Thanks to the growing VESC community we don’t need to rely on the stock Onewheel enclosures anymore. Nowadays you can buy enclosured from affordable 3D printed models to aluminium or die-cast Boxes.
DISCLAIMER: The VESC Bible is currently being republished and rewritten to encompass all necessary beginner guides. All guides with a beta tag are still preliminary and need to be vetted and reviewed by VESC experts.
The enclosure for your VESC controller serves as protection from the elements and impacts while also providing a secure mounting point. There are various options available:
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3D-Printed Enclosures: These offer a cost-effective and customisable solution. You can find a wide variety of designs online, or even design your own to perfectly fit your specific components and Onewheel model. 3D printed enclosures can be made from various materials, including PLA, ABS, and PETG.
Check pubparts.xyz for a directory of all available 3D Print files -
CNC-Machined Enclosures: For a more robust and professional finish, CNC-machined enclosures are an excellent choice. These are typically made from aluminium or polycarbonate and offer superior durability and heat dissipation properties. However, they are generally more expensive than 3D-printed options.
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Commercially Available Solutions: Several companies offer complete VESC conversion kits that include a pre-designed enclosure. This can be a convenient option, especially for beginners, as it ensures compatibility between components. Examples include:
- Fungineers Controller Box
- Floatboxx Aluminium boxes
- AV Box: High End CNC’d box
Secure Mounting and Heat Dissipation
Secure mounting and proper heat dissipation are crucial for the reliability and longevity of your VESC controller.
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Secure Mounting: Vibration and impacts during riding can stress the controller and its connections. A secure mount prevents movement and ensures that the controller stays in place, protecting it from damage.
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Heat Dissipation: VESC controllers generate heat during operation, especially under high loads. Excessive heat can reduce performance and potentially damage the controller. Proper heat dissipation is essential to keep the controller within safe operating temperatures.
Here’s how to ensure both:
- Use Appropriate Mounting Hardware: Use high-quality screws, nuts, and washers to securely mount the controller to the enclosure. Consider using threadlocker to prevent screws from loosening due to vibration.
- Thermal Interface Material: Put a thermal pad between the controller and the heatsink or enclosure to improve heat transfer.
- Heatsink Considerations: A heatsink can significantly enhance heat dissipation. Some controllers come with integrated heatsinks, while others require a separate heatsink to be mounted. If using a separate heatsink, ensure good contact between the heatsink and the controller.
- Enclosure Material: The enclosure material can affect heat dissipation. Aluminium enclosures dissipate heat better than plastic enclosures.
- Airflow: Some enclosures are designed with vents or slots to promote airflow, further enhancing heat dissipation.
Remember that proper mounting and heat dissipation will vary depending on the chosen enclosure, controller, and riding style.
Further readings
- Check our #faq-howto:build-guides for proper mounting