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A Beginners Guide to Speed Controllers
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Beginner’s Guide to Golf Cart Speed Controllers will explain why the speed controller is truly the heart of your golf cart. Though the speed controller is perhaps the most important part on your cart, many people simply don’t understand how they work or what they do. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPEED CONTROLLER Here is a profound statement for you: the main objective of the speed controller is to control the vehicle speed. Operating a DC motor without a controller would send the full battery current and voltage to the motor. Think whiplash. It would cause violent take-offs and put unnecessary stress on your drive components. If your golf cart is running an AC or Brushless DC motor, you won’t be going anywhere without a speed controller. In these specific types of motors, electrical signals fire back and forth which reverse in direction at different times. This must stay consistent, and has to be timed precisely with the motors rotation. The function of the controller in these situations, is to generate the reversing AC signals. Instead of using your useless AC motor, or your full power DC motor, consider installing a speed controller.
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The controller meters out current and voltage on your battery based on user input, whether that be a gas pedal, a throttle, or even pedals on a bicycle. With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves. SPEED CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. • Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage. • Motor Current Limiter: This can protect your vehicle controller and motor from damage if overloaded or stalled. • Thermal Protection: This can protect your controller from overheating. • Monitors the health and charge of your battery. • Throttle Mapping: Easily change the response from your throttle, giving yourself finer control at slow speeds, and more open control at higher speeds.
