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Old 03-05-2012, 07:35 PM   #1
lgbarne
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Exclamation Suppose I have NO DIODE

I have been reading with some interest the thread from Chipster about his Controller/Diode issue. One reason I was interested is that I did not recall having a diode on my setup and because my setup is pretty much identical to Chipster's (07 Precedent, 500A Alltrax, 400a Sol, Motor Upgrade, 4G Wires).

As I read more postings it seemed that this diode may be pretty important. So I just went outside to inspect my setup and sure enough, NO DIODE!

Just to be sure I include a pic so you can confirm. The cart was built this way for me last June and has ran without any electrical issues that I am aware of through alot of neighborhood and then hunting use. So my questions are:

1. Should I be concerned about this (read 'get a diode installed ASAP!')?
2. What is a diode's practical purpose on a cart?
3. What damage, ill effects can I incur not having a diode in place?
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Old 03-05-2012, 08:28 PM   #2
Chipster27
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Well at least your Alltrax works

You might also check the size of your resistor. I believe the 400a solenoid requires a larger resistor than the factory solenoid. Someone else might be able to provide the specifics.
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Old 03-05-2012, 10:43 PM   #3
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Old 03-06-2012, 09:45 AM   #4
shadowman
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

the only comment i can make is i see a lot of carts running around that have no diode on solenoid.....up to this point i havn,t seen any problems caused to cart by it not having one.......but i suggest getting one for the 3 bucks it cost you can,t go wrong.................................
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Old 03-06-2012, 12:24 PM   #5
simple man
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Is it possible that some of the newer controllers have the diode built in? I would think that would be the way to go!
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Old 03-06-2012, 01:04 PM   #6
Jim"Bob" Bebermeyer
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

To answer questions 2 and 3 for you:

A diode is used to eliminate fly-back, or the sudden, large voltage spike seen across an inductive load, such as a solenoid, when its supply voltage is suddenly reduced or removed. This current reversal can damage sensitive electronic component attached to the same circuit.

Hope this helps!
Jim”Bob”
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Old 03-06-2012, 01:48 PM   #7
lgbarne
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Thanks, Everyone. I have gone ahead and ordered one. I noticed in the Alltrax Tech Note it describes an issue where the cart can be jittery without the diode. I do notice this behavior at times, so hopefully I will get some collateral benefit from it as well. It appears I may have been fortunate to not have had any problems from not having the diode.
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Old 03-06-2012, 03:05 PM   #8
scottyb
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Quote:
Originally Posted by simple man View Post
Is it possible that some of the newer controllers have the diode built in? I would think that would be the way to go!
Research shows the new Alltrax SPM has a diode protection built into the controller if you wire it using the two connections that control the solenoid. (optional) If the cart is wired where the foot switch still controls the solenoid then you need to add a protection diode.
Hope this helps.
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Old 03-06-2012, 05:23 PM   #9
Kelly G
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
Research shows the new Alltrax SPM has a diode protection built into the controller if you wire it using the two connections that control the solenoid. (optional) If the cart is wired where the foot switch still controls the solenoid then you need to add a protection diode.
Hope this helps.
What is the voltage used to activate the solenoid if you use the connections on the controller?
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Old 03-06-2012, 08:06 PM   #10
ForBruce
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Default Re: Suppose I have NO DIODE

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chipster27 View Post
Well at least your Alltrax works

You might also check the size of your resistor. I believe the 400a solenoid requires a larger resistor than the factory solenoid. Someone else might be able to provide the specifics.
the size of the solenoid has no bearing on the value of the resistor..

The purpose of the resistor is to let some current flow ,when the solenoid is not energized to "PRECHARGE" the controller. (like warming up a cold engine)

Therefore the value of the RESISTOR is dependent on the specs and needs of the controller
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