I've got a VESC 100/250, but that's not a great platform for testing firmware changes. I'm looking for something inexpensive which I can use with mid-size motors (50-500W).
What are good options? Checking on eBay, I see a lot of v4.12 boards, but nothing which is compatible with v6.
The Cheap FOCer looks great, but is it available for purchase?
VESC 6 MK5 would be the best choice, since that is what Vedder would also use for FW testing on smaller motors. It is the design that he made himself and that is supposed to work seamless in combination with VESC-Tool.
Hmmm, very tempting. But at 200 quid, that's a pricey kit for contributing back to the project.
Right now I'm just opening a PR on github and asking if someone else can test the code. That's not ideal, though, I don't at all like foisting testing off on other developers. It would be nice to find a small-scale VESC which has identical firmware, but a much less powerful-- i.e. cheaper-- power stage.
I reckon the cheap focer is by far your best bet for what you are after. I believe you can order the board with the fine surface mount components assembled. That only leaves the larger through hole parts like electrolytic capacitors, mosfets and connectors for you to solder.