Xlite 3640 controller

[michaelplogue]

Hello everyone! This is my first posting here, so I'll also consider this as my introduction thread..... :wink:

I am currently in the process of converting a Diggler scooter to an Xlite Phoenix Racer (5303) hub. I am right now researching LiPo batteries (right now I'm looking at four, 36v 8.2AH packs in parallel). However, my question at this time is in regards to the controller. The kit I purchased came with the 3640 controller. Now, my understanding is that the '40' stands for the amperage that controller runs at, and I'm also assuming that this is the continuous amp rating. If this is in fact correct, would any of you guru's out there happen to know what the peak amperage that this controller can handle? Or is 40A the max?

Thanks!

 

[kbarrett]

For a controller, 40A would be the value the manufacturer is comfortable with as a the peak instantaneous current load.

40A is a fairly comfortable rating for a c'lyte 5x motor.

 

[lazarus2405]

Welcome!

The kit I purchased came with the 3640 controller.

By this you mean the 5303 motor kit came with this Crystalyte controller?

It means that it is rated for 36v 40a. 40 amps in this case is the maximum current the controller will deliver (for more than a couple dozen miliseconds). The 36v is the rated nominal voltage, but "36v" Crystalyte controllers are fine up to 48v.

If you want, you can upgrade that controller with better components to run as high as 100v. You'll find plenty of info here on how.

For the scooter, what size wheel are you planning on using? 12" or so? Make sure the voltage and wheelsize you use give you the power you want at the speed you want. See http://ebikes.ca/simulator/

And if you have any questions, about anything, fell free to ask.

 

[michaelplogue]

Thanks all!

I have the 5303 on a 20" rim. With the 3640 controller (which I ordered as part of the wheel kit), this should give me a top speed of just over 20mph - which is fine since I'm right now just concerned with range and not speed for my daily commute in the city.

So just to make sure I've got this figured correctly: The controller will only draw a max of (around) 40 amps, regardless the max amp drain rate for my battery packs. For example, I'm planning on getting four 36V packs that have a max draw rate of 40A each (limited by their PCM/BMS). Since the controller is limited to 40 amps itself, that would mean that each pack (connected in parallel) would at the most drain at a 10 amp rate. And this would mean that I can stick with the standard 12 AWG wire when I tie these together in parallel instead of having to beef it up to a smaller gauge.

Do I have this correct?

 

[lazarus2405]

Do I have this correct?

Exactly.

Be careful, though. You'll quickly find that a 5303 in a 20" wheel is very fun. And, even more so at higher voltages.

Have you made sure your battery will fit on the scooter?

 

[michaelplogue]

Do I have this correct?

Exactly.

Be careful, though. You'll quickly find that a 5303 in a 20" wheel is very fun. And, even more so at higher voltages.

Have you made sure your battery will fit on the scooter?

Oh yea! I know how the whole speed addiction thing goes! However, since I'll be riding this in the city, I want to make sure I keep in compliance with the local ordinances regarding powered bikes. I've been riding a Goped ESR scooter for a couple of years now, and 20mph is just fine for me.

The project I'm working on is to 'electrify' what was designed to be a downhill, all terrain kick scooter (for adults). They are also used by dog sled trainers.

My plan is to use a pair of either hard or soft cases and attach them to the front strut for the rear suspension:

I'm still waiting on the scooter - should arrive this week. For the time being, I will be able to use the SLA's that came with the kit. But as soon as I see what I'll have to work with, I'll be placing my order for the LiPo's.

I had been planning on doing a conversion to a stretch cruiser bicycle, but the apartment I'm in now is on the third floor with a narrow stairwell, and no secure place to lock a bicycle up outside. So, using the diggler is a compromise - for now. The cruiser is still in my future!

.

 

[fechter]

Way cool.
I don't think I've ever seen a FS kick scooter like that.
Looking forward to test results...

 

[lazarus2405]

That's very, very nice!

That'll be an extremely nice project. Be sure to post all about your progress in the Photos and Videos section.

Your plans look good. You'll have your peak motor efficiency in the 20-25mph range, and with 1100Wh of lithium you'll have a lot of range.

I'll warn you now, though, that I do encourage people, especially x5 owners, to try to get the most out of their machines. At 36v, you won't get much out of the motor, compared to what it could do. It's a very powerful motor.

However, since I'll be riding this in the city, I want to make sure I keep in compliance with the local ordinances regarding powered bikes

Generally, as long as you behave as a responsible and respectful member of whatever traffic you're in, you won't have any legal complications. You can also wire an adjustable current limit, through a number of ways, to allow you to toggle between "turbo" and "legal" modes. :wink:

and 20mph is just fine for me.

That is a different matter all together. If it does what you want, perfect. Though, be careful. Us humans are extremely susceptible to the desire for more power...