Things to know before updating
Key Differences and Issues:
-
Motor Configuration and Safety: One of the most significant changes in 6.05 is the need to rerun the motor wizard or perform manual motor calibration when upgrading from 6.02. Failing to do so can result in inaccurate motor detection values, potentially leading to dangerous riding behaviour like unexpected nosedives. This is particularly important because 6.05 modifies how speed is tracked.
-
“Corrected Position” Setting: A crucial setting to adjust in 6.05 is the “Speed Tracker” found in the “FOC Advanced” settings. It should be set to “Corrected Position”. This is the new default in 6.05, but restoring a 6.02 configuration might revert it to “Observer,” which can cause problems.
-
Momentary Switch Bug: 6.05 introduced a bug specifically affecting users with momentary switches, particularly those with Spintend controllers. This bug could trigger premature shutdowns, even while riding, based on the configured shutdown timeout. The sources suggest a fix was released, so it’s crucial to find and apply that fix if you’re using a momentary switch with 6.05.
6.05 Features and Improvements: -
Improved App UI: Despite the initial bugs, the VESC Tool app in 6.05 brought significant usability improvements, especially for those using CAN-based devices like the Thor or X12. The app became more responsive, and package settings were remembered, making navigation smoother.
-
Enhanced Braking: 6.05 introduced a new braking feature that prevents the board from rolling away when stationary. Enabling the “Short Low Side FETs on Zero Duty” setting in the “FOC Advanced” menu achieves this behaviour.
-
Smoother Sensorless Transition: 6.05 improved sensorless transition behaviour by implementing a range of ERPMs where both sensored and sensorless algorithms are blended, resulting in a more gradual and less abrupt transition.
-
Measure FOC Offsets: The “Measure FOC Offsets” option, crucial for controllers like the X12, became available on demand in 6.05. This feature allows for more precise motor calibration.
-
Motor Sounds/Haptic Buzz: 6.05 introduced the ability to control motor sounds, enabling haptic feedback or even playing melodies through the motor.
General Upgrade Considerations:
- Backup Configurations: It’s crucial to back up your VESC configurations before updating the firmware. This precaution ensures that your custom settings are preserved in case of data loss during the update process.
- Firmware Compatibility: Ensure that the firmware you’re installing is compatible with your specific VESC hardware. Loading incorrect firmware can damage your controller. The “Firmware Archive” is a valuable resource for finding the correct firmware files.
- Bootloader Update: In some cases, a bootloader update might be necessary before installing newer firmware. Signs that a bootloader update is needed include the firmware version not displaying correctly after the update.
Understanding the Naming Conventions:
- The sources use different naming conventions for the firmware versions, sometimes referring to 6.02 as 6.2 and 6.05 as 6.5.
Additional Points to Consider:
- The sources often discuss VESC firmware in the context of specific Onewheel modifications and custom setups. This means that the experiences and recommendations might not be universally applicable to all VESC controllers or usage scenarios.
- It’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the VESC community, as firmware updates and bug fixes are frequently released. Resources like online forums, community groups, and manufacturer websites can provide valuable insights.