# Understanding and Fixing FPV Drone ESC Desyncs
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) desync is one of the most frustrating issues for FPV pilots. It happens when the ESC loses track of the motor’s position, causing the motor to stutter, stop, and send the drone tumbling out of the sky. This guide covers the causes, fixes, and when it’s time to upgrade.
## Symptoms: Is it a Desync or a Broken Motor?
| Symptom | Motor Issue | ESC Desync |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Twitching on arming** | Often (broken wire) | Rare |
| **Random mid-air flips** | No | Yes (Death Roll) |
| **Stuttering at specific RPMs** | Sometimes (bent bell) | Yes |
| **Motor feels stiff to turn** | Yes (magnets/bearings) | No |
| **Smells like burnt electronics** | Yes (burnt stator) | Yes (burnt MOSFET) |
## How to Fix ESC Desyncs (Troubleshooting Steps)
Follow these steps to eliminate desyncs:
* **Check Solder Joints:** Ensure the motor wires are securely soldered to the ESC pads. Cold solder joints can cause intermittent connection loss.
* **Increase Motor Timing:** In BLHeli_32 or Bluejay, increase the motor timing (e.g., from 16 to 23 degrees). This gives the ESC more time to commutate.
* **Adjust Demag Compensation:** Increase Demag Compensation to High in your ESC configurator. This helps prevent desyncs during rapid throttle changes.
* **Check for Physical Damage:** Inspect the motor bell for dents, the stator for loose magnets, and the ESC for missing components or burnt MOSFETs.
* **Update Firmware:** Flash the latest version of your ESC firmware (BLHeli_S, Bluejay, or BLHeli_32) and Betaflight.
## When to Upgrade Your ESC
If software tweaks don’t fix the issue and the motors are fine, your ESC might have a degraded MOSFET or blown capacitor. We recommend upgrading to a reliable, high-current ESC.
The **UAVModel 60A 4-in-1 ESC** is a robust replacement designed to handle aggressive 6S freestyle and racing setups. It features high-quality MOSFETs and a high-capacity filtering capacitor to prevent voltage spikes, ensuring smooth and reliable motor control. You can find it and other reliable components at [uavmodel.com](https://uavmodel.com).
## Video Guide: Fixing ESC Desyncs
Watch this excellent explanation to understand the physics behind desyncs and how to tune them out: