How To Build a Cheap Traction Circuit

[williamson]

Dear Jackbauer: Great idea. What was the model # and brand? Was it hand-pumped hydraulic? What did you pay?Thanks

[williamson]

We are told to never run the traction voltage into the passenger compartment. Here is catch22: We have a battery current sampling shunt. The two smal terminal make up to 50 mv that goes to the current meter on the dash. But these two wires are at traction voltage. Please note that traction voltage is ALWAYS isolated from the chassis. There is NO low, safe side!! So the two wires should be double insulated, and protected from any chance to touch a human.

[williamson]

There is no limit to the amount of safety devices you can install, up to the point you go broke. Everyone has to decide for themselves how much is enough.

[williamson]

Not on topic, but saving money always is: $55 for a crash sensor (inertia switch) from KTA services. But $4 from ebay. 87-92 Ford Ranger. But in a junk yard, or from the donor car, real cheap. Keep in mind to mount it so it trips with a forward crash. Test it by hitting a wall. And mount it where the driver can reach down and reset it.

[jackbauer]

I'm not actually sure of the model number but it crimps from 6mm to 70mm sq cable. I used 70mm on my car and it worked great. Its hand pumped hydraulic and from what i can tell is a chinese copy of the more expensive models i've seen. I paid well under 100usd inc delivery. As far as i know a similar one is sold by harbor freight in the states.

[williamson]

Dear readers: I will report on this when I find out the details from Harbor frieght. Thanks, JackBaur!

[williamson]

As to the Ceramic heater core at 4 in by 4 in., I decided to install 2, just for the air flow restriction. I'll mount them on a 1/16th inch thick alum plate.

[williamson]

A crash-sensor switch is used for safety, to turn off the power in an accident. I strongly recommend it, even tho the title of this thread is"CHEAP". KTA SERVICES sells on for $55.00 I bought one from Ebay for $4. You can get one off the donor car, or from a junk yard. Mine was a 87-92 Ford Ranger.

[williamson]

More cheap off topic: The vacuum pump for your power brakes: maybe $295 on line as a kit. But the pump can be bought new (it's your life) for $100. The brand is "Thomas"m vavios models. The model # ending in 22 pumps 22 inches of mercury. The Model ending in 18, pumps 18. I think ICE vacuum guages read about 15 #, so either will do. The #'s CDC 22 and 18, pump pressure AND vacuum. The model BDC22 is vacuum only. You know you only need vacuum. You also need a vacuum switch. I found one cheap on-line. It had the sealed bag, and the KTA Services P/N on it!

[williamson]

There is an article on safety at: www.inc.com/users/evainc.html?111