Paul & Sabrina's cheap DIY 144v motor controller

[HaroldinCR]

Hi
Don't want to throw a wet blanket on this great project, but, I have a question.

There are many changes being made to this open source controller. Is there any way that someone that has access to all the boards, schematics, parts list, etc., could actually file for patent rights or whatever it would take, to effectively take control of the controller ???

Maybe I'm just super skeptical, but, I had a project taken from me, because I "trusted" a "good" friend

Sure hope someone can make sure all of Paul's hard work is not going in the wrong direction.

[MPaulHolmes]

Hello Haroldin! That's a great question, but you don't have to worry. Trust me on this one.

[HaroldinCR]

Good to know, Paul. I never read one word about it being protected, from page one to the present, what, 113 pages ???

How was the event yesterday ???

Man, I need to get back to Florida and gather my stuff. Problem is, down here, they all think I'm the "Crazy Gringo".

Many things are not available here, and, the correct words for something, are words I will never get to learn.

I'm patiently waiting for the final product, and, someone to put it together.

I need to get to the city and scout out a forklift motor or 3.

[MPaulHolmes]

I don't really want it "protected". I want everyone to do whatever the heck they want to with it! ya! Is there some sort of way to make it so everyone can do whatever they want with it?

[MPaulHolmes]

I found a loose wire that led from the overcurrent reset on the ATMega8! I had done a bad solder joint right there. The solder hadn't really melted onto the crappy radio shack proto-board. It was a big ball that had popped loose. I haven't tested it yet, but I'm almost certain that was the problem. I am pretty sure I can get rid of that screeching sound when it hits the overcurrent point, too. The software is really getting better. I've been experimenting with different software throttle controls to eliminate the unsmooth start that Ben experienced.

EDIT: tESTED AND WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sLICKER than snot smoother than a yeller monkeypoo.

no more skreetching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say for sure how it will behave in a different motor, but I can cruise around at a tenth of a mile an hour up hill and it is smoother than a greased owl dookie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bennelson]

Woooo HOOOoooooo!

[MPaulHolmes]

Oops! I had the current sensor unplugged. That's why it was working so great. It still has problems when the current sensor is plugged back in. There may be other loose wires. dang it.

[Tango Charlie]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

...The case of the missing case! Well, not missing case, but case that doesn't exist yet. I think it's illegal if it's not metal, due to EMI interference. ATM machine. Hi HI How How Are Are You You.

*ATM spits out 100 dollar bills*

Hey, we just found a way to finance this project!

[MPaulHolmes]

That would be nice... But I WAY prefer tutoring for $12/hr while the 3 kids I'm teaching at the table are paying Sylvan $45/hr EACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANGER!!!!!!!!.

[NiHaoMike]

Have you thought about wiring each MOSFET/diode pair separately? (That is, make them separate pairs driven from the same controller and connected to the same power rails but with separate (smaller) wires to the motor.) Then the wiring resistance would help equalize current between the MOSFETs.