VESC offers exciting possibilities for customising and boosting the performance of your Onewheel experience.
But it’s essential to understand the commitment involved before taking the plunge.
VESC is not a simple upgrade like changing a tire or footpad. It’s a DIY project that demands time, effort, and a willingness to learn.
The DIY Nature of VESC
VESC projects are inherently hands-on. This means you’ll need to be comfortable with:
- Soldering: Soldering is crucial for connecting wires and components securely. If you’re not already proficient, you’ll need to learn the basics and practice to ensure reliable connections. There are many online tutorials available to help you get started.
- Troubleshooting: Things don’t always go smoothly in DIY projects. You’ll need to be able to diagnose and solve problems that may arise during installation, configuration, or riding. This involves understanding error messages, checking connections, and potentially researching solutions online.
- Configuration: VESC controllers require software configuration to set parameters like motor current, voltage limits, and control settings. This is done using a program called VESC Tool, which can be daunting for beginners.
Research and Community Engagement
The VESC community is incredibly helpful and active.
Before you start, you should spend time researching here, watch YouTube tutorials, and joining relevant Discord servers (VESCify, Funwheel, Floatwheel). These resources are full of information, guides, and helpful members who can answer your questions.
Especially when it comes to troubleshooting issues, the live chat nature of the Discord Servers will be helpful on your journey.
Comfort with Voltage and Electrical Concepts
VESC involves working directly with electrical systems. You’ll need a basic understanding of voltage, current, and other electrical principles to work safely and avoid damaging components. Remember, electricity can be dangerous if mishandled.
Potential Challenges
- No Lights in Basic Builds: Most basic VESC builds don’t include lights, and adding them can be complex. If you ride at night, this is a significant consideration.
- Steep Learning Curve: Configuring VESC can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the board’s performance or even make it unrideable. You’ll need to invest time and effort to learn and understand the software.
- Limited Support: While the community is helpful, VESC products generally don’t have the same level of official support as stock Onewheels. If you encounter a problem, you might need to rely on your own troubleshooting skills or seek help from the community.
Complexity and Commitment
VESC is not a quick or easy fix. It’s a commitment to a DIY project that requires significant effort and ongoing maintenance. Before you start, honestly assess your skills, time availability, and willingness to learn.
Options for Getting a VESC Board
You have a few options for getting a VESC board:
- Buy a Floatwheel: This is currently the only real option if one wants a fully pre-assembled somewhat mass-produced board. However, you’ll still need to learn how to configure the VESC software
- Convert your stock Onewheel into a VESC: This is the most common option for the majority of Onewheel riders.
- Have someone build it for you: This can be a good option if you don’t have the skills or time to build it yourself. However, ensure the builder is experienced and knowledgeable about VESC. Check out a Verified Vendors and Builders sections for that
- Build it yourself: This is the most rewarding option, but also the most challenging. You’ll need to research components, learn to solder, and understand the entire build process. Nowadays you can get away with building the whole board without a single stock Onewheel component.
In Conclusion
VESC offers unmatched performance and customisation, but it comes with a steep learning curve and requires significant effort.
If you’re a hands-on individual who enjoys tinkering and learning new things, VESC might be the perfect way to take your Onewheel experience to the next level.
But if you prefer a plug-and-play experience and aren’t comfortable with electronics or troubleshooting, sticking with a stock Onewheel might be a better choice.