Help a Newbie understand the differences

fishb8

I am a newbie, but trying to learn quickly. I have the buggie bug .
But I need to understand the differences between series, PDS, DCS, TXT. I seen SEPEX(I think thats right).
I want to buy another buggie, but want to understand these differences before getting in over my head

BGW

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fishb8

Also read about solid state. what is that?
Someone help please.

scottyb

hang on ....... I'll post all my golf cart 101 notes LOL

scottyb

The last 2 numbers of the manufactures code is the year, located inside the passenger side glove box, the 2004 and newer ezgos dont have a serial number plate in the box, they have a serial number sticker under the rear access panel behind the seat, and then on the driverside frame rail below the floor board.

DCS will have a F&R lever behind the driver's knee and a run/tow switch on the enviromental cover on the controller. The backside of the f&R looks round like a hockey puck.

PDS carts will have a Tow/Run switch with toggle switch for F&R on the dash

SERIES carts will have a shift lever like the dcs cart down by your legs, but it will NOT have a tow/run switch. Also the actual F&R switch is in the corner by the controller and there is linkage from it to the lever in the center.....






Early carts ( pre 89-90ish) use a series of graduated sizes of speed resistor coils to regulate speed. Each coil in the group offered less resistance than the previous one. When you stepped on the gas 100% of the available battery power (amperage) was drawn and speed was regulated by how much of this amperage was burned off (wasted) by the resistor coils. So even if you push the peddle a little it drains the batteries same as wide open throttle. The gas peddle operated a wiper which swept a contact across stationary lugs which connected to the resistors. The solenoid merely switched power on /off to the speed wiper.
This is why it does you no good to just upgrade the solenoid....

Modern carts use solid state speed control. These controllers only draw as many amps as you ask for with the peddle.... If you push the peddle down 10% they deliver 10% of their capacity. I say their capacity because a controller is like a gate valve (or a hose bib) to the amperage stored in the batteries... We have different size controllers(valves) available so 10% of a 400 amp is less than 10% of a 650 amp controller. Amperage = Torque.
The solid state controller does not waste any amps and this increases the run time.Hope this helps?

All of that being said ....... You can not put 48v thru a resistor cart without melting one of the components I mentioned above eventually, period. We have pictures.


There will be a test on this stuff later .....

fishb8

Scotty, that does help.
Aside from FnR switch position. What makes them different? What I mean is can you swap a DCS controller with a PDS or Series controller?

I am looking for a buggie to upgrade and accessorize..I just want to know what I'm getting with different buggies.

scottyb

Steer clear of the DCS carts. No drive system components are not interchangeable between series and sepex drives.

fishb8

So can I interchange PDS and Series parts.

I have the parts I removed from my buggie during the 48v upgrade. I'm looking for another buggie that needs repair. I really enjoyed working...or I should say playing, on mine, so I want to do it again. I found a DCS with bad controller and no batteries, but thanks to the good folks here, I was told my series controller would not work. saved me from a mistake.

ranch_hand

This thread is very helpful. I am a newbie myself looking at getting my first buggy. What are you refering to when you say " controller" ? I am looking at a 98 ez go and I'm trying to figure out which one it is.

scottyb

It is a TXT and the drive system is one of these, stay away from the DCS if you can.....

DCS will have a F&R lever behind the driver's knee and a run/tow switch on the enviromental cover on the controller. The backside of the f&R looks round like a hockey puck.

PDS carts will have a Tow/Run switch with toggle switch for F&R on the dash

SERIES carts will have a shift lever like the dcs cart down by your legs, but it will NOT have a tow/run switch. Also the actual F&R switch is in the corner by the controller and there is linkage from it to the lever in the center.....

ranch_hand

Thank you Scottyb. You seem very knowledgeable what would you recommend and what should I look for?