What is VESC?
VESC stands for Vedder Electronic Speed Controller. It is an open-source electronic speed controller designed for use with electric motors. VESC is known for its:
- advanced features
- customisability
People use VESC in a variety of applications, including:
- electric skateboards
- electric bikes
- Onewheels
VESC offers users greater control and the potential for performance enhancements compared to the stock controllers found in many electric vehicles.
Why would I want to ‘VESC’ my Onewheel?
‘VESCing’ your Onewheel means replacing the stock Future Motion controller with a VESC controller. This is not a simple upgrade. It removes you from the Future Motion ecosystem. You need to understand this before you get started.
Important: VESCing your Onewheel is not for everyone. If you prefer to just ride and not worry about the technical details of how your Onewheel works, this may not be the right path for you. If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, you should consider other upgrade options.
However, VESCing your Onewheel offers some advantages:
- Customisation: VESC gives you a high level of control over how your Onewheel performs. You can fine-tune parameters like acceleration and braking to fit your preferences.
- Advanced features: VESC supports features not found on stock Onewheels, such as:
- regenerative braking
- custom lighting configurations
- data logging
How difficult is it to VESC a Onewheel?
VESCing a Onewheel requires some technical skill. If you are a beginner, you will need to invest time and effort to learn.
You will need:
- Electronics knowledge: You should be comfortable working with electronics and understanding basic concepts like voltage and current.
- Soldering skills: Some soldering is required for most VESC builds. If you do not have soldering skills, you will need to find someone who can help you.
- Troubleshooting skills: You will likely encounter some issues during your VESC build. You should be prepared to research, diagnose, and resolve these problems.
Can all Onewheel models be VESCed?
Yes, any Onewheel can be VESC’ed, doesn’t matter what Firmware or Hardware version.
But each model has it’s pro’s and cons: The Plus or XR are the easiest to convert. Pint and GT, GTS and XR Classic require more DIY/soldering skills, they use custom proprietary connectors
Can I load the VESC firmware onto an FM controller?
No, that’s impossible!
Do I need a tilt kit for W rails or any other angled?
No! The IMU calibration takes any IMU tilt into account.
Where can I find help with my VESC Build?
- Online Resources: Our VESC Bible provides information for beginners, build guides and tips for troubleshooting.
- Discord Communities: Consider joining the VESCIFY Discord server for help with your build. The Funwheel and Floatwheel Discords also provide support for specific VESC products.
- YouTube: You can find many helpful VESC tutorials and build guides on YouTube.
What are some VESC terms I should be familiar with?
- BMS (Battery Management System): Protects and manages your battery pack. You will often see two types of BMS mentioned:
- Smart BMS: Connects directly to the VESC via CANBUS and provides detailed battery information.
- Charge-Only BMS: Does not communicate with the VESC. You will need to monitor your battery voltage manually.
- CANBUS: A communication protocol used to connect different components in your VESC system (e.g., BMS and controller).
- Duty Cycle: Represents the percentage of time the motor receives power. Increasing the duty cycle will increase your board’s speed and torque.
- FOC (Field-Oriented Control): A sophisticated motor control technique that offers smoother and more efficient motor performance. It is a key benefit of using VESC.
- VESC Tool: Software used to configure and monitor your VESC controller. It is an essential tool for setting parameters and tuning your board’s performance. You can download it for both desktop and mobile devices.
- VESC Express: Firmware that enables wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and WiFi) for your VESC. This allows for wireless configuration, data logging, and more.
For full list of terms check out: VESC Glossary - All terms explained
How do I actually VESC my Onewheel?
There are three main options for VESCing your Onewheel:
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.
What VESC controllers work with a Onewheel?
Several VESC controllers are mentioned in the sources, often in the context of troubleshooting or build discussions. Some examples include:
- Little FOCer: A popular choice for VESC builds, known for its compact size and powerful capabilities.
- Ubox: Favoured for demanding applications due to its robust design and ability to handle high currents. Specific models like the Ubox 85v and Ubox 100v are mentioned.
- Tronic 250r: This high-performance controller appears in a conversation about cutouts and data logging.
- Cheap FOCer: This controller is available from vendors like CustomWheel. A discussion about VESCing a Onewheel Plus mentions using the Cheap FOCer in a kit.
- Thor300/400: Made by Fungineers, the controller features great thermals and a high performance. Perfectly suited for high voltage builds.
The best VESC controller for your Onewheel depends on your specific build goals and preferences. Research different options and compare their features and specifications.
Can I use my stock Onewheel battery after I VESC?
You can often reuse the stock battery and BMS when you VESC your Onewheel. However, this usually involves converting the BMS to “charge-only” mode.
Important: A charge-only BMS does not regulate the discharge current. You will need to monitor your battery voltage manually during rides to avoid over-discharging and potentially damaging the battery.
Can I add custom lights to my VESC Onewheel?
Yes, custom lighting is a popular VESC modification. There are multiple options:
- AvaSpark Laser Beams: A very popular choice for front lights on VESC Onewheels.
- DIY Lighting: Building custom VESC lights often involves soldering and programming skills. You may also need to learn about VESC’s lighting control capabilities.
- … tbc
What apps can I use with a VESC Onewheel?
Several apps are commonly used with VESC Onewheels:
- VESC Tool: The primary app for configuring and monitoring VESC controllers. It is available for desktop and mobile devices and offers extensive control over VESC parameters.
- Float Control: This popular third-party app simplifies VESC configuration, especially for beginners. It provides user-friendly interfaces and additional features like custom ride modes and data logging.
- Floaty: Another third-party app that offers similar features to Float Control, including configuration, tuning, and data logging.
What VESC Discord servers should I join?
The main online community for VESC Onewheel enthusiasts is the VESCify Discord server. This community offers a platform for:
- Discussions
- Technical support
- Sharing resources
Other popular options are Funwheel and Floatwheel Discord.
Any other tips for beginners?
- Research thoroughly: Before you start, spend time learning about VESC and the specific modifications you want to make.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: The VESC community is generally helpful and welcoming to newcomers.
- Be patient: VESCing your Onewheel can be challenging, and troubleshooting problems is common.
- Start with small modifications: Don’t try to do too much at once. Begin with simple changes and gradually work your way up to more complex projects.
- Be cautious when working with electronics: Always double-check your work and ensure you understand the safety implications of any modifications.
Good luck with your VESC journey!