Bench Testing Curtis Controllers

 I have a bunch of Curtis Controllers I got from old Forklifts. I needed a quick way to bench test them before I tried them in a cart.

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The best way to check every function was to build a switch and pot box for al the possible inputs and add a bunch of leds for the different outputs and indicators. While I was at it I added an RS232 interface.

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Rather than use a resistive load I just paralleled a bunch of Auto Backup light bulbs

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This worked out pretty good and let me do a coarse setup on the parameters before they got installed.  So far I’ve got three of then in use and no problems yet. I did make one little miscalculation with the load compensation while Nick was sitting in the Go Cart and the cart decided to jump up on its rear wheels the second Nick hit the throttle. Luckily I was there to push him back over. That’s why the full roll cage was mandatory on that cart.

The EZGO Gold Cart retrofit was a little more mild on the programming. I use that for bringing cut up trees to the front on my property. I also have a trailer hitch on it for moving my trailer or tow dolly around.It worked really well towing a Hyundai down my driveway when the car died.

I once brought home an engine and trans from a 71 Nova on my trailer and instead of trying to back the trailer into the garage with the car I swapped the trailer to the golf cart and ran it around the yard a few times for fun then backed it into the garage with ease.

So far these things have performed very well. I have a couple of 1236 controllers but cant really find a reasonably priced motor to go with them so for now it DC power only

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Now take one Controller a Dana Axle and……. Wait for the post….

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