So I’ve been doing a lot of research on how to get dual VESCs working and from what I gather there are 3 options.
Split Y ppm
CANBUS
Benchwheel 2 Channel receiver
After reading that huge thread on y-cable vs CANBUS, I really would like to go with option 3 since both 1) and 2) can potentially damage/kill the VESC. I’m suprised theres not much info on option three but its from this post by @Luke
Has anyone with the benchwheel remote tried Lukes way? Is it as simple as connecting the two VESCs to one receiver without having to worry about frying VESC? Also Lukes post seems to reference an older version of the benchwheel receiver since it looks different on aliexpress currently here. Not sure if it can still be done.
I use the split Y. It has worked great for me, because I made sure to cut the power cable on one of the wires. As long as you do that it should be safe.
The reason I didn’t use canbus is that if one vesc dies, it takes the other down with it.
Yea split Y is my secondary option, too many anecdotes of it frying and getting broken during a ride. Even if it’s recommended by Vedder I’ll have to side with peoples experiences on the forum and avoid CANBUS.
Though I would still very much like to try option 3 if possible
I have a home made nunchuck with an arduino NANO which communicates with the TeensyLC on the board. The VESCs are running independently of each other. I have all vesc data sent to the remote now.
I found information about how to achieve this …some guy named rolling gecho did the base of the code.
it was my second arduino based project and it took some time get it working (but it was lots of fun)
Option 4: Multiple receivers with one controller.
The Mini RC controller is able to sinc to and operate multiple receivers.
Zero risk of damage to vesc and maximum redundancy.
This could really simplify quad drive setups.
wow exactly what i was looking for. nice and simple with maximum safety for my precious parts. Even though the remote is ugly as hell i think i will go with this
You can buy receivers without the remote at torqueboards.
Might not be a bad idea to just buy 2 sets and have a spare remote just in case.
diy-electric-skateboard-kits-parts/2-4ghz-mini-receiver/
As far as setting it up. You want to power up and bind each receiver one at a time with the other receiver/s off.
After going through the binding process on each receiver, then you can turn them all on and test it.
ok thanks, good to know. I’ve decided to go with Namasakis option as its cheaper and easier. Out of curiousity, is the benchwheel setup just plugging two vescs into the receiver?
I’m interested to know too. I have no idea how this suppose to work.
When I synced my remote, I was able to do it only via channel number 1, if I’m not mistaken.
But when I tried to connect it to the 2nd channel, I wasn’t able to sync the remote.
I’m running split PPM on 2 builds with no issues but I cut the 5v wire from one of the Vesc.
There has been report of damage when trying to supply 5v from both Vescs.
I would guess that the same is true when connecting 2 Vescs to one receiver.