David,
Since the Elec-Trak reverses direction by reversing the direction of the
current in the primary coils of the motor, wouldn't instantly reversing
direction while under load cause a significant back EMF spike that could
fry some electronics? Doesn't the Elec-Trak have a time-delay circuit to
prevent that from happening (and as the capacitor in the circuit fails
over time, it allows instant reversing, which leads to frying the reverse
relay)?
Mike
________________________________
Michael S. Briggs, PhD
UNH Physics Department
(603) 862-2828
________________________________
________________________________________
From: David <d_erskine att net>
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2016 4:38 PM
To: elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: Re: (ET) Elec-trak Digest, Vol 14, Issue 109
Re: Speed Controller
I would like to add several thoughts to the topic of installing an Altrax
controller.
I took several weeks to thoroughly understand the wiring on my E-20 before
tearing into the conversion. I tagged every wire and noted their connection
on a spreadsheet. This paid off in that I only made one wiring mistake.
I led all the Altrax’s signal [low amperage] wiring to a barrier strip.
[Actually, I used two multicontact barrier strips in that I also lead all
the original ET signal wiring to another, easily accessible multicontact
strip.]. This makes trouble shooting much easier.
I had to lengthen several existing signal wires, wherein I used insulated
butt crimp splices. If I had it do over I would use European style
connectors, wherein the stripped wires are inserted in insulated metal
tubes
and held by set screws. This, I feel, makes wire splicing easier [and
easier
to make corrections], more secure, and allows for continuity testing.
As noted previously, the main attribute of the electronic controller is the
infinite speed selection. This drastically reduces the need to change
gears.
The far more efficient controller reduces drain on the batteries; making
them last longer for any given chore.
But, to me, the most usable attribute is the totally different procedure
for
changing direction of the tractor. I now can slowly pull right up to an
obstacle, with my hand on the forward/reverse switch, and immediately
reverse direction – without fear of damaging the traction motor. This is so
handy that I no longer use the brakes.
cheers, David
-----Original Message-----
From: elec-trak-request cosmos phy tufts edu
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2016 12:00 PM
To: elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: Elec-trak Digest, Vol 14, Issue 109
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: speed control (Tim Faulhaber)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2016 07:36:18 -0400
From: Tim Faulhaber <timfaulhaber gmail com>
To: Dean Stuckmann <dstuck lakefield net>
Cc: "elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu"
<elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Subject: Re: (ET) speed control
Message-ID:
<CABapE+FU5a6F7b5kbDjBmYcfd72f+opvjJpchk7rmo_4U4GKKA mail gmail com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I've got an ALTRAX just sitting waiting to be installed in my E15. If you
could include me on any emails you send out with your install info please
include me on it. Maybe it will motivate me to get moving on this project!
Thanks,
Tim
On Thu, Aug 25, 2016 at 6:36 PM, Dean Stuckmann <dstuck lakefield net>
wrote:
I installed one in my E-16 this spring and I?m glad I did. I wish I had
done it years ago.
It was a bit of a project to design the throttle linkage as I wanted to
maintain the stock hand throttle along with its built in reverse switching
(no separate toggle switch). I also wanted to have the same speed in
reverse as I have moving forward even though the reverse gate is so much
shorter. I?m happy to report that I achieved all my goals. The motor
control is amazing!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- I found that there are multiple installation diagrams out there, and
that they are not all the same. (Some specific to the E-20 but not the
same
either). If the 200 is compatible you may be in better shape than i was.
Jim was helpful getting me through it though.
- You are probably looking at closer to $600 by the time you add the
throttle pot, HD contractor, and other misc items.
- Field weakening is available in the Alltrax but it is turned off by
default. When its off, the ground speed is reduced by around 35%. That may
not make a difference to some but I?m probably going to go to a 4? motor
pulley (3? is std) to speed the tractor back up again. You can program the
controller to engage field weakening, but its an all or nothing setting.
Its a bit harsh when engaging, and more so when disengaging upon throttle
back. I tried it out, but immediately turned it back off. It would be nice
if the Alltrax/pot could gradually apply the weakening.
- When I installed the controller I mounted mine upside down so that I
did not have extend the high current leads.
- The controller does not seem to hold back the motor on down hills as
good as the old setup but its not bad. Just something to be aware of.
Again, I glad I did it. I?m no electrical wiz but with some time, Jim?s
help, and lots of triple checking, I had it working on the first try.
I don?t think that I can post pictures or videos of my install on the site
but I can send them to interested parties if you want.
Good luck!
Regards,
Dean A. Stuckmann
5432 County Road U
Newton, WI 53063-9624
920-901-2288
dstuck lakefield net
On Aug 25, 2016, at 12:49 PM, Jim Coate <lists freerangeelectric com>
wrote:
The E20/EGT-200 are good candidates for the conversion. I will (re)send
the installation guide and other information to you directly this evening.
On 8/23/16 10:32 PM, RAY via Elec-trak wrote:
Has anyone installed an ALTRAX electronic controller in their tractor?
i have "nursed" my EGT-200 for quite a few years, and finally I have
only two speeds left. I'd like to get a controller , but wonder how
difficult it might be to install. The Electric Tractor Store sells
them
for $400 plus. I wrote and them and asked if i could purchase the
installation plan first, but got no answer.
Any help?
raymondws aol com <mailto:raymondws aol com>
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