Mini-Fork Fork — by Jakezilla

This is a fork of the awesome Mini-Fork by Professor Boots. I can never leave anything alone, so I set out to refine the control feel and add a few features that suit my setup better.

Currently, this fork focuses on improvements to the BluePad version and 3D File Mods.

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🔧 Key Changes to BluePad version

• Expo curves & deadband tuning
  Improved control feel, especially for low-cost PS4 controllers. This helps smooth out twitchy inputs and gives better low-speed precision.

• Half-speed mode toggle
  Designed to tame 200RPM (or faster) motors. I found 100RPM too slow, and 200RPM lacked fine control — this toggle gives the best of both worlds.
  Toggle is activated by the A button (mapped to X on DualShock), with rumble and LED feedback if supported.

• Servo control improvements
  Servo updates are now handled via a timed loop rather than reacting to every incoming controller packet. This improves smoothness and longevity, especially with non-polling controllers like the Xbox One.
  Additionally, the mast servo now uses microsecond control for finer resolution and more precise positioning — ideal for scale realism or nuanced articulation.

• LED feedback for PS4 controllers
  Added support for LED control to enhance visual feedback and controller integration.

• Other small tweaks and refinements
  Various minor edits to improve usability, maintainability, and responsiveness.

• Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC)
  Originally, I planned to use batteries with built-in over-discharge protection. But since I already had a stash of standard CR123A cells (and I'm too cheap to buy the fancy ones, lol), I added a simple resistor divider (220k/100k) to monitor voltage. If the voltage drops too low, motor movement is disabled to prevent damage.
  

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🧱 3D Printed File Modifications

I’ve also made and collected several modifications to the 3D printed parts to enhance durability, ease of use, and visual refinement:

• Lower Interior with ON Switch Direction
  
  This interior part includes directional labeling for the ON switch. Available in dual-color or single-color indented versions.

• Mast Motor Cover
  
  A redesigned cover that shields the mast motor’s exposed gears. Helps prevent debris intrusion and adds a cleaner, more finished look.

• Main Body Rear Pivot Hole Pre-Drill
  
  Modified the main body STL so the WDR rear pivot hole is pre-modeled — no need to drill after printing. This improves alignment and saves post-processing time.

• Rear Steering Pivot Hole Mod (WDR)
  Includes the WDR rear steering pivot files and drill guide. These allow for better articulation and durability in the rear axle setup.

• Fender Mods (WDR)
  Includes WDR’s fender modifications for improved rear tire clearance and a more aggressive stance.

• Rear Wheel Bearing Mod
  I still found the rear wheel performance leaving something to be desired, so I designed a press-fit axle and wheel to accommodate a 5x11x4 bearing—probably the most common size in 1/10th scale RC. This is a slightly advanced mod, since printer tolerances can make the fit tricky. I uploaded three versions of both the axle and the wheel. The tightest fit worked for me, but YMMV. I suggest pressing the bearing onto the axle, then pressing the bearing/axle assembly into the wheel.
  

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🛠️ Assembly Tips

Just some notes from my experience making 4 of these:

• Weight
  I like having a lot of weight in these to be able to lift a wider variety of items. I've got 1.5oz in the bottom of the body and 2oz on the rear hatch.
  
  

• Double check cap polarity
  I popped one of my motor drivers because the cap (yellow device at the top of the driver board in this picture) was in backwards. This has actually happened to me before, but I neglected to check these...
  

• Direct solder switching powersupply
  I was having some weird power issues and I think it was due to the switcher moving around in the female header. I put two layers of double stick tape on the end of it and secured it down; direct soldering the header.
  

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🚧 Possible Future Ideas

FlySky iBUS Support

Add support for FlySky transmitters via iBUS interface.
Planned for my Semi Truck build — firmware hooks already in place.

PCB Improvements

• RX2/TX2 Header Access
  Add labeled header pins for RX2 and TX2 on the ESP32 to simplify serial debugging or telemetry modules.

• Motor Connection Pads
  Include large solder pads with anchor vias as an alternative to screw terminals — ideal for high-current motor leads or compact builds.

• Header Pin Spacing
  Move header pins closer together to make hand-soldering easier and reduce board footprint.

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💬 Feedback & Contributions

If you’ve got ideas, mods, or feedback — feel free to reach out or fork and experiment.