Maytech remote hack?

[Kwinty]

Hey there,

I’m currently looking into buying a Maytech remote. I have seen the tutorial on how to improve their waterproofness. And I noticed that a lot of them indeed require some attention. Now saw they also sell an esk8 version that is not potted. So I thought since I need to redo it in any case why not buy the cheaper one. Also, I know then that it’s done properly then. The only thing would be the software that is more focused on land use than water. Has anyone tried uploading their foil remote software to an esk8 version remote?

Another question I have can you use a BT module in combination with the receiver of the Maytech since this one will get some data like voltage and current from the VESC. I think I would work since UART should be capable of this.

it would be about these 2 types.

MTSKR2005WF (non-waterproof) 90$

【Ready to Ship】Maytech New Remote for Electric Skateboard MTSKR2005WF V2...

V2 MTSKR1905W (Semi waterproof) 120$

Maytech MTSKR1905WF V2 IP67 Waterproof Remote Control 2.4GHz wireless hand...

[jkoljo]

Just get the cheaper one, it also has RPM display and other telemetry functions via UART. Also works with PPM.

For telemetry, I can highly recommend Metr Pro CAN if you are using a VESC based ESC. Infinity logger looks interesting as well (I have one ordered, but not shipped yet). Infinity logger supports CAN also, but is a much newer product with minimal community feedback so far. Both have support for a GPS and offline logging to an SD card, so no phone needed on a ride. When you get home, you can pull the logs off the units wirelessly.

[foilmore]

The power levels feature that the esurf version lacks is actually my preference.

In other words, don’t waste your money on the overpriced version. The 1905 version is actually potted as well. I believe they are physically the same, just different firmware.

I will use this one until @samisin gets his boards printed for his much improved remote.

[jkoljo]

I actually bought the cheaper one and you are right, its potted. Good tip about the power mode, I’ll have to look into that.

[foilmore]

Yes, it works very well and whatever you set the max % throttle to in each of the three modes becomes the new full throttle at max trigger. So, as you lower your max throttle for more finesse like in wave riding or wake surfing, you will actually gain finer control as well when it is really needed!

[foilmore]

It is really BS that maytech did not include the 3 speed modes AND the cruise control in the (stupidly) more expensive e-surf version.

[Kwinty]

Thanks, guys! I’ll go for the cheaper version. About the dual use of the Rx and Tx? As I understand from Juha shouldn’t be an issue.

[jkoljo]

I would not recommend you to connect two devices into the same UART port. uSplit might work, but you should really get a VESC with two UARTs if you really need them. FSESC75200 is one option, but check out my teardown for some fixes you might have to do to it. Also, if you get the Metr Pro CAN or the Infinity logger, those support CAN so you don’t really need the second UART unless you have something special in mind.

Flipsky FSESC75200 quick teardown

Hi! While waiting for my board and summer, I decided to conformal coat and inspect my FSESC75200. It will be going into an aluminium box, and it will be submerged in mineral oil. I’ll probably use thermally conductive epoxy to mount it, and then epoxy some thin copper tubing on the outside of the box to cool it. [IMG_20210104_214738] Upon first glance, without the top cover, it looks nice and clean. Minimal residue on the PCB. Solder joints look good enough, but maybe a bit on the dry side on…

edit: The link does not seem to work for me, but search for “Flipsky FSESC75200 quick teardown” on this forum and you’ll find it

[superlefax]

Can anyone confirm that the two 75/200 VESC has two seperate UART ports which can be used simultaneously?

[Kwinty]

I noticed a little earlier. Nice small teardown .
Ill need to see how to get the data on my remote and bt module then. Maybe indeed a nother BT module.

[Kwinty]

See RX & TX at connector 7 and the others at connector 2 TX2 & RX2

[SoEFoil]

What is the mix you’ve added between picture 1 and picture 2 ?

[jkoljo]

I used some of the advice in this thread: Maytech remote required modifications before use

I coated all the exposed PCBs (display, throttle) with the silicone conformal coating, and added SuperLube Silicone + PTFE compound to all of the surfaces, especially in the button and display area. The foam is for extra buoyancy. It appears to work well even after submerging it for long periods of time. The only problem is that the SuperLube likes to ooze out of the remote a little bit, but if you wipe it down before using it and don’t store it under your pillow, you’ll be fine.

[Kwinty]

I would be careful using silicone since it is highly permeable to water vapour. Mutch more than epoxy or PUR since its a water vapour setting product. Silicone will set by the water vapour in the air this is why it sets slower in a lower humidity or quicker in a higher one. This is also why a silicone tube eventually cures all the way once you open it. A two component silicone would still have this but maybe less depending on the type. For epoxy’s, this is mostly much less since an epoxy sets by a chemical reaction and therefore doesn’t have to be designed to let a water vapour trough like a silicone.

I have tried to look online but could find a conclusive test with scientific results between epoxy and silicone.

I found this text by Dave. SR = silicone rubber

Many people do not know the following. Others will refuse to believe it:
Note that SR’s are NOT water vapour proof. Water vapour will permeate through them but liquid water will not. So a container “sealed” with SR will have an internal relative humidity comparable to that outside it! SR is typically about 10x more water permeable than the EVA sealant/adhesive used to bond silicon “solar cells” & glass PV panels together. So a glass-fronted PV panel and a “waterproof” backsheet is also not in fact sealed and inside humidity levels are ~+ outside ones. Keeping LIQUID water off your components is what is required to prevent major corrosion. Fortunately.
Corrosion still occurs with water vapour but at a vastly reduced rate due to the much lower concentration of reactants.
The other requirement is a void-free bond to the component. If there are voids then water vapour can condense to form liquid water and allow corrosion at greatly accelerated rates.

Me again
Thus using SR for the LCD would be risky since the LCD/OLED is highly sensitive to water!

[jkoljo]

Interesting! Thanks a lot for the input! The silicone + ptfe compound seems to be a popular and proven mod though, so let’s see how it holds up. I’ll let you know if it blows up, luckily the Maytechs are pretty cheap

[Flightjunkie]

Hi.

You are talking about silicone sealant that cures. Yes. Do not use that.

I use silicone grease. It never dries, never hardens. It is an excellent water and moisture barrier. And because it is just silicone grease you can just wipe it off the PCB and inspect for corrosion and reapply as needed.

So far my maytech remotes are still working with these modifications.

[Kwinty]

After some work, I finally potted my 3 remotes and receivers also made a nice case for them.