[PStechPaul]

I have been looking for a 5HP 230V VFD controller to use on my tractor project, and I found this on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370801105848

It seems like a good deal, even if I might only use it for the parts. Supposedly it is a working unit, but I can't find any manuals or information on how to hook it up or even adjust speed. There are others that seem to have displays and controls added to the front panel:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FINCOR-5200-AC-drive-202P0-230V-50-60HZ-2-2kva-1hp-1-hp-/350392264794
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fincor-5205...able-Frequency-AC-Motor-Control-/181015034883

If anyone has any experience or can provide information on this unit, I'd appreciate it. From my searches, it seems to be an obsolete unit that costs $950 to repair, and the output frequency is only 0-60/120 Hz, but that is sufficient for my needs. Otherwise, I can buy a new or used 4-7.5HP VFD for under $300:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330836340246
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200890526648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390377159264
http://www.ebay.com/itm/260872489228
http://www.ebay.com/itm/260604817681

 

[Ivansgarage]

Paul why not just a kelly 200 bucks, a real motor controller for electric vehicle.

http://kellycontroller.com/kim481024v-48vac-induction-motor-controller-p-1229.html

I have had a kelly on my electric bike for the last 6 years, nice to program and never had a problem.


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[PStechPaul]

That is a nice controller at a reasonable price. It seems to be 48V at 50A, or about 2500W or 4 HP. But it requires a special motor and shaft encoder, which is likely to be much more expensive and harder to obtain than an industrial 3 phase ACIM. My application is for a tractor or small utility vehicle, and part of my plan is to put together a package that can be easily and inexpensively utilized as a retrofit for gas and diesel tractors, especially in third world countries. But just for comparison purposes, I'd like to know the cost and availability of a small (5HP +/-) three phase AC motor that can be run on 48 VDC. I already know that it costs about $500 to rewind a motor of that size, but I don't know what sort of encoder would be needed, and if it could be made robust enough for hard usage as would be expected for a tractor. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ivansgarage]

That is a nice controller at a reasonable price. It seems to be 48V at 50A, or about 2500W or 4 HP. But it requires a special motor and shaft encoder, which is likely to be much more expensive and harder to obtain than an industrial 3 phase ACIM. My application is for a tractor or small utility vehicle, and part of my plan is to put together a package that can be easily and inexpensively utilized as a retrofit for gas and diesel tractors, especially in third world countries. But just for comparison purposes, I'd like to know the cost and availability of a small (5HP +/-) three phase AC motor that can be run on 48 VDC. I already know that it costs about $500 to rewind a motor of that size, but I don't know what sort of encoder would be needed, and if it could be made robust enough for hard usage as would be expected for a tractor. Thanks for the suggestion.

100 bucks for an encoder, every motor shop i have been in has stacks of old or burnt out motors. Lots in the 5 hp region, You are right about 500 or less just for material to rewind (if ya doit your self) for the 48-72 volt rewind with the most torque 10-12 inhand two turns. oh 36 slot.

Second thought, ten pounds, one roll of wire might be enough, that would
cut cost in half.