ATTENTION!

The Cheap FOCer 2 has been released and is recommended for new designs. https://github.com/shamansystems/Cheap-FOCer-2

Cheap-FOCer v1.0

BLDC Motor Controller based on the VESC 4.12 hardware Bottom of V1.0. note the hole underneath the DRV for the ground pad

pinouts

Advantages

• All functional features of VESC 4.12

• Lower build and BOM cost

• TO-220 FETs allow for big heat sink attachment for better thermal performance

• SMD components no smaller than 0805 make hand assembly practical

• Added ON/OFF capability to turn off control circuitry when controller is not in use. A simple mechanical switch will achieve this when connected to the “ON/OFF” 2-pin header.

• Can fit in typical “350W” ebike enclosures

• Can fit in Hammond 1590b enclosures

Disadvantages (that I know of)

• Larger than original VESC. Cheap FOCer is 45mm x 92mm

• Higher profile with TO-220 package FETs

• Additional assembly steps to beef up high-current traces. 2 layers of 1oz copper can’t handle the current flowing through during operation. Assembler will have to apply wire/solder wick/bus bar to the exposed Power, Ground, and Phase traces that you can see in the images.

Warning

• Issues may be present with VESC firmware 3.50 and above. Recommended to use firmware versions before 3.5

Software/Firmware Requirements

Cheap FOCer is based on the VESC 4.12 and uses the relavent VESC firmware/software.

Support Thread

• https://forum.esk8.news/t/cheap-focer-vesc-compatible-4-12-redesign/1510

License

Cheap FOCer is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.