Finding a BLDC motor controller? (First post)

developement
#1

Hello everyone. First post so please go easy on me.

I was delighted when I found this website because I’m really interested in getting my head around brushless motors and how they work. I have a number of projects that I would love to be able to use them for.

The trouble I’m having is that I’ve been totally unable to source any of the hardware suggested by the tutorials. Maybe I’m being dumb and looking in the wrong places, but none of it appears to be on sale anywhere.

The only I’ve been able to find is a cheap knockoff ATmega328P-powered gimbal controller board (BGC3.0). This would be a great starting point as I’m pretty confident working with Arduino IDE, but I’ve just spent an entire infuriating day fighting it and I can’t get the bootloader to behave itself.

So, apologies for the complete newbie question, but where the heck in the real world can I actually get my hands on a brushless motor controller that I can experiment with?

#3

Mouser has gotten a few B-G431B-ESC1 back in stock. They are rationing them so you can only buy one, but that should be fine to experiment with.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/STMicroelectronics/B-G431B-ESC1?qs=%2B6g0mu59x7KUfhaFDGurZQ%3D%3D

And here’s a thread about using it B-G431B-ESC1: Beginner guide + I2C guide

#4

@Tempest

Hello and welcome to the forum. We hope you find what you need eventually.

Yes, there is a worldwide shortage of microprocessors and microcontrollers.

The B-G431B-ESC1 suggestion is good, as well as some from Aliexpress if you are willing to risk it (search for simplefoc).

Other than that, not much we could do but wait for the world to right itself up eventually.

There are other boards available but they are rather expensive, and I’m not sure they are within your price range.

Cheers,
Valentine

#5

Thanks for the replies.

Aliexpress really isn’t an option for me. The B-G431B-ESC1 isn’t really what I’m looking for either because it looks pretty complex and integrated and what I’m looking for is to develop my basic understanding. The SimpleFOC shield or L6234 would be ideal for me.

Is there anything else? I’ve not had boards fabricated before, but is that an option? I wouldn’t know where to start with that.

I have breadboards and a CNC machine. At this point I’d settle for a recommended type of transistor and a circuit diagram to follow!

#6

@tempest,

Yes it is, however, the ones that are in stock are rather expensive. I cannot speak for others, obviously, may be they will give their estimates. For mine: On the high end, a micro-batch of two fully integrated boards of mine, the HackJammer, would run you about $150 total. On the low end, a micro-batch of the Mosquito (continuous max current 2.5A) would run you about $40 total. I can walk you through ordering boards, it’s really easy as long as you have a credit card and a valid shipping address.

Definitely this could be done but to paraphrase Colonel Miles Quaritch, you may not succeed. Not on the first try. If you wish to succeed, you need to cultivate a strong mental attitude. You need to have determination, and persevere through.

Let me know which way you have chosen.

Cheers,
Valentine

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PS Last option would be, I already have a few ready boards, to ship them to you however I’d rather avoid this as you need to pay me first, and I’m not set up to receive payments, nor am I interested in selling those. It’s way too much trouble than most people realize to sell things. Please PM/DM me if you choose the last option. I may be able to make an exception for you.

#7

Please do not injure yourself and always wear protective equipment when working.

Make 3 of those for a 3-phase BLDC.

This circuit may or may not work but it’s the absolute, bare minimum to provide you with a skeleton understanding of the BLDC controller.

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You don’t even need to solder, you can stick the components on a breadboard like a LEGO.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Infineon-IR/IRS2003PBF?qs=9%2BKlkBgLFf3pFXMv4bh2XA%3D%3D

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Infineon-IR/IRFZ44ZPBF?qs=9%2BKlkBgLFf0eGUS%2F5zjSZQ%3D%3D

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Diotec-Semiconductor/1N5819?qs=OlC7AqGiEDlzWAEqP18zhw%3D%3D

https://www.amazon.com/Bridgold-N-Channel-Transistor-International-Rectifier/dp/B07MW1N4Q5

https://www.amazon.com/24Value-Electrolytic-Capacitor-Assortment-22uF－4700uF/dp/B07PJW24LH
https://www.amazon.com/BOJACK-Values-Resistor-Resistors-Assortment/dp/B08FD1XVL6

#8

Thanks for this, really appreciate it. I’m going to get these components ordered and go from there.

#9

Parts are arriving. I also managed to find a BGC 3.1 board with two L6234D ICs on it, so I’m going to have a play with that.

2 Likes
#10

Hey there, i just came across your thread and saw that you had issues with the BGC3. It seems like you’ve already found a better alternative, but if you’re still interested in using the BGC3, i collected and typed up all information i could find about it here, since i was in the same position a few weeks ago:

Just set it up again, and it works without problems.

#11

Thanks. I’ll check it out if I decide to try to use that board again.