Electric Mountain Board for Golfing help???

[warkdouglas]

Hey guys,

I am going to be attempting a project and I want to run a few things past some of you guys who have experience building these boards. I am planning on building my own version of a GolfBoard, which is very similar to a mountain board. I just don't feel like spending 3,600 bucks. I would say that the only difference will be that it needs to optimized for much slower speeds and a bit more weight capacity.

So far this is my plan. I am worried that normal mountain board deck will have far too much flex for this application, so I am planning on making a custom aluminum deck, using 1/2" aluminum with about 60-80% milled out. I am hoping this will be more rigid and also allow the entire deck to about 6-8 inches off the ground. I have tools to make my own deck, motor mounts, etc., but I have very little RC electronics knowledge, and I don't want to copy someone's setup only to find my board is completely gutless and/or have something explode.

So my biggest issue is figuring out the proper motor, esc, battery, transmitter combination to make this thing work with as little hassle as possible .
I would like two motors for traction but I need a setup that only has a max speed of about 10-15 MPH, slow but powerful takeoff, hopefully a reverse, can take off from a dead stop, and that has approximately 8-10 mile range (36 holes of golf). I also need a brake that can lock the board in place. I don't know if any rc motors are capable of that or if I need to install a separate cable brake.

Anyways, I was hoping some of you guru's out there could give me some advice on the best and easiest setups.

Thanks

 

[onloop]

Everything you have said sounds possible. I assume the brake is so it doesn't roll away when parked on a hill... maybe a really simple "dead-man" style pedal that you have your foot on when moving but when you stop & step off it drops down and anchors you into the ground, it would be super reliable and automatically operated by gravity..

What size wheel do you want? I would think you want something 8 inch or maybe bigger just so you can effortlessly navigate around any obstacles that might be in your way. Probably just copy what the golf board uses, i assume they would have test several wheels sizes.

In terms of top speed that's fairly easy to setup simply using pulleys & mechanical reduction. But you might also consider using a hub motor for this project, then you don't need motor mounts.

Also how do you want to control the acceleration? I think you probably want a handle bar with a thumb throttle? then the upright bar of the handle-bar can also have some straps etc for securing your golf bag.

 

[warkdouglas]

Everything you have said sounds possible. I assume the brake is so it doesn't roll away when parked on a hill... maybe a really simple "dead-man" style pedal that you have your foot on when moving but when you stop & step off it drops down and anchors you into the ground, it would be super reliable and automatically operated by gravity..

What size wheel do you want? I would think you want something 8 inch or maybe bigger just so you can effortlessly navigate around any obstacles that might be in your way. Probably just copy what the golf board uses, i assume they would have test several wheels sizes.

In terms of top speed that's fairly easy to setup simply using pulleys & mechanical reduction. But you might also consider using a hub motor for this project, then you don't need motor mounts.

Also how do you want to control the acceleration? I think you probably want a handle bar with a thumb throttle? then the upright bar of the handle-bar can also have some straps etc for securing your golf bag.

Yes, the brake would be if you had to park on an incline. I was thinking about using the MBS V5 brake kit on the front wheels and then using a handle brake with a lock (I found one for cheap). that could either be mounted to a handlebar setup or independent. An I have seen lots of handle bar mounted throttles which woudl work with some configurations, but not with RC brushless style motors.

For wheels I was planning on using 8" or 9" mountain board wheels (for brake compatability). Maybe try and find some that are a bit wider, if possible.

 

[onloop]

In theory the VESC can support a thumb throttle.

Haven't tested it yet.

If you can use existing products such as a brake lever with lock it would make it much easier.

Dual Brushless outrunners & vesc is your best bet.

 

[torqueboards]

I would go 12S with some 6374 SK3 motors and some ridiculous gearing for more torque. Of course, if you can I'd add in sensors which would make the setup much smoother.

 

[LEVer]

IMO, it's best to use Hub motors on this one. There are Hubs that run slow and can be fitted with 200x50 tires or wider. They will run quieter and will have less maintenance than with belts or chains. You would just need to make your own trucks as the Hub motors are wider than the MBS trucks.

FYI, Golfboards are $6500. They also use two brushed motors and gear reductions without the use of belts. I've been wanting to convert my SkatE-Pods into something like this, just can't find the time.

 

[warkdouglas]

I would go 12S with some 6374 SK3 motors and some ridiculous gearing for more torque. Of course, if you can I'd add in sensors which would make the setup much smoother.

Would the board take off from a standstill without sensors?

 

[warkdouglas]

IMO, it's best to use Hub motors on this one. There are Hubs that run slow and can be fitted with 200x50 tires or wider. They will run quieter and will have less maintenance than with belts or chains. You would just need to make your own trucks as the Hub motors are wider than the MBS trucks.

FYI, Golfboards are $6500. They also use two brushed motors and gear reductions without the use of belts. I've been wanting to convert my SkatE-Pods into something like this, just can't find the time.

What hub motor would you recommend?

 

[torqueboards]

I would go 12S with some 6374 SK3 motors and some ridiculous gearing for more torque. Of course, if you can I'd add in sensors which would make the setup much smoother.

Would the board take off from a standstill without sensors?

No, you would need a brushed, hub motor and/or sensored brushless motor to start from a standstill.

 

[LEVer]

...


What hub motor would you recommend?

Check here: https://www.uumotor.com

 

[warkdouglas]

I would go 12S with some 6374 SK3 motors and some ridiculous gearing for more torque. Of course, if you can I'd add in sensors which would make the setup much smoother.

Would the board take off from a standstill without sensors?

No, you would need a brushed, hub motor and/or sensored brushless motor to start from a standstill.

How do you think 10S with 2 750-1000 watt brushed scooter motors would perform (http://www.monsterscooterparts.com/36-volt-1000-watt-motor-mounting-bracket-11-tooth-8mm-05t-chain-sprocket-my1020.html)? I would like to use something like an SK3, but I don't know how well I would be at setting up the sensors properly to have a good takeoff.

Those scooter motors have max draw of 17A to 35A. I believe I would want to connect them in parrellel. Would I be better off with 1 or 2 ESCs? could I run something like 2 of these (http://www.hobbypartz.com/hobbywing-ezrun-35a-brushless-esc.html)? that way I could have a reverse? It says it is only suitable for 3S LiPo.. would running 10S fry that ESC?

 

[sl33py]

I would like to use something like an SK3, but I don't know how well I would be at setting up the sensors properly to have a good takeoff.

I vote for the SK3's and get the e0 designs hall sensors added on.
They have a "kit" you assemble and steps to dial in the placement for smooth running. Looks like so w/ their mount (they have a mount for SK3 motors as well):

With VESC in sensored mode i think this would be ideal.

It says it is only suitable for 3S LiPo.. would running 10S fry that ESC?

"suitable for 3s lipo" - yes you would fry it running 10s.

3s nominal voltage is 11.1 (3*3.7v Nominal vs 3*4.2v/12.6v fully charged) compared to 10s (37v Nominal or 42v fully charged). Big difference (let the magic smoke out or fire kind of difference).

HTH - GL!

 

[LEVer]

I'm not sure those E0designs sensors will last in an all-terrain environment with the bumps, dirt and moisture it will get. Also, this is a case where the heaviness of the board will be an advantage because it helps stabilize the ride and keeps the board from tipping over cause of the weight of the golf bag. You really want a low, heavy base, low speed/high torque and preferably 4WD to go over uneven and slippery terrain.

 

[psychotiller]

Maybe we should play a round of golf this week pedi? I'll use my pneumatic board with a T-handle. I wonder if there's a local course that would let us?

 

[LEVer]

Sure, even though I don't play golf, haha. I'm sure it'll be fun with our boards. :wink: