[F16bmathis]

While waiting for my Zilla to be fixed (my fault, Zilla's rule!), I installed my Curtis 1231C in the truck. Its a 500 amp controller, but I'm only getting 200 amps off the battery side, not sure of motor side. When I had previously had it installed, it put out a full 500 amps.

The Curtis manual shows "A2" connected to the "A2-S1" connection, but a wiring diagram I found on http://www.ev-power.com.au/-TECHNICAL-ARTICLES-.html says that the "A2" connection is for plug braking and not to connect it for a street vehicle! So when I wired this up, I didn't connect "A2".

The Curtis manual only mentions plug braking in relation to the KSI connection.

I'd appreciate any help, but I'm going to go wire in the A2 to the A2-S1 connection and see if things improve.

[F16bmathis]

Wired it up, now it runs in reverse! Not sure about power output. Back to wiring...

[F16bmathis]

Hey look, the Curtis manual has a (fig 10) 4th? wiring diagram that is completely different from the rest. A2 to S2 motor connection instead of A2 to S1, M- to S1, and A2 to the A2-S2 motor connection.

Back to re-wiring...

[F16bmathis]

Wired per Curtis Manual Fig 10. Runs forward, seems to put out the same battery amps (starts out really slow in 2nd gear, gets RPM's up to 6k or so, as amps reach 300+/-.

[EVfun]

Please don't connect the plug braking system (A2.) Real EVs go to fast, that thing is only for forklifts. Using it in an on-road EV is mostly a way to blow up a Curtis.

[F16bmathis]

I remember having it disconnected before when someone at our EV club told me I didn't need it, but I didn't remember which output (A2) it was. I've driven it almost 200 miles so far with it connected, but I'm just waiting for the 144V signal wire to break and send my controller into plug heaven. I'm at work now, but maybe I can sneak out and remove it...

[F16bmathis]

Also, why doesn't the Curtis manual show this not connected. I had to go through three diagrams before I found the one that worked. If you follow the first two diagrams through the reverse relays, you'll find the wiring isn't the same as the third diagram.

[major]

Originally Posted by F16bmathis

I remember having it disconnected before when someone at our EV club told me I didn't need it, but I didn't remember which output (A2) it was. I've driven it almost 200 miles so far with it connected, but I'm just waiting for the 144V signal wire to break and send my controller into plug heaven. I'm at work now, but maybe I can sneak out and remove it...

A2 on the controller is for plug reversing. You cannot plug reverse without a reversing contactor set. And since you say something about 2nd gear, I assume you use transmission for reverse and have the motor wired for unidirection.

You can leave the A2 connection and this will help protect the controller in the case where you are rolling backwards and apply a forward throttle. It will give you an abrupt stop, so should be avoided. Other than that, the A2 connection does nothing in your set-up.

major

[major]

Originally Posted by F16bmathis

Also, why doesn't the Curtis manual show this not connected. I had to go through three diagrams before I found the one that worked. If you follow the first two diagrams through the reverse relays, you'll find the wiring isn't the same as the third diagram.

O.K. F16b,

I give up. What's different, besides the field direction, which is dependent on your preferred rotation direction?

major

[Woodsmith]

Originally Posted by F16bmathis

Also, why doesn't the Curtis manual show this not connected. I had to go through three diagrams before I found the one that worked. If you follow the first two diagrams through the reverse relays, you'll find the wiring isn't the same as the third diagram.

I found this with my Curtis 1214 on my Tractor. There wasn't any diagram without the A2 connection.

I tried with it disconnected and found the motor wasn't running as well, it felt like it was being strangled and was rough. With the A2 connected it would spin freely and produced lots or 'oomph'.
I figured I would leave it that way as it is unlikely the tractor will be going over 15mph or on the public road.