I’m not complaining, and should not complain at all, and probably should just have kept my mouth shut. I’m looking into vesc6 and kicad now, and it’s fun so far, but I might hit a wall. - maybe others are doing the same, and we could share knowledge on components and stuff. Maybe it should be in another thread though.
1 Like
If you are interested in designing an ESC, definitely checkout the discord channel, lots of people doing that there
We’re building a reaction wheel demo for satellites and other space applications. The goal is to highlight the power devices.
1 Like
no shot you guys are turning the things from kerbal space program into a real thing?!/1!1!/
2 Likes
You ever watch James Bruton? He’s made quite a few reaction wheel-type things
F-Of-C
This is the VESC6 “hardware” I have come up with so far.
All components well stocked and cheap at jlcpcb / lcsc.
SCHEMATICS and KiCad files on F-Of-C github.
(No pcb layout yet)
New F-Of-C thread for discussions and feedback. (not here)
PLEASE… Feedback… This is a new world to me.
1 Like
Is there such term as hijacking the topic? 
1 Like
Looks more like a fork and report on the fork than a hijack to me. Assuming he started that project after 2 weeks ago. Makes sense to mention it here as it’s derivative. If the bad faith route–which is also perfectly reasonable considering we are speaking of humans 
--yeah hijack city.
Still, he is advertising his unfinished (presumably based on cfoc2) product on a CFOCv3 thread. Seems kinda weird to me. It’s like watching someone advertise their build on someone else s build thread without any additional added value to topic.
3 Likes
The more people working on an open-source vesc that can handle 18s the better in my view. Also, it’s hard to see it as a “product”. As I understand it, the plan is to just release the schematics/BOM and pcb layout on github and let the community do what it wants. Watching both CFOC3 and F-of-C with keen interest.
3 Likes
For the record, I lean more toward this take. Go forth and open source. I don’t have a problem with it although I do prefer any further discussion about F-Of-C then happens on that thread.
8 Likes
Hey guys! I’m just getting into this whole thing partially because prebuilt VESCS are so expensive right now. I already got parts and PCBs ordered for cheap FOCer 2- and I’m very excited to begin the assembly. just a couple questions for anyone willing to answer: (A) I may or may not be planning on soldering the stm32 as well as the motor driver chip my self, for anyone whos already attempted this what are some suggestions and what’s the process? I do have experience soldering but I’m shaky. can it be done without a reflow station? (B) while I’ve seen a comment relative to this… I’m still a bit confused about the wireless interface. its got UART pinout correct? does that mean I could theoretically use any Bluetooth module (E.g hc05-06)? I want a remote so I’m not sure if that would be a 2.4ghz receiver then?
Hey, this is the thread for Cheap Focer 3, so it would be better to ask questions about the Cheap Focer 2 in this thread.
A) The STM32 is quite challenging to solder. Flux is a must and I would recommend a hollow tip like this. For the gate driver you will need a hot air gun. I am using this and it works fine.
It will probably be cheaper to just order the PCB’s with these parts already soldered on, unless you want the learning experience.
Here is a video of Benjamin replacing a DRV and this is a video of GreatScott attempting to solder his own VESC.
B) It has got a UART interface but the HC-05, … bluetooth modules are not supported. You need a bluetooth module with an nrf51 or nrf52. There have been a lot of reports lately of these modules coming from aliexpress not working correctly, probably counterfeit. So it might be better to buy one from trampa, or another reputable seller.
Remotes usually include a receiver that you connect to the PPM input, or somethimes to UART.
you can get vesc for 100$ from Mr.Bezos
People tend to forget what they’re paying for. Personally I’d stay away from any ESC at that pricepoint that I’m going to trust with my life.
The BoM of a vesc6 is roughly 85 bucks (pre-component crisis). Add a heatsink and some cables and you’re at the 100 USD mark. Sure, volume brings prices down. But I think the prices today very much reflects what you get in terms of reliability, customer service and warranty.
Compare the Vesc to lets say a curtis controller. The vesc is less then 1/10th of the cost. (while the curtis controller upholds alot more standards etc, buit you get the idea)
The cheap FOCer is a great alternative for the DIY savy but in most cases comes with time as additional investment 
2 Likes
I’ve been using them with HC-05 modules plugged into the UART for a long time.
Hmm, also with the latest firmware? It used to be supported but I thought this was no longer the case. I haven’t tried it in a long time though
I’ve got it working with 5.2. Unfortunately, the protocol seems to change as firmware is upgraded. But the HC-05 modules just act like a wire in the end. So if you can talk to it wired, you can replace the wire with a pair of HC-05’s. I’m happy to share my code with anyone interested.
1 Like
one last question since I’m on a roll… I only got one remote/receiver kit and I plan on running two of the Cheap FOCers. I looked it up and saw someone mention a CANBUS port for communication/sync between the esc’s. does the cheapfocer have that? if not how would I go about running both ESC’s without 2 sperate receivers? I cant find the standalone receiver at the moment but I will continue my research.
Yes, it also has a can bus port, so you can connect 2 ESC’s together this way
1 Like