I just got the OG Commander and I have a few questions, mainly about charging...

[BKW]

I just received an used OG Commander (first generation), originally bought from ewheels. The wheel is in good condition with roughly 2080 miles on it. The battery packs are LiTech Samsung 50E packs.

For those of you that have owned, or have knowledge about the OG Commander, if you could please help answer a few of my questions regarding charging and the apps:

1. There is no firmware update for the OG Commander? All I've seen on the Begode app, EUC World, and DarknessBot is the stock firmware.
2. The only app I've seen that tells me the battery voltage is DarknessBot. EUC World and the Begode app doesn't appear to show the volts of the battery. Is this normal? (EDIT: EUC World does show voltage)
3. What happens when the EUC fully charges? The charger light turns green and that's it? No other indications?
4. When charging the Commander there is no indication it is charging except for the charger light (i.e., the EUC doesn't beep or the screen light up or anything). My mten4 also is the same way. Is this normal for the OG Commander?
5. There is no pedal tilt angle adjustment available on any of the apps?
6. I can't change the screen on the EUC to read imperial instead of metric?

Thank you

@Seba

Edited October 15 by BKW

[paytonpenn]

I'm sure you've noticed I've responded somewhat elsewhere.

1. No updates, sorry (but let's not fix what's not broke)

2. Wheel Log on android in Play Store shows voltage and PWM in a more upfront way than EUC world imo. Darknessbot I like as well more than EUC World but WheelLog is the best and most free and least tracking highly recommending checking out. Also I prefer it's alarm method, PIP, and my music doesn't stop entirely once an alarm is triggered.

3. Mine reaches 100.80v, red green light goes totally green.  Older chargers would have the fan stop but the new one doesn't turn on the fan ime and it gets rather hot I will dual charge with my inmotion 100v charger or occasionally used the "No fan" charger when wanting less noise or not charging for extended periods 4+ hours. I'm sure it's fine but I've got 100v chargers from the V12 and Nikola+ i trust more than that hot charger.

4. No beeps, wheel will remain on or off and balance when connected it doesn't do a thing but have a fan inside turn on maybe a red light inside pops up but no notable indicators like other brands. That is Begode/Gotway/EB firmware.

5. No pedal tilt. It will not save or work in those apps for this wheel. I prefer hard mode generally, medium is nice when seated, soft is crazy. I choose hard just so my lights don't fly up and down like crazy but it's very hard compared to the shermax.

6. I've only seen it work in metric no app that gave an option actually changed it.

 

[BKW]

Thanks for this detailed response. There doesn't appear to be a lot of information for this wheel online. I guess Sherman Max really kicked its ass as far as interest.

I have to chuckle to myself a bit when you wrote, "but let's not fix what's not broke" (referring to the firmware). I chuckle because this firmware is garbage. The lights go out and the screen goes out. Who the heck makes a $4K wheel and doesn't even bother to fix this in the firmware, or at least give ONE update!? It's almost like they knew Sherman Max whooped their ass for popularity and abandoned doing anything extra for the wheel to cut costs.

Can you please tell me about the lights turning off and the screen turning off at random times? I read briefly in some part of the internet that this is a common occurrence for gotway wheels, so I guess it applies to the OG commander as well? The free-spinning thing seems to work to restore the lights (thank goodness). Can you tell me more about this? Is it common for the commander for this to happen? Anything else I should know about that I haven't yet noticed? Anything to be alarmed about with this?

Also, do you know the max SAFE charging potential for this wheel? Is it 10 amps?

Thanks again

[Robse]

What does "OG" stand for?

[BKW]

4 minutes ago, Robse said:

What does "OG" stand for?

Original

[Robse]

8 minutes ago, BKW said:

Original

Oh, thanks, so an unoriginal exists too?

[Punxatawneyjoe]

54 minutes ago, Robse said:

Oh, thanks, so an unoriginal exists too?

It's a recycled term Original Gangster meaning like the first of a series.

Edited October 19 by Punxatawneyjoe

[paytonpenn]

17 hours ago, BKW said:

Thanks for this detailed response. There doesn't appear to be a lot of information for this wheel online. I guess Sherman Max really kicked its ass as far as interest.

I have to chuckle to myself a bit when you wrote, "but let's not fix what's not broke" (referring to the firmware). I chuckle because this firmware is garbage. The lights go out and the screen goes out. Who the heck makes a $4K wheel and doesn't even bother to fix this in the firmware, or at least give ONE update!? It's almost like they knew Sherman Max whooped their ass for popularity and abandoned doing anything extra for the wheel to cut costs.

