Best programmable controller for beginner?

[ericsigurdsson]

Hi,

I am just about to finish my ebike build with a Bafang rear hub motor 48v 500w bought from VARSTROM. The controller I got with the motor is a unbranded chinese controller which probably will work, but not fully programmable.

I want the possibility to control:

• PAS-levels, both max speed and current
• PAS-behaviour (current, slow-start etc)
• Throttle voltage

The controller need to be compatible with P860ML (UART) display, and standard Bafang rear hub motor connector.

What options do I have?

Thank you!

 

[E-HP]

Generally displays are only compatible with controllers of the same manufacturer, so you need to provide details about your current controller. A pic of the label and links would help.if it’s a cheap no name controller, then the chances they even make a programmable unit is very low. Too bad you’re stuck with using that display.

 

[ericsigurdsson]

Generally displays are only compatible with controllers of the same manufacturer, so you need to provide details about your current controller. A pic of the label and links would help.if it’s a cheap no name controller, then the chances they even make a programmable unit is very low. Too bad you’re stuck with using that display.

Ok, and if I don't limit myself with that display? Lishui or KT-controller?

I don't really understand the OSFW-thing about Lishui. Is the original firmware possible to access or am I needed to flash a third-party firmware that allows me to configure by my own?

Or is it possible to get another display which is compatible with my controller and have more settings?

 

[stancecoke]

What options do I have?

If you have a Bafang system already, you can use the well known Bafang tool. It works with Bafang controllers for rear hub motors also.

 

[ericsigurdsson]

If you have a Bafang system already, you can use the well known Bafang tool. It works with Bafang controllers for rear hub motors also.

Well, I don't know what to believe... Most sources online (forums) says that it only works with mid drives...

 

[stancecoke]

Well, I don't know what to believe.

If you don't believe me, just ask Windmeile directly

https://windmeile.com/support

 

[E-HP]

If you have a Bafang system already, you can use the well known Bafang tool. It works with Bafang controllers for rear hub motors also.

Off topic. I need some assistance on this. I've never figured out what a Bafang controller is. I see on their homepage the variety of controllers with model numbers that start with "CR" and a few distributors that sell them (doesn't look like you can purchase directly). A lot of "Bafang" kits, call their controllers Bafang, but the controllers appear to be manufactured by Sing Yiu. Sing Yiu also seems to carry Bafang mid drive controller replacements. Are Sing Yiu and Bafang the same when it comes to the electronics for Bafang motors? I've been looking at this on and off, so I can add some links to my FAQ. Thanks ahead of time for the info.

 

[A-DamW]

"Best programmable controller for beginner?"

We are all beginners at some point/domain.
Heck, I still feel like a beginner after decades of doing stuff.

A VESC based controller, and stancecoke's project to make Bafang displays compatible with VESC might work for you:
VESC - Flipsky 75100 V2 with Bafang Display and T15/T17 BB-Torque Sensor

 

[amberwolf]

What options do I have?

In addition to the replies above, you can also keep your controller and display exactly as they are, and install the Cycle Analyst v3.x from ebikes.ca between your throttle and PAS sensors and the controller throttle input, and the CA's shunt between your battery and controller. The CA will then monitor battery current, cadence, and throttle, and use the limits you put into it's settings to send a throttle signal to the controller to operate the bike the way you want.

The CA itself can be moutned anywhere; it doesn't ahve to be visible unless you want to see it's info whil eyou ride. You can install a remote button (available on the ebikes.ca site) to switch between presets or to change level of a parameter. Your display still connects to your controller and does whatever it's always done.

Then you set your controller's settings to provide maximum output in all cases that it can, and the CA will then be setup by you to do the limiting.

The best part about the CA vs the typical non-torque-sensing controller is that the PAS is not simply full on for the chosen assist level, it is proportional to the speed of the pedalling. So just like I do on the SB Cruiser trike, you can use it to monitor a simple cadence type PAS sensor and fully control the bike with just that. You can use a torque sensor if you want to, but it's not necessary.


If you look around at Stancecoke's posts, you'll also see links to Lishui controllers and user-installable firmware that lets you do this without the CA.

I don't know if the VESC can do it without the torque sensor (cadence only) but it may have that option by now.

 

[stancecoke]

Are Sing Yiu and Bafang the same when it comes to the electronics for Bafang motors?

I don't know Sing Yiu, but there are Lishui controllers that are labeled as Bafangs also, so I guess, Bafang is not producing it's own controllers, but buys them from different manufacturers.....

 

[neptronix]

Grin's phaserunner/baserunner has a superharness that very well may connect to your existing display.
The controller is easy to program considering the amount of things it can do as well, and excels at compatibility with various PAS and torque sensing things.

VESC is a great controller, it's what i'd chose for >2kw builds every time. For less power, i like the phaserunner/baserunner.

Most controllers will require a change of the motor connectors and accessories.

 

[E-HP]

I don't know Sing Yiu, but there are Lishui controllers that are labeled as Bafangs also, so I guess, Bafang is not producing it's own controllers, but buys them from different manufacturers.....

Thanks, that makes sense. Maybe “Bafang” controllers are just ones running their firmware and they put it in the specs to the manufactures that make controllers for their motors. If that’s the case, I can understand how the tool you mentioned could work across a variety of “Bafang” controllers, but probably only features supported by the hardware would be accessible/adjustable.
Their corporate write up says they make motors, batteries and controllers. Maybe a lot of that is through licensing agreements.

 

[aae34]

Their corporate write up says they make motors, batteries and controllers. Maybe a lot of that is through licensing agreements.

As Bafang mid-drives come w/embedded controllers, they most certainly are making a variety of controllers too.

 

[stancecoke]

Maybe “Bafang” controllers are just ones running their firmware

No, think the Bafang tool only works with this CR.... type controllers. The rebranded Lishui controller has a Lishui firmware with the Bafang UART display protocol implemented.

A VESC based controller, and stancecoke's project to make Bafang displays compatible with VESC might work for you:

Not a good idea, as the LunaCycle implementation doesn't allow you to configure the assist levels for power and speed individually. No problem with a torque sensor, as you can simply reduce your own power to reduce the speed and motor power, but not the best solution for simple PAS users.
But I don't know, why there could be the wish, to have speed settings for each level. This very simple speed level controllers provide the most moped like behaviour, so the worst bicycle like behaviour....

 

[E-HP]

No, think the Bafang tool only works with this CR.... type controllers. The rebranded Lishui controller has a Lishui firmware with the Bafang UART display protocol implemented.

Since the OP never provided a pic of his existing controller label or link when I asked, we have no idea if it’s a Bafang controller or something else (Lishui, Sing Yiu, etc). If it is a Bafang/CR controller, then the tool seems to be a good solution.

 

[Tylen Wanister]

so you need to provide details about your current controller. A pic of the label and links would help.

Since the OP never provided a pic of his existing controller label or link when I asked, we have no idea if it’s a Bafang controller or something else (Lishui, Sing Yiu, etc). If it is a Bafang/CR controller, then the tool seems to be a good solution.