This is proving to be difficult, because the pinheaders are overlapping on both boards (esp32-s3 supermini)
You could actually attach the esp32-s2 supermini directly on top of the pill (like I have shown).
But I think I will have to pass the torch to someone else for coming up with a solution for the vesc express.
yes correct!
I like the idea of the extension board on the side. It adds a great flexibility to the FOC-KING. So you can customize it as you like.
Hi, I’ve just started assembling my 5 FOC and I’ve found the first problem. The power module does not work.
I’ve connected as indicated in the assembly instructions and double checked with the KiCAD files, but the light does not turn on.
The power supply is limited at 0.1 Amps, but it does not consume anything at all.
I’ve tried with a separate board, and as it did not work, I tried with a united PCB as well.
Does anyone know what am I doing wrong?
Also, I’m trying to upload 3 photos to show it, but apparently I can not embed any media in the post, anyone knows how to do it?
Thanks!!!
you have to solder the bridge if you do not have a button connected!
its on the other side of the board
Thank you!!
Definitely, that’s a good reason why it wasn’t working for me!!! 
Now the power-in module works perfectly, thanks Markus (shambler) for your advise.
Now I want to flash the firmware to the pill. According to the assembly instructions a bridge also has to be soldered, so power input comes from the USB. But also it appears that the Vcc (3.3V) is connected to the STLink. I’ve read in VESC forums that if you brick the VESC and uses a swd like STLink, you should not power using the 3.3V pin because it’s already fed by the USB. That is how I’ve done dozens of times.
I have 2 questions:
Can I spare the solder bridge if I use the 3.3V input from the ST-Link?
If I make the solder bridge, do I have to use the 3.3V pin to the ST-Link?
Thanks in advance !!
Ok, I worked out the answer. For flashing the pill there is no need for the solder bridge, I’ve done it without it. For powering the pill without assembling to the main board, the bridge is necessary.
You can also power it by USB with the bridge and do NOT connect 3.3V of the st link adaper, just gnd and the signal pins.
I had to reflash a soldered pill, so I did not power the vesc from battery but just used the 3.3V from st link to power the cpu, this worked as well.
I think it might be time for me to try and build a batch of these. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for me to figure out what the project status is. Can anyone tell me…
Thanks for any info!
Jens ordered some new boards due to an error in the automatic switch off part. There is also the problem with the bmi160 end of life. The replacement part is bmi270 but you need to patch the source and build your own binary, as it is not (yet) in the official git. So better wait for Jens’ update.
As for the power part I can say it performs well, I built a pre release version with bmi160 when they were still available. I use 12 FETs (2 per half bridge). FET Type is CRST030N10N.
I run it in a fungineers onewheel (superflux HS motor), max phase current set to 160A. Very reliable, newer cut out, I can get up steep hills.
Thanks very much. These are for an off-road skateboard, so no need for the bmi160. I’m not familiar with automatic switch off. Is that a time-out feature?
When you say Git is not up to date, are you referring only to the BMI270?
Also, if I may ask… I’m guessing it’s the typical breakdown where I’d want to make 5 boards to take advantage of JLCPCB pricing. How much would I expect that to come out to (boards and components)?
You can order 4 boards from JLCPCB. Select 5, then right before finalizing the order you can edit the number to 4.
For the price see further up, it was 124.4$ plus shipping for 5 boards without connectors, FETs and caps. FETs are below 1$ each plus shipping.
For the automatic power switch see further up in the thread. It is HW support for vesc automatic power off and switch on with a momentary swich.
The Kicad file on git is not up to date, no automatic power off and bmi160, not bmi 270.
Thanks again. I should be able to build it as shown in the KiCad file though - right? Just leave off the bmi160 and auto power off?
and the motor temp is not working without the hardware fix
Is the hardware fix something I can do, or does it require a new PCB?
yes thats easy. Thats not a problem
