This guide defines the AutoLearn process for ONYX FarDriver systems.
- Complete this after wiring is verified
- This step defines motor behavior before tuning
- Do not proceed to tuning if AutoLearn is incorrect
JAWS MODE Workflow
Performance Build -> Wiring -> AutoLearn -> Tuning -> Parameters -> Calibration
What This Guide Covers
This guide defines the AutoLearn process for ONYX FarDriver systems.
It explains:
- how the controller identifies the motor
- how phase and hall alignment is established
- how to execute AutoLearn correctly
- how to verify correct operation
- how to recover from failure
AutoLearn is required before any tuning.
System Role
| System | Role | Under Load Behavior | Interaction | Real-World Behavior | Failure Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoLearn | Motor identification | Determines commutation accuracy | AngleDetect / PhaseOffset | Smooth vs unstable operation | Stutter / no operation |
What AutoLearn Does
AutoLearn:
- detects motor hall sensor sequence
- determines phase alignment
- sets internal commutation timing
This defines:
- how current is applied to the motor
- how efficiently torque is produced
- whether the motor runs smoothly
Required Conditions
Before running AutoLearn:
- rear wheel must be off the ground
- battery must be properly connected
- throttle must not be applied
- do not apply brake input during process
- wiring must be verified:
- phase wires
- hall sensor connector
AutoLearn will fail if phase or hall wiring is incorrect.
Accessing AutoLearn
AutoLearn is accessed through the FarDriver configuration interface.
Typical methods:
- FarDriver mobile app (Bluetooth connection)
- Controller configuration display (if equipped)
Look for:
- “Auto Learn”
- “Motor Learn”
- or similar motor identification function
The exact name may vary depending on firmware version.
AutoLearn Procedure
- Power on the system
- Connect to the FarDriver controller
- Enter AutoLearn mode
- Ensure throttle is completely closed
- Start the AutoLearn process
- Allow the motor to spin automatically
- Wait until the process completes
- Confirm or save the learned configuration (if required)
The process typically completes within several seconds.
The motor may:
- spin forward
- spin backward
- change direction during the process
This is normal.
Save Behavior
Depending on controller firmware:
- some controllers auto-save after AutoLearn completes
- some require manual confirmation
- some may lose the learned state if power is removed too early
Best practice:
- wait until AutoLearn fully completes
- confirm settings are saved in the app
- do not power off immediately after completion
Expected Behavior
| Behavior | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Smooth rotation | Correct phase/hall alignment |
| Direction changes | Controller testing sequences |
| Stops automatically | Process complete |
Validation
After AutoLearn:
- apply light throttle
- verify smooth acceleration
- check for:
- no stutter
- no vibration
- consistent rotation
Direction Check
After validation:
- confirm wheel direction matches expected forward rotation
If direction is incorrect:
- adjust Motor Direction parameter in controller settings
Do not rewire phase or hall wires solely to correct direction.
Failure Indicators
- motor jerks or stutters
- loud noise during rotation
- motor fails to spin
- inconsistent direction
- excessive vibration
These indicate:
- incorrect wiring
- failed AutoLearn
- sensor issues
Failure Recovery
If AutoLearn fails:
- Power off the system
- Inspect wiring:
- phase wires
- hall sensor connector
- Confirm all connections are secure
- Power system back on
- Re-run AutoLearn
If issues persist:
- verify correct hall/phase pairing
- check for damaged connectors or pins
Do not proceed to tuning until AutoLearn completes successfully.
Interaction Layer
AutoLearn directly affects:
- AngleDetect
- PhaseOffset
- motor commutation behavior
All torque and efficiency depend on this alignment.
Real-World Behavior
Correct AutoLearn:
- smooth throttle response
- efficient power delivery
- stable operation across RPM
Incorrect AutoLearn:
- poor acceleration
- excess heat
- unstable motor behavior
Limits and Failure Modes
- cannot compensate for incorrect wiring
- must be re-run if:
- wiring changes
- controller is replaced
- motor is replaced
Throttle Signal Check and Cutout Stop Rule
If AutoLearn reports a throttle fault or power drops at a particular throttle position afterward, stop. Confirm the measured signal, configured bounds, throttle type, wiring, and fault record before another attempt. Do not solve an input fault by raising current or weakening. The complete diagnosis is in FarDriver Throttle Calibration and Cutout Diagnostics. After correction, return to the AutoLearn validation checks in this article.
Quick Diagnostics
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| AutoLearn will not start | Throttle not at zero / idle voltage too high | Verify throttle reads ~0.8V-1.0V at rest, release throttle fully, check signal wiring |
| Immediate throttle error | Throttle signal out of range or unstable | Inspect 5V, ground, and signal wires; check for pin damage or shorts |
| Motor does not spin during AutoLearn | Controller blocking due to input issue or wiring fault | Confirm no throttle/brake input, verify hall connector and phase wiring |
| Motor jerks or stutters | Incorrect phase/hall alignment | Re-check hall connector seating, verify wiring, re-run AutoLearn |
| Loud grinding or harsh vibration | Incorrect commutation or phase mismatch | Stop immediately, verify phase/hall wiring, re-run AutoLearn |
| Motor spins but behaves inconsistently | Noisy signal or partial wiring fault | Inspect connectors, check for loose pins, verify stable voltage signals |
| AutoLearn completes but throttle response is rough | Incorrect or incomplete learn | Re-run AutoLearn, confirm smooth rotation before saving |
| Wheel spins backward after AutoLearn | Motor direction not set | Change Motor Direction parameter in controller (do not swap wires) |
| No response after AutoLearn | Configuration not saved | Re-run AutoLearn and confirm save/confirmation in app |
| Works initially then fails after power cycle | Learn not retained | Ensure controller saves settings, avoid powering off immediately after learn |
| Speed display not working | Hall signal tap incorrect | Verify correct hall wire tap (Green / Blue / Yellow) and connection integrity |
| Regen not activating | Brake signal wiring incorrect | Verify brake signal (white -> gray) and proper 12V supply to brake switch |
Final Check
Before running AutoLearn:
- throttle reads stable at idle
- no error present
- voltage within expected low range
AutoLearn depends on a clean, zero-input throttle signal.
Tuning Implications
- AutoLearn must be completed before tuning
- incorrect motor definition invalidates all parameter tuning
- tuning cannot fix commutation errors
Tuning Guidance (ONYX-Specific)
- always run AutoLearn after wiring installation
- verify smooth operation before applying any tune
- do not proceed to tuning if any instability is present
- re-run AutoLearn if behavior changes unexpectedly
Final Insight
AutoLearn defines whether the motor runs correctly.
Everything else depends on it.