Make Your Own ESC

In this project I will firstly demonstrate how a common ESC works and afterwards create a circuit consisting of an Arduino Nano, an L6234 motor driver IC and a couple of complementary components in order to build a DIY ESC. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Videos!

The two videos give you a good idea of what is necessary to do to create your own ESC. In the following steps I will present you some additional information.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dULoNXh

2x LM393 Comparator: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWasUKx

1x L6234 IC: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9ewKMJ

4x 470nF, 1x 100nF, 1x 10nF, 1x 220nF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dU4FEsB

2x 1µF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7dOwRz

4x 1kΩ, 3x 10kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

5x 1Ω Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZjocVh

2x 10kΩ Potentiometer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX83GAF

2x 1N4148 Diode: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYR45Bh

Ebay:

1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x LM393 Comparator: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x L6234 IC: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

4x 470nF, 1x 100nF, 1x 10nF, 1x 220nF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 1µF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

4x 1kΩ, 3x 10kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

5x 1Ω Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 10kΩ Potentiometer: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 1N4148 Diode: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x Arduino Nano: http://amzn.to/2w0QQLZ

2x LM393 Comparator: http://amzn.to/2uRTgaM

1x L6234 IC: http://amzn.to/2w2M2VK

4x 470nF, 1x 100nF, 1x 10nF, 1x 220nF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/2wUe03i

2x 1µF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/2wUyby6

4x 1kΩ, 3x 10kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/2vujMKZ

5x 1Ω Resistor: http://amzn.to/2vzjBwc

2x 10kΩ Potentiometer: http://amzn.to/2uRZveE

2x 1N4148 Diode: http://amzn.to/2fCTO2E

Step 3: Create the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic along with reference pictures of my board layout.

Step 4: Upload the Code!

Here you can download the code that I created for the project. Since I created quite a few of them you can download them all.

Sketch 1: Uses the analogRead function to measure the current

Sketch 2: Uses the external interrupt on pin 3 to measure the current

Sketch 3: Uses timer 2 to control the current chopping

Sketch 4: Uses the interrupts on pin 10,11,12 to switch to the next step

Step 5: Success!

You did it! You just created your own ESC!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab
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