[BenNelson]

Hi everyone!

I am running an Open ReVolt controller in my Electro-Metro.

The controller connects to a dashboard tablet PC over a serial to USB adapter cable.

I then use RTD Explorer to tweak settings on the controller and have a real-time display of amps, PWM, throttle, controller heat sink temperature, etc.

The tablet pc can also play audio files out to my car stereo, and run slideshows of my electric car build.

 

[Camaro]

I'm surprised that there isn't more talk on this forum about the Open Revolt controller. I think it's awsome. I'll be using a modified version for my Camaro. Yes it takes some electric know how, but it's so much cheaper to build a good controller, than it is to pay thousands for one that works ok.

 

[Salty9]

The RTD Explorer should get quite a run. I'm looking at it closely for future use. Thanks for the info.

 

[jackbauer]

I'm surprised that there isn't more talk on this forum about the Open Revolt controller. I think it's awsome. I'll be using a modified version for my Camaro. Yes it takes some electric know how, but it's so much cheaper to build a good controller, than it is to pay thousands for one that works ok.

Agreed. It made my build possible. Only real alternative would have been an ebay golf cart controller

 

[ky-honolulu]

Curious how the Open ReVolt has operated for you, is it noisy like the curtis or jerky like a logi controller. I have been looking at the synkromotive contoller but $1612 plus shipping to Honolulu Hi kinda steep for me right now. Other Questions, do you need to add a heat sink, pre charge resistor or is it all incuded.

 

[exile]

In Sweden you need pass EMC test and its not cheap, so use prebuilt controller (that’s have been EMC test and pass the test) is all most the only way to get car legally.
I don’t now how it is in other countries.
I would like to have built one but not able to use it.

 

[Georgia Tech]

I am VERY surprised that this controller is not ALL over the Place!! I think Paul Hokms has done an AWSOME job on this!!! He Kind of reminds me of Linous Travodous in his pursuite of this. I for one think he is doing a fantastic Job! Also it is rummered that he will be developing a 1000 amp syncronous controller!!!

I have been looking for a good body to put this controller in...classic mustang..but boy they are tough to find!!

Good Luck Paul Holmes my GOD bless all your endevours!!

 

[jyanof]

Curious how the Open ReVolt has operated for you, is it noisy like the curtis or jerky like a logi controller. I have been looking at the synkromotive contoller but $1612 plus shipping to Honolulu Hi kinda steep for me right now. Other Questions, do you need to add a heat sink, pre charge resistor or is it all incuded.

I've been using the controller for almost a year now in it's basic kit form (no other mods, other than the heatsink I had that it's mounted on). It has survived an AZ summer with 110F heat. In the 10 months I've had it installed, I've put 4500 miles on the controller so far.

It makes no audible noise - 16khz switching frequency at all throttle positions.

The throttle sensitivity can be customized, but since throttle controls output current (torque), it is very smooth. The problem with curtii (and logi?) is that they control voltage (PWM). So, at a dead stop, a little bit of throttle is just a little bit of voltage, but that's enough for huge amounts of current (torque) which leads to jerky starts. If you control current (torque), you control how smooth it is.

I used a heatsink I got on ebay. I run 144v worth of batteries. At 200A continuous output (cruising for me), it'll operate at +12C relative to ambient. It also has temperature sensing to power back if it's too hot. I haven't experienced that yet, even with AZ summers, but I also try to keep the amps low by keeping rpms high.

You need a precharge resistor, but those are cheap. It does have automated contactor control, but you'd have to defer to jack for questions about that. I never set it up.

Once i started from a stoplight uphill and forgot I was in 2nd gear. The output was pegged at 500A for maybe 15 seconds straight. This was a few weeks ago, so it wasn't crazy hot out, but i think it still says a lot about the controller. The curtis I had would never do that...

You will be responsible for your own work, but I think it is safe to say that the design has been well tested and verified. It's just up to you to assemble it correctly.

I'd definitely recommend this controller as a substitute for any 144V 500A controller with superior performance.

http://www.evalbum.com/2358

 

[Dave Koller]

Open Revolt is an intelligent and well thought out controller.. There are many options including the way that jackbauer built his with IGBT's around the bare controller processor boards... Worth people looking into the work and success that went into it...

 

[BenNelson]

I have been really happy with mine.

Mine is actually "MK1" - the original one Paul built, then he shipped it to me. Then I "Tested it til destruction" - sent it back to him, and improvements were made.

Later, I fried my logic board. (Completely my fault. Stupid Stupid Stupid... Not a design flaw.) I just bought a new circuit board from Paul and Sabrina's EV STuff and put it together. Good as new!