Can you please tell me about the lights turning off and the screen turning off at random times? I read briefly in some part of the internet that this is a common occurrence for gotway wheels, so I guess it applies to the OG commander as well? The free-spinning thing seems to work to restore the lights (thank goodness). Can you tell me more about this? Is it common for the commander for this to happen? Anything else I should know about that I haven't yet noticed? Anything to be alarmed about with this?

Also, do you know the max SAFE charging potential for this wheel? Is it 10 amps?

Thanks again

I think Extreme Bull messed up not giving the High Speed variant to reviewers, all review units are of the torque model and I can't say about how much better the "torque" is but the High Speed version pulls around the highest 100v free spin around 67mph/108kph. I think if the reviews were about how fast you could ride it would have gotten more praise even with the faults. But the torque model being the only one people tested made it a silly pick against the Shermax which would go 15-20mph faster.

Good ol Gotway, I believe that is an issue with the auxiliary board. I had received a new one from Alien Rides shortly after getting my wheel and experiencing that issue. It did fix this issue from happening so often but it does still occur. Previously it would freeze or lights would go wonky and maybe get fixed from the free spin or riding. Now with the new AUX board 2-3 free spins always fixes it and it rarely ever happens. My Nikola+ also had similar issues so yeah it seemed to be a "feature" carried through the Begode/Gotway firmware. I support less updating as I've had a couple Inmotions bricked and problems with how Begodes update. I would like Freestylers firmware but I'm not flashing through cable or interested in the lack of support our wheel would have anyway.

I know its an issue with the Master/Pro/T4 series for their screens to have issues in cold weather so if its been getting colder that can also play a role.

I haven't tested but I thought 13 amps was the max, 10 it should be able to handle. As always with HotWay make sure the charger is plugged in as the port runs hot. I've definitely connected too many times to a charger that should have been plugged in and experienced that dreadful pop noise.

[BKW]

On 10/19/2024 at 12:44 PM, paytonpenn said:

I think Extreme Bull messed up not giving the High Speed variant to reviewers, all review units are of the torque model and I can't say about how much better the "torque" is but the High Speed version pulls around the highest 100v free spin around 67mph/108kph. I think if the reviews were about how fast you could ride it would have gotten more praise even with the faults. But the torque model being the only one people tested made it a silly pick against the Shermax which would go 15-20mph faster.

Good ol Gotway, I believe that is an issue with the auxiliary board. I had received a new one from Alien Rides shortly after getting my wheel and experiencing that issue. It did fix this issue from happening so often but it does still occur. Previously it would freeze or lights would go wonky and maybe get fixed from the free spin or riding. Now with the new AUX board 2-3 free spins always fixes it and it rarely ever happens. My Nikola+ also had similar issues so yeah it seemed to be a "feature" carried through the Begode/Gotway firmware. I support less updating as I've had a couple Inmotions bricked and problems with how Begodes update. I would like Freestylers firmware but I'm not flashing through cable or interested in the lack of support our wheel would have anyway.

I know its an issue with the Master/Pro/T4 series for their screens to have issues in cold weather so if its been getting colder that can also play a role.

I haven't tested but I thought 13 amps was the max, 10 it should be able to handle. As always with HotWay make sure the charger is plugged in as the port runs hot. I've definitely connected too many times to a charger that should have been plugged in and experienced that dreadful pop noise.

Thanks for that!

The Shermax has an advertised speed of 45 mph. I'm still not comfortable with the speed on the Commander, but it is also advertised at 45 mph. Does this only apply to the HS version? Do you know the top speed of the HT? The fastest I've taken it so far is roughly 32 mph. I don't want to push it too much faster yet because I'm not sure of the top speed, and I'm pretty ignorant about how to set up alarms and PWMs or whatever. However, I am probably going to do that with the Commander, especially since everything is reading in metric.

Yeah, I read somewhere that the lights/screen going out was due to the "daughter board" (whatever that is), and you mention the AUX board. Whatever the case, it's not really a burden for me; I'm mainly concerned about whether it poses any potential harmful threats, like cutting out or anything related to it. So far, I gather it's safe, just a bit wonky.

Also, the big pedal dipping is annoying, but there's not much I can do about that, I guess. It also runs hot and sounds like a jet engine with that fan, lol.

Would you suggest I get a bumper kit for it, or is the shell pretty robust?

Thanks again

[paytonpenn]

4 hours ago, BKW said:

Thanks for that!

