DIY motor controller

[electrowizard]

Just wanted to throw this here for the DIY electronics crowd.
It isn't terribly difficult but is time consuming to get right.

I have been keeping my blog on the project at
will-ev.blogspot.com

The recent posts have been mechanical since I consider the electrical part "done". Of course there is an insane amount of work left to polish for kart use, but I have speed controlled a car starter and my purchased kart motor so construction has begun.

Real controller testing will happen under full load I think!

Lesson learned: If you use IGBTs, don't buy ANYTHING that wasn't designed year 2000+. The technology has changed so much my old IGBTs are just too slow, so I have to deal with a 5kHz whine. Oh well, it's a kart!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Hey, cool! I just did a quick buzz through your blog- no time to go into detail, I'll have to have a closer read later. The electronics stuff is beyond my feeble mind, but looks like a great project. I can't believe you're using those trailer hubs! My catalog lists the weight at 8 lbs each! Plus, I have a very gently used set available... Who knew?

Anyhow, I'll have a deeper look later. Cheers!

PS- LOVE the trailer idea! It is disgustingly easy to register a "homebuilt" trailer in this province, I've done it several times now. I'll hit you with the details later...

 

[electrowizard]

Well tires were a bugger to source... and I read someone else on the forum was using these exact tires, so I figured it couldn't hurt . . .
A little larger than I'd originally hoped for, but my last plan was small car tires - I'll say I've gotten away on the smaller side.

And the kart won't be light anyways, batteries are going to be a pain.

Trailer details would be great! Thanks

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I'm a bit surprised you didn't go with 4.80x8 or 5.70x8- smaller, lighter, and cheaper. You could exchange them...