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Old 02-08-2017, 12:36 AM   #1
TechBill
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Default Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

I own Yahama gas powered golf cart which I know it inside out but this is my first electric golf cart so I need some advice on it. I am reading up on this foru to learn more about my electric cart since this forum is the place that helped me learn more about my Yahama gas cart 2 years ago.

I purchased this cart last fall when winter was setting in so I haven't done anything to it other than driving it around. It feel like top speed is about 8mph but up the hill it drops to a crawl speed like 2 mph and I am sure that I could walk faster than its' speed going up the hill.

By looking up the serial number online it showed me that I brought this cart:
Make: Medalist
Type: Electric 36 V
Model: Electric Medalist
Year: 1996

I plan to strip it down bare to check the frame because I did noticed some rust which I want to make sure that I get rid of all the rust before investing any more time or money on it.

I have no plan to change the appearance of the cart or add lift etc right now, just to improve the speed.

First thing I would like to do is somehow repair or restore the charger connector and get the right charger for it. I was given an old style charger and I believe it is not automatic.

The previous owner cut the whatever connector was on it then add a house 110v male plug. Then he cut the wire between the charging jack on the cart and batteries and added a 110v female plug on it so every time I need to charge it, I have to lift the seat and pull out the wire with the 110v female plug. Also I was told I need to watch it when it charging and somehow figure out when it done charging and unplug it myself.

I would like to find an used automatic charger with the former connector and try to restore the charging jack on the cart where the charger is plugged into so I need some advice on this one.

As for speed going uphill, I been looking on Cart Unlimited and there so many choices. I am wanting to improve it but I am on a budget and I am not sure what a good budget performance kit to get. I believe my cart is a series system from what I read on that website. Any advice on this would help me greatly. I am also looking around to see if I could find used performance parts as well too.

Thank you for your inputs!
Bill
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Old 02-08-2017, 07:00 AM   #2
Sir Nuke
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

Hi Bill....well you are right, you cane to the right place. a couple of things....the charger.....None of ezgo's stock chargers are "automatic".... that is if you are referring to it having a float feature after the initial charge cycle. HOWEVER, there is a solution. You were looking at the absolute right place for you upgrade info, Carts Unlimited, and what better info to get than for you to email ScottyB of CartsUnlimited, go to the source! Not only will get you on the road he's got everything you need, INCLUDING the Charger you need! (DPI 36V charger). Drop him an email and tell him what you have, and what you need/want your cart to be able to do, such as how fast you want/need it to go and where it is now.
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Old 02-08-2017, 08:49 AM   #3
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

The series motor will produce 33% more speed and torque when running on 48 volts. You can reach 48v by adding 2 more 6v batteries or upgrading to 6/8v batteries (6/8v fit in the original battery rack).
Basically, increasing voltage will induce the motor to spin more rpms. This is the easiest way to gain speed in a series cart as you may have read on my website here > http://www.cartsunlimited.net/tech-help-.html
In order to run 48v the following components will need to be upgraded in a series cart:
The speed controller and the solenoid.
Assuming an increase in amperage flow is also desired for increased torque and heavy duty F&R and larger size cable set is also needed.
With stock tires and 48v you should see about 16 mph on the flat and 8-10 mph uphill. Of course hill is a relative term. The steeper an incline is the more it will slow the cart. The motor must slow to produce more torque.
The most popular upgrade for this cart is the new Alltrax SR48500 control and 400 super duty solenoid. I hope this helps
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Old 02-08-2017, 09:55 AM   #4
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

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Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
The series motor will produce 33% more speed and torque when running on 48 volts. You can reach 48v by adding 2 more 6v batteries or upgrading to 6/8v batteries (6/8v fit in the original battery rack).
Basically, increasing voltage will induce the motor to spin more rpms. This is the easiest way to gain speed in a series cart as you may have read on my website here > http://www.cartsunlimited.net/tech-help-.html
In order to run 48v the following components will need to be upgraded in a series cart:
The speed controller and the solenoid.
Assuming an increase in amperage flow is also desired for increased torque and heavy duty F&R and larger size cable set is also needed.
With stock tires and 48v you should see about 16 mph on the flat and 8-10 mph uphill. Of course hill is a relative term. The steeper an incline is the more it will slow the cart. The motor must slow to produce more torque.
The most popular upgrade for this cart is the new Alltrax SR48500 control and 400 super duty solenoid. I hope this helps
I will also have to get a 48V charger if I upgraded to 48V? Is there a charger that is automatic and switchable between 36V and 48V if I wanted to stay at 36V for now and upgrade to 48V later?

