How to build an Electric skateboard tutorial *free version*

[AndyG73]

Excellent thread and thank you for bringing the links together in one place.

Regarding the Transmitter - I am just about to order a GT2B from HK. The only thing is that it doesn't come with End Point Adjustment on the throttle (or "Throttle Dual Rate"), EPA is only adjustable on the steering.... I need EPA on the throttle to stop me grinding down my buttocks on the road ... As the GT2B looks to be a good size, shape and weight, my thoughts are that I'll buy one then open it up and mod it. Maybe I can swap over the variable resistors for the throttle and the steering - the trigger will then be controlling the steering channel and will have the EPA. On the Rx side, I will simply use the steering channel to control the ESC.

I'm guessing that there is an issue waiting for me here - where the neutral position on the steering is likely to be the centre of the resistor travel, but the throttle will have more resistor travel for the forward direction and less for reverse - something like a 70:30 ratio. Maybe this can be corrected with some extra resistors... Failing that I'll look if the steering EPA adjustment pot can be rewired onto the throttle circuit.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

It might be easier to buy a controller with EPA on the throttle, such as Maverick MTX 242, but that would be way too easy.

I'll report back in a couple of weeks...

 

[onloop]

so what is the end point adjustment used for on a TX

Is it so you can make the lever more sensitive.... e.g. So that you only need to pull it half way to get 100% acceleration?

 

[AndyG73]

The EPA does the opposite - it is use to make the throttle or steering less sensitive. eg. set EPA to 10% squeeze the trigger all the way and you only get 10% motor speed - useful if your board is way over powered.
On RC cars its used to calm-down the steering on high speed circuits.

 

[Damgaard]

Hey
I've got an alien esc and would like some flat batteries. Would it be a good idea to use 3 3s batteries in series.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38300
What do you think the range would be? running single 63 mm 3,2 KW motor.

What is the deal with chargers? I mean damn!! I'm used to laptop batteries what should i get?
I've been looking at this one:
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__6478__IMAX_B6_AC_Charger_Discharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_.html
Do i need a charger AND a balancer... and a powersource? (what is that)
Am i able to charger multiple batteries at a time (like 2 3s batteries)


I have seen that some boards have an indicator. I think it's a voltmeter... is it necessary... where do you get it?

What does antispark mean? how do i get it?

Thanks for answering our noob-questions

 

[r3volved]

Hey
I've got an alien esc and would like some flat batteries. Would it be a good idea to use 3 3s batteries in series.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38300
What do you think the range would be? running single 63 mm 3,2 KW motor.

What is the deal with chargers? I mean damn!! I'm used to laptop batteries what should i get?
I've been looking at this one:
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__6478__IMAX_B6_AC_Charger_Discharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_.html
Do i need a charger AND a balancer... and a powersource? (what is that)
Am i able to charger multiple batteries at a time (like 2 3s batteries)


I have seen that some boards have an indicator. I think it's a voltmeter... is it necessary... where do you get it?

What does antispark mean? how do i get it?

Thanks for answering our noob-questions

2x 3s in series will give you 6s

There are a lot of chargers out there capable of charging multiple batteries at once. The balancer ensures that all your cells charge equally and safely. The power supply provides consistant, non fluctuating power to your charger.

For the analyzer, you can go with a simple battery monitor, or a more sophisticated watt meter which can monitor various system elemts as it operates (watts, amps, ah). Both are cheap and found all over eBay/aliexpress/amazon.

Anti spark is a small circuit that prevents your high voltage connectors from sparking when you connect battery to the ESC. You can order premade harnesses, or search around the forum for many designs.

 

[cawoodm]

Would be good to update thepist regarding Alien Drive Systems which now support caliber trucks and do US/Canada shipping.
http://www.aliendrivesystems.com/caliber--holey-conversion-kit.html
http://www.aliendrivesystems.com/-alien-drive-kits--caliber-truck-usacanada.html

 

[Stomper]

.

 

[dirkdiggler]

Updated some broken links and added Torqueboards mounts and Alien Drive Systems Caliber mounts.
Added ADS Seismic Vent wheel gear.
Linked some new pictures.
Added Quanum controller.
Anything else to add?

 

[torqueboards]

Great. Thanks for the link. I say the next things we need to do is to add a smaller led rocker switch on/off versus the 150/300amp circuit breakers, BMS system/charging system. Also add lpbug's open source waterjet mounts but I don't think those links are working anymore.

 

[Nijsjol]

Just to be clear.

Will the Boat 90a/120a Give you the same topspeed, torque, less noise AND its cheaper than for example ezrun 150a??

 

[kkEdlund]

In theory, yes. But not many people have tested them. I just got my 120A boat esc, and my initial impression is good. Brakes work, although a little weaker than my eZrun 150A. Throttle works great, plenty of power available even with my excessively high gearing.

However, it seems to run hotter than the eZrun. I have only ridden for ~20 min, so I don't know how it will hold up long-term. Dirkdiggler has had good luck though...

