Is a 300A controller upgrade worth it?

jchal3377

So I have an ezgo 36v cart with a 250A series controller, stock solenoid, and motor.
I'm not trying to build a super fast cart or anything, but my current setup does leave something to be desired going uphill.
My question is will I see any real gains by just dropping in a 300A series controller?


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scottyb

In a series cart, No.
Also some 300s max out at 300.
Other 300s max out at 350a.

we really need to know what cart.
what drive system.
what controller you are asking about.

cgtech

No, a 300 is going to only be a "just barely noticeable" upgrade for acceleration from a standstill, and is not worth throwing any money at. A bigger controller than that, and a full cable upgrade would serve better. This is assuming that crummy batteries aren't holding you back right now.

jchal3377

It is a 2008 ez go mtp 800. It has brand new batteries charged to 38v and I have upgraded the wires to 4g. Only because I had to buy them when I put in the batteries. I have attached pictures of the controller part number, and the motor plate. I'm pretty sure it's stock stuff. I know someone selling the controller cheap, I don't have a to.of money to sink.into a full system.upgrade right now.
The cart runs fine, I was just hoping to squeeze out a little.More torque.

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JohnnieB

Top picture: There appears to be an air gap between the cable lug on the right side of the B+ terminal. Maybe a washer is installed between lug and B+ bus bar. The entire surface of the cable lug (ring terminal) facing the bus bar ought to be in intimate contact with the B+ bus bar (terminal).


Torque is directly proportional to amps flowing through the motor, so going from a 250A controller to a 300A controller is a 20% increase in amp flow, but the dynamic impedance (opposition to amp flow) of a motor increases as RPM increase, so the increased torque only exists at RPMs below the RPM at which 250A is the max amps the motor is capable of drawing.

In other words, a slight increase in acceleration from a standstill may be noticeable for the first few feet. Also, if the cart is slowing to walking speeds (or less) going up a hill, it might not slow quite as much. However, if the motor is not being loaded down to an RPM that it can draw more than the 250A passed by the original controller, no difference will be noticed.

jchal3377

Well I thought I was following you, but then you lost me haha. Basically my cart does slow to walking speed up hill. Will the added amp availability make it go up hill quicker.

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74Beeper

What he's saying is you'll only notice a difference if your motor is pulled down hard enough to draw 250amps.

If you can get the controller slightly used at a good price I'd say go for it. Even if you don't get a bunch more performance from it, at least you're that much closer to a full system upgrade when the time comes.


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cgtech

A 20% larger controller (over a 'way too small' one) doesn't really have much of a home in any "fully upgraded" system. That's why we keep telling you it's kinda a waste of money.

jchal3377

Well the one I'm looking at is not really that nice, but it was a quick, cheap fix option. I appreciate all of the advice on this, an am probably going to hold out for a better option.

If you were going to upgrade a system a little at a time, where would you start? Controller, motor, solenoid, or wires. Clearly the first two are big money moves.

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74Beeper

I know this is Yamaha and 48v but the 300 amp controller that Plowman's Riot Kit comes with is not worth it and too small? Or is it acceptable because it's 48 volt and the motor draws less amperage at the same load?


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