Scumm
12-17-2008, 11:05 AM
Howdy! What started in my head as plans to build a gas powered motorized couch has evolved into an electrically motorized recliner or armchair. I chose electric because there's less noise, and I was worried about the heat/exhaust w/ combustion engines. I'm reasonably mechanically inclined, but I'm nervous about this build because i know very little about electrical motors. I've done enough reading up to know i need a controller, a throttle/potentiometer for speed, the motor, and some batteries. What I dont know is:
1. How to pick the motor size/power? My weight fluctuates between 200-220. I'm guessing total weight of the project and I will be around 450-500 lbs (does that seem reasonable?). I don't want to go terribly fast. Top end I'm looking for would be around 15 mph. I'm thinking of using a scooter motor(maybe two w/ reverse to make it turn and spin easily) because it has a decent sprocket on it already and it'd be easy to get a chain for it and such.
2. What kind of controller to get? From what I've read. The more load I put on the motor, the more amps will be produced. And if the amps get higher than what its rated for it goes kaputnik.
3. What i can use as a throttle? I'd love to be able to use a gaming controller to drive it, but is this viable?
4. Batteries? Im thinking of using SLA, but i don't really know what else is out there.
My budget is between $200 and $300 as Im just looking for something to drive around while tailgating, or to hit up the convenience store straight from the mancave(see garage). I know time is valuable, so thanks in advance for any advice you give to this electrical newb.
Edit: I hope this doesn't count as advertising, but I wanted to know what you guys thought about this kit i found on ebay.
Motor Kit (http://cgi.ebay.com/Electric-36V-800W-DC-Motor-Drive-Kit-Go-Cart-Scooter_W0QQitemZ120350334959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGo _Karts?hash=item120350334959&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318)
1. How to pick the motor size/power? My weight fluctuates between 200-220. I'm guessing total weight of the project and I will be around 450-500 lbs (does that seem reasonable?). I don't want to go terribly fast. Top end I'm looking for would be around 15 mph. I'm thinking of using a scooter motor(maybe two w/ reverse to make it turn and spin easily) because it has a decent sprocket on it already and it'd be easy to get a chain for it and such.
2. What kind of controller to get? From what I've read. The more load I put on the motor, the more amps will be produced. And if the amps get higher than what its rated for it goes kaputnik.
3. What i can use as a throttle? I'd love to be able to use a gaming controller to drive it, but is this viable?
4. Batteries? Im thinking of using SLA, but i don't really know what else is out there.
My budget is between $200 and $300 as Im just looking for something to drive around while tailgating, or to hit up the convenience store straight from the mancave(see garage). I know time is valuable, so thanks in advance for any advice you give to this electrical newb.
Edit: I hope this doesn't count as advertising, but I wanted to know what you guys thought about this kit i found on ebay.
Motor Kit (http://cgi.ebay.com/Electric-36V-800W-DC-Motor-Drive-Kit-Go-Cart-Scooter_W0QQitemZ120350334959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGo _Karts?hash=item120350334959&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318)