 

[beto_pty]

Hi guys..
Will test the HV boat ESCs.. just to be clear the braking is generated by pushing the stick forward or by the absence of pulling back..
Hopefully it will allow throttle..(pulling back) coasting (neutral range) and braking (front push)... My destroyer build (http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=58504) has a HV airplane esc and on Dynamic braking setup it doesnt really brake when i want it to.. it just throttles on pullback and brakes (100%) when I return to neutral or front... no coasting. This made me add band brakes as an alternative, but I might want to try having the ESC brakes and normal and the band brakes as a safety..
So I guess the point would be if the boat esc allows throttle..coasting.. and braking?

 

[drmacgyver]

Great. Thanks for the link. I say the next things we need to do is to add a smaller led rocker switch on/off versus the 150/300amp circuit breakers, BMS system/charging system.

A rocker switch is the one feature that I haven't seen yet. I'm surprised. There's a lot of really cool switches that would be fun to try, like this one: http://bit.ly/1mYJhKp. Something like this would look great and could be drilled and pressed flush into the deck. These are awesome too: http://bit.ly/1iwwNml

I have a HK 150a ESC, which has a reset button on the power switch (I'm guessing the white wire is a signal wire that controls that function). I wonder if I could leave that disconnected if I just needed the pos/neg wires for a different switch?
The ESC puts out 5v from the BEC. So for an illuminated switch like the first one I posted, it would have to be powered differently because it's 12v. Or would it still work from the BEC just without the led light?

 

[beetbocks]

You cannot use those swithces they are only rated at 5a... these boards can draw anything forn 60a-100a... that's why we have to use the circuit breakers..

 

[torqueboards]

A rocker switch is the one feature that I haven't seen yet. I'm surprised. There's a lot of really cool switches that would be fun to try, like this one: http://bit.ly/1mYJhKp. Something like this would look great and could be drilled and pressed flush into the deck. These are awesome too: http://bit.ly/1iwwNml

Yeah, Beets is right. You would need to make something else to allow those lower amp rocker switches to work. They can work but not straight from the box I think.

 

[beto_pty]

Hi guys..
Will test the HV boat ESCs.. just to be clear the braking is generated by pushing the stick forward or by the absence of pulling back..
Hopefully it will allow throttle..(pulling back) coasting (neutral range) and braking (front push)... My destroyer build (http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=58504) has a HV airplane esc and on Dynamic braking setup it doesnt really brake when i want it to.. it just throttles on pullback and brakes (100%) when I return to neutral or front... no coasting. This made me add band brakes as an alternative, but I might want to try having the ESC brakes and normal and the band brakes as a safety..
So I guess the point would be if the boat esc allows throttle..coasting.. and braking?

Hi guys sorry to repost, anybodya have any answers to weather a boat ESC allows throttle, coasting and breaking.. or only throttle and braking?

 

[melodious]

So I've read this thread a few times to get myself situated on my 1st build and someone tell me if I've found a gap in information about longboards. The post says any board will work (specifically, any longboard). But, I've been browsing the various top brands of boards and some models (especially the landyachtz boards) have a deep drop between the trucks, which is great if your kicking, but is a hazard if you have electronics down there.

http://www.landyachtz.com/D25.cfm?PID=620

Maybe clearance doesn't matter, especially with large wheels that get the board situated higher (ala 4x4 monster truck). Anyone using such a style of board with no problems?

 

[torqueboards]

So I've read this thread a few times to get myself situated on my 1st build and someone tell me if I've found a gap in information about longboards. The post says any board will work (specifically, any longboard). But, I've been browsing the various top brands of boards and some models (especially the landyachtz boards) have a deep drop between the trucks, which is great if your kicking, but is a hazard if you have electronics down there.

http://www.landyachtz.com/D25.cfm?PID=620

Maybe clearance doesn't matter, especially with large wheels that get the board situated higher (ala 4x4 monster truck). Anyone using such a style of board with no problems?

You could but motors would have to face outward as there is no clearance. You probably wouldn't want to put anything underneath your board either so you would need it in a backpack. For those reasons, most if not everyone shy away from getting one.

 

[daverobson08]

Maybe clearance doesn't matter, especially with large wheels that get the board situated higher (ala 4x4 monster truck). Anyone using such a style of board with no problems?

I'm using a drop deck, it's not a branded one but it's the same sort of thing. I was using 125mm pneumatic wheels and there was plenty of clearance even without risers. Now upgrading to 140mm Onda wheels

 

[melodious]

Here's a link to a glossary and definition of often used longboarding words. From basic definitions of maneuvers to deck, truck, wheel terms & more. It's always nice to be able to "talk the talk" even though you can "walk the walk" :wink: .

From the same link, I have to admit that Muirskate.com provides a great view of the variety of boards from top to bottom, truck placement, side view for those focusing on "rocker" or "drop down", and much more including rider feedback with vidz! Though, I do wish they would venture into MTN board stuff as it seems to be a natural progression from street riding

 

[altapowderdog]

Hey I just thought I'd comment on my experience in case someone else is thinking of going with the super cheap 90A speed controller. I found it to be glitchy with my Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 5055. It would occasionally decide to drive in reverse without any input- basically trying to kill you. I reset it, tried every different setting, nothing seemed to resolve the weird behavior. I'm now investing in that EZRUN 150A-PRO... So yeah, imo the ESC is not the place to save cash. Not even going to try the 120 A boat esc first.

