future-universal
the universal controllers and speed governors for the brushless and sensorless generation of motors

The future-u is a microprocessor controlled unit developed and manufactured entirely in Germany, designed for brushless and sensorless 3-phase rotary current motors.
All models of the future-u are amongst the world’s smallest, lightest and most capable
speed controllers. future-u controllers have the most intelligent, comprehensive software, which means that this speed controller (or governor) is capable of operating virtually any brushless motor currently on the market with optimum efficiency.
The ipsu (intelligent programming system for future-universal) makes it as simple as possible to configure the controller to match any radio control system and operating mode: The transmitter stick travel settings of the wing programs is fully automatical, the operating modes can easily be configured by the DIL-switch.
The integral motor connector system is a feature of all future-u controllers up from 20 A nominal current, and makes it possible to remove the unit for servicing, or for fitting in another model, simply by unplugging the power cables - no soldering is required.

Applications and common highlights:

Common highlights:

All types can be used with Nickel batteries and Lithium batteries as well!
(future-9 from softwareversion 1, all other types from softwareversion 10 and higher).
The throttle down limit resp. cut off limit for different cell types is calculated automatically by the controllers.

Almost all of this series of future-u controllers are universal types which can be used in model aircraft, helicopters, boats and cars. The "larger" ones include an opto-coupler which ensures minimum possible transfer of interference to your receiver.
Some "larger" versions include a BEC system, and the opto-coupler is by-passed if you use it. However, if you encounter interference problems, the opto-coupler can be re-activated by disconnecting the twin-core BEC lead.
The types with an „F“ in the designation feature a special program for FAI gliders with an abbreviated soft-start, instead of the helicopter program.
All future controllers with a „K“ in the type designation feature a finned heat-sink instead of a plain heat-sink. These units are an excellent choice for use under part-load conditions, i.e. operating them primarily at part-throttle settings does not lead so quickly to overheating, even with high cell counts.
Better than 250-step resolution over the whole control range for extremely fine speed control.
„Auto-arm“ function and „power on reset“.
Controllers work reliably right down to the last scrap of energy in the battery pack.
„ipsu“ (intelligent programming system for future-u) with no pots! The speed controller automatically configures itself every time to the stick travel when you go airborn. The brake can also be disabled in the same way if required.
During the “Power-On” process the motor acts as a loudspeaker to give you audible confirmation of the procedure.
„W“ Types (splash water protected) available.
All future-u types include a timing and switching frequency adjustment facility, which enables you to make adjustments by a DIL switch. This feature allows us to cater more accurately for the different magnetic field geometries and flux concepts employed by the various motor manufacturers. This function also lets you offset the maximum efficiency point to suit your particular application.
Use with Tango/Samba motors: set the pulse frequency of your future to 38 kHz (see section 8.3). You may find that your power system operates at higher efficiency set to 19 kHz, but this is below the pulse frequency which the manufacturer approves for these motors (to avoid invalidating the warranty).

All future-u of this series are for universal use in wing-aircraft, helicopters, boats and car-models and contain an opto-coupler which eliminates the most interferences (reactions between motor, controller and receiver).

Special features

Low voltage types with BEC

Hint: When you use future controllers with 5 volt BEC system in helicopters the maximum cell count is reduced. Otherwise the 5 volt could be cut-off by over-heating.
Use future-11.xx only with 8 Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (instead of 11) resp. 2 LiPo cells,
use future-12.xx only with 10 Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (instead of 12) resp. 2-3 LiPo cells.

future-9.06ek:
For (5)6-9 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2(-3) LiPo cells.
5 V/2 A BEC System (stabilizes from 5.2 ... 6 Volts upwards, depending on the servo current).
Undervoltage cutoff at about 58% of the connecting voltage or about 4.8 Volts.
For motors up to 6 A in slowflyers, cars and boats.
future-9.12ek:
For (4)6-9 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH Cells resp. 2(-3) LiPo cells.
5 V/2 A BEC System (stabilizes from 5.2 ... 6 Volts upwards, depending on the servo current).
Undervoltage cutoff at about 58% of the connecting voltage or about 4.8 Volts or 3.5 V (selectable).
For motors up to 12 A in slowflyers, cars and boats.

future-11.20e:
For 6-11 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells,
5 V/2 A BEC system.
For motors up to 20 A in small soft gliders, sport models or helicopters.
future-11.30e:
For 6-11 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells,
5 V/2 A BEC system.
For motors up to 30 A in small soft gliders, sport models or helicopters.
future-11.40Ke:
For 6-11 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells,
5 V/2 A BEC system, cooling fins.
For motors up to 40 A in small soft gliders, sport models or helicopters.
future-11.40KWe:
For 6-11 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells,
5 V/2 A BEC system, cooling fins.
For motors up to 40 A in boats, because of its splash water protection.