I am using the main contactor control. That works really well too. On my car, there is a beep for six seconds after you turn the key, so I just set the precharge for the same amount of time. That way I have a custom precharge indicator - er, sort of.

I am all for promoting open source projects, especially this one. In fact, I designed an Open ReVolt logo! If anyone is interested, you can buy a t-shirt with the logo.

My friend Chris is working on an EV motorcycle, with an Open ReVolt controller at the heart of it. His case is plexiglass, and he carved the logo into the top of the clear plastic. It looks really cool!

If anyone wants a copy of the the logo for use on their project, please e-mail/private message me. The only thing that I ask is that you use it to promote the project, rather than to make money with it!

 

[tomofreno]

I hear Open Revolt has an AC controller in the works. Know where I can find info on it?

 

[TheSGC]

I hear Open Revolt has an AC controller in the works. Know where I can find info on it?

I am working on it, but my ruddy finals are getting in the way.

Here is a link: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...eap-3-phase-inverter-ac-controller-10839.html

I have a good chunk of it protoboarded but don't have time for a few weeks to work on it some more. My current design is geared toward my test motor, a Solectria ACGTX20 motor, 12 kW cont, 42 kW peak @ 156 volts.

 

[ky-honolulu]

I just had to say that your logo looks somewhat similar to one of our IBEW 1186 shirt logos with the lightning bolt and hand.

 

[BenNelson]

your logo looks somewhat similar to one of our IBEW 1186 shirt logos

My mother-in-law worked for our local IBEW for a number of years. I did some work over there. My logo draws on several elements including IBEW and THE FLASH.

 

[tomofreno]

It would be nice to have a higher current, say 650 - 700A for higher torque at lower rpm, and higher voltage, say 144 - 156V for higher torque at higher rpm, for the HPEVS AC50 motor. The Curtis 1238-7501 controller currently used with it is max 550A, 130V and does well for an ev under 2500 lb or so, but the 8.5" motor would work well for vehicles like a Toyota Corolla if it had a more powerful controller. This motor is much lower cost than the ones from Solectria - $4500.00 for motor and controller.

 

[BenNelson]

My friend, Chris, is making a 700 amp, 144V Open ReVolt for his electric motorcycle conversion.

We're not sure how to cram 144v of batteries in there yet!

See his blog here.

 

[ky-honolulu]

I just placed my order for the Open ReVolt and thanks to the replies of Jyanof and BenNelson. It was between a Chennic controller JCSCX-12050 a 500 amp $320 and the Open Revolt $600 I Decided to go with the Revolt because of comments and the fact that if I get problems in the future I can have a chance to fix it and get parts and support. The Chennic is a sealed unit and their time frame for responses Must be Chinas time as where mine is pacific (Hawaii ) time. Again I would like to thank you folks for the replies. On a different note Do you folks in the Mainland get the funny look and being called crazy for working on electric cars. I am by other Electricians of my union 1186 and also close friends. Once I get my controller and batteries these last five months will pay off and I will show them. " I Hope "

 

[BenNelson]

Most people who look at my car have one of two responses:

1) They don't get why I want an electric car when it can't go 300 miles at a crack the was their gas car can. They shake their head and walk away.

2) (The other 98%) Think the car is really cool and are amazed that I did it all by myself, and did it affordably.

You are not crazy. If you are, it's crazy like a fox.

The ReVolt is pretty cool, you'll be happy with it.

 

[ky-honolulu]

It is good to get moral support sometimes, again thanks.

 

[ky-honolulu]

Hey Ben, I guess I will not be using an open revolt controller. The order that was placed with them was just canceled by them because I refuse to pay the extra $30 that they asked for. I told them that they should stand behind their website and when I posted the order it gave me options whether the to pay $10 for medium or small packages or $40 for kits which is multiple to the US. The way I see it is if their website gave me choices it should be the choices that is permitted. By taking my order on their website and it going through I see it as a contract. They have taken payment and after nine days have decided to cancel my order. They have also stated to me that many people have had the same problem and it is my mistake. As I stated it is their website and they should stand behind their product and website which is their business. They have also stated that it would take 3 to 4 weeks before they would mail their product. I feel they don't care about the inconvenience they put their customers through. Other websites which I've had experiences of one that has asked for more money have stated that it's their fault and they would burden the costs. These people don't seem very professional but apparently you have a close connections with them. I hope you the best with your controller. I am thinking about using the chenic and having my attorney handled this problem. I will also be contacting the better business bureau. As of yet I have not verified the money going back in to my credit card. This has been a disappointment as I thought I was dealing with a professional company with a great product. Apparently not.