USB-C to VESC CAN-forward adapter - cheap and DIY!

I’m also having trouble getting the waveshare SD module. Would this one work? Stemedu 2PCS Micro SD Card Module TF Card Memory Storage Adapter Reader Board SPI Interface with Integrated Circuit Breakout for Arduino for Raspberry Pi : Amazon.ca: Electronics

I also found this one that’s smaller: https://a.co/d/02ytrR6

Here are my design files for the adapter: https://a360.co/3NivFuu

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I accidentally got an ESP32-C3 mini-1, would it work? It’s a bit larger and has Micro-b instead of type-c.

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Thanks for sharing, I made a variant that fits a 4 Pin PH2.0 connector. This way it can be powered with 5V over the can connector.
Only connect power either over usb or from VESC, not from both sides at the same time!
If you need both connections, cut the 5V from VESC.

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If you order the esp32, be aware that there are some faulty boards sold, I just got a bunch and wondered why my second adapter did not work correctly (lost connection all the time).
The left one is a working one, the one on the right has the oscillator too close to the antenna.
For more information see here: Some stores are selling broken ESP32-C3 Super Mini's - RoryHay.es

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I lost all my soldering stuff, would I be able to buy one of these off someone here?

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Here a link to the stl of the body: USB-C_2_VESC_body.stl - Google Drive

The lid was not changed so you can use the original one.



I had to bend the pins of the 90degrees ph2.0 so the connector can be moved to be in front of the PCB. The GND and 5V (pin 1 and 4) go through the fixing holes of the serial to can board. Hot glue also helps to keep things in place…

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Got some new ones, these do work: US $1.68 | 1/5PCS ESP32-C3 Super Mini Development Board ESP32-C3 Module Mini Wifi BT Bluetooth Module RISC-V 32-Bit Single-Core Processor
https://a.aliexpress.com/_ExaypJW

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@tech.shit and @Pinky have you had any luck hooking up the SD card? :slight_smile: I want to use mine for logging and maybe add GPS as well.

I wish I saw this earlier. The ones I just got in the mail have the oscillator/antenna issue. Soldered one up anyway and yeah, the connectivity is ass.

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Hello,
I am quite surprised.
You are using a 5V CAN transceiver (TJA1050) in direct connection with an ESP32C3.
However, according to the datasheet, the ESP32C3 inputs are not 5V tolerant (at all). As stated in the TJA1050 AN00020 document chapter 3.4, the RXD output pin is push pull based (to 5V) and there is even a pull up resistor to 5V on the TXD input.
For a reliable system, you are better of using a 3.3V transceiver (from TI) or one with a VIO pin (mcp2562).

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Has anyone ever measured the voltage level on the RXD pin while connected to VESC?

That is correct, and I had a issue reading ESP32C3 ADCs and then I found it was because that CAN transceiver were pulling the IO lines to over 3.3V!!

I will be using this 3.3V CAN transceiver module (SN65HVD230), that is equally cheap and small, from Aliexpress:

Thanks for the heads up…! I picked the TJA1050 board because it was small, cheap and had a good form to fit on the back. Totally oversaw, that it has a 5V logic level. It’s strange that it worked like this until now and nobody noticed… :joy: However, I also had certain issues, which might be related to this.

I’ll change the design from the typical TJA1050 (1122mm) this SN65HVD230 (1416mm).

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Other than a different footprint, is the IC directly compatible or do we have to change anything smd wise?