Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread

[bennelson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knRDn54_2eM

800 x 600 display! Whoo Hoo!

[Christ]

Ben -

The "GM standard" for most of their fuel sending units is a simple signal between 0-90 ohms resistance in a pot-controlled circuit. As the fuel sending unit's level sensing arm goes up, impedance increases (maybe... could be the other way) and the needly thingy rises in the gauge.

Maybe if you put a controlled 40 ohm signal to it (at 12VDC) it will read ~1/2 tank? Couldn't hurt to try?

[dave koller]

Originally Posted by Christ

Ben -

The "GM standard" for most of their fuel sending units is a simple signal between 0-90 ohms resistance in a pot-controlled circuit. As the fuel sending unit's level sensing arm goes up, impedance increases (maybe... could be the other way) and the needly thingy rises in the gauge.

Maybe if you put a controlled 40 ohm signal to it (at 12VDC) it will read ~1/2 tank? Couldn't hurt to try?

On the Saturn - resistance in to PCM - varying square wave out to meters BUT I think resistance should work - on temp gauge use a thermistor and embed it inside a bolt to pickup engine heat - use a pot across to scale it -- the Saturn shows HOT at 50 ohms.. Hey Ben are you going to drag everything to the MREA this year?

[bennelson]

I am planning on being at the MREA this year.

Not sure exactly what I will bring with. I showed the Metro last year, and the motorcycle the last 3. Not really anything new with the motorcycle, so I might not bring that. On the other hand, people usually look at the motorcycle and say "I could build something like that."

I also applied to do a presentation on "How to build an Electric Car." I am not sure when exactly they choose what presentations are done. Last year they had a presentation on either bio-diesel or veggie oil, but NOTHING on EVs.

[dave koller]

Originally Posted by bennelson

I also applied to do a presentation on "How to build an Electric Car." I am not sure when exactly they choose what presentations are done. Last year they had a presentation on either bio-diesel or veggie oil, but NOTHING on EVs.

Agree it would be great for you to have a presentation - I was going to bring the Saturn - not sure yet - I am extremely good friends with the people that own all the land around the MREA - so I can leave the car at the farm there. Their father donated the land to the MREA years ago... Not sure if I can show it as I can't be there all days - er, some of us old codgers have to work LOL ...

BUT I will be there - and think you would provide a large interest on the "How to build an Electric Car."...

[bennelson]

I got the official reply from the MREA that I WILL be doing the presentation "HOW TO BUILD AN ELECTRIC CAR" at the energy fair this summer.

Also, today I used first gear in the Metro. I NEVER use first gear. It is SO slow, and second or third have plenty of power for pulling away from stops.

However, I needed to move the S10 and Mercedes 240D today, and neither has an engine in it. Well, neither does the Metro, but it at least has the forklift motor.

I used the car to push the other vehicles around my driveway to help hide the Mercedes from the picky neighbors who won't want to see it it stripped down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00J9SXkoO-A

[dave koller]

Great Ben! I will def see you at the presentation

Nice work with the neighbors lol.... Picky - picky !!

[ricjaywhit]

I have finnaly read this whole thread - took me almost a week(not full time of course). I'm a newbie and have started to get all the necessary parts together for my own EV. There hasn't been anything on this thread for 4 months - anything new??? The information that Ben has put up here is excellent - Just wanted to say thank you!

Rich

[bennelson]

Nothing really new on the project.

I have done a presentation or two on the car this summer, but no major changes to the vehicle or anything.

I do now have an instructional DVD on how to build an electric car, which is based on this project. You can check that out over on 300MPG.org

-Ben

PS: Oh wait, there is something new. I did send in the paperwork for getting custom license plates! I won't say what's going to be on them. I would rather just post a photo once I get them on the car.

[dave koller]

Originally Posted by bennelson

PS: Oh wait, there is something new. I did send in the paperwork for getting custom license plates! I won't say what's going to be on them. I would rather just post a photo once I get them on the car.

Er not "REVOLT" ---