Lifted PDS

chriskent85

Looking at lifting a pds and i know some people have problems with their stock controller over heating, If i put the freedom hill chip in it will it help the cart from over heating or would it be better to not put a chip at all in it?

BGW

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scottyb

You will need to upgrade to an Alltrax 400 DCS control unless you are operating on FLAT ground, in which case use no chip for max torque.

720Deere

I'm going to jinx myself, but here goes anyway. I have run 23x10.50-12 tires on my stock PDS controller for over 2 years now with no problem. It has been run slow in the grass quite a few times and the controller built quite a bit of heat, but it still seems to be running strong. I was kinda hoping that it would fail a year ago so I had an excuse to replace it, but it just keeps hanging on.

I will say that most of my travels are on paved or gravel roads in the neighborhood and campgrounds, but still very hilly terrain. I think it is a roll of the dice at best. Basically if your controller is going to have an issue with the load you are placing on it, it doesn't matter which mode you run it in. Put the wheels and tires on it that you want and then start saving up for your future controller upgrade!

JohnnieB

1. In and of itself, lifting a cart does not change a cart's speed or torque. It is the taller tires that typically get installed when a cart is lifted that cause the torque loss where rubber meets the road and overheating problems.

2. When I was running a stock PDS controller on stock height tires at 36V, I never noticed any difference in the torque in the various modes. Just different top speeds and amount of regen braking. (See attached chart)

However, I did notice a slight increase in low end torque when I replaced all 10 of the stock 4Ga cables with 2Ga silver soldered ones, and the stock cable were only about 3 years old at the time and looked good.

Attached Images

PDS Mode speed-regen level.JPG (18.5 KB, 0 views)

JohnnieB

Sounds like you're burning up a lot of luck, so don't buy any Lotto tickets.

720Deere

LOL you have been telling me that for 2 years , JohnnieB! I was trying to hold out until next year, but I think I just worked a deal to cash out some unused vacation time without penalty. If that gets the final approval Thursday, I will be contacting Scotty next week to get a 500 amp Alltrax ordered.

The cart is still performing flawlessly, but we are headed to Disney in November and I'm a little paranoid about the controller either going south just before or during our trip. The cart provides 20-25 miles of transportation daily for us at Disney so I think getting the controller sooner rather than later is a worthy investment! I'd hate to waste $200 or more on a rental cart to finish the week out!

P.S. - I concur that there is no perceivable difference in torque between the different modes.

JohnnieB

Wise choice of controllers, you'll be set up for just about anything with the 909 package.

With a stock motor and 23" tires, you might want to back off on the max amps bit, but I suspect you aren't much of a lead foot since you haven't burnt out the stock PDS controller.

Thanks for the info about no change perceived torque. I wasn't 100% sure because I've always ran small tires. With 23" tires, the difference would be far more noticeable.

radioman

I would not work on a working cart. It may not work when you get through working on it. Have a plan but wait until you finish burning it out.

720Deere

The only difference I can feel is speed and regen braking. This is inline with the beliefs I have heard stated numerous times......the different modes in a PDS only change rpm limits and regen status/strength.

The plan for the 500 is to only run it at 400 until the factory smoke escapes the stock motor. I just want to go with 909 and only make the purchase once instead of going 400 and being disappointed. I don't know how much the stock motor will take, but foot only knows 2 positions when on the pedal! I do try to be aware of how much I am abusing the controller now so that may be some of its longevity. I try to avoid driving slow and crawling around for extended periods off road.

720Deere

That was my plan, but there is no fun in that! Besides, a still working stock controller may make for some ebay fun!