Your go-to motor signal test

[Overland]

You’re in a bit of a bind with a controller that’s acting up, a multimeter in one hand, and a scope in the other, trying to track down those pesky wiring issues.
What’s your favorite technique for checking motor phases and hall sensor signals without frying anything?
We’d love to hear your insights!

 

[Throttlessthrill]

Once had my controller throw a fit while I was out on the trail, and I found myself juggling a meter and scope like I was in a circus. Now, I make it a point to check one phase at a time, use low voltage, and double-check the grounds. This way, there’s less chance of frying anything and a better shot at actually fixing the problem.

 

[shockandride]

After I burned out a spare ESC years ago I learned to be more cautious.
Now I gently clip the probes, keep an eye on the scope for clean square waves from the hall sensors, and measure one phase at a time.
It takes a bit more patience, but I’d much rather take it slow than end up replacing burned-out parts.

 

[Torquenado]

One time I thought I could speed-test all three phases at once and ended up frying my controller in no time. I learned that the hard way: stick to low voltage, do the checks one by one, and confirm the sensor outputs first. If I keep the meter steady, the smoke stays in the grill, not my electronics.