Chris Wallace builds an
Electric Ford Quadricycle
Hi Everett,
Well, I've done it, even as our economy sinks into the black abyss...
Attached are three photos of my carriage, which is based 95% on your plans. It has six 18AH batteries configured for 36V, i.e., three sets of two, in series. It has a 1000 watt motor which is surprisingly powerful for its small size. I do have a canopy in the works, but I'm still in the process of tracking down a sewing machine that can handle several layers of naugahyde. I took advantage of the front end woodwork and installed panel meters for voltage and current, plus the on/off switch. On a fairly level street it draws less than 10 amps; I haven't yet determined its top speed. The transaxle is a four speed manual shift with neutral and reverse gears — cheap! — but that gave me a good excuse for buying another brass ball knob for the shifter!
In celebration of its completion, I took it up to the neighborhood Shell station today to buy a 12-pack. You should have seen the looks I was getting!! — what a hoot! As I came out of the store, I placed my 12-pack in the front end, hopped in and threw it into reverse, backed out of my parking space, then into first gear and off I went. Hah! Such joy...
I can already predict a few add-ons, the first of which will most likely be a speedometer. And perhaps later, economy permitting, I'll switch from drum to disc brakes (those drum brakes are really minimum!) Oh, and I also want to add a raised, boxed-in platform on the back end so my dog can ride with me, and it'll give me a place to put my groceries.
And to think, all of this started three months ago when I discovered your web site. THANK YOU for the inspiration to do something fun, challenging and best of all, a new conveyance to get me around town WITHOUT having to buy gasoline!
Regards,
Chris Wallace
Capitan, New Mexico
Chris answered the following question:
Q&A 1 - What controller did you use?:
It's an inexpensive controller from www.tncscooters.com rated at 36V/1000W, made in (guess where...) China. I did my homework in terms of weight, speed, etc. and realized that an inexpensive motor and controller would work just fine — and that decision turned out to be correct. It's really surprising how well a small, 1000W electric motor performs. I think my next purchase will be three small solar panels to charge the batteries. Now that's what I call free energy — and real freedom!
Q&A 2 - How is the motor connected to the transaxle?
The motor to transaxle connection is a simple spider coupling, the kind most often used in hydraulic systems. See page 1145 of the McMaster-Carr catalog or visit www.mcmaster.com and type "spider couplings" in the Find Products section, then scroll down to "Flexible Spider Shaft Couplings". I used the "D" size couplings (2-1/8" diameter). The bore sizes will depend on the motor shaft size and the transaxle's drive shaft size.
Q&A 3 - What is the ratio of the hookup if other than direct drive.
The motor connects directly to the transaxle via the shaft coupling mentioned above. The only gear reduction comes from the transaxle itself.
Q&A 4 - How about a wiring diagram of the entire system. eg. motor, controller, accelerator, meters & batteries.
The basic wiring diagram for this controller can be found at http://www.tncscooters.com/YK42-3.php.The Motor/Controller wiring is shown below. Note that this configuration is SPECIFIC to this controller; other controllers will required a different wiring configuration.
The battery, fuse and meter wiring is shown below:
The battery wiring appears as follows:
4. The part numbers of the purchased electrical items. In case someone else wants to copy your design.
Throttle: 36V Half Twist Hall Effect Throttle from www.tncscooters.com PN 101106
Controller: 36V Yi Yun Controller from www.tncscooters.com PN 101202
Charger: 36V Inline Charger from www.tncscooters.com PN 101150
Charging Receptacle: from www.tncscooters.com PN 101240
Motor: 36V/1000W Motor, Currie Technologies, from www.MonsterScooterParts.com PN BO-M01-295 *
50A Shunt: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN SNT-50
50A Panel Meter: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN PMD-50A
50V Panel Meter: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN PMD-50
Inline AGUE Fuse Holder: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN FHP-79
40A AGU Fuses: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN AGU-40
20A SPST Switch: from Surplus Center www.surpluscenter.com PN 11-3220
Dual Row 30A Barrier Terminal Strip: from All Electronics www.allelectronics.com PN TS-404
Batteries: (6) 12V/18AH from www.jupiterbatteries.com PN JB12-018
Brass Knobs: I found these at McMaster-Carr. They have them in several diameters and thread sizes, and adds a nice touch to the overall appearance of the carriage.
Batteries: I chose this particular battery for two reasons. First, the physical dimensions are just right for the Horseless Carriage, but note that the floor board has to be lengthened to accommodate them; it should meet up with the rear legs of the seat assembly. Second, Jupiter Battery Co. does not offer a 36AH battery; they jump from 28AH to 50AH with nothing in between. In my opinion, 28AH is a bit too small and 50AH is a bit too much, although three of them in series might fit in the available space. My choice was to double up on the 18AH batteries to provide 36AH. This arrangement provides ample power for level street use. At moderate speeds, I've found that the motor draws about 10 to 15 amps. If you "goose" it to get up a driveway or climb a modest hill, the current goes up considerably. This of course should be avoided whenever possible.
Transaxle: I used the MST 204-503 Peerless transaxle from www.acengines.com It provides 4 forward speeds with neutral and reverse. It of course does require manual shifting, but it offers a good range of gear reduction. I had to come up with a simple shifter and corresponding linkage; I'll be glad to provide close-up photos of these mechanisms to anyone who asks for them.
* Note: I DO NOT advise anyone to purchase from www.MonsterScooterParts.com They've had innumerable complaints filed against them with the Maryland Better Business Bureau and I had a heck of time trying to do business with them. Instead, I suggest www.tncscooters.com Their tech support guy (Chris) is very knowledgeable and helpful and their turn-around time is very quick and expedient. I'm sure they can suggest a motor of a different brand that will do the job.
Goto: www.tncscooters.com
