ATTENTION!
The Cheap FOCer 2 has been released and is recommended for new designs. https://github.com/shamansystems/Cheap-FOCer-2
Cheap-FOCer v1.0
BLDC Motor Controller based on the VESC 4.12 hardware
Bottom of V1.0. note the hole underneath the DRV for the ground pad
pinouts
Advantages
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All functional features of VESC 4.12
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Lower build and BOM cost
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TO-220 FETs allow for big heat sink attachment for better thermal performance
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SMD components no smaller than 0805 make hand assembly practical
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Added ON/OFF capability to turn off control circuitry when controller is not in use. A simple mechanical switch will achieve this when connected to the “ON/OFF” 2-pin header.
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Can fit in typical “350W” ebike enclosures
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Can fit in Hammond 1590b enclosures
Disadvantages (that I know of)
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Larger than original VESC. Cheap FOCer is 45mm x 92mm
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Higher profile with TO-220 package FETs
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Additional assembly steps to beef up high-current traces. 2 layers of 1oz copper can’t handle the current flowing through during operation. Assembler will have to apply wire/solder wick/bus bar to the exposed Power, Ground, and Phase traces that you can see in the images.
Warning
- Issues may be present with VESC firmware 3.50 and above. Recommended to use firmware versions before 3.5
Software/Firmware Requirements
Cheap FOCer is based on the VESC 4.12 and uses the relavent VESC firmware/software.
Support Thread
License
Cheap FOCer is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.