How to tune your Segway/Ninebot G3 with XiaoDash

Unlock Your Segway/Ninebot G3 with XiaoDash!

After months of dedicated development, we're thrilled to introduce our custom XiaoDash firmware for the Segway/Ninebot G3 ! This solution allows you to modify and enhance your G3 scooter's performance. Our firmware is compatible with all ESC/DRV firmware versions.

Installing XiaoDash Firmware on your G3 controller is a multi-step process that requires specific tools and a bit of technical know-how. Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Tools:

• Android Phone with OTG Support: Most modern Android phones support On-The-Go (OTG), which allows them to connect to USB devices. You'll use this to connect the ST-Link V2 programmer to your phone.

• ST-Link V2 Programmer: This small USB device is essential for programming microchips, like the one in your scooter's controller. You can find suitable options here:

  • https://amzn.to/3RwBpV6

  • https://amzn.to/3rlp1fU

• OTG Adapter/Cable/ USB HUB: This adapter connects the ST-Link V2 to your Android phone. Examples include:

  • https://amzn.to/46jw8UV (ensure this matches your phone's port, e.g., USB-C or Micro-USB)

  • https://amzn.to/3PMl8Kl

• XiaoDash License: A license is required to activate the firmware. You can purchase it through the XiaoDash app or on our website. Please note: Each license is tied to a single controller/scooter. If you have multiple G3 scooters, each will need its own license.

• Your G3 Controller: You will need to remove the controller from your scooter. This is necessary to access the specific pins required for connecting the ST-Link V2 and flashing the firmware.

• Basic Tools: You'll need some common tools (e.g., screwdrivers, Allen keys) to open your scooter and remove the controller.

How to access the controller

Dashboard Disassembly (Initial Access):

• To begin, you need to access the dashboard's chip.

• Follow the procedure shown in the video:  G3 dashboard disassembly. 

Head Unit Removal for Better Access:

• Remove the screws from the stem of the scooter. This will allow you to detach the head unit.

• Carefully pull the head unit away to get better access to the internal components.

Disconnect Internal Cable:

• Once the head unit is loose, you will find a cable inside the tube.

• Carefully disconnect this cable.

• The lid of the display gets hold in place by six screws. Once you removed them yoy can reasily acces the electronics 

• Connect the four Stlink pins with a cable to the following pins on your controller: 

• SWDIO  -> DIO 

• SWCLK  -> CLK 

• GND        ->  GND 

• 3,3V         -> TP1
                            3V3

• RST        ->  C45

• You can simply use male DuPont cables and put them into the correct female headers.  Connecting them without soldering should be possible. However, holding them in place for a few seconds is also sufficient.  Holding them in place by tilting and pressing slightly against them should be good enough. (The app has a built-in auto-flashing routine that will continuously attempt to flash the chip until successful.)

• RST        ->  C45  you can hold it to the leg of the capacitor 

• Sometimes Stlink Stick goes into error mode, often idicated with another color of the led lamp: in this case powercycle it.

• Before you connect  the stlink  device to your phone  you  need to  press and keep on pressing the left and right button (indicators) on the handlebar during the whole procedure.
  You can use clamps or a second person to press the buttons the whole time .

• Make sure the the dashboard connection cable (six pins) is disconnected

• Before you connect  the stlink  device to your phone  you  need to  press and keep on pressing the left and right button (indicators) on the handlebar during the whole procedure.
  You can use clamps or a second person to press the buttons the whole time .

• Connect the stlink device to you phone with the Usb Hub or OTG Dongle

• Launch the XiaoDash app and go to the Stlink Utility.

• Select the correct controller and click the "Check connection" button. The app should provide a response with some chip details if it successfully communicates with the microchip.

• Click "Start Stlink." The app will initiate a countdown and then attempt to flash the chip. During the countdown, you have time to hold the pins in place if you haven't soldered them. The countdown timer will restart if the flashing attempt fails, allowing you to easily retry until successful.

• You will receive an accoustic and textual notification if the flashing attempt is successful.

• After a successful flash, remount the dashboard back to your scooter.

• Reconnect all cables to the controller.

• Power on the scooter and connect to it using the XiaoDash app. To proceed with the installation process, you will need to purchase a firmware license. You can pay directly in the app by clicking on the "Activate the tuning profile" button  or on the website by providing your ScooterId : Buy 

• Once the payment is completed, the installation process will proceed and finished within a few seconds. 

• Congratulation! You successfuly installed XiaoDash on your scooter.