Will BLDC motor with hall sensors run with RC controller

[John in CR]

I have an Erato brushless motor, but have been told it probably won't work with a normal BLDC controller, since the hall sensors are spaced evenly around the armature instead of consecutively. Is it possible to just forget the hall wires and make it a pedal first motor using an RC brushless controller that senses position by BEMF? I hate for this 2kw 2 speed hub motor that I picked up for $50 to go to waste, but I don't want to spend the $300 for the controller made for it.

 

[The7]

I have an Erato brushless motor, but have been told it probably won't work with a normal BLDC controller, since the hall sensors are spaced evenly around the armature instead of consecutively.

This motor could use a normal BLDC controller because it has an normal Hall sensor spacing, either 60 or 120 deg.

Is it possible to just forget the hall wires and make it a pedal first motor using an RC brushless controller that senses position by BEMF?

Yes.

 

[fechter]

This motor could use a normal BLDC controller because it has an normal Hall sensor spacing, either 60 or 120 deg.

Is it possible to just forget the hall wires and make it a pedal first motor using an RC brushless controller that senses position by BEMF?

Yes.

Right, as long as you have a controller with a 60/120 deg. selector, you should be able to make it work.

Any motor should work with a sensorless controller. Most RC controllers are limited to about 36v max.

 

[recumpence]

Actually, many RC controllers are rated at 48 volts these days.

I would go to Castle Creations web site and look under HV ESCs (high voltage controllers). They make 45 amp high voltage controllers for a reasonable cost. They are also USB programmable.

Oh, I think it will start up well also. Castle Creations uses a proprietary software in their controllers for smooth startup.

But, I have not tried one with your motor personally. So, there is a bit of risk in this for you.

Matt