[O'Zeeke]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for 144V controllers and I was wondering what my options were.
I will most likely use the ADC FBI motor at 144V.
Thanks
Andre

Hi Xanerrix, i guess it depends on $, im using Curtis 1231 with a Warp11 at 144V, not all together yet so i cant tell you much more.

 

[Greenflight]

Hmmm... For some reason I thought the 1231 was only rated for 120V.

Either way- If you can find one a DC Power Systems Raptor (either the 600 or the 1200) will probably serve you well. I guess the 1200 would be more desirable, as the 600 has been known to self-destruct (I haven't had any problems with mine yet though).

And of course you can never go wrong with a Zilla!

 

[ronin4sale]

Zilla has a pretty decent wait time. If you are going to do that make sure you plan ahead and order it ASAP.

 

[headrush]

Zilla has a pretty decent wait time. If you are going to do that make sure you plan ahead and order it ASAP.

I spoke to the people at Cafe Electronics and they said the Zilla 1k LV had about a 6 month lead time, and is rated to 156v. the Zilla 1K HV has a shorter lead time and is rated to 300v.

The Curtis #1231C-8601 is rated up to 144v.

I am planning on using a Zilla, just for all the nifty features, let alone it is supposed to be a better controller. Don't forget the Zilla does need to be liquid cooled.

 

[ronin4sale]

FYI, price difference between the LV and HV is about $700.

 

[AmpEater]

You could always get a 144v/156v controller from Logisystems such as this one. Zilla performance without the wait.

Kelly controllers also make a 144v controller, but you're limited to 500A peak/250A cont.
​

 

[headrush]

You could always get a 144v/156v controller from Logisystems such as this one. Zilla performance without the wait.

Kelly controllers also make a 144v controller, but you're limited to 500A peak/250A cont.
​

If I am going to spend that much, the Zilla has way more features with its hairball attachment.

 

[KiwiEV]

What about Zapi - are they still making controllers? They had a fairly popular 600A DC controller with Regen braking built in.
May be a myth but the word about town is that anyone and everyone who used Zapi's regen braking subsequently had major controller problems.

 

[Mannyman]

I use the Belktronix 144V 500A system.
http://belktronix.com/

It's for people on a budget.
For $2250 you get:
(1) 144VDC, 500A DC Motor Controller
(12) Battery Monitor Boards
(12) Power Resistors
(1) 120VAC PFC 1kW Charger with Isolation
and DC/DC 650W Converter with Isolation
(1) Throttle Interface Module
(1) Vehicle Integration Module
(1) Charge Detection Module
(1) BatMon Isolation Module
(1) Contactor
(1) 600A Fuse
(2) Cooling Fans
(2) Mounting Brackets and hardware
(1) Installation and Wiring Guide

He's willing to make an 850A if demand is there.

 

[Twilly]

I ordered a Curtis 1231-8601 last week and found out there is a 1 month backorder... rated at 144 Vdc

 

[Muju]

Do all controllers have that starting tone or just the Curtis? I am specifically wondering about the Zillas.

 

[headrush]

I use the Belktronix 144V 500A system.
http://belktronix.com/

It's for people on a budget.
For $2250 you get:
(1) 144VDC, 500A DC Motor Controller
(12) Battery Monitor Boards
(12) Power Resistors
(1) 120VAC PFC 1kW Charger with Isolation
and DC/DC 650W Converter with Isolation
(1) Throttle Interface Module
(1) Vehicle Integration Module
(1) Charge Detection Module
(1) BatMon Isolation Module
(1) Contactor
(1) 600A Fuse
(2) Cooling Fans
(2) Mounting Brackets and hardware
(1) Installation and Wiring Guide

He's willing to make an 850A if demand is there.

Wow, that is not a bad deal at all. Looks like this would take care of the charging of the batteries as well as the controller and many of the sub systems. If I am not mistaken.

 

[Twilly]

Do all controllers have that starting tone or just the Curtis? I am specifically wondering about the Zillas.

I believe it is just the Curtis, If you have ever drivin a golf cart with a curtis controller, you have heard it... Its not annoying, but I wouldnt mount it to the firewall either

 

[Xanerrix]

Thanks guys for all this info
Much appreciated!!

 

[Dan Frederiksen]

if budget is important I'd probably look to the new 144v Kelly

 

[the slashmaster]

if budget is important I'd probably look to the new 144v Kelly

Thanks for pointing them out. 900-1000 dollars 500 amps 144 volts. Do you guys think the regen one is worth getting? http://www.kellycontroller.com/shop/?mod=cat&cat_id=20

 

[Dan Frederiksen]

I've heard that regen with DC motors is problematic but I don't know if there is actually any truth to it

 

[Mastiff]

You'd require a Permanent Magnet motor to use the regen feature on that controller.

Most EV motors are Series Wound Motors, which to my understanding there is no way to have actual "regenerative" breaking from these motors, only forced motor breaking which takes up energy.

Those Kelly controllers look good for $900 you get 144v and 250A continuous, fully programmable, current limiting controls, high pedal disable.

That's everything you need in an EV.

 

[headrush]

After looking at the Kelly page and trying to take a few reality pills. I think I have waffled over to the Kelly for the controller. Lets see..... Almost $1000 to put into batteries, motor, or... hehe stereo... hmmmm I think the money savings a lone is worth it.