Mokiki Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 So, just a small back story. I've been a long time lurker here on the forums, and about a year ago I decided to take the dive and get into EUC. I first purchased a used Inmotion v3 two wheel model, and rode it for about a month or so before I realized I definitely needed to upgrade. I ordered an MSuper v3 820 off of Amazon, through the third part seller "Sailorman Group", in August of 2017. The wheel came, happy as a clam, love the wheel on the whole. It is my main commuter to and from work, no car (I live in Portland, OR). Within the first month of riding it, however, I hit a bump and had the oscillation issue, which I was unaware of at the time. It was a significant crash, but the wheel and myself were undamaged besides some cosmetic scratches. After this first crash, I was pretty shook. It was then I read about the oscillation issues, the entire thread and otherwise. Checked my motor number on the box, and it looks like it's definitely one of the models. I contacted Sailorman Group through the Amazon app, asking about the issue and if I had the updated firmware. They assured me the wheel had been flashed with the new software. I said to myself maybe this was a one time issue, and after regaining my confidence, I started riding again. I've been using the wheel for the better part of a year now every day. Rain, even some snow, this wheel is everything I wanted it to be for the most part, when it works. I've gone over a few bumps where the oscillating comes back briefly, however, but I manage to get the wheel back under control without dismounting. However, earlier this week, commuting home from work, the wheel goes down a small drop, about 2 inches, the oscillation comes back hard, and it threw me off the wheel. I have some scrapes and a fairly hurt knee, walking on crutches for the past several days. The trolley handle top cracked, but with some duct tape, it functions. The MSuper v3 is amazingly tough and it seems to work just fine still. Needless to say after this bad crash, I'm realizing I should've done something about this a long time ago. I contacted Sailorman Group a second time, writing a long message, describing the situation. They replied with the short answer "rebalance the wheel". I asked for a little more details, and they said all the need to do is recalibrate the wheel and the problem will go away. I haven't read anything like that within the stickied thread or elsewhere, so I have no idea if it will work. I guess I'm looking for advise, and if I should contact Amazon, and see if they will honor an A-Z claim, although it's been far more than the 90 day guarantee window. I've heard they can be flexible under certain circumstances. I'm also wondering if it's just a matter of having a new board sent, although I'm hesitant to try and replace it/repair anything myself. And frankly I'm not sure where/how to begin that process. This wheel is my main commuter, and I'd have to be without a wheel for a while. I've done some touching up on the wheel with a bit of vinyl skin sides, and the pads have been replaced since the foam tore a long time ago, so the wheel isn't exactly in the condition it was in when it arrived (although not bad looking I'd say) Anyway, can anybody give me some advice on what I should do about my situation? Should I try to get a recall/refund, or should I repair, or should I even just look at upgrading to a newer wheel where this won't happen again? (This wheel was a big purchase for me, as will a new one (Looking at the MSuper X or the Z10 possibly) 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post WARPed1701D Posted June 20, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2018 Hmm. Sailorman Group is a new one. Ignoring the boat company they appear to deal specialize in all kinds of imports and not EUC's specifically. Given that, I'd very much doubt they had access to a the required reflashing tool or probably any knowledge of the problem beyond what you may have volunteered in your initial question to them. I don't think there is any certain way to know if your board was flashed and I'd bet you won't get anywhere with them or Amazon when it comes to refunds or repair but it doesn't hurt to try. Unless you are flush with money for an new EUC then a new control board is your best bet. They are easy to replace and relatively cheap vs. a whole new wheel and it would resolve the problem. Even if you buy a new wheel it might be worth doing a board replacement just so you can sell your current wheel with a clean conscience. 