How to set up DroneCan Vimdrones ESCs?

ArduCopter
1

Just received some Vimdrones ESCs and have been trying to set them up.

Getting limited connection both via Mission Planner and with the DroneCAN GUI Tool. Both show the ESC in maintenance mode. If trying to flash it from within MP I am only offered a file choice of .BIN or .APJ. The ESC firmware only comes in HEX.

If trying to flash it from the GUI it starts the flash but then quickly returns to maintenance mode.

Im using an old pixhawk1 with the latest Arducopter (just for passthrough. I dont intend to fly with it). Think it should be ok?

The ESC also has a PWM connection so I also tried to flash via an Arduino from the AM32 config site. Still didnt connect.

The ESC is powered and Ive triple checked the Can HI/LO wires.

Any ideas please?

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2

Open the ESC panel in DroneCANGUI and start sending throttle commands , then it will go into operational. Lots of info on the vimdrones website: Vimdrones AM32 DroneCAN ESC NANO

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3

A few minutes after I posted this I realized the fresh Ardu firmware had enabled the safety switch. All sorted now, thanks.

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4

I have the same problem and put the vimdrones aside. Thanks for posting the solution, helps a lot!

BTW: No offence but the soldering job needs a lot improvement!

5

Yes its not flight quality soldering. I just tagged it together for a quick test.

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