Re: (ET) E-20 Rebuild w/Electronic Controller Kit

["EVDL Administrator" <evpost drmm net>]

On 5 Nov 2021 at 20:34, Rob Brockway via Elec-trak wrote:

> First how much braking can you get from regen on the 4q?  Is it good 
> enough to
> not use the mechanical brake?

If memory serves, 4QD's website used to say that with either the 2- or 4-
quadrant controllers, you usually only needed a mechanical brake as a 
parking brake.  I can't confirm that though, because (full disclosure) I 
never actually installed mine in the R36 it was meant for.   I just tested 
it running the motor with the trans in neutral.  

Years ago, riding with a friend, I asked him why he hadn't fixed his car's 
 
balky windshield wipers.  He replied, "When it's raining, it's too wet to 
fix 'em; and when it's not, I don't need 'em and I forget about it.  So I 
just look between the raindrops."  

I was kind of like that with the tractors.  In the summer I was using the 
mower and didn't want to take it apart to install the controller.  In the 
winter I wasn't using it and had plenty of time, but then it was too darn 
cold in the garage to mess with something that wasn't essential.  So I put 
up with the clutch.

> 
> Did the altrax have regen?

Mine has mild regen.  The effect depends on what gear the trans is in.  
Especially in the higher gears, the tractor does speed up more going 
downhill than it did with the old GE contactors.  

The Alltrax also has (had) plug braking.  It switches over to that when 
the 
brake switch is opened.  The controller effectively shorts the armature 
and 
modulates the field current.  This again is more of a mechanical brake 
supplement than a brake replacement.  It definitely won't give you 
whiplash.

If you're crazy enough, you can switch the tractor right from forward into 
reverse without stopping.  Nothing gets broken.  The controller brings the 
tractor to a stop, and then ramps up the speed in reverse.  Or vice versa.

The controller also uses plug braking to hold the tractor still when it's 
parked.  This is kind of entertaining to watch.  If you're on a slope, the 
tractor will roll a little and then just calmly, quietly stop.

All in all, the Alltrax made my E15 noticeably more civilized.  But I 
realize that it's not for everyone.  Well, now, it's not for anyone.  
Whatever.

PS - I've never actually used the Alltrax laptop config software, but I'm 
pretty sure that the plug braking current is adjustable with it.  The 
regen 
might also be, but I'm less sure about that.  

David Roden, EVDL moderator & general lackey

To reach me, don't reply to this message; I won't get it.  Use my 
offlist address here : http://evdl.org/help/index.html#supt

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     This raises a number of questions, such as "what's actually wrong 
     with people?," and "is this legal in Spain?"

                                                   -- Found on the net
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