RC Throttle converter

[fizzit]

Hi, I'm just wondering if there is a market for a small, simple device that converts the 0-5v signal from a pot or hall throttle into the pulses required by RC motor ESCs.
Here's my proposed feature list:
-Small size (1" by 2" max, hopefully)
-Reliability
-Motor cutoff when brake applied
-Temp probe included for cutoff (that you can unplug and choose to not use. maybe have temp cutoff adjustable by trimpot)
-Easy calibration / set up (hold button and twist throttle to calibrate, idea used with permission from fechter)
-Optional Safety cutoff (when the throttle voltage goes above the max voltage calibrated, which is what often happens when a hall throttle breaks, the power will cut off)
-Indicator LED
-Up to 100v accepted

Possible other stuff:
Throttle curve to reduce sync loss
Tach measurements (to tell when to activate, therefore reducing sync loss)

The temp probe could also be replaced by a shunt, because the MCU will just look for when voltage received on the ADC channel (which will be scale-able by a pot) goes above a set level.

I'm thinking of selling it for about $40. Is this too high? Are there any other features you would like to see? Any feedback is appreciated.

PS. I think this might go along with the kepler drive well

 

[Carsten]

i dont know where u r located and if ur willing to sell to europe, but there are some issues with european legal requirements difficult to match with most types of controllers. maybe its something for ur feature list. i will start with the most common.

in most european countries u need a pas, most controllers override the pas input when u plug in a twist- or thumbthrottle. so u have to use a 3-step-switch or make a circuit that pulls the e-brake while not pedalling. maybe thats an easy task for u implementing a pas bypass for blockin/releasing the throttle signal.

theres also a speed limit in most european countries, thats a problem when using geared non-hub drives. implementing a magnet sensor input for decreasing throttle when exceeding programmable speed limit would be handy. i think thats one of the main reasons why hub motors are so popular over here, there are no simple plug in solutions for rc or other non-hub setups to meet legal needs.

40$ + shipping would be fine for such a device.

greetings
carsten

edit: sorry, after third reading i think ive misunderstood u, ur planning to built a converter for driving rc-controllers with standard throttles right? not for overriding throttle signal on common ebike controllers used with rc-motors, my fault.

 

[www.evlogix.com]

We sell a somewhat similar device called the RC Throttelizer with a few more features like a current controlled throttle and customizable throttle ramp, along with temperatuve and LVC protection, along with extensive programmability. Please see http://www.evlogix.com/content.php?link=Rcthrottle for more information. The current controlled throttle allows for finer control over the throttle and you don't get that dreaded "limited effective throttle" range with ordinary controllers. It also keeps heating in check because you're directly controlling the power going to the motor, unlike ordinary speed controls which can send all the power the motor wants depending on the throttle and motor speed which can make a heating nightmare and can lead to ESC destruction in EV use.

As far as demand goes, it exists but it's tiny and demand has been decreasing since a few months ago.

 

[fizzit]

edit: sorry, after third reading i think ive misunderstood u, ur planning to built a converter for driving rc-controllers with standard throttles right? not for overriding throttle signal on common ebike controllers used with rc-motors, my fault.

Yeah, I should have been more clear about that. I just updated the original post.

@evlogix: Yes I've read about your controller. Thank you for the information about the demand. I am not going into mass production or anything, just making them to order to make a little extra cash.

So if anyone is interested in this, let your voices be heard

 

[fizzit]

OK. Well judging from the fact that no one has expressed the slightest interest... I guess this should be filed under FAILs

So what are people using for their throttle converters? There seemed to be a lot of interest for Fechter's.

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

So what are people using for their throttle converters?

Maybe this:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=12196

I have had numerous requests for a turn-key throttle solution for RC systems. So, to that end, I am starting this tutorial for the technically challenged who want the basics of how to build a throttle for an RC throttle interface system with off the shelf parts.

Bear in mind, I am not the first to setup a throttle like this, nor am I an electronics engineer. In fact, I am somewhat electronically challenged myself. However, I have been forced to learn some basics for the good of my hobby and the industry as a whole. I want to share a basic throttle layout here for beginners to refer to. This is obviously super simple for the very technically inclined members of our forum. But, it should help those who are not as technically savy.

The products I am using here are;

#1 Astro Flight servo tester
#2 Dimention Engineering VHV BEC (Very High Voltage Battery Eliminator Circuit)
#3 Magura twist grip E-throttle