The Shermax has an advertised speed of 45 mph. I'm still not comfortable with the speed on the Commander, but it is also advertised at 45 mph. Does this only apply to the HS version? Do you know the top speed of the HT? The fastest I've taken it so far is roughly 32 mph. I don't want to push it too much faster yet because I'm not sure of the top speed, and I'm pretty ignorant about how to set up alarms and PWMs or whatever. However, I am probably going to do that with the Commander, especially since everything is reading in metric.

Yeah, I read somewhere that the lights/screen going out was due to the "daughter board" (whatever that is), and you mention the AUX board. Whatever the case, it's not really a burden for me; I'm mainly concerned about whether it poses any potential harmful threats, like cutting out or anything related to it. So far, I gather it's safe, just a bit wonky.

Also, the big pedal dipping is annoying, but there's not much I can do about that, I guess. It also runs hot and sounds like a jet engine with that fan, lol.

Would you suggest I get a bumper kit for it, or is the shell pretty robust?

Thanks again

45 mph will be only for the high speed model. I can ride 45mph (highest I've touched is 55mph) until about 30-40% battery then it starts beeping around 43mph consistently.
I believe max free spin speed the HT gets is about 78kph/48mph, I'd put the safe max riding zone around 61kph/38mph. I wouldn't commonly take it past 60kph without being connected to an app.

If you need any assistance with Wheel Log or any question on the apps I use all them and DarknessBot on iOS.  Again WheelLog is the best ime, it shows my wheel as the Commander and knows what motor variant without me having to input that which is comforting for compatibility and reassurance it knows my wheel. You will maybe want it on a full charge when you connect as it may want the max free spin speed, but if you don't know 70kph is a safe start then you can always correct it when you do a free spin test. I honestly like having mine set a little lower anyway since I ride above 80% pwn most of the time.

Its definitely safe to ride with the wonky board but make sure you have backup lights cause I've definitely been out at night and had it hiccup on me and I was stuck finishing that nights deliveries risking not being seen or seeing the road well.

Interestingly compared to the Shermax I find the pedals to have very little dip unless on mode 2 or 1, 3 is rock hard to me while 2 and 1 clearly dip to assist you. I have heard mixed results about the HTvsHS software and ride modes seemed like HS was just better overall, MadPack has a good comparison video on YT.

The fan is annoying you're right about that, once it moves or anytime its above 46C the fan kicks in. Sadly not much can be done about it.

I've not had many high speed incidents, the shell has survived well and I don't think the bumper kit is needed unless you want the seat which I am tempted to get Clarkpads bumpers for it. If not one day I will get this printed out. https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/extreme-bull-commander-bumper-cover

Random info..

If you get a kickstand/mudguard its pretty solid plastic but easy to break one of the tabs, it can also pop off easy on an accident and probably assist in popping a clip tab off. It still works with only one clip tab though.

The trolley handle and its pinch point and inconsistency when pulled out is a bit lame and don't leave it extended and have the wheel tip over. The brackets it has are cheap weak plastic i just added silicone to hold the handle in place.

I drilled three holes in the unit for the airflow improvement (2 in the front and one in the back) and it is noticeable when its blocked as the unit easily reaches 60C+ without the airflow holes added. It still gets hot and I could have made better hole placements or more but this did well and normally I don't exceed 65C unless I'm pushing it.

[BKW]

On 10/21/2024 at 7:10 PM, paytonpenn said:

45 mph will be only for the high speed model. I can ride 45mph (highest I've touched is 55mph) until about 30-40% battery then it starts beeping around 43mph consistently.
I believe max free spin speed the HT gets is about 78kph/48mph, I'd put the safe max riding zone around 61kph/38mph. I wouldn't commonly take it past 60kph without being connected to an app.

If you need any assistance with Wheel Log or any question on the apps I use all them and DarknessBot on iOS.  Again WheelLog is the best ime, it shows my wheel as the Commander and knows what motor variant without me having to input that which is comforting for compatibility and reassurance it knows my wheel. You will maybe want it on a full charge when you connect as it may want the max free spin speed, but if you don't know 70kph is a safe start then you can always correct it when you do a free spin test. I honestly like having mine set a little lower anyway since I ride above 80% pwn most of the time.

Its definitely safe to ride with the wonky board but make sure you have backup lights cause I've definitely been out at night and had it hiccup on me and I was stuck finishing that nights deliveries risking not being seen or seeing the road well.

Interestingly compared to the Shermax I find the pedals to have very little dip unless on mode 2 or 1, 3 is rock hard to me while 2 and 1 clearly dip to assist you. I have heard mixed results about the HTvsHS software and ride modes seemed like HS was just better overall, MadPack has a good comparison video on YT.

