Low Speed Mode

[yurtle]

If a resistor works, you could add a pot and simply adjust it until it's happy. A variable inductor might also work.

In high school, I had a pot hooked up in series with my gas sensor and gauge, so when folks wanted a ride, I could show them I was sittin' on empty. To see the right amount, I just cranked it up. Had it hidden under my dash.

[jakesnake27]

Originally Posted by yurtle

In high school, I had a pot hooked up in series with my gas sensor and gauge, so when folks wanted a ride, I could show them I was sittin' on empty. To see the right amount, I just cranked it up. Had it hidden under my dash.

That is awesome!!!

[remac]

Thanks JohnnyB - that sounds like an idea killer right there.
Slower = more amps = more heat = more money - priceless.

I was looking at limiting the ITS voltage at J4 in some way
or maybe doing a mechanical limit on the accelerator rod
to limit the travel of the plunger into the ITS. OTW.
OTW means Out The Window...

I was originally looking for a speed limiter for more rambunctuous users,
I think now my speed limiter will be to keep the keys in my pocket

OTOH - my main mode of operation is now in question,
I like to drive around the property on various roads and trails (unpaved)
at low speed looking at wildlife and doing minor maintenance jobs.

Sounds like I would be better off ZOOMING around
and let the wildlife look out for itself.

[yurtle]

Yeah. In college a friend borrowed my van and I told him to put some gas in it. When he returned it, he said, "You weren't kidding that thing's a hog. I put $10 in it and the gauge barely budged!" He's the only one beside today that I shared my trick with.

[remac]

Try doing that trick today yurtle -
see what a new computer or instrument cluster costs...
ah for the good ol days

[yurtle]

The good ole' days when we were always having to top off the oil and coolant. I remember when gas first went over $1.00 a gallon and the pumps couldn't handle that many digits, so you had to pay twice the amount shown on the pump. To make it even more fun, you'd get a cash discount, so ya had to do a little math, 'course that was when cashiers actually knew how to make change.

[remac]

yup - dadgumit - i remember when gas hit 25 cents a gallon
and that was when the pump jockey pumped it for you
and checked the oil, water, tires, AND cleaned the windows
BUT all they sold inside was soda pop and stale chips...
if you wanted groceries you went to the grocery store
dadgumit

[yurtle]

Originally Posted by remac

yup - dadgumit - i remember when gas hit 25 cents a gallon
and that was when the pump jockey pumped it for you
and checked the oil, water, tires, AND cleaned the windows
BUT all they sold inside was soda pop and stale chips...
if you wanted groceries you went to the grocery store
dadgumit

Having been a pump jockey twice, we learned how to short-stick the dip stick, and sell them oil they didn't need, show them how they needed an air filter because I banged it on the breather cover and a bug or two fell off, and we didn't put water in the radiator, we sold them coolant by the quart. I was trained by the "best", until the IRS caught up with him.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by remac

................
OTOH - my main mode of operation is now in question,
I like to drive around the property on various roads and trails (unpaved)
at low speed looking at wildlife and doing minor maintenance jobs.

Sounds like I would be better off ZOOMING around
and let the wildlife look out for itself.

It depends on how hot the motor gets.

The thing to remember is that the lower the motor's RPM, the more Amps it will draw when the floodgates are opened, so a light and steady foot on the pedal will limit the number or Amps it can draw.

What happens is any Amps not converted into motion are converted into heat, so maintaining a steady speed helps keep the motor heat down.

Every week or so, I tow a little red wagon behind my cart and gather fallen branches and stuff the wind has blown onto the two acres I mow. Speed between stops is something like a fast walk or slow jog and the motor does gets hot, but not excessively so. Same was true when I had a stock PDS motor and controller.

I also drive across some fields and in nearby parks at fairly low speeds. (<10MPH)

I've never actually measured it, but I'm pretty sure I use about the same number of Amp-Hours picking up fallen branches as I do on a 10 mile road trip.

[remac]

Sounds reasonable - just let the motor cool down during stops.

Now I have another project - or a reason to finish a project.
I have the ExRay display which includes a temp sensor that bolts onto the motor housing.
That would give me an indication if the motor is heating up.

I knew I should have finished that install while the weather ws nice....