If you do need to save money, I have found only one 5055 motor to be plenty strong (I'm 150lbs) on flat pavement. Also you can always go with smaller capacity batteries and add more in parallel later.

 

[beto_pty]

Why would you spam a tutorial that is pinned here (for free) to help people build their own board?
spamming the other threads sucks..but this one?

 

[jacobbloy]

Sorry for the spam mate, Iv been a long time member of ES my buisness partner has gone ahead a spammed topics that if personally been apart of, not cool! wheel-eboards has been blocked haha I'll tate over the posting!

 

[papertriping]

Hello all!

It's been a while that I've had an Electric mountain board on my mind and just a couple of weeks ago I found the Endless-sphere forums! The amount of knowledge and experience here is both liberating and overwhelming for a noob like me. But I'm glad I finally found EndlessSphere!

The past 2 weeks I've used this 'Electric skateboard tutorial *Free Version*' Thread to begin to formulate my plan and equip myself with the needed know how to actually begin work on my Electric MountainBoard Project.

I was hoping to share my plan and approach here- and request the more experienced members of this forum (that would be everyone here- considering my level of expertise ) to guide me. Any guidance is much appreciated .

I live in Mumbai, India- which is quite a problem when it comes to sourcing parts.

To begin with Mountian boards aren't locally available here and so I'm thinking of Making my own Mountainboard with custom trucks like in this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIu3q73pysw

I'm looking to build an electric mountain board that is capable of going up hill and doing some off-road riding.
and wish to end up with something like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrePOqPaC3U
although I intend to make a single motor version first and then maybe add another motor.

I'm 5ft 9' inches tall and about 60kg/ 132 pounds (not very big) however I'd like to have a fast moving electric mountain board (faster the better) with a decent amount of power to quickly climb hills- maybe do even wheelies! - I don't know if this is too much to expect for my first build- But that's what I'm gunning for.

From this thread I've learned about the electronic setup for an electric skateboard and have a basic idea of what the components are- and some basic knowledge of what all the numbers and measures ( 30c, KV and all that) mean (or so i think)

From this basic knowledge I kinda picked out the components I would need from the links provided in this thread.
This is what I think I would need to build the Electric Mountain board

Motor
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18179__Turnigy_Aerodrive_SK3_6354_215kv_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html

ESC
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10370__HobbyKing_150A_High_performance_Brushless_Car_ESC.html

LiPo Battery
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8582&aff=877196

Battery Charger
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=6478&aff=877196

Transmitter and receiver
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=44693&aff=877196

I hope I'm not missing anything out (Please do tell me)

Now Shipping stuff to India is always a pain.
Here in India we have a modest version of Hobbyking.com called RCbazaar.com
From what I see, RCbazaar stocks equipment mainly for RC aircraft and Helicopters with a limited catalog of products.

However after some searching around and trying to compare numbers and measures of the equipment- I was able to find some similar components. here they are:

Motor
http://rcbazaar.com/products/152-aeolian-c5065-kv270-brushless-motor.aspx

ESC
http://rcbazaar.com/products/1284-avionic-100amp-esc.aspx

Lipo battery
http://rcbazaar.com/products/2274-wolfpack-5200mah-35c-222v.aspx

Battery Charger
http://rcbazaar.com/products/1335-avionic-2b6-dual-charger.aspx

I need some guidance with this- Do you think the RC bazaar components are equivalent in capacity and other measures to the Hobbyking Components? Will these RCbazaar Components suffice to build an electric mountain board?

All this is very exciting and I can't wait to get to building my own electric mountain board. However I want to be sure of all the equipment and wish to invest wisely. I really need all the support and guidance I can get.

Thanks in advance!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Vishwesh Menon

 

[beto_pty]

Motor
http://rcbazaar.com/products/152-aeolian-c5065-kv270-brushless-motor.aspx
ESC
http://rcbazaar.com/products/1284-avionic-100amp-esc.aspx
Lipo battery
http://rcbazaar.com/products/2274-wolfpack-5200mah-35c-222v.aspx


Hi Vishwesh
Welcome to ES..
Your motor will do fine and should compare to a 5060 ntm or such....
Your esc will do fine as well, except it will not have a brake, I had one that was similarly speced and the brake was dinamic.. which means no coasting.. the esc will either accelerate or brake, which makes it close to imposible to ride...https://docs.google.com/a/cwpanama.net/file/d/0B0zolo4QEjsHM0tSV3VpTUhBWU0/edit?pli=1 the manual does not specify what type of braking. Dont worry though the worst case scenario you learn (or continue) to footbrake which I do anyways even having a brake.
Your battery will fullfill its function apropriately by will look like a big brick under your board.. 6 of these wouldmake your board look much cooler,
http://rcbazaar.com/products/2265-wolfpack-2200mah-35c-111v.aspx
specially going with that tiny thin esc.. IMHO
Good luck..