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How to install the Flexible OpenSource firmware

Jan Minar edited this page Sep 10, 2021 · 68 revisions

These notes will help you to install or update the Flexible Open Source firmware on the TSDZ2 motor controller and on the following displays 860C, 850C and SW102.

The recommended display is the 860C because our firmware can be installed without open it, has the best screen quality that improves reading on outdoors as also keeps the original water/rain resistance.
See here a comparison table to help you decide what may be the best display for you.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Installing the open source firmware will void your warranty of the TSDZ2 and displays.
  • We are not responsible for any personal injuries or accidents caused by use of this firmware.
  • There is no guarantee of safety using this firmware, please use it at your own risk.
  • We advise you to consult the laws of your country and tailor the motor configuration accordingly.
  • Please be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe riding style.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Note: TSDZ2 motors bundled with the 850C display uniquely use the standard Bafang pinout on their main cable, and can connect interchangeably to 850C, 860C, and SW102 (only 850C's stock firmware works with the stock TSDZ2 firmware).

Although this displays signals are compatible with TSDZ2 motor controller, they have different connectors so you will have to connect this display cable wires to the original TSDZ2 display cable by yourself, but this is a simple soldering task.

If you are afraid to do the installation by yourself, you can ask at a local ebike shop as they should easily be able to do it, as the technical difficulty is small.

Jbalat did a series of videos explaining how to install the firmware (please note that this video shows the old display that is not used anymore).

NOTES:

  • Motor configurations: TSDZ2 motor configurations found on online shops (36V, 48V, 52V, whichever power in watts, with throttle or without) the motor controller is just the same. The only relevant difference is brushless motor inside, that there are only 2 different: 36V and 48V motor (52V systems use the 48V motor).
  • Motor max power without damage by heating: the motor can handle only about 8 or 10 amps continuously (10 amps with a 52V battery is 520 watts) otherwise it will heat up fast and damage permanently the motor. Peaks of 18 amps can be used, like at startup or for short time but it is advised to install the motor temperature sensor so the firmware will be able to protect the motor, by reducing the motor current as soon the starts heating after a defined threshold.

Steps for the installation or update

Before start, please first read all the steps to find the tools you will need to have.

NOTE 1: when you install or update the firmware, you need to do it both for TSZD2 motor and display, as the display firmware expects a specific version of firmware installed on TSDZ2 motor.

NOTE 2: when you need to install and use the various software tools, if they are not available to your computer operation system, you can try to use a virtual machine like Virtual Box - this may be a lengthy and hard process because you will probably need to learn how to install and use a virtual machine as also how to install and use a different operation system.

If you are updating the firmware, skip the steps 1 and 3.

  1. Buy the display of your preference: buy 860C/850C or buy SW102
  2. Flash the firmware on the display: flash 860C/850C or flash SW102
  3. Wire display to TSDZ2: wire 860C/850C or wire SW102
  4. Flash the firmware on TSDZ2
  5. Configure the firmware on the display
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