Hello, I am building an off road type hauler using a 24v motor with integrated aluminum housing and .750" dia axle with small lawn tractor tires. I am looking for a 24v DC 800 watt Brushed motor controller that will be heavy duty enough to work. I have tried a couple controllers but with no success when going through tall grass or bumps. The controller overheats and blows the 30 amp fuse. Any suggestions on a controller that will work for heavier duty? Thanks
Hello @ktech,
We are sorry to hear that you are having trouble finding a motor controller for your porject.
Have you checked the RoboClaw and Sabertooth controllers?
They provide so many options and currents.
Here are the links:
https://www.robotshop.com/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=roboclaw&order=relevance&dir=desc
https://www.robotshop.com/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=sabertooth&order=relevance&dir=desc
There are other brands but it’s more expensive than these two, these are the common ones used with such projects.
Let us know if you need further assistance.
Sincerely,
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This is the hauler cart I’m building. Can you recommend a specific controller? The load could be up to 150 pounds
Hello @ktech,
Thank you for sharing the pictures with us.
According to the motor specifications that you are using, the current could exceed the 30A and this would burn any controller that can’t stand such current.
In this case, we recommend a controller with 60A like these two options:
Let us know how it goes.
Sincerely,
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Thank you!
Will these work with just the single motor I am using?
Also, is there a joy stick or scooter throttle that would work with these drivers?
Sorry for the simplicity of these questions but learning as I go.
Yes, you can simple use one of the channels with the motor.
However, if you prefer a single channel driver, you can try these ones:
As for the joystick, you can use this one:
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Thanks again…is there a thumb activated throttle available that could be used with one of these controllers?
Unfortunately, we don’t have this type of throttles but you can find it at any store which sells electric motorcycles parts.
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Thank you for all your help.
You are welcome.
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One more question, what do you recommend for a fuse for protection for the Sabertooth 2x60 Dual 60A Motor Driver?
This controller has overcurrent and thermal protection means you’ll never have to worry about killing the driver with accidental stalls or by hooking up too big a motor.
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Hi ktech- What those controller folks usually neglect to mention is they need plenty of ventilation to not overheat. That controller box needs to be either in open air, or better yet, near a fan to move cooling air over it for best performance, especially at their maximum ratings.
Look on ebay for a throttle speed control for electric bikes/gokarts.
Best of luck with your project! Stay cool!
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Thanks jwax, I appreciate the advice. I found a thumb speed controller and will test that out.
After doing some more research I believe the batteries I am currently using are underrated. I have two 12v batteries wired to 24v but they are rated at 16aH from what I found that is to low for the controller I need…any advice regarding that?
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AH (Ampere Hour) rating is like the fuel gauge for a battery. 16 AH says the battery will provide 16 amps for an hour, or one amp for 16 hours, but realistically, it won’t provide that. It’s a relative term. A 32 AH battery would probably provide twice the current, but again, it’s relative.
The controller is looking for that 24 volts- it doesn’t matter if it comes from 16 AA batteries in series connection or two car batteries. The 16 AA batteries just won’t last very long!
So the batteries you select determine your run time. Bigger battery, more runtime.
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What would you recommend for batteries using a Syren 50A Motor Driver with this cart?
Depends on your desired running time between recharging cycles.
Once you have the new controller installed, start with the batteries you have, and see if they last as long as you need. If not, go with bigger batteries (higher AH rating).
I will give it a shot…Thanks again.
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Another question…I wired a thumb throttle to a SyRen 50 and my project cart. It worked to accelerate the motor but when releasing the thumb throttle to return to the off location, the motor was still running slowly. It would not completely turn the motor off…The dip switch settings should be okay and are set on the recommended location.
Any idea what I am missing?