Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro

[vpoppv]

So, I'm kind of bored. I'm on page 227 of Paul's controller thread. I'm not sure why I keep reading because it's just as far above my head as when I started reading on page 1.
What the dog heard "blah blah blah CODE blah blah".The only line I can relate to was "it works, what's usart?". I also discovered that my open source electric motor comment was made 4 times, and my open source BMS idea was discussed twice (at least up to page 227, maybe more since). Yeah, I'm so originalMy excuse for not doing much about putting together the Toyota controller is Digi-Key doesn't have mosfets in stock
Anyway, batteries don't mind cold, right?

[MPaulHolmes]

haha, don't worry about learning anything from the controller thread. The help file is a little more direct. The mosfets will be in January 4th I think. You could order 10 now, and then they won't charge you until they get here. They might run out quick though, so get them while the getting's good! You will then have just about everything you need for the power section... You still need a heat spreader though... hmm... Do you have a drill press?

[MPaulHolmes]

You don't need to worry about the software either. I can send you a pre-programmed chip if I didn't already. I forgot! haha.

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

haha, don't worry about learning anything from the controller thread. The help file is a little more direct. The mosfets will be in January 4th I think. You could order 10 now, and then they won't charge you until they get here. They might run out quick though, so get them while the getting's good! You will then have just about everything you need for the power section... You still need a heat spreader though... hmm... Do you have a drill press?

I'm planning on the 250v mosfets though, not the....wait, they are made by the same company, so they probably all get in at the same time! I didn't know how all that worked, like will I pay shipping twice, or....Aw heck, I'll place the order for EVERYTHING and see what happens......I have a really nice drill press ( I lie, it was given to me, and it throws chucks at me; not Chucks though, so that much is good). You know, I really just am itching to get the control board done and I'll worry about the power section later, cause I haven't pulled the trigger and got the caps yet (hmmm, bust a cap in my ***). OK, too much coffee. Hey, I shouldn't even be here, I should be shopping. You wanna know something funny? The battery was too low to start the car, so it's charging as I type! ICE's need battery love too, who woulda thought?

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by vpoppv

Anyway, batteries don't mind cold, right?

Cold isn't too bad for batteries, but ice is a conductor, so I would recommend at least keeping the snow off them!

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Cold isn't too bad for batteries, but ice is a conductor, so I would recommend at least keeping the snow off them!

Is that why the snow had a little kick to it?? I thought I tasted something a little volty.....Well, I guess I should take care of that, but I'm barefoot; it might be cold- oh, it'll just take a minute I'll go take care of it now. BRB....



Seriously though, that battery was at 0.00v after 3 days of charging a while back; I AM concerned about the float charger connected to it though!! I disconnected it (it wasn't plugged in, but still) and put it away to dry. Luckily, it's a pretty tightly closed up package, but I'm still worried.....Oh, and I DID clean the snow off of it as soon as I discovered it Who would have thought that snow would get inside a carport like that??Us California raised folks don't know nuffin' about the mysterious white powder from the Gods. Oh, and I got stuck in the street trying to get in my driveway just now Good thing there's so much ice and a Geo is so light- I just threw it around until it got up the driveway!!

[vpoppv]

First day back on the road after Christmas Break. Car was really sllllllooooowwww for the last part of the way home: like about 5mph. 3 of the batteries showed under 12v when I got home! One of the trunk ones was the lowest and was easily replaced with MegaTron- He's the leader of the pack (no, seriously) at 12.59v after sitting out in the cold for 2 weeks so he replaced Max (Wal-Mart Maxx-29)who was at 11.34v. Wow, I just realized my batteries have names! Cool! Anyway, I had a battery on the desulfator over the two week break, and it was at 12.00v, which is way better than the 11.60v it ended at before the break. I switched the desulfator to the next lowest battery after Max. I just checked with my boat supply place and they have no batteries. They said that they usually get a ton in around February. I hope they are right.....

[vpoppv]

The last commute was quite a bit better. Car seemed to drive, dare I say, very warm-weather-like. No apparent slowing down at all. The lowest battery, however, registered a horrifying 11.26v. The next one up was the one that was on the desulfator for 2 weeks which showed a respectable 12.15v. I am firmly convinced now that desulfators are the real deal. Mega-Tron confirmed his prowess with a 12.50v after commute- setting a new record.
edit: I think investing in a second battery desulfator would be more logical for me than any other battery or battery related product.
There has also been a lot of activity on the "alum battery" boards that is apparently debunking my theory that converted batteries have a lower voltage. Also, there has been much talk of how they can take a serious deep cycling and still beg for more. Now THAT'S my kind of battery! And one thing about alum batteries that lends a lot of credence to them is that they cannot be "hot" filled- when you make the electrolite and put it in, the battery needs multiple discharges before it becomes efficient, while regular lead/acid batteries are good to go once assembled. That's what makes an alum battery a manufacturer's nightmare, and why it is not worth it for them to make any. Further experimenting is necessary....

[TheSGC]

I really don't like this cold weather, but I did two EV runs today. I have this planned testing route, 3.8 miles long, that has stop and go traffic, 35 MPH stretch, inclines and moderate hills. My first run was OK, but I had to watch my voltage sag. My second run, about 2 hours later and mostly fully charged, was MUCH better. I think the batteries require new "break in" cycles after sitting for just a few days, to wake up.

I have to get my batteries to want to do a 17 mile commute, and right now my PakTrakr is indicating I have 12 miles of usable range. I have a ways to go in breaking in this pack.

I have a Home Depot 10 AMP charger that seems to have a desulfator mode, or something like it because it seems to do wonders for batteries.

Do you have like an indoor battery "plant" setup that has all your spares all charged/desulfated and ready to go in case you have unhappy batteries in your EV?

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by TheSGC

I really don't like this cold weather, but I did two EV runs today. I have this planned testing route, 3.8 miles long, that has stop and go traffic, 35 MPH stretch, inclines and moderate hills. My first run was OK, but I had to watch my voltage sag. My second run, about 2 hours later and mostly fully charged, was MUCH better. I think the batteries require new "break in" cycles after sitting for just a few days, to wake up.

I have to get my batteries to want to do a 17 mile commute, and right now my PakTrakr is indicating I have 12 miles of usable range. I have a ways to go in breaking in this pack.

I have a Home Depot 10 AMP charger that seems to have a desulfator mode, or something like it because it seems to do wonders for batteries.

Do you have like an indoor battery "plant" setup that has all your spares all charged/desulfated and ready to go in case you have unhappy batteries in your EV?

You're right about how much of a personality batteries have needing such extensive break-in all the time. I'm really glad I have such a small commute. For EV2 though, I want a lot more distance. For some reason, I was thinking that your Zilla controller would have been more efficient and would have given you better range? I guess it can also provide more amps for going up hills and such which takes away some distance....
Wow, an INDOOR battery workshop! That'd be awesome! Nope, outside. I have one good group 27 left that just sits: shows 12.59v consistently. I keep the desulfator in the car. Ideally, I'd like 2 desulfators in the car and one for batteries that are sitting. I still have Max (Wal-Mart Maxx 29)that I am pretty sure would come back to life with some time on a desulfator.....