VESC Controller List

VESC Bible Controller Tutorials
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This guide compares features, advantages, and disadvantages of the most popular VESC Onewheel controllers.

:warning: 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.

General notes

Watch the controller temperature comparison videos made by @surfdado for each of the controllers:

Little FOCer 3.1:

  • Features:
    • Compact size, making it suitable for Pint builds.
    • 3-pin connector for footpads (without ground connection).
  • Advantages:
    • Popular choice for Onewheel conversions, particularly for Pints.
    • Generally regarded as reliable.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Might have lower power output compared to larger controllers, though this isn’t explicitly stated in the sources.
    • Requires better cooling for heavier riders and continued uphills
    • The built-in Bluetooth can be unreliable.
  • Important Notes:
    • The Little FOCer 3.0 and 3.1 have different IMUs.
    • It requires a momentary switch for power.
    • Some users report needing pull-down resistors for the footpads.

Little FOCer 4.0:

  • Features:
    • Built-in buck converter for powering lights.
    • Improved thermals compared to v3
  • Advantages:
    • Simplifies lighting setup compared to previous versions.

Thor 300:

  • Features:
    • Three dedicated LED ports for easier lighting integration.
    • Often ships pre-configured.
    • Great thermal performance
  • Advantages:
    • User-friendly for setting up lighting systems, especially with the Fungineers controller box and wiring harness.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Data pins on LED driving pins are unconventionally named, requiring careful wiring.
    • May have limited space for wiring in some controller boxes.

Thor 400:

  • Features:
    • Uses 18 FETs, suggesting higher power handling compared to the Thor 300.
  • Advantages:
    • Potentially offers improved performance due to the higher FET count.

Ubox 85V and 100V:

  • Features:
    • Available in different voltage options to suit various battery configurations.
  • Advantages:
    • Generally considered to have good performance and reliability.
    • The 85V version might fit in a stock XR/Plus controller box.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Can require pull-down resistors for footpad sensors.
    • The built-in buck converter may not be powerful enough for demanding lighting setups, requiring an external buck converter.
  • Important Notes:
    • It’s important to distinguish between Ubox controllers from different manufacturers as their features and performance can vary.

Flipsky:

  • Features:
    • Offers standalone Bluetooth modules known for good signal strength
  • Advantages:
    • Can provide a reliable Bluetooth connection if you experience issues with the built-in Bluetooth on your VESC.
  • Important Notes:
    • Flipsky also produces BMS, including one that potentially fits within a Onewheel, similar to the Ennoid XLITE.