Low Speed Mode

[remac]

Is there an easy way to switch an 09 EZGO PDS cart to low speed?
When I say low speed I mean 6mph or less, not changing the PDS jumpers.

[yurtle]

I assume this is for kids? One option posted a while back is a "home-made" mechanical device installed under the gas pedal, that limits its range of motion. Simply install for the kiddies and remove for the adults.

[remac]

Thanks yurtle, I saw that too but forgot about it.
I think it was a carriage bolt under the gas pedal
that you could adjust for different maximum speeds.

That is an option that would work for kids
but I was hoping for something more 'elegant'...

[jakesnake27]

I don't know a whole lot about ezgos, but don't they use chips?
So you could have a high speed and a low speed chip and swap them out?

[remac]

jake - the 'chips' are just jumper wires that tell the PDS what mode to run in.
there are only four of them (actually three, one mode is really, 'no jumper').
there are several other recent posts that have the chart explaining what each 'chip' enables, but the speed choices are basically 12mph or 18mph.

To switch from one chip to another you have to switch from run to maint,
then open the PDS case, unplug one jumper, plug in the other,
close the case back up and switch back to run mode.
Although there are some that have used switches outside the case
that's for more advanced hackers (can I say hack on a golfing web site?)

BTW - if you mess up the PDS doing any of this or don't bolt the case
down good and the PDS gets wet - BIG BUCKS for a new PDS.

the only other mode i can think of is a maintenance mode that kicks in
if you really mess up, and that just lets you creep back to the garage for repair.

[yurtle]

Originally Posted by remac

jake - the 'chips' are just jumper wires that tell the PDS what mode to run in.
there are only four of them (actually three, one mode is really, 'no jumper').
there are several other recent posts that have the chart explaining what each 'chip' enables, but the speed choices are basically 12mph or 18mph.

To switch from one chip to another you have to switch from run to maint,
then open the PDS case, unplug one jumper, plug in the other,
close the case back up and switch back to run mode.
Although there are some that have used switches outside the case
that's for more advanced hackers (can I say hack on a golfing web site?)

BTW - if you mess up the PDS doing any of this or don't bolt the case
down good and the PDS gets wet - BIG BUCKS for a new PDS.

the only other mode i can think of is a maintenance mode that kicks in
if you really mess up, and that just lets you creep back to the garage for repair.

Actually another "hack" might be to add a toggle switch to the speed sensor. I've heard of folks call this "creep" mode. Dunno what the speed would be limited to, or if it's safe to do, as stock sepex controllers seem to blow up whenever you forget to put them into tow mode before changing things.

[jakesnake27]

Originally Posted by remac

jake - the 'chips' are just jumper wires that tell the PDS what mode to run in.
there are only four of them (actually three, one mode is really, 'no jumper').
there are several other recent posts that have the chart explaining what each 'chip' enables, but the speed choices are basically 12mph or 18mph.

To switch from one chip to another you have to switch from run to maint,
then open the PDS case, unplug one jumper, plug in the other,
close the case back up and switch back to run mode.
Although there are some that have used switches outside the case
that's for more advanced hackers (can I say hack on a golfing web site?)

BTW - if you mess up the PDS doing any of this or don't bolt the case
down good and the PDS gets wet - BIG BUCKS for a new PDS.

the only other mode i can think of is a maintenance mode that kicks in
if you really mess up, and that just lets you creep back to the garage for repair.

Ok I see, so it sounds like something mechanical with the pedal may be the way to go...

[yurtle]

Creep mode occurs when the speed sensor dies or the magnet becomes loose. Others more expert would have to tell us what happens with regard to speed and regen. It still might freewheel down hill, since the controller no longer knows how fast the motor is turning.

Actually I think they call it "limp" mode, not creep.

[yurtle]

Another "hack" would be to make it think it's overheating. I think this also triggers "limp" mode?

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by remac

...............but I was hoping for something more 'elegant'...

You have an ITS (Inductive Throttle System) that varies the voltage on the throttle input (J4 Pin-3) from about 1.0V when the solenoid first clicks, up to about 2.9V when the pedal is on the floor.

I'm not sure if the throttle system works on current or voltage, but the voltage is relative to B-, so you might be able to add a resistor and switch between J4 Pin-3 and B-, that would shunt a portion of it away from the controller.

If it does, you'll probably have to experiment some to get the right value resistor.

However, with a top speed of about 6MPH, it will be an amp hog. (Motors can draw a lot of amps at low RPM and over heat the motor)