How A Speed Controller Works On a golf cart, pressing the accelerator pedal down does two things…first, a microswitch energizes the system by activating a powered solenoid. Second, the linkage either operates a potentiometer or a plunger that passes through a Throttle Position Sensor. This sends a variable electrical signal to the controller.
How can I increase the speed of my golf cart?
- Remove any unnecessary additions, racks or parts on your golf cart. Club racks, roofs, windshields, decorations or additional seats can make your cart heavier and slower.
- Power-wash your cart.
- Check the shaft under the ignition pedal.
- Put larger tires on the cart.
How to jumpstart a golf cart?
How to Start a Golf Cart
- Check for flat tires before you begin operating the vehicle. ...
- Decide if you want the vehicle to move forward or backward and switch the driver select lever accordingly.
- Put on the seatbelt. ...
- Golf carts, like most vehicles, are operated using a key. ...
- If you notice that the vehicle’s engine is cold, engage the choke knob by pulling it out. ...
How to build a fast golf cart?
One of the easiest ways of building your own golf cart is by using old beat-up golf carts lying around in some yard waiting for rust to do its thing. Virtually, you can recreate something beautiful from an old forgotten, and immobile golf cart. Finding a rundown unusable golf cart is the first step.
How to increase the speed of electric club car golf cart?
How to Make an Electric Club Car Golf Cart Go Faster
- Use a soapy solution to wash the cart, including the tires. Be sure to remove all of the dirt and debris between the wheels.
- Remove the seat of your cart and be sure that all internal wires are plugged in tightly and securely so that they are running and operating at their ...
- Be sure that no connections are limiting the movement of the gas pedal. ...
What does the motor controller on a golf cart do?
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.
How do I test my golf cart speed controller?
How to Test a Club Car Golf Cart Speed Controller? The simplest test to ascertain your golf cart controller's performance is to to watch whether it runs when the batteries are fully charged with a slight push of the pedal. If you hear a distinct clicking noise, then your golf cart is running correctly.
How do speed controllers work?
An electronic speed control follows a speed reference signal (derived from a throttle lever, joystick, or other manual input) and varies the switching rate of a network of field effect transistors (FETs). By adjusting the duty cycle or switching frequency of the transistors, the speed of the motor is changed.
How do you turn up the speed on a golf cart?
6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.
How do I know if my golf cart controller is bad?
X Common Symptoms of Controller FailureTop Speeds Not Appropriate for Your Cart. Golf carts are designed to reach pretty specific speeds and to not go over them or beneath them. ... Sudden and Unexpected Slowing. ... Shuttering or Shaky Driving. ... Stalling Out and Refusing to Start. ... Surges in Speed When Driving.
Where is the speed sensor located on electric golf cart?
Typically, the speed sensor can be found on the backside of the motor. When removing the speed sensor, unplug all the cables that are on the backside of the motor. To do this, use a socket to take off the connector pigtail. Then, remove its plastic housing over the sensor.
How do you program a speed controller?
0:2013:28Learn To Set Up Your Speed Control - Holmes Hobbies RC Basics SeriesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLink or C link they call it you can also use a field link from castle in this case and it works theMoreLink or C link they call it you can also use a field link from castle in this case and it works the same through the computer or you can adjust some of the settings on the controller.
How do you wire a speed controller motor?
To wire up a DC speed controller, you connect the motor power cables to the motor screw terminals on the controller, and the battery wires to appropriate battery screw terminals on the controller. Be mindful the wires are being gripped firmly and none of the wire strands have gotten loose and are sticking out.
How do I setup my RC speed controller?
0:000:54How to Set Up the ESC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst find the throttle trim on your radio. And turn the indicator to the center of the range. ThenMoreFirst find the throttle trim on your radio. And turn the indicator to the center of the range. Then unplug the motor and hook up a battery pack. Turn on your transmitter first and then your esc.
How do you adjust a speed controller on a golf cart?
Basically, an electric speed governor can be controlled by a tiny metal rod that's located by the clutch of your golf cart. First things first: The electric speed governor is connected to a cable. You can adjust your speed by rotating the nut in a counterclockwise rotation.
How do you remove the speed limiter on a electric golf cart?
0:000:46How to remove governor on a Club Car golf cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou open up this box lap. Here. It looks up look inside. There's 12 cable down right here this leverMoreYou open up this box lap. Here. It looks up look inside. There's 12 cable down right here this lever you want to lift up and Bend and that pulls on the cable a little more.
How can I make my electric golf cart go faster without upgrading?
How to Make an Electric Golf Cart Faster Without UpgradesWash Your Cart Properly. ... Inspect the Batteries. ... Refill the Battery Water. ... Check the Gas Pedal and Linkage. ... Measure the Tire Pressure. ... Charge Up Your Battery Unit. ... Lighten Up Your Cart's Weight.
What does a speed controller do in golf carts?
As the name implies, the speed controller will change the golf cart speed to the golf cart driver’s preference, but because of advances in technology, it does much more. The speed controller can offer the following functions: A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, ...
What does a golf cart controller do?
What does a golf cart controller do? As you can tell by this article, plenty! From being able to modify your golf cart speed, to managing all of the electrical components in perfect harmony, the controller really is the “heart” of your golf cart.
What is club car power drive?
Club Car’s Power Drive is a Series Motor System, on the market from 1990 and up. On the golf carts built in the years 1990 – 1994, the controller used a 0 to 5K potentiometer (36 Volt). In the years 1995 and up, they used 5K to 0 potentiometers (48 Volt).
How to control speed?
The speed controller can offer the following functions: 1 A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, a motor can initially take up to 20 times its normal operating current. This must not last more than a second or two to avoid damage to the system. 2 Protection from ground faults caused by accidental shorts. 3 Safely reversing the motor by taking the motor to a stop, then reversing polarity. 4 An overheating protection thermal shutoff to protect the controller from damage. 5 Battery voltage monitoring to prevent the complete drain of the charge. 6 Overcurrent limiting to protect the motor and electrical components from damage.
What happens if you push the pedal on a golf cart?
If you pressed the pedal, the golf cart would jackrabbit jump to full throttle.
Do electric golf carts need a speed controller?
With