Paul & Sabrina's cheap DIY 144v motor controller

[Camaro]

Originally Posted by harlequin2

Sorry, but my Cougar is i nstalled and running in my car so I can't check anything. All I can suggest is that you stick in some debugging code such as pick a point early on in the program and turn on (or off) a led or something so you can see if the program gets that far. If you can get that to happen, then keep moving your code along to where it doesn't work.
Its not a bad idea to write a little subroutine to turn a led on, wait a bit and turn it off, then you can just put in a call at various points.
That's about all I can suggest, maybe someone else has a setup closer to what you are doing and can help?
For what it is worth PonyProg can be downloaded here PonyProg - Serial device programmer and the serial interface is just a converter from RS232 to the Atmel ISP logic levels. It'll work with just about any hex file but needs a COM port - doesn't work with USB.

Just an afterthought: if your own code works OK and you say it does, it must be something in the Cougar code that is not compatible with your setup, so the debugging idea will be the way to go.

Thanks for the advice. I'm trying to go step by step, but I can't light an LED even at the start of main. I might have to go with PonyProg, but I'm trying to figure out my setup.

Paul, I don't think it's your code. I think it's something with my setup. I'm still digging...

[harlequin2]

If you make the first line "flash a led" and it doesn't work, then yes, you do have a problem.

[MPaulHolmes]

When Fran did the rewrite of the original software, he used a Linux build environment. I don't think I've ever successfully tried to compile the code in AVR Studio. Part of the issue was that AVR Studio had a problem with putting the hex file in a different part of memory than normal, because there was a bootloader. So, each time I make a code change, I log out of windows, log in to ubuntu linux, make changes, compile them, send hex files to my email, and log back out and try them.

[adamj12b]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

When Fran did the rewrite of the original software, he used a Linux build environment. I don't think I've ever successfully tried to compile the code in AVR Studio. Part of the issue was that AVR Studio had a problem with putting the hex file in a different part of memory than normal, because there was a bootloader. So, each time I make a code change, I log out of windows, log in to ubuntu linux, make changes, compile them, send hex files to my email, and log back out and try them.

I have had the same problem. I have never been able to successfully compile the firmware using avrstudio.

Its kinda a bummer because the tools in avrstudio are really nice once you figure them out. Like the simulator.

-Adam

[jackbauer]

Now have the bmw e46 hall effect accelerator pedal up and running thanks to Paul and yet another mod to the software on my behalf!

I've also modded a standard rev c pcb to output a 5v inverted pwm in order to drive the igbt driver circuits for the liquid cooled monster. Pics attached show most of the mods. Anyone wants details just ask.

[MPaulHolmes]

The first ever electric car in the 24 hours of LeMons is going to use the Open Revolt controller! hurray! The rules are that the whole car has to cost less than $500, so I built him a controller for the cost of the parts. The chief editor of Motor Trend is going to personally inspect the car! "Wow, those end caps for the controller look like crap" Oh please please please... don't blow up, little controller. I'm not a professional controller assembler. He's using the 500amp version.
Here's some info about it:
24 Hours of Lemons - Home Page

24 Hours of LeMons Race: PM Hits the Endurance Track in a $500 VW - Popular Mechanics

I think he's going to race in August, but he's getting the car ready now. Here's his build thread:
The 24 Hours of LeMons Forums / Got the Go-ahead from HQ for my IoE idea

[BadDog98]

Originally Posted by jackbauer

I've also modded a standard rev c pcb to output a 5v inverted pwm in order to drive the igbt driver circuits for the liquid cooled monster. Pics attached show most of the mods. Anyone wants details just ask.

Jack,
I would like details on your driving the IGBTs with the Rev2c board. I have finished my 2c controller board and would like to run IGBTs in the power section. I have 4 CM400DU-12F's that I picked up from Adam a while back. I think your familiar with the same modules. I'm not looking to build the LCM just yet (LiquidCooledMonster). I'm leaning closer to 500amps or so. It would be nice to push the voltage envelope a bit past the normal cougars 144volts.

How many amps are you expecting from your bike controller?

I've been lurking long enough I think its time I jump into the deep end with the rest of you guys.

Thanks, Mark

[DawidvC]

Originally Posted by BadDog98

Jack,
I would like details on your driving the IGBTs with the Rev2c board.

Thanks, Mark

I need to say me too, Jack

Regards
Dawid

[Anaerin]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

When Fran did the rewrite of the original software, he used a Linux build environment. I don't think I've ever successfully tried to compile the code in AVR Studio. Part of the issue was that AVR Studio had a problem with putting the hex file in a different part of memory than normal, because there was a bootloader. So, each time I make a code change, I log out of windows, log in to ubuntu linux, make changes, compile them, send hex files to my email, and log back out and try them.

Grab yourself a copy of VMWare Player. It's free, and enables you to run any OS you like in a "Virtual Machine". So rather than having to reboot, you just switch windows and compile. It'll save you a LOT of time, I'm sure.

[jackbauer]

I hope to get the LCM up and running this weekend. I'll do some video explaining the mods. Nothing serious just some omitted components and a few jumpers. I would expect the bike controller to be able to handle brief 500amp accelerations. Then again if i push 500amps into those twin motors i'll likely have parted company with the bike and it'll be on its own!!