Getting Started Guide
Parts Supplied
The following parts are supplied with the brushless motor controller:
Chip Robotics Brushless Motor Controller
Hall Sensor Wire
USB cable
Screw driver for power connection removal
Connectors
Power and Motor Connector
A time-saving push in connector is used to connect the DC power supply and the 3 phase brushless motor. Wires ranging from 12-24 AWG can be inserted into the push in connector. Stranded wire can be directly inserted into the connection hole. For a more secure connection, it is recommended to attach a 10mm (0.39") ferrule terminal to the end of the wire. The power rating of the connector is 24A per connection.
Hall Connector
The motor controller provides 5v DC for the hall sensor, which must be connected for the motor to operate. A 5 pin Molex connector is used to connect the hall sensor. The pitch of the connector is 2.54mm (0.100”) so standard Dupont connector / jumper wires can be used for testing. However for a secure connection, the following Molex connector should be used 0050579405. Pins for the connector are purchased separately and details can be found on the Molex website. The pin used for the part supplied with the motor controller is 0016020102.
USB Connector
A standard mini USB connector is used to connect to the motor controller. The USB connection is electrically isolated from the power on the motor controller.
UART Connector
Instead of using the USB connection, a UART connection is available with connections for TX, RX, and GND. The pitch of the connector is 2.54mm (0.100”) so standard Dupont connector / jumper wires can be used for testing. However for a secure connection, the following 3-pin Molex connector should be used 0050579403.
Wiring the controller
A 7 to 45 V power sources can be used to power the motor controller. The positive is connected to VDC and negative to GND.
The controller does not have polarity protection. So carefully connect VDC (+) and GND (-).
It is recommended to attach an external fuse and contractor to the motor controller. However it is important to have a reverse path for regenerative braking in case the fuse is blown. This can be done by attaching a diode in parallel to the fuse with the cathode connected to the battery. Here is an example of a diode that can be used.
Next connect the 3 motor phases and hall sensor to the controller. Often the correct motor phases that aligns with the hall sensors is not known, so all 6 different combinations of connecting the motor phases should be tested. Please continue reading the software section for details.
Once the motor controller is connected the Power LED and Status LED should be solid red. If the Status LED is flashing that means an error has occurred.
Software
Install the Chip Robotics Single Channel BLDC Motor Controller for Windows or Linux. When getting started, please select the Amp limit to Low current and the operation mode to Open Loop Speed Control. Move the slider bar on the bottom right to control the motor.
Test the motor running in both directions by moving the slider bar to the left and right. If the motor does not function properly test all wiring combinations as illustrated in the table below.
For a BLDC motor with the hall sensors connected, there is one optimal wiring connection that enables the motor to run smoothly in both directions.
Video
Click here to watch a youtube video on getting started with the motor controller.
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