You can use a 36v BBS02b controller on a BBS01b motor

[Dewey]

Got an error 12H code at the weekend so I swapped out my 2013 BBS01a motor for a 2016 BBS01b, I was thinking of getting a spare controller. Can anyone advise if the controller for the 36v 500w BBS02b can also fit on the BBS01b motor? Thank you.

 

[Dewey]

Googling around suggests the answer is probably yes:
Reddit Ebikes Wiki BBS FAQ's say yes
Endless Sphere forum user said it is possible
Electricbike.com forum user said it is possible
Luna customer service in June of this year answered a similar question with "Yes in Theory"

 

[Dewey]

Yesterday I tried to reprogram the replacement BBS01b controller to increase the current setting from the 15a factory setting to 18a, only to face an Error 11H on my 965A display which then would stop working so I could not change PAS level without turning the display off and on again when stationary, I also lost walk assist and throttle, though the motor still ran when pedalling. Reflashed the original .el file backup settings and the problems disappeared. Googling around I found this problem reported on the German Pedelec forum as well. It appears from that discussion thread that BBS01b motors like the one I have that were made in 2016 (serial # CR R209.750.SN C22-6 527 160100752), and also made in 2017, must have some firmware from Bafang that throws this error if you try to increase the current above 15a.

When I receive the 36v BBS02b controller I ordered from California Ebike I am going to see if that will be the workaround. I see EM3EV sell the 36v BBS02b programmed with a choice of current 15a, 18a, or 25a, so providing the 02b controller mates with the 01b motor as suggested in the previous post this will hopefully provide the solution for the BBS01b. If it works, it will be interesting to see if I could run a slightly higher current than I was previously (I had set my BBS01a current to 18a/648w peak). Eric Hicks blogged about a 2013 experiment by Endless Sphere member Mike Keefer who reported the BBS01a stator reached heat saturation at 17a on a 48v battery (816w), this suggests I might try setting the replacement 02b controller current to 20a with my 36v battery to get a small increase to 720w peak power. I will report back when I've tried it (try it, but hopefully not fry it!).

 

[Dewey]

Success! Today I fitted the replacement 36v BBS02b controller California Ebike supplied to my BBS01b motor. Just come back from a test ride and everything works at 20a current. The factory setting was at 24a current, so I lowered it to 20a before the test ride.

New 2020 36v BBS02b controller fitted to BBS01b motor

Old 2016 BBS01b Controller locked to 15a

 

[tomjasz]

I see no point in pushing amps higher. Hicks is a nutter. BBSxx series motors ALL do better, fewer temp issues with reduced amps. Want more power? Buy a BBS02B. You can run other controllers but for how long? Reduced power controllers may have reduced power rated capacitors. It’s one thing to read claims and posts but being a repair and service center one quickly learns forum blather and reality may be at odds.

 

[Dewey]

I see no point in pushing amps higher. Hicks is a nutter. BBSxx series motors ALL do better, fewer temp issues with reduced amps. Want more power? Buy a BBS02B. You can run other controllers but for how long? Reduced power controllers may have reduced power rated capacitors. It’s one thing to read claims and posts but being a repair and service center one quickly learns forum blather and reality may be at odds.

I ran the 2013 BBS01a controller I bought from Doug and you for 4 years at 18a. I’m reserving judgement on 20a until I’ve ridden up the steepest hill on my commute home. Mostly I just want to be able to continue buying controllers from Jeanette. A modest performance increase would be nice to have. I didn’t like how Bafang locked the BBS01b controller to a lower current than I know the motor can handle.

Thanks Tom for linking to the BBS .el files in your signature text.

 

[tomjasz]

I ran the 2013 BBS01a controller I bought from Doug and you for 4 years at 18a. I’m reserving judgement on 20a until I’ve ridden up the steepest hill on my commute home. Mostly I just want to be able to continue buying controllers from Jeanette. A modest performance increase would be nice to have. I didn’t like how Bafang locked the BBS01b controller to a lower current than I know the motor can handle.

Thanks Tom for linking to the BBS .el files in your signature text.

Result?

 

[tomjasz]

Success! Today I fitted the replacement 36v BBS02b controller California Ebike supplied to my BBS01b motor. Just come back from a test ride and everything works at 20a current. The factory setting was at 24a current, so I lowered it to 20a before the test ride.

New 2020 36v BBS02b controller fitted to BBS01b motor

View attachment 133979



Old 2016 BBS01b Controller locked to 15a

View attachment 133980

Are there any other numbers on the controllers you have? I just read that a 206 was the generic FETs’ and 206.1 the updated 3077 FET.

 

[Dewey]

Are there any other numbers on the controllers you have? I just read that a 206 was the generic FETs’ and 206.1 the updated 3077 FET.

Hi Tom, no other numbers on the controller.

 

[Dewey]

Result?

Commuting up hill after work for about 5 weeks and no overheating, burning smell, or cutting out, at 20a. I like how the new controller has better throttle settings, there's no current drop after I use the throttle now and I find myself able to rely on it more for starting off up hill or getting through an intersection.