Does the 1996 Medalist have brackets and room for two more additional 6V batteries or is modification required to be able to add two more batteries on it? Is there a bolt on kits available for it?

So best way to increase speed is to convert it to a 48V cart? Is there a way to increase speed and leaving it at 36V cart?

Thank you for your inputs!

Bill
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Old 02-08-2017, 10:16 AM   #5
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

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Originally Posted by TechBill View Post
I will also have to get a 48V charger if I upgraded to 48V? Is there a charger that is automatic and switchable between 36V and 48V if I wanted to stay at 36V for now and upgrade to 48V later?

Does the 1996 Medalist have brackets and room for two more additional 6V batteries or is modification required to be able to add two more batteries on it? Is there a bolt on kits available for it?

So best way to increase speed is to convert it to a 48V cart? Is there a way to increase speed and leaving it at 36V cart?

Thank you for your inputs!

Bill
You can put 2 more 6v batteries in the rear bagwell, generic battery hold downs from auto parts house can be utilized and custom cables used to connect these 2 to the pack. Ideally you sell the old 36v pack and purchase 6/8v that are 150 pounds lighter and fit under the seat.
There are no good switchable 36 to 48v battery chargers I am aware of.
The one FSIP offers must be returned to the factory for conversion.

On 36v speed can be increased with high speed gears or high speed motors. Both of which require system modifications listed above and are suitable for flat ground only.

48v operation really IS the best option for speeding up a series drive cart.
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Old 02-08-2017, 11:04 AM   #6
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

a 48v dpi charger is a great choice and scottyB has the best price...it also float charges!!!

due to original design considerations-(2 people and golf bags driven a max of 150 yards on fairly even terrain-then a rest)- most older golf carts require a complete upgrade of the entire system to have reliable-long term service with higher performance goals....the series cart really does not have any "cheats"to gain performance...
if you spend the money you will not be disappointed-you will have a reliable beast-cut corners and you will find the weak link.... you get what you pay for(assuming you buy quality)....and some failures can kill other components with them.....
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Old 02-08-2017, 01:03 PM   #7
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

First thing I wanted to do is to restore the original connector that was used to charge the EZGO since it was replaced with a standard household electric plug.

What plug and charging port is called?

Is there any place online that I can scoop up used plug and port to replace the the existing plugs on my cart?

Attached is photo of the existing plugs which I wanted to replace back to original plug/port that came the cart and charger.
Attached Images
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File Type: jpg charger.jpg (93.8 KB, 0 views)
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Old 02-08-2017, 03:06 PM   #8
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

Quote:
Originally Posted by TechBill View Post
First thing I wanted to do is to restore the original connector that was used to charge the EZGO since it was replaced with a standard household electric plug.

What plug and charging port is called?

Is there any place online that I can scoop up used plug and port to replace the the existing plugs on my cart?

Attached is photo of the existing plugs which I wanted to replace back to original plug/port that came the cart and charger.
Here is no reason to buy a new charger port....just take the one you have apart, and clean it up and put new wires on it and hook it up.

and buy a new plug and replace it. you can get one straight from EZGO.
https://shop.ezgo.com/products/Charg...PowerWise.html
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Old 02-08-2017, 03:10 PM   #9
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

You can also check the for sale section on this site. Maybe someone upgraded their charger and would be willing to part with their old one, but the shipping can be killer. Craigs List may also be a place to look. The plug and outlet aren't cheap, so it may be cheaper to buy a dead charger, but the buggy female outlet may be harder to find used.
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Old 02-08-2017, 03:26 PM   #10
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Default Re: Advice on improving the performance on a 1996 Medalist?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Nuke View Post
Here is no reason to buy a new charger port....just take the one you have apart, and clean it up and put new wires on it and hook it up.

and buy a new plug and replace it. you can get one straight from EZGO.
https://shop.ezgo.com/products/Charg...PowerWise.html
Thank you for the advice!

Do you know what gauge wire it orginally was? Also was it stranded or solid wire?
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