Re: (ET) Curtis controller mod

[Robert Troll <roberttroll hotmail com>]

> I think Robert Troll made a wiki on Curtis controllers, but again my
> memory is not notably reliable.
>
> --Charlie


Indeed I did. The full detailed plans list should be out there, shoot me 
an email if you want to know more. 

The Curtis 1204 with high pedal disable works just fine with the ET 
motors, and was made for permanent magnet motors. It has not even gotten 
remotely warm in the few years of use that i have gotten out of it. I was 
not the first to use this setup, i just came up with a simple analog 
safety ckt to control the field and make sure that the field always has 
power before the armature. No need to use any relay for reverse, you 
simply reverse the field using a switch. Varistor prevents back voltage, 
and 4a fuse prevents over current.  

I did this because when i went looking for info how to install a 
controller i got lots of "Yeah no problem, or at least it should work." 
type of answers. One of two people had working designs, but did not have 
automatic safety's or were using home brew control boards. I also had a 
few hucksters try to sell me controllers with "special programming" for 
only $900. It was a good exercise and learning experience that i am very 
satisfied with and i learned a lot about controllers and the ET's.

The Alltrax DCX-300 is a replacement for the Curtis with the addition of a 
field controlling ckt. 4QD controller will also work (must add field 
control ckt) and give you the benefit of regen. A few people have 
complained that the Alltrax cannot be rebuilt. This is BC the alltrax 
encases their ckts in epoxy for durability (think golf carts). The curtis 
is rebuild-able by most golf cart shops for a few hundred. On the other 
hand i hear that the alltrax warranty is fantastic and they often do 
courtesy replacements long after the warranty is up.

Here is what it comes down to for me. Do you have a curtis lying around 
that is not being used? If so you are looking at around $50 in parts to 
build the field ckt. The cost of the ET specific alltrax is $450. I would 
not go out any buy a new curtis, or used one, unless it could be had for 
under $200. If not then give Jim or Harold a call and buy the Alltrax. The 
ET specific alltrax controls the field natively, and will reducing the 
wiring down to almost nothing. 

I would also gut and rewire the tractor, rather than retrofitting the 
controller. I never saw the point of putting a new controller in with 
original wiring all over.  I have heard from 6 or so people who have 
installed the curtis using the ckt i put out and they are all happy. These 
are just my thoughts, your mileage may vary.