This repository implements Field Oriented Control (FOC) for stock hoverboards. Compared to the commutation method, this new FOC control method offers superior performance featuring:
<td><ahref="https://youtu.be/gtyqtc37r10"title="Cruise Control functionality"rel="noopener"><imgsrc="/docs/pictures/videos_preview/cruise_control.png"></a></td>
<td><ahref="https://youtu.be/UnlbMrCkjnE"title="Commutation vs. FOC (constant speed)"rel="noopener"><imgsrc="/docs/pictures/videos_preview/com_foc_const.png"></a></td>
<td><ahref="https://youtu.be/V-_L2w10wZk"title="Commutation vs. FOC (variable speed)"rel="noopener"><imgsrc="/docs/pictures/videos_preview/com_foc_var.png"></a></td>
<td><ahref="https://youtu.be/tVj_lpsRirA"title="Reliable Serial Communication"rel="noopener"><imgsrc="/docs/pictures/videos_preview/serial_com.png"></a></td>
The original Hardware supports two 4-pin cables that originally were connected to the two sideboards. They break out GND, 12/15V and USART2&3 of the Hoverboard mainboard. Both USART2&3 support UART, PWM, PPM, and iBUS input. Additionally, the USART2 can be used as 12bit ADC, while USART3 can be used for I2C. Note that while USART3 (right sideboard cable) is 5V tolerant, USART2 (left sideboard cable) is **not** 5V tolerant.
Typically, the mainboard brain is an [STM32F103RCT6](/docs/literature/[10]_STM32F103xC_datasheet.pdf), however some mainboards feature a [GD32F103RCT6](/docs/literature/[11]_GD32F103xx-Datasheet-Rev-2.7.pdf) which is also supported by this firmware.
- **VOLTAGE MODE**: in this mode the controller applies a constant Voltage to the motors. Recommended for robotics applications or applications where a fast motor response is required.
- **SPEED MODE**: in this mode a closed-loop controller realizes the input speed target by rejecting any of the disturbance (resistive load) applied to the motor. Recommended for robotics applications or constant speed applications.
- **TORQUE MODE**: in this mode the input torque target is realized. This mode enables motor "freewheeling" when the torque target is `0`. Recommended for most applications with a sitting human driver.
In all FOC control modes, the controller features maximum motor speed and maximum motor current protection. This brings great advantages to fulfil the needs of many robotic applications while maintaining safe operation.
- All the calibratable motor parameters can be found in the 'BLDC_controller_data.c'. I provided you with an already calibrated controller, but if you feel like fine tuning it feel free to do so
- The parameters are represented in Fixed-point data type for a more efficient code execution
- For calibrating the fixed-point parameters use the [Fixed-Point Viewer](https://github.com/EmanuelFeru/FixedPointViewer) tool
- **VARIANT_USART**: In this variant the motors are controlled via serial protocol (e.g. on USART3 right sensor cable, the short wired cable). The commands can be sent from an Arduino. Check out the [hoverserial.ino](/Arduino/hoverserial) as an example sketch.
- **VARIANT_NUNCHUK**: Wii Nunchuk offers one hand control for throttle, braking and steering. This was one of the first input device used for electric armchairs or bottle crates.
- **VARIANT_HOVERCAR**: In this variant the motors are controlled by two pedals brake and throttle. Reverse is engaged by double tapping on the brake pedal at standstill. See [HOVERCAR video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgHCcj0NgWQ&t=).
- **VARIANT_HOVERBOARD**: In this variant the mainboard reads the sideboards data. The sideboards need to be flashed with the hacked version. Only balancing controller is still to be implemented.
- **VARIANT_TRANSPOTTER**: This build is for transpotter which is a hoverboard based transportation system. For more details on how to build it check [here](https://github.com/NiklasFauth/hoverboard-firmware-hack/wiki/Build-Instruction:-TranspOtter) and [here](https://hackaday.io/project/161891-transpotter-ng).
Right to the STM32, there is a debugging header with GND, 3V3, SWDIO and SWCLK. Connect GND, SWDIO and SWCLK to your SWD programmer, like the ST-Link found on many STM devboards.
If you have never flashed your sideboard before, the MCU is probably locked. To unlock the flash, check-out the wiki page [How to Unlock MCU flash](https://github.com/EmanuelFeru/hoverboard-firmware-hack-FOC/wiki/How-to-Unlock-MCU-flash).
Do not power the mainboard from the 3.3V of your programmer! This has already killed multiple mainboards.
Make sure you hold the powerbutton or connect a jumper to the power button pins while flashing the firmware, as the STM might release the power latch and switches itself off during flashing. Battery > 36V have to be connected while flashing.
First, check that power is connected and voltage is >36V while flashing.
If the board draws more than 100mA in idle, it's probably broken.
If the motors do something, but don't rotate smooth and quietly, try to use an alternative phase mapping. Usually, color-correct mapping (blue to blue, green to green, yellow to yellow) works fine. However, some hoverboards have a different layout then others, and this might be the reason your motor isn't spinning.
Nunchuk or PPM working bad: The i2c bus and PPM signal are very sensitive to emv distortions of the motor controller. They get stronger the faster you are. Keep cables short, use shielded cable, use ferrits, stabilize voltage in nunchuk or reviever, add i2c pullups. To many errors leads to very high accelerations which triggers the protection board within the battery to shut everything down.
Most robust way for input is to use the ADC and potis. It works well even on 1m unshielded cable. Solder ~100k Ohm resistors between ADC-inputs and gnd directly on the mainboard. Use potis as pullups to 3.3V.
Every contribution to this repository is highly appreciated! Feel free to create pull requests to improve this firmware as ultimately you are going to help everyone.
