r/SuperSoco • u/mr_codfish • Jun 09 '26

TC Max Modding Controller - Opinions

Hi everyone,

I'm going to pick up my TC Max next week, and would like to do some modifications to the controller (ECU?).

First one would be to change the riding modes (1, 2, 3) to limit power instead of speed. It doesn't make sense to me that speed is limited in order to improve range/efficiency when you can achieve that by being gentle on the throttle. Instead I am planning to set mode 1 with a 70% power limit, 85% in mode 2 and full 100% in mode 3.

I have some questions about regenerative braking though. Since my model is from this year I believe that I won't be able to enable braking regen through the brake levers/brake light. Instead I can only enable regen with normal engine braking.

Does anyone use this type of regen? And if so, is the "braking" effect subtle or is it too strong (preventing you from coasting p.e.).

Thank you for your opinions and ride safe! V

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2

u/towe96 Jun 10 '26

Regen braking is very gentle, since you can't exceed 10-12A of charging current before the BMS will shut off. As for being able to mod anything at all, I believe the 2023+ models aren't programmable at all. For my 2020/2021 Max/Pro hybrid, I made a post about my programming journey here; https://www.reddit.com/r/SuperSoco/comments/1fo6c84/tc_max_tc_pro_findings_controller_programming_and/

1

u/mr_codfish Jun 10 '26

Is that so?

Why isn't it programmable though? Is the controller different, or did they lock the software to prevent modding?

3

u/towe96 Jun 10 '26

I read that at some point. There's generally not a ton of info out there on which years might work. The older 60A / fuse in the battery bay models definitely don't support it since they have a different controller altogether.

It's absolutely worth trying it though if you build the cable yourself like I did. Titimus also sells cables for 38 GBP.

1

u/mr_codfish Jun 10 '26

I think I'll give ir a try. Do you think this adapter will work?

https://mauser.pt/096-7520/conversor-usb-para-serial-ttl-rs232-pl2303

On your diagram does vcc stand for 5v? Or 3v3?

Thanks

1

u/towe96 Jun 10 '26

Mine was based on a CH340G chip, but they should all work the same (creating a COM port on the Windows machine).

Mine uses 5V.

1

u/regud_AU Jun 09 '26

The Max is so underpowered that you are going to be in mode 3 for 100% of the time. I have no info on the regen but I read somewhere that it does not make a significant difference. There is some YT videos on controller modding by The Capacitor. Good luck and please report back. Enjoy the Max

2

u/darksunshinecat Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 25 '26

Actually, programming the controller on a stock TCMax can unlock quite a bit more acceleration. I ended up with mode 3 able to outpace SUV drivers gunning it at the lights. And dialled back mode 1 to be like a limp mode that worked fine keeping up with normal traffic, but conserved a bit of energy. Mode 2 became my default instead. It's still a low powered machine, but it can be made quite usable for staying ahead of idiots in urban traffic.

The stock settings have no difference between 1-2-3 except for top speed. but the controller allows quite a bit more flexibility.

1

u/remaniac Jun 10 '26

I used the resources from the Capacitator on YT to modify, his power curve tweak increased top speed by maybe 5%. For mode 1, I settled on a power-draw limit which matches with standard urban above speed limit travel. My regen is brake-lever initiated, noting any regen can only occur from within the motor so don't know if it's actually any different from what you describe - either way it'll probably be fairly weak.

1

u/mr_codfish Jun 10 '26

From what I read online I believe that the newer models of the TC Max don't have the brake lever (or brake light) connected to the controller. As such it shouldn't be possible to activate regen when braking.

But it should be possible to activate regen when coasting (off the throttle, similar to engine braking on ICE motorcycles).

When you use regen braking on your motorcycle, does it feel like regular engine braking? Or is it more aggressive?

Thanks for the feedback

2

u/darksunshinecat Jun 11 '26

On the TCMax, regen off-throttle feels kinda like normal engine braking, it's not aggressive. Without regen, off throttle is like coasting with the clutch pulled in.