[Gdeaver]

One more thing to note about ESC and the VEX controller. Certain ESC designs can put damaging voltage and current back into the micro controller signal lines frying the micro. When all the grounds are connected, a loss of ground can cause magic smoke. One way to protect against these conditions is to put a 1000 to 10000 ohm resister in line on the control signal. Adding this resistor can have an effect on the ESC. The IR web site has some app notes on motor control and micros and protections.