Low voltage types with BEC (and opto-coupler)
future-12.36e:
For 6-12 (in helicopters up to 10 cells only) Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells when 5 V/3 A BEC system is used. Can be used otherwise up to 18 cells. For motors up to 36 A in small soft-sailplanes, motor models or helicopters.
future-12.46e:
For 6-12 (in helicopters up to 10 cells only) Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells when 5 V/3 A BEC system is used. Can be used otherwise up to 18 cells resp. 5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 46A in sailplanes, motor models or helicopters.
future-12.46We:
For Eco and Mono I/II boats.
future-12.97Fe:
For 6-12 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-3 LiPo cells. For motors up to 97A. FAI- instead of Heli-programm. Well suited for 10th scale cars.
future-12.97FWe:
For Eco, Mono, Hydro I/II boats.

18 cells resp. 3 LiPo cells low voltage types with opto-coupler (no BEC)
future-18.36:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 36A in sailplanes, motor models or helicopters with lower currents.
future-18.46K:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 46A. Contains cooling fins for excessive part load use in car models, larger wing aircraft or areobatic helicopters.
future-18.46WK:
For Eco, Mono, Hydro I/II boats.
future-18.61:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 61A. For hotliners and ducted fan models.
future-18.97F:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 97A. FAI- instead of helicopter program. Best suited for the 10 cells FAI-programm and 10th and 8th scale OnRoad RC-cars.
future-18.97FW:
For Eco, Mono, Hydro I/II boats, 1:10 OnRoad-cars.
future-18.97KW:
Especially for EMAXX trucks with one Lehner, Hacker or "very hot" Plettenberg motor.
Large cooling fins.
Additional capacitors for longer battery cables than usually allowed (total length now 30 cm each lead).
future-18.97K:
Especially for power helicopters with extremely powered motors (more than 1800rpm/head).
Large cooling fins.
Additional capacitors for longer battery cables than usually allowed (total length now 30 cm each lead).
future-18.129F:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 129A. FAI- instead of helicopter program. Best suited for all applications in cars and wing aircraft, where you will not give away a single millivolt.
future-18.129FW:
Best suited for all applications in boats and cars with high loads.
future-18.149F:
For 6-18 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-5 LiPo cells. For motors up to 149A.
Intentional supplied with two 2,5 square-mm cables for each battery pole, which simply leads to two connectors on each battery pole. The result is a higher reliability of the connectors and lower losses in the leads.
All three motor terminals are special solder terminals to guarantee lowest losses and maximum reliability - especially important in a contest.
FAI- instead of helicopter program. Best suited for all applications in cars and wing aircraft, where you will not give away a single millivolt.

24 cells resp. 8 LiPo cells high voltage types with opto-coupler
future-24.40K:
For 6-24 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-8 LiPo cells. For motors up to 40A. Contains cooling rips for excessive part load use in wing aircraft or helicopters.
future-24.89F:
For 6-24 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-8 LiPo cells. For motors up to 89A. FAI- instead of helicopter program. Best suited for all applications in wing aircraft, where you will not give away a single millivolt in e.g. 24 cells FAI-sailplanes.

32 cells resp. 10 LiPo cells high voltage types with opto-coupler
future-32.28K:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. For motors up to 28A. Contains cooling rips for excessive part load use in helicopters (scale - not 3D) or low current draw sport models.
future-32.40K:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. For motors up to 40A. Contains cooling rips for excessive part load use in helicopters (3D) or medium current draw sport models.
future-32.55:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. For motors up to 55A. Best suited for all high current draw aircraft and 5th scale cars.
future-32.55K:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. Contains cooling rips for excessive part load use in wing aircraft or helicopters..
future-32.55KA:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. Same features like 32.55k, but with special (Aerobatic) program (för F3A- Competitions) with proportional brake and fixed throttle travel.
future-32.55WK:
Best for Hydro III and power boats.
future-32.80F:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. For motors up to 80A.
Best for contest use of F5B-sailplanes or 5th RC-Cars.
future-32.80K:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. Contains cooling rips for excessive part load use in wing aircraft or helicopters.
future-32.80KA:
For 6-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells. Same features like 32.80k, but with special (Aerobatic) program (för F3A- Competitions) with proportional brake and fixed throttle travel.
future-32.55WK:
future-32.80FWK:
When the 32.55WK is not strong enough...
future-32.170W:
For 10-32 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 2-10 LiPo cells.
For brushless motors up to 170A.
It is made for powerboats, offroad-trucks and 5th scale cars or bigger.
(This controller - developed in cooperation with Jörg Mrkwitschka - holds the world record on water in the meantime with 120.7 mph = 194,25 km/h.
Hint: Also suited for towplanes and big model helicopters.

40 Nickel cells resp. 14 LiPo cells high voltage types with opto-coupler
future-40.160WK:
For 10-40 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 3-14 LiPo cells.
For brushless motors up to 160A.
It is made for powerboats, offroad-trucks and 5th scale cars or bigger.
(The predecessor - developed in cooperation with Jörg Mrkwitschka - holds the world record on water in the meantime with 120.7 mph = 194,25 km/h.
Hint: Also suited for towplanes and big model helicopters.
future-40.160H:
For 10-40 Ni-Cd resp. Ni-MH cells resp. 3-14 LiPo cells.
For brushless motors up to 160A.
Because of its missing cooling tubes and no splash water protection suited for towplanes and big model helicopters.

Specifications

Rotational speed: The rotational speed stated above is the limit value for a 4-pole motor (...P4).
The following multiplication factors apply: P2= *2; P4= *1; P6= *0.67; P8= *0.5; P10= *0.4.
The speed limiter provides some level of protection against the armature magnets of HP 220 motors flying off.
Note: this speed limit is too high for the “washing machine” motor types.

Hint: When you use future controllers with 5 volt BEC system in helicopters the maximum cell count is reduced. Otherwise the 5 volt could be cut-off by over-heating.
Use future-11.xx only with 8 Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (instead of 11),
use future-12.xx only with 10 Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (instead of 12).