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrelwood Posted June 21, 2018 Share Posted June 21, 2018 (edited) This is what happens when A) The seller lies to avoid the cost of providing warranty, and B)The manufacturer doesn’t know how to make the firmware upgradeable by the user. Both puniceable by the depths described in the word of The Remedy by Puscifer. I would go haywire on the seller and Amazon quoting relevant key sections of your local consumer laws, and any related Amazon terms on warranty or customer satisfaction. I’d perhaps go far enough to threaten suing their butts over neglicience leading to personal injury and property damage, but a control board with the latest firmware would satisfy me. Hopefully you’ll find a forum member nearby that could help you with the control board replacement. If not, we’ll help you the best we can here at the forum. *) Replace all terminology with proper ones, I not am speak america good... Edited June 21, 2018 by mrelwood 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hunka Hunka Burning Love Posted June 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2018 (edited) Are you pretty handy? I wonder if you contacted @Jason McNeil whether he could flash the firmware for you if you sent him the motherboard. Maybe ask him what he might charge for something like that. Too bad there's no way to read the firmware revision from an app just to confirm it is a firmware problem. Would it cost a lot to incorporate a small microSD card reader on the control board to enable people to flash their Gotway wheels? I've got microSD slots on my cheapo $99 Chuwi Windows / Android tablets. Or have an app that can do it over Bluetooth? Or even with a flash drive through the USB charger port. Com'on Gotway. Let's get with the times! Edited June 24, 2018 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Marty Backe Posted June 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2018 You can try EWheels for the firmware re-flash, but can't be surprised if they won't support non-customers. Plus you would be without your wheel for a long time. Probably faster and not much more expensive (having it re-flashed probably won't be free) if you buy a replacement board. There are plenty of videos out there showing the insides of the MSuper. Replacing the board is time consuming, but not difficult if you take your time. There's a strong likelihood that the connectors on the board you receive will not match the connectors on the wheel, because Gotway is always changing things in this arena. Me? I'd cut the incompatible (if they are) connectors out and solder the wires together. Oh, another more expensive option if you really feel uncomfortable working on your wheel is to pay EWheels to do the work. They have a service center. I just don't know if they service non-customer wheels. Won't cost you anything to ask them. 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mezzanine Posted June 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2018 If I was Jason, I wouldn't do favours for folks who bought their wheel in China. That's just me, though. It's asking him to undermine his only real competitive advantage. Doesn't make much sense. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post WARPed1701D Posted June 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2018 If the OP brought a new wheel from eWheels though I can see some customer satisfaction advantage to helping fix the old wheel (at the OP's cost) for resale. Happy customers are repeat customers. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreeRide Posted June 21, 2018 Share Posted June 21, 2018 10 hours ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said: .... enable people to flash their Gotway wheels ..... Com'on Gotway. Let's get with the times! +1000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hunka Hunka Burning Love Posted June 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2018 (edited) I guess the other problem with flashing it is say if it isn't the firmware that is the issue. OP pays for flash, installs it, and the wheel still misbehaves then they might feel the flash was faulty and blame Jason. Or say for some strange reason the flash goes bad due to revision differences and the board goes kaput. It's a bit of a kettle of fish to start helping non-customers. On one hand it may lead to future sales if you help someone out, or it could lead to more trouble if the flash doesn't work when money has exchanged hands. Edited June 21, 2018 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattymac Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 OP - I have the same wheel, purchased around the same time (from eWheels) and it works great - no wobble issues. If I were you I would look around for a good used wheel and have a backup. This gives you the flexibility to repair or upgrade and still ride. With all the new wheels coming out I think you'll find some used bargains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mokiki Posted June 27, 2018 Author Share Posted June 27, 2018 Just a follow up for everyone, I have contacted Amazon and the third party seller to no avail, which was to be somewhat expected. I also talked to someone at ewheels about a potential new control board or putting my battery packs in a new MSuper X without the batteries, but since my model is 67v (? I think) I don't think it will be possible, and the firmware flash is no longer available. All of this is totally understandable, and I thank whoever I talked to there, they were very knowledgeable and courteous. I'm looking at getting a newer wheel then, and I'm eyeballing the ACMv2 1600w with the Telsa motor. Is there even any reason I would go for the Tesla if I don't care about flashy ring lights? I quite like the look of the ACM over the Tesla anyway. Also, will I have any troubles adjusting to a 16" wheel after riding an 18" for a year possibly? