RE: (ET) I was wondering.

["Rod Hower" <Rod Hower ametek com>]

A few comments about my control.
The relay control board was designed to interface with the existing
switches on the E-trak.
All of the relays and other parts were either samples or extra parts I had
laying around.
The Cursit 1204 control was given to me by an engineer here at Ametek.  I
don't know
where it came from, but I decided to put it to good use.
Therefore I effectively have $0 in the new system.

If I were to design a new system for the E-trak I would probably use the
4QD shunt control.
Rod



Now that's what I call open minded.

On the EV list you are always talking about how much you like your Prizm
with it's fancy AC Controller and all the bells and whistles an AC
controller provides, and here you expound the virtues of the ET's
simplistic
DC system with contactor controls.

Can anybody else here recall anyone on the EV list (other than Lee, and
David) that will praise both technologies with equal zeal.

Good on ya, Chris.

Stay Charged!

Hump

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christopher Zach [mailto:czach computer org]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 9:47 AM
> To: elec-trak
> Subject: Re: (ET) I was woundering.
>
>
> I'm curious as to *why* to replace the controllers in the Elec-Trak.
>
> The shunt wound models (well, the E15/E20's) have a total of
> 8 speeds and 4
> gears. That's 32 possible forward speed settings between 0
> mph and 8 mph. Do
> we really need more granular control? Personally I drive mine with two
> speeds: cruise speed for mowing (in L) and "run around" speed
> at full blast
> (also in L). My gas tractor has only one speed; mow (you can't cut the
> throttle since it spins the blades, and gear-shifting
> requires a full stop.
> Really fustrating)
>
> As for reliability, the relays and contactors seem to be
> reliable. They
> complain a bit at times, but that's more to the fact that the
> relays could
> use some cleaning and TLC.
>
> An argument could be made that the resistor banks aren't
> efficient, but if
> I'm going that slow I typically will shift into LL and run
> the motor at
> cruise speed.
>
> All in all I can't see much reason for an electronic control
> system. The
> electronics for the E20 seem to be limited to keeping the
> field weakening
> function from burning out the armature, and that's about what we need.
>
> Chris
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Coate" <jbc coate org>
> To: "elec-trak" <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 8:58 AM
> Subject: Re: (ET) I was woundering.
>
>
> > I agree with the concept, and we are an inventive bunch...
> but unless
> > someone is looking for a task, plenty of 21st century controllers
> > already exist that have proven by use in golf carts and industrial
> > settings. Curtis being the standard for electronic
> controllers in this
> > size, and AllTrax being the new kid on the block (although I haven't
> > checked if AllTrax has a model to match the ET needs).
> >
> > ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA wrote:
> > > Hi
> > > It seems to me that ETs with 21st century electronics,
> some TLC,  new
> > > bearing, grease and new rear battery boxes could last
> another 30 years
> > > without a problem. Also with a source of new electric
> works :-)  more ET
> > > could be rescued and perhaps generate more interest in
> the great EV
> world.
> > > It seems to me that guys with EVs would be very
> interested in electric
> > > landscaping and snow removal etc.
> > > So, I just though I'd send this up as a trial balloon to
> see how much
> > > interest it would generate.
> > > Harry Landis and/or Rod Hower would you consider taking
> Rod's controller
> > > design and modifying (I suspect this is just a simpler version of
> current
> > > design) it for a E12 and B-145 and then either selling
> the CKT board,
> the
> > > plans or the entire unit.
> > > I would be willing to buy one (if it's the plan)  or
> several (if it's
> the
> > > board or the entire assembly) of these and in fact fund
> the development
> of
> > > the fist prototype. I think there a real need to update,
> at least our
> > > "working ETs".
> >
> > _________
> > Jim Coate
> > 1992 Chevy S10
> > 1970's Elec-Trak
> > http://www.eeevee.com
> >
> >
> >
>
>