The fan is annoying you're right about that, once it moves or anytime its above 46C the fan kicks in. Sadly not much can be done about it.

I've not had many high speed incidents, the shell has survived well and I don't think the bumper kit is needed unless you want the seat which I am tempted to get Clarkpads bumpers for it. If not one day I will get this printed out. https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/extreme-bull-commander-bumper-cover

Random info..

If you get a kickstand/mudguard its pretty solid plastic but easy to break one of the tabs, it can also pop off easy on an accident and probably assist in popping a clip tab off. It still works with only one clip tab though.

The trolley handle and its pinch point and inconsistency when pulled out is a bit lame and don't leave it extended and have the wheel tip over. The brackets it has are cheap weak plastic i just added silicone to hold the handle in place.

I drilled three holes in the unit for the airflow improvement (2 in the front and one in the back) and it is noticeable when its blocked as the unit easily reaches 60C+ without the airflow holes added. It still gets hot and I could have made better hole placements or more but this did well and normally I don't exceed 65C unless I'm pushing it.

Thanks again for this response.

I've never used WheelLog before. I'll have to check it out.

So, as I've been riding this wheel more, and then getting back on my Shermax, I feel like the SherMax is a better wheel in all cases but the trolley handle, shelling, and most importantly, the distance -- the Commander just might actually have better mileage overall when compared to the Shermax, but I am not definite about this yet. And even if the Commander has better distance when compared to the Shermax, it isn't by much, but that's still impressive imo.

I do feel like I can more easily over-torque the Commander HT compared to the Shermax, which doesn't make much sense to me since the Commander HT is "high torque" and with a stronger motor than the Shermax. Once again, I haven't data-sheet-tested this, but this has been my impression by riding -- and I also heard a beep on the Commander when accelerating once time recently, which I would never get on my Shermax given the same forces used (could be a difference in firmware or setting in app too, not sure).

Yeah, I don't feel safe riding this wheel at 40mph yet. And I think you're right the max free-spin is around 48-49mph, which means 38mph might be closer to its safe riding speed. Still not sure about these numbers yet.

[paytonpenn]

7 hours ago, BKW said:

Thanks again for this response.

I've never used WheelLog before. I'll have to check it out.

So, as I've been riding this wheel more, and then getting back on my Shermax, I feel like the SherMax is a better wheel in all cases but the trolley handle, shelling, and most importantly, the distance -- the Commander just might actually have better mileage overall when compared to the Shermax, but I am not definite about this yet. And even if the Commander has better distance when compared to the Shermax, it isn't by much, but that's still impressive imo.

I do feel like I can more easily over-torque the Commander HT compared to the Shermax, which doesn't make much sense to me since the Commander HT is "high torque" and with a stronger motor than the Shermax. Once again, I haven't data-sheet-tested this, but this has been my impression by riding -- and I also heard a beep on the Commander when accelerating once time recently, which I would never get on my Shermax given the same forces used (could be a difference in firmware or setting in app too, not sure).

Yeah, I don't feel safe riding this wheel at 40mph yet. And I think you're right the max free-spin is around 48-49mph, which means 38mph might be closer to its safe riding speed. Still not sure about these numbers yet.

I agree with your assessment. I'd generally suggest the Shermax over the Commander and even the S over the CPro.

When I rode the Max it as if felt Veterans software was better/safer  when delivering beeps and maintaining a high speed without giving beeps.

I've done some riding with others on Sherman's and I never really heard them beep unless 45+ mph. ..Until towards the end of the ride, in comparison it seemed my Commander was beeping randomly at speeds above 35mph, consistently when above 43-46mph depending on the approach. 

The torque on the Max is better and Veteran's approach on the pedals response make it harder to over torque since they aren't as hard as Begodes. Just my in my opinion though based on my experience no science on the motor response variation. I do feel safer leaner further off the Commander but that's probably cause the pedals in my mind don't dip at all. 

38mph (62kph) is riding cutout speed imo, you aren't going to be standing past that for much longer if you even hit 38mph. 37mph (60kph) is the fastest I'd go on your model and that can honestly still be riding the beeps so if you don't like riding the beeps 32-34mph (50-55kph) is a more realistic max cruising speed. This unit gets better range because begode allows you to ride at a lower voltage accessing more overall battery and with the HT model you are gimped on top speed so you'll rarely be motivated to ride like you might with the Sherman.

I do think a reseller calling that high torque model a 40mph wheel is a stretch it's 35mph and really 30mph at all battery percents. The HS model in comparison could've been called a 60mph wheel which is really 55mph at best but honestly 40mph at all percents.

Edited October 29 by paytonpenn