This article explores the different motor controller choices.

Motor controllers considered

1. Hoverboard motor controller
2. ZS-X11H
3. ZS-X11F
4. ODrive V3.6 - 56v

Hoverboard motor controller

Pros

1. Relatively Cheap
2. Easy to source new or second hand from used hoverboard
3. Can be hooked up directly to an RC controller

Cons

1. Too many versions to keep track of
2. Large size
3. Limited cooling options

ZS-X11H

Pros

1. Very Cheap
2. Easy to source from AliExpress, eBay or Amazon
3. Precise motor control as it supports hall sensors

Cons

1. Enabling PWM control needs minor soldering
2. Needs seperate MCU to control

ZS-X11F

Pros

1. Very Cheap
2. Easy to source from AliExpress, eBay or Amazon

Cons

1. Does not have hall sensors making precise control impossible
2. Needs seperate MCU to control

ODrive V3.6 - 56v

Pros

1. Highly configurable

Cons

1. Only clones available from AliExpress or eBay hence what you get may or may not work
2. No longer supported
3. Very expensive

Conclusion

The hoverboard motor controller was good but very bulky and for safety reasons should not be used directly with an RC controller. The ODrive was my favourite but its expensive and of the 4 boards ordered only 1 worked flawlessly on both channels. The ZS-X11F does not support hall sensors hence was eliminated as a choice almost immediately but only time will tell if I need to reconsider this in the future. All things considered ZS-X11F will probably be my final pick. I still need to get the PWM working with this board.

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