Vibration damping for electronics? (Controller)

[ColinB]

Hi,
I'm trying to think of a way to mount my motor controller, and am wondering if vibration damping is a good idea. I don't want to leave it in a box with some padding because it would move around too much, or be insulated to much from the padding. What are others doing? I'm sure there is a simple solution, but my brain is empty.
Thanks for the help,
Colin

 

[Supertux1]

I thought about this too. You could put foam rubber over and under the controller box mounting tabs and mount the controller on posts with large washers on each side of the foam rubber. (Take a look at how they do it for RC servos.) So like this, but skewer a screw through it all:

bike | controller mount plate | washer | foam rubber | controller tab | foam rubber | washer | nut

 

[ColinB]

I'll be mounting the controller vertically, so bumps from the road would still be tranmitted to the case. (Wouldn't they?)

The case mounting holes are ovalized - I could let the controller move up and down (slightly) but put padding under the controller. Hmmm.

Thanks!

 

[captain387]

I have my controller mounted on the seat post mounted vertically. I installed two rubber disc's between the controller
and the seat post that had been used as dampeners for a wood stove fan.
In reality its best to have some vibration protection, but actual movement of the controller can have its down sides such as
flexing of the solder joints on the control board from the wires moving in and out.

 

[Drunkskunk]

The old analog Clyte controllers had some issues with the capacitors shaking loose if you didn't take precautions against shock and vibration. Other than those, i've never seen any mention of a vibration related issue with any of the modern controllers. They are pretty bullitproof. Seriously. I missed judged a log crossing a month ago and landed my 125lbs bike + me directly on the controller. I scratched the paint a little but otherwise its fine. Its bolted to the fame solidly.

I think your best protection is to open the case and make sure the board fits snugly and can't rattle around, and that the wires are layed out in such a way that they won't flop around inside the case and rub through their insulation.

Adding extra vibration protection is just adding extra points of failure with no real gain. These controllers were already built to be tough.

 

[bowlofsalad]

Neoprene rubber might help, I don't really know. But I think what would probably help leaps and bounds is to get some fat low PSI tires. I've been riding on some skinny (1.5")marathon plus tires, that is the harshest ride I have ever experienced and I've worried about exactly the concept you are concerned with. That is why I plan to go with something like big apple plus tires.