EV Scooter Project Log Overview

So let's get back to electronics and all that other good stuff!

So I want to build a some kind of electric vehicle, so I thought it would be a good idea to learn how to build a brushless dc (BLDC) motor controller and how to control a brushless dc motor. Why brushless and not induction? Well, first of all, as of my background in RC, I can use one of my RC motors to test a controller prototype and I know where I can get bigger RC motor with more power if I need it. Plus BLDC motors are simpler to control than induction motors, so that was also a big factor why I decided to start from here. I'm scheduled to graduate spring 2016, so I hope I can you give you guys a nice project log on how this will be progressing from here.

I have planned my thesis work on these steps with the first step being the absolutely mandatory one and the hereafter being "stretch goals" to work on if there is time:

1. Design and build a simple, working sensored BLDC motor controller using hall-effect sensors
2. Learn how Battery Management Systems (BMSs) work and build one for the EV
3. Design and build a vector controlled BLDC motor controller for increased running efficiency
4. Build a simple switching mode power supply charger for the EV

165 Days In Military Service

Selfie from the ranger flying field where we trained

This post is to give you guys a overall summary of the 165 days spent in Finnish Defense Forces. The service time is divided into 3 equally lenghty training periods, which are Bootcamp, specialization training and then multiple forces training.

Wall of text warning!

Getting Back to Project Logging

Leaning against a T-55AM Marksman

a Lenghty time has passed since last updates and many things have happened between then and now, but I think I'm going to start doing some project logs and other updates again. Personally I want to tell people what stuff I've been working on in my free time and also this way I also will have a nice way of showing other people what kind of skills I have.

Our Aerial Target Team, with us, the servicemen and our supervisor

I am about to finish my service in the Finnish Defense Forces at the aerial target team, which is responsible for maintaining, servicing and flying the remote controlled planes used in live anti-air exercises. My service is due to end at the end of this year and as the army was a big lifestyle changer I think I should also make a couple of lifestyle changes in the civilian side of things. I am so excited about getting back to the sunshine (rain and slush atm) and freedom of the civilian life and I have so many projects and things I am eager to get started on.

In the next update I'm going to give you guys a short overview what the last 6 months of my life were like in the military and what kind of experiences I am taking away from it. Also I need to finish my bachelor's degree in the university and I'll be posting updates on my thesis.

Something CNC this way...

CNC router "Routy"

So I have decided to build a CNC router as my thesis work for my bachelor's degree in embedded systems at the university of applied sciences in Tampere, Finland. I will be making a full report on it and I will also be publishing a build log here in my blog.

REVIEW: Quanum DIY FPV Goggles

"provide a good entry point to FPV-flying with goggles"

Project: Carbon Quad Finished

Finally all the parts needed have arrived and it's time to complete the build. (link to previous project log part).

Motors and ESCs lined up. They need some preparing before connecting everything up.

Super Simple Portable FPV groundstation

Along with the new quadcopter designed for FPV-flying I needed to sort my complicated mess of a groundstation to be simple to setup and portable enough to carry around in a backpack, so I can go traveling with it and start flying anywhere with as small of a setup time as possible. So I pretty much simplified it to have no extras, but just the things needed to fly, which are a screen, video receiver and a battery.