When you are tuning a car expect some modifications in gearing to get it exactly where you want it.
The goal here is to not overheat the motor. Check your motor temps – never let the motor get above
200° F - invest in an infrared thermometer so you can monitor temps easily. If the motor gets too hot,
reduce the pinion size, increase the spur size, or reduce the pack voltage.
The Cobra 5 features a fully programmable Castle feature set using the included FREE Castle Link V4
USB adapter and freely downloadable NEW Castle Link Windows™ software. (Windows 10+ required).
It also offers convenient transmitter programming for six common adjustable settings including cut-
off voltage and drag brake. During the optimization of your setup it is critical to check motor and ESC
temperatures after making adjustment. We recommend the use of the data log as you progress with
the feel and power of the vehicle.
The AUX wire allows you to adjust a setting "on-the-fly" using an auxiliary channel on your receiver.
The AUX wire function is disabled by default and is programmable via Castle Link. Plug this wire into
the auxiliary (#3/#4) channel on your receiver.
You MUST connect the AUX wire to an open channel on your receiver if running more than a single
servo. If you have 2 servos, fans, and/or LEDs plugged into the receiver, you MUST connect the AUX
wire to the receiver, even if you are not using the Auxiliary function. If only the ESC and a single servo
are connected to the receiver, then you do not need to connect the AUX wire to the receiver.
You MUST disconnect the AUX wire from your radio before connecting to Castle Link. Failure to do so
may result in damage to your Castle Link and/or computer.
The Cobra 5 features data logging. You will be able to measure and record important power system in-
formation during your race, turn by turn. After your run, you can download and analyze this log using
the Castle Link USB adapter. You will be able to inspect many parameters including battery voltage,
motor RPM, ESC temperature, and more. Additional information about using data logging features can
be found in the Driver's Ed Guide ("Data- Logging") .
©2025 Castle Creations P/N: 095-0479-00
GETTING STARTED
1. Solder a high quality battery connector to the ESC (see Driver's Ed Guide
"Connectors and Power Wiring" ).
2. Mount the ESC and motor into the vehicle.
3. Connect motor to the ESC (see Driver's Ed Guide, "Motor Wiring" ).
4. Plug the RX wire and AUX wire in. (See RECEIVER CONNECTION section on the
opposite side)
5. Calibrate your ESC to your radio. (See Driver's Ed Guide, "How to Calibrate the
ESC" ).
YOU ARE NOW READY TO GO!
Revision Date: 01/2025