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattymac Posted June 27, 2018 Share Posted June 27, 2018 The Tesla has an integrated trolley handle. I think you'll get used to a 16" very quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcglider Posted June 27, 2018 Share Posted June 27, 2018 4 hours ago, Mokiki said: Just a follow up for everyone, I have contacted Amazon and the third party seller to no avail, which was to be somewhat expected. I also talked to someone at ewheels about a potential new control board or putting my battery packs in a new MSuper X without the batteries, but since my model is 67v (? I think) I don't think it will be possible, and the firmware flash is no longer available. All of this is totally understandable, and I thank whoever I talked to there, they were very knowledgeable and courteous. I'm looking at getting a newer wheel then, and I'm eyeballing the ACMv2 1600w with the Telsa motor. Is there even any reason I would go for the Tesla if I don't care about flashy ring lights? I quite like the look of the ACM over the Tesla anyway. Also, will I have any troubles adjusting to a 16" wheel after riding an 18" for a year possibly? 18" to a 16" should be a piece of cake... ewheels has the ACM in stock in blue right now... Tesla's are supposed to be in in a couple of weeks... I am getting another 16" wheel and I am waiting for the Tesla. If distance and maybe off road is your plan, the ACM is it!... I want the Tesla because most of my riding is on the road and it will be "more sporty" for the riding I do... I am giving up range with the smaller battery, but it is still a little bigger than my 16S... either is an excellent choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mokiki Posted June 28, 2018 Author Share Posted June 28, 2018 1 hour ago, pattymac said: The Tesla has an integrated trolley handle. I think you'll get used to a 16" very quickly. I think so as well! What I'm a little cautious of is the fact that some the roads here in Portland can range from bumpy to straight up sinkhole levels of potholes, which is partially what got me into the accident I had with my MSuper v3. But as long as the wheel doesn't oscillate on me and buck me off I'll be a happy clam ? What's frustrated me a little about all models of unicycles is that there isn't really any way to park any of them out of the box. I do a lot of shopping and not being able to rest the wheel by itself gets frustrating, so the external trolley handle on the ACM is actually appealing to me, because I believe all I need to do is put some rubber stoppers on the bottom or something to rest the weight. Plus it kind of looks like a spoiler ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunka Hunka Burning Love Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 (edited) You could try contacting Chen over at the AliExpress Green Fashion and Travaling store. He's been known to stock some replacement parts or maybe he knows someone who could flash it for you if you mail it over. Edited June 28, 2018 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adumb Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 On 6/27/2018 at 2:49 PM, Mokiki said: Just a follow up for everyone, I have contacted Amazon and the third party seller to no avail, which was to be somewhat expected. I also talked to someone at ewheels about a potential new control board or putting my battery packs in a new MSuper X without the batteries, but since my model is 67v (? I think) I don't think it will be possible, and the firmware flash is no longer available. All of this is totally understandable, and I thank whoever I talked to there, they were very knowledgeable and courteous. I'm looking at getting a newer wheel then, and I'm eyeballing the ACMv2 1600w with the Telsa motor. Is there even any reason I would go for the Tesla if I don't care about flashy ring lights? I quite like the look of the ACM over the Tesla anyway. Also, will I have any troubles adjusting to a 16" wheel after riding an 18" for a year possibly? I own an ACM2, the blue is pretty, and can vouch how amazing it is, 0 to 30mph in no time. Some don't like the look but personally I love it. I've also ridden the Tesla for around 10hrs and it's also great albeit a bit flashy IMO. Even though they are close they still feel different when riding. Can't go wrong with either. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mokiki Posted June 28, 2018 Author Share Posted June 28, 2018 Another heads up for everyone! I went head and pulled the trigger on the blue ACMv2, and I couldn't be more giddy. I've ridden about 1900 miles on my MSuper v3, and the prospect of getting a wheel to commute on that I don't have to be wary of oscillating on me has me so relieved. Should be here on Tuesday. As I should have done in the first place, I ordered from Jason on ewheels, and I just want to speak again to the quality and care of their service. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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