# How to Fix ESC Desyncs in FPV Drones: A Complete Technical Guide
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) desyncs are one of the most frustrating issues for FPV pilots. A desync occurs when the flight controller and the ESC lose synchronization, causing one or more motors to stall. This inevitably leads to a “death roll” and a crash.
## Understanding the Causes
Desyncs can stem from both hardware and software issues. Here is a quick diagnostic comparison:
| Symptom / Check | Potential Hardware Cause | Potential Software Cause |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Random death rolls on punch-outs** | Damaged motor windings, loose prop | Demag Compensation too low |
| **Twitching on arming** | Motor screw touching stator wires | Motor Timing set incorrectly |
| **Desync on fast flips/rolls** | Faulty ESC FETs, loose signal wire | Idle Throttle (Motor Idle) too low |
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
### 1. Check Motor Screws and Wiring (Hardware)
Before changing any settings, ensure your motor screws are not touching the copper windings. A grounded stator is the #1 cause of hardware-induced desyncs. Also, inspect the ESC-to-FC wiring harness for loose pins.
### 2. Increase Demag Compensation (Software)
If you are running BLHeli_32 or Bluejay, open your configurator:
* Find the **Demag Compensation** setting.
* Change it from **Low** to **High**.
This gives the ESC more tolerance when it struggles to read the back-EMF from the motor.
### 3. Adjust Motor Timing
High KV motors often require higher timing. If your motors are stuttering under heavy load, increase the **Motor Timing** to 23 degrees or Auto.
### 4. Raise Idle Throttle
In Betaflight, navigate to the Motors tab. Ensure your **Motor Idle (% value)** is at least 4.5% to 5.5%. A value that is too low can cause the motor to stop completely during zero-throttle inversions, leading to a desync when throttle is rapidly reapplied.
## Upgrade Your Setup
If you have persistent desyncs despite software tweaks, your ESC may have damaged MOSFETs. For reliable high-current performance, consider upgrading to the **UAVModel 60A 4-in-1 ESC Stack**. Designed with premium components, it handles aggressive 6S punch-outs with ease, eliminating hardware-level desyncs. [Shop UAVModel ESCs here](https://uavmodel.com).
## Video Guide
For a visual walkthrough of diagnosing motor desyncs, check out this guide: