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cars:motor_controllers [2013/12/01 05:58]
billf
cars:motor_controllers [2019/03/26 06:44] (current)
notyou007a
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 ====== Motor Controllers ====== ====== Motor Controllers ======
 +
 +{{:​cars:​controller-example-01.jpg?​300|}} {{:​cars:​controller-example-02.jpg?​300|}}
  
 The toy you are originally starting from comes with some method to control the motor, often through a foot pedal switch that activates the motor directly or through a relay. ​ The motor is either on or off.  Besides optional "​fast"​ and "​slow"​ modes, there is no way to vary the speed of the motor on the original toy.  Except for the switch or relay failing, this setup is generally pretty reliable for the tiny stock motors. The toy you are originally starting from comes with some method to control the motor, often through a foot pedal switch that activates the motor directly or through a relay. ​ The motor is either on or off.  Besides optional "​fast"​ and "​slow"​ modes, there is no way to vary the speed of the motor on the original toy.  Except for the switch or relay failing, this setup is generally pretty reliable for the tiny stock motors.
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 There are generally two types of motor controllers,​ which must match your type of motor: There are generally two types of motor controllers,​ which must match your type of motor:
-  * Brushless +  ​* **Brushless** 
-  * Brushed +  ​* **Brushed** 
-[[http://​en.wikipedia.org/​wiki/​Electronic_speed_control ​Wikipedia]] has more information on the topic of speed controls.+ 
 +In addition, the speed controller will have specifications you must work within to prevent failure: 
 +  * **Voltage** - make sure the controller operates within you max/min voltage 
 +  * **Current** - make sure your controller can reliably control the amperage of your motor and batteries 
 +  * **Throttle** - some controllers accept 0-5v for throttle input; some require 0-5k ohm potentiometer input, some will accept either 
 + 
 +Wikipedia has more information on the topic of [[http://​en.wikipedia.org/​wiki/​Electronic_speed_control|electronic speed control]]
 + 
 +Different ​speed controls ​have different features to be aware of: 
 +  * Variable speed 
 +  * Electronic braking (or even regenerative braking) 
 +  * Direction control (forward / reverse) 
 +  * Acceleration control 
 +  * Current control / amp limiter
  
 Your options for obtaining your speed control are: Your options for obtaining your speed control are:
-  * New - lower power controllers can be had for cheap; high powered get very expensive very fast +  ​* **New** - lower power controllers can be had for cheap; high powered get very expensive very fast 
-  * Used - Often a good choice for higher power controllers,​ if you can find a deal +  ​* **Used** - Often a good choice for higher power controllers,​ if you can find a deal 
-  * Build-your-own - Can be very inexpensive for lots of power, but obviously much more complicated.+  ​* **Build-your-own** - Can be very inexpensive for lots of power, but obviously much more complicated.
  
 ===== New ===== ===== New =====
 The Internet has many new, very inexpensive "​Chinese Controllers"​ floating around, in both brushed an brushless forms. ​ They are generally designed for usage in scooters or e-bikes. ​ There are also higher-powered controllers available for golf carts, but are generally much more expensive. The Internet has many new, very inexpensive "​Chinese Controllers"​ floating around, in both brushed an brushless forms. ​ They are generally designed for usage in scooters or e-bikes. ​ There are also higher-powered controllers available for golf carts, but are generally much more expensive.
 +  * in 2018, a 48V 1500/1800 watt brushless chinese controller was available on ebay for ~$27 price point.
 +  * this family of controllers has:
 +    * low-current e-stop wire pinned out that must be tied high for the controller to be enabled.
 +    * reverse input
 +    * top speed cut-off selector (typically does not change acceleration curve)
 +    * accepts both(?) hall and resistive style throttles???​ (need to confirm)
  
 Sources: Sources:
-  * Ebay - [[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+controller&​_sacat=0&​_from=R40]] +  * [[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+controller&​_sacat=0&​_from=R40|36 volt controllers on eBay]] 
-  * Ebay, Curtis style controllers: ​[[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+curtis+controller&​_sacat=0]] +  * [[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+curtis+controller&​_sacat=0|Curtis style controllers on eBay]] 
-  * TNC Scooters ​- [[http://​tncscooters.com/​index.php?​route=product/​category&​path=41_74]]+  * [[http://​www.ebay.com/​itm/​262136734386|DC 10-50v 3000W 60A Controller on eBay]] 
 +  * [[http://​tncscooters.com/​index.php?​route=product/​category&​path=41_74|TNC Scooters]] 
 +  * [[http://​vedder.se/​2015/​01/​vesc-open-source-esc/​|VESC – Open Source ESC]] 
  
 ===== Used ===== ===== Used =====
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 Sources: Sources:
-  * Ebay - [[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+curtis+controller+used&​_sacat=0]]+  * [[http://​www.ebay.com/​sch/​i.html?​_nkw=36v+curtis+controller&​_sacat=0|Used Curtis style controllers on eBay]]
   * Craigslist   * Craigslist
   * Your local scrap yard   * Your local scrap yard
  
 ===== Build-your-own ===== ===== Build-your-own =====
 +
 Building your own controller can be a rewarding process, but certainly involves more complexity. Building your own controller can be a rewarding process, but certainly involves more complexity.
  
-There are some open source motor controller projects out there to help get you inspired:+There are some closed and open source motor controller projects out there to help get you inspired:
   * The Paragon Controller (used in Fauxrarri): [[http://​makercontrols.com/​]]   * The Paragon Controller (used in Fauxrarri): [[http://​makercontrols.com/​]]
   * The Open Source Motor Controller (OSMC, they have a great discussion group): [[http://​www.robotpower.com/​osmc_info/​]]   * The Open Source Motor Controller (OSMC, they have a great discussion group): [[http://​www.robotpower.com/​osmc_info/​]]
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 ===== Links ===== ===== Links =====
  
-  * [[http://​makercontrols.com/​|Paragon from Sector67]] 
   * [[http://​tncscooters.com/​|TNC Scooters]]   * [[http://​tncscooters.com/​|TNC Scooters]]
 +  * [[https://​www.monsterscooterparts.com/​|Monster Scooter Parts]]
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cars/motor_controllers.1385899123.txt.gz · Last modified: 2013/12/01 05:58 by billf