How to tune your Segway/Ninebot ZT3 with XiaoDash

Unlock Your Segway/Ninebot ZT3 with XiaoDash!

After months of dedicated development, we're thrilled to introduce a custom XiaoDash firmware for the Segway/Ninebot ZT3 ! This solution allows you to modify and enhance your ZT3 scooter's performance. Our firmware is compatible with all ESC/DRV firmware versions.
Please examine the firmware capabilities  in our app.
Because they are different for this model.

Installing XiaoDash Firmware on your ZT3 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 ZT3 scooters, each will need its own license.

• Your ZT3 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:  ZT3 dashboard dissassembly   up to the (1 minute, 28 seconds) mark. This level of disassembly is sufficient to access the chip.

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.

• Unscrew the the 8 screws marked in the picture. 

• Use a screwdriver to get the casing apart.

• 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           -> 3V3

• 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.)

• 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.