VESC-EXPRESS, Logging, GPS and WiFi

Vendor Corner (SERIOUS)
#1

The latest invention from Vedder is now available for sale.

VESC-EXPRESS_03
VESC-EXPRESS_031280×573 145 KB

We are proud to announce the brand new VESC-Express data logging, GPS connectivity, and wireless connection developer module incorporating the famous ESP32 chip with its great connectivity. This tiny device is a game changer for your permanent logging needs and high-speed wireless connections to your VESC devices. Log files can be quite heavy and Wi-Fi® or USB connections are the way forward to extract them.

The built-in Micro SD card compatible slot allows you to add a gigantic storage volume for your logging files. Therefore you can log every single ride without worrying too much about storage capacity.

Stored log files can be shown via VESC-Tool using the lightning-fast Wi-Fi® connection offered by the ESP32 chipset. Wi-Fi® speed connections to your VESC devices are also very beneficial for firmware updates. Load new firmware onto your motor controller within seconds, not minutes and retrieve big log files super fast.

The VESC Express is connected to your system via CAN-Bus and can therefore be operated in parallel to UART devices already connected to your motor controller. Another very beneficial feature is USB via CAN. The VESC Express dongle features a USB-CTM cable compatible connector. This connection can be routed to a USB type port situated somewhere on your vehicle. This way you will be able to generate an additional USB access point if needed.

Secure wireless access to devices like smart phones, computers and tablets: The VESC Express dongle allows you to secure the connection via a PIN code and encryption.

The VESC Express dongle can act as a Wi-Fi® compatible access point with password protection or it can be configured to connect to an existing Wi-Fi® network (station mode), just like a wireless printer would do. In any case, you will be able to connect to your VESC devices with speeds outperforming USB connections. As a fall-back you can also enable Bluetooth to connect to your phone.

This little device is also the perfect module for connections to a distant server, allowing you to configure your devices from the other side of the planet. The upcoming VESC-Tool will feature an internet bridge via the VESC TCP Hub. For further information please subscribe to Benjamin Vedders Youtube channel.

Features:

  • Logging to microSD-Card (not included).
  • FW-Updates in seconds
  • CAN linked
  • USB to ESC via CAN
  • M8030 chipset GNSS module support
  • Long range wireless connection
  • Programmable BLE name (that shows up in VESC Tool when scanning)
  • Encryption and pin code for connections to phone app.
  • Two different Wi-Fi® modes (station mode or access point)
  • Set network name for Wi-Fi®connections
  • Generate your own password for Wi-Fi® connections

This device is compatible in combination with the new VESC-Tool 6 being published in parallel with this announcement.

Last but not least: Benjamin Vedder added a User interface for the VESC-Express via the new Package store. It is called LogUI and very easy to use.

13 Likes
VESC-Tool 6 release
#2

Screenshot_20221207-160439_Kiwi_Browser__01

(GPS module is 20£ extra)

7 Likes
#3

The Metr Pro Can is 127€ including the 32GB SD Card. On the other hand SD-Cards with 32GB don’t cost a lot… But that unit is not WiFi capable.

The Express is Wifi and lightning fast. You can actually load 30MB logs in seconds to your computer.
Also CAN to USB C is quite nice.

We thought that we should keep the price low and make it available for a wide user base.
The code development took Vedder quite some time and the TCP hub came as a bonus on top.
The GPS module is priced about the same as on Amazon.

7 Likes
#4

127€

Including Vat
a case
SD Card and
GPS module.

*To make it a fair comparison

7 Likes
#5

Will there be a way to share interactive logs on a web interface with other users, similar to how metr does it?

10 Likes
#6

And a better app*

5 Likes
#7

The vesc express as a EU customer is:

30£
+ 20£ for gps
+ ~13£ for shipping

Makes 63£

63£ in € are 73€

Of that 73€ you pay 19% (German) VAT = 14€ = 87€ total

Buy a SD card for a tenner and your grand total is 97€

97€ potentially add the 3€ for the app when you are on IOS or android, leave it away if you got it via the main Vesc tool package.

You can save a few bucks by buying the GPS module elsewhere of course.

6 Likes
#8

So does this mean vesc tool 6 is live now?

1 Like
#9

or u know…just use ur phone’s gps

4 Likes
#10

Tomorrow it should be

3 Likes
#11

Very cool - does this include the IOS app?

3 Likes
#12

Jeffrey will compile for Apple. I will ask for the time line for that specific release.
The VESC-Tool 6 release for Android, Linux and Windows is expected today. I guess Apple will follow shortly after. We will generate an additional post today, focusing on VESC-Tool 6

4 Likes
#13

I guess that the Express environment will very soon be used by all sorts of apps. Since it is an open platform, data can be used by any app that is capable of reading the data.

But let’s also see what VESC-Tool will look like next year…

5 Likes
#14

Reminds me of another open platform…

Will you be sending holiday cards to people who use the words “Vesc express” on their website/ products?

3 Likes
#15

Gotta know if another version with a SIM card is planned at all.

Seems like one of the only hardware differences from this to Robogotchi & GPS Modules

#16

The VESC Express is a Wifi device, not Bluetooth. It can either be a WiFi hotspot or connect to your WiFi network. WiFi is a lot faster compared to Bluetooth. The VESC Express is also a USB to CAN converter.

Firmware updates via WiFi take a couple of seconds, via Bluetooth it takes minutes. Sames goes for retrieving log files. A 20MB log just flies to your harddrive with the use of WiFi.

5G connectivity via CAN is something we are looking into.

2 Likes
#17

@Trampa I’m curious to know what you really mean by “environment” and “open platform.” None of that is mentioned in the product description. What would be great is for people to be able to build apps that can pull VESC data in real-time or from the logs.

2 Likes
#18

that’s literally what it does :sob:

hey guys, friendly reminder, VESC and VESC express is the product of amazing hard work, I think few bashing in this thread are willing to think about.

Please all of you including @xsynaptic let us know what hardware and software you’ve contributed to the planet.

I haven’t except a few art pieces here and there and a few books.

2 Likes
#19

Sure that may be the intention but what’s the actual interface (e.g API) for such apps to do that?

I understand where you’re coming from but such contributions are irrelevant. This is a thread advertising a commercial product. Questions from potential customers should be expected, welcomed, and answered. I suspect all the people asking questions or adding commentary appreciate the efforts of Vedder and the other contributors but they can still ask questions like any customer.

I worked in the open source space for a long time and believe that we shouldn’t confuse the open source projects, which indeed do often include selfless contributions, with commercial ventures on the backs of those projects (which of course they are entitled to undertake subject to the terms of the license).

4 Likes
#20

If you have the coding skills you can code an app that interfaces with the VESC-Express and retrieves logs and displays them. This is not a module that is designed to only work in conjunction with a special app and vice versa. There are already apps that interface with the VESC controllers and let you see RT data and change settings etc. This approach is also possible with the VESC Express.
However, if you integrate code from Vedder into a third party app there are issues with Apple. Apple doesn’t allow GPL software in their store since the terms are clashing. So for that platform you have to create your own code from scratch. However, such custom Apps can still interact with the VESC Express.

1 Like