Curtis Controller Rebuilder??? Recomendations???

[texman38]

I have 2 5 pin Curtis controllers that I need checked out, and most likely rebuilt. I see 2 ppl on ebay asking $100, no idea if who they are or whether their service is worth it so i thought I'd check here to see if anyone has a recommendation?

[cgtech]

Rebuilt = the one failed component that failed was replaced. Not a good value, nor reliable. And expensive for a single mosfet or diode.

[BobBoyce]

I agree with cgtech. Rebuilt = Repaired. Nobody rebuilds controllers anymore. A rebuild requires removing EVERY component and replacing it with new. That actually costs more than building a NEW controller, once you factor in parts, time, and labor.

A repaired controller will fail again. It's just a matter of time for more of those aged components to give out. I design controllers for various applications, and I seldom repair one. I will use repaired controllers to test things, where I don't want to risk damaging a new controller. Or I'll use a repaired controller while waiting for a new controller to arrive. Even FSIP only repairs controllers, and they are the only Curtis authorized repair facility left. I used to be a Curtis OEM, but I severed ties with them when I closed my shop. I still work with FSIP sometimes. I've supplied them with controller OS and VCL files when Curtis would not share the files for new controllers that were still under warranty. I would pull the files from new controllers and send to them. Apparently, Curtis has not given them the ability to do that.

Bob

[scottyb]

I could not agree more strongly. When we sold/installed "rebuilt" controllers we would have to go back out and replace the repaired unit nearly 100% of the time. It was then I called the engineers at FSIP and asked for a list of parts they put in a "rebuilt" controller...... I got Uhm, ah...., crickets

Repaired controllers are a good trick for flippers.

For everybody else it is just not worth it.

[texman38]

Originally Posted by scottyb

I could not agree more strongly. When we sold/installed "rebuilt" controllers we would have to go back out and replace the repaired unit nearly 100% of the time. It was then I called the engineers at FSIP and asked for a list of parts they put in a "rebuilt" controller...... I got Uhm, ah...., crickets

Repaired controllers are a good trick for flippers.

For everybody else it is just not worth it.

Is there a reasonable alternative? aftermarket controller? anything worth having @ $200?

[usgicollector]

If your short on money things are tight I don't see why repairing your unit would be a bad thing. As long as the cost would be around $100 or so. I sure wouldn't put $200 into a repair.

I agree with the above on a repaired unit but not everyone can just go out and buy a new controller.

That's my two cents...

[BobBoyce]

You're not going to find a new controller for $200 unless it's a NOS (New Old Stock) that someone is trying to get rid of. I think you can get a new Alltrax from http://www.cartsunlimited.net for about double that. If you can't afford that, then get your controller repaired and maybe it'll last you until you can afford to replace it. It's not inexpensive to customize or upgrade carts. Cart mods and upgrades can be addicting. Welcome to the addiction

[texman38]

Thanks!