Type [Unit]	Current [A]	Nickel Lithium [cells]	Size [mm]	Weight [g]	Cable [mm2]	Throttle [mO]	Brake [mO]	rpm- limit P4	Remarks
9 Nickel 2(3) LiPo	BEC	5V/2A
future-9.06ek	6/8	(5)6-9 2(-3)	26*17*5	(2.85) 4-8	0.5	33	13/3	63000	6 FETs, leightweight
future-9.12ek	12/16	(4)6-9 2(-3)	26*17*5	(2.85) 4-8	0.5	15	4/3	63000	6 FETs, leightweight
11 Nickel 3 LiPo	BEC	5V/2A
future-11.20e	20/26	6-11 2-3	41*26*8.5	15-20	1.5	2*4	4/3	63000	6 FETs, leightweight
future-11.30e	30/40	6-11 2-3	44*26*8.5	18-23	1.5	2*3.5	3.5/3	63000	12 FETs, cooling plate
future-11.40Ke	40/53	6-11 2-3	41*26*17	31-39	2.5	2*2	2/3	63000	12 FETs, cooling fins
future-11.40KWe	40/53	6-11 2-3	41*26*17	33-41	2.5	2*2	2/3	63000	12 FETs, cooling fins, splash water protection
12 Nickel 3 LiPo	BEC	5V/3A	& Opto-	coupler
future-12.36e	36/47	6-12 2-3	77*30*11	37-45	2.5	2*3.5	3.5/3	63000	12 FETs, leight weight
future-12.46e	46/60	6-12 2-3	77*30*11	37-45	2.5	2*2.3	2.3/3	63000	18 FETs, leight weight
future-12.46We	46/60	6-12 2-3	77*30*11	38-46	2.5	2*2.3	2.3/3	63000	18 FETs, splash water protection
future-12.97Fe	97/128	6-12 2-3	77*30*12,5	37-50	4.0	2*0.8	0.8/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leightweight
future-12.97FWe	97/128	6-12 2-3	77*30*12,5	38-51	4,0	2*0,8	0,8/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, splash water protection
18 Nickel 5 LiPo	Opto-	coupler
future-18.36	36/47	6-18 2-5	77*30*10	29-37	2.5	2*3.5	3.5/3	63000	12 FETs, cooling plate
future-18.46K	46/60	6-18 2-5	77*30*14	37-45	2.5	2*2.3	2.3/3	63000	18 FETs, cooling rips
future-18.46WK	50/65	6-18 2-5	77*30*16	43-51	2.5	2*2.3	2.3/3	63000	18 FETs, splash water protection, water cooling
future-18.61	61/81	6-18 2-5	77*30*10	29-42	4.0	2*1.3	1.3/3	63000	18 FETs, cooling plate
future-18.97F	97/128	6-18 2-5	77*30*12,5	37-50	4.0	2*0.8	0.8/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leight weight
future-18.97K	97/128	6-18 2-5	77*36*29	85-100	4,0	2*1,2	1,2/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, cooling fins
future-18.97FW	97/128	6-18 2-5	77*30*12,5	38-51	4.0	2*0.8	0.8/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, splash water protection
future-18.97KWF	97/128	6-18 2-5	77*38*28	66-79	4.0	2*0.8	0.8/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, cooling fins, splash water protection, FAI
future-18.129F	129/171	6-18 2-5	77*30*12.5	37-50	4.0	2*0.4	0.4/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leight weight
future-18.129FW	129/171	6-18 2-5	77*30*12.5	38-51	4.0	2*0.4	0.4/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, splash water protection
future-18.149F	149/199	6-18 2-5	77*30*12.5	37-51	2*2.5	2*0.3	0.3/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leigthweight
Type [Unit]	Current [A]	Nickel Lithium [cells]	Size [mm]	Weight [g]	Cable [mm2]	Throttle [mO]	Brake [mO]	rpm- limit P4	Remarks
24 Nickel 8 LiPo	Opto-	coupler
future-24.40K	40/53	6-24 2-8	80*30*14	37-45	2.5	2*3	3/3	63000	18 FETs, cooling rips
future-24.89F	89/119	6-24 2-8	80*30*12.5	37-50	4.0	2*1	1/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leight weight
future-24.150WK	150/200	10-24 2-8	103*64*20	150-180	-	-	-	-	water cooling
32 Nickel 10 LiPo	Opto-	coupler
future-32.28K	28/37	6-32 2-10	80*30*14	37-45	2.5	2*8	8/3	63000	18 FETs, cooling rips
future-32.40K	40/53	6-32 2-10	80*30*14	37-45	2.5	2*3.7	3.7/3	63000	18 FETs, cooling rips
future-32.55	55/73	6-32 2-10	80*30*14	47-55	2.5	2*2.7	2.7/3	63000	54 FETs, cooling plate
future-32.55K	62/80	6-32 2-10	80*30*18	65-73	2.5	2*2.7	2.7/3	63000	54 FETs, cooling rips
future-32.55KA	62/80	6-32 2-10	80*30*20,5	65-73	2.5	2*2.7	2.7/3	63000	54 FETs, cooling rips special aerobatic program
future-32.55WK	62/80	6-32 2-10	80*30*20,5	77-85	2.5	2*2.7	2.7/3	63000	54 FETs, splash water protection, water cooling
future-32.80F	80/106	6-32 2-10	80*30*12,5	37-50	4.0	2*1.2	1.2/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI, leightweight
future-32.80K	95/115	6-32 2-10	77*36*29	85-100	4.0	2*1.2	1.2/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, cooling rips
future-32.80KA	95/115	6-32 2-10	77*36*29	85-100	4.0	2*1.2	1.2/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, cooling rips special aerobatic program
future-32.80FWK	95/115	6-32 2-10	80*30*20,5	56-69	4.0	2*1.2	1.2/3	63k/120k	54 FETs, FAI,splash water protection, water cooling
future-32.115WK	115/150	10-32 2-10	103*64*20	150-166	-	-	-	-	Water cooling
future-32.115H	115/150	10-32 2-10	103*64*20	150-166	-	-	-	-	-
future-32.170W	170/226	10-32 2-10	120*71*20	180-210	2*4.0	2*0.88	0.88/3	63k/120k	24 big FETs, splash water protection
40 Nickel 14 LiPo	Opto-	coupler
future-40.100WK	100/133	10-40 3-14	103*64*20	150-166	-	-	-	-	water cooling
future-40.100H	100/133	10-40 3-14	103*64*20	150-166	-	-	-	-	-
future-40.160WK	160/210	10-40 3-14	120*71*20	180-210	2*4.0	2*0.96	0.96/3	63k/120k	30 big FETs, splash water protection, cooling tubes
future-40.160H	160/210	10-40 3-14	120*71*20	180-210	2*4.0	2*0.96	0.96/3	63k/120k	30 big FETs
sold	out
future-40.70	70/93	10-40	80*30*14	44-57	4.0	2*1.8	1.8/3	63000	54 FETs, leightweight
future-40.70WK	83/100	10-40	80*30*20.5	64-77	4.0	2*1.8	1.8/3	63000	54 FETs, splash water protection, water cooling

future-9, three of the four solder bridges bridged (soldered)

future-9.xx ek bottom view	future-9.xx ek with solder pads for configuration
future-11.30e	future-11.40Ke
future-u-family	future-u adjusted to use in helicopters

the biggest future-u of all time (future-40.160WK) top view the biggest future-u of all time (future-40.160WK) bottom view

future-u for open class F5B (future-18.149F)

future-u (future-32.80FWK)