Powerful Electric Go Kart - really need help

[Algar123]

Hi, I'm looking to build an electric go kart and just need some direction on the drive system.
I was looking at putting two of these motors http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5142 onto a fixed wheel drive. Are these going to be powerful enough? Also what Esc should I use. Plenty more questions as you guys can see I'm a complete newbie at this so any help anyone could give would be amazing. Thanks guys.

Algar

 

[torqueon]

If i where to build an electric kart I would prefer a brushed motor for simplicity ! I know all the rage is on RC Brushless motors
However if you read about RC motors, you find there's more to it than meets the eye.
Mind you that I am speaking for my self as there is much to learn here . Your in the right place
Welcome

 

[Algar123]

Yeah I looked at brushed motors however it seems that brushless are lower maintenance and also I think I know how to wire the controller. But I'll keep thinking about it. Thanks
Algar

 

[Hillhater]

....as you guys can see I'm a complete newbie at this so any help anyone could give would be amazing. Thanks guys...Algar

You may know how to "wire" the controller but do you know which controller(s) you would use ?, and how you are going to stop them self distructing ??
The advice of Brushed motors was very solid ! :wink:
Motor maintenance isnt really going to be an issue .. unless you are planning a round the world trip on a go kart ?

 

[Green Machine]

Look into a plettenberg predator...rc all the way....german made.

http://www.plettenberg-motoren.com/UK/Motoren/aussen/Predator/Motor.htm

 

[Algar123]

I looked at the Predator and it said that it was close to a thousand euros? if this is right I think its abit too expensive. I think ill have more of a look around at the RC motors both brushed and brushless. I was looking at using 150amp Turniggy controllers thought they would be compatible with the Turnigy motors? What do you mean exploding? and how would I stop it? Also with the brushed motors the ones that I have seen dont seem to be as powerful as the brushless motors? Im eager to learn everything there is to know about all types of electrical circuits and wouldnt mind a challenge.
Thanks everyone for all the help, your guys really are great. Would love to see some other peoples projects.
Algar

 

[itchynackers]

My understanding is that RC motors on karts need a clutch setup, which can be costly, and wastes energy. This is because you need mega torque to get going. I believe the brushed setup makes this easier, and all you have to do is replace brushes periodically.

 

[REdiculous]

RC motors require a pretty high reduction ratio but there's no reason they can't work. If nothing else you've got more room on a gokart so fitting a gearbox+clutch would be easier than on a bike. High power (high-voltage, high-rpm) brush motors can require a large reduction too. :wink:

 

[damcard]

In case you haven't seen this video. [youtube]vwODx028_Jw[/youtube]

 

[torqueon]

Nice video

If your looking for cheap motors for a kart build, I suggest cordless lawnmower motors these can found in swap meets, pawn stores etc. My bike is powered by one and it doe's quite well ! Two of them on a kart would make for a quick ride.

 

[Hillhater]

I was looking at using 150amp Turniggy controllers thought they would be compatible with the Turnigy motors? What do you mean exploding? and how would I stop it?...

Turnigy brushless motors and ESC's are generally compatible and work OK when used as intended ....Flying aircraft or heli's !
They were not designed to run at high torque low speed as in accellerating a kart. !
Only a few expensive ($200+) high end ESC's seem to hold up in EV aplications .
Brushed motors & controllers are better suited and much more reliable in EV situations.

 

[REdiculous]

That is a cool video but the heat that's generated there at the clutch is kinda scary and wasteful. Looks like they just rev the crap out of it until it starts grabbing, kinda like a weedwhacker I guess.

A treadmill motor would probably work pretty good in a gokart...brushes, fairly cheap and fairly powerful.

 

[Bluefang]

The problem they are having with the clutch is probably because its not tuned to run a electric motor, you just need the motor spinning, 10rpm or less and its all good. Easiest way to get a good setup is to remove the springs from the clutch and add weights to the arms. An even better option that i am looking into for my 50cc scooter conversion to electric is going to be a DR.pulley ramp clutch, once the arms engage the bell and are over a set rpm they lock onto the bell so that it wont slip. Hopefully i can get it to engage at like 500rpm and start locking up at 1500 and been fully locked at 2000. If they did that to the gokart it would be quicker and have alot less wear on the clutch, tho it would cost a extra $200 probably.

 

[Arlo1]

Awesome.!

 

[Arlo1]

If i was you i would get a collossus motor and a sevcon controler! And lipo batteries!
Not cheep but you would be hella fast!

 

[Hillhater]

....Hopefully i can get it to engage at like 500rpm and start locking up at 1500 and been fully locked at 2000. If they did that to the gokart it would be quicker and have alot less wear on the clutch, tho it would cost a extra $200 probably.

go kart clutches to handle 5+kW, that lock up solid at 2k rpm, can be bought for $50.

 

[Bluefang]

Ohh now that sounds interesting. By locking up solid do you mean that they have some sort of latching that forces them to lock up at a set rpm/torque level. I had only spoken about a Dr.Pulley HIT clutch http://www.unionmaterial.com/Instruction%20for%20HIT-V1-mini.pdf


Which so far the cheapest i have been able to find is like $300 :| But then they are designed for 40hp engines so once i find some smaller ones they may be alot cheaper.
Derek

 

[Arlo1]

Hi, I'm looking to build an electric go kart and just need some direction on the drive system.
I was looking at putting two of these motors http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5142 onto a fixed wheel drive. Are these going to be powerful enough? Also what Esc should I use. Plenty more questions as you guys can see I'm a complete newbie at this so any help anyone could give would be amazing. Thanks guys.

Algar

If you rewind those to a lower KV then you will have less gear reduation and it will be easier on the controlers.
You can also get the small collossus as they are the same motor just wound with a 75 kv.
If you get sensored controlers you wont need a clutch!

 

[Hillhater]

Ohh now that sounds interesting. By locking up solid do you mean that they have some sort of latching that forces them to lock up at a set rpm/torque level.

No, they are regular centrifugal friction clutches ( drum style, or some are disc design) but they have no problem driving with with no slippage once the "lock up" rpm is reached. At that speed the either motor "stalls" to match the drive train speed, or the wheels spin.
you do not need any positive locker system for a simple drive train application.
these clutches are used on everything from 2hp to 100hp karts in various forms
http://www.out2win.com/catalog/max_fun.html

 

[amberwolf]

Seeing that pic reminds me that I have one that looks exactly like that, from some gas engine kit for a bike, donated to me in pieces from Freecycle in a box (not sure but I think the engine is missing some bits).

Perhaps one of these days I'll have to find a use for it on something, perhaps using one of the high-RPM treadmill motors?

 

[Algar123]

Hey, sorry been pretty busy recently.
I was looking at the colossus motors they seem to be everywhere but where can I get one?
Can anyone give me a link? Would be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[salty9]

Check: http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=16328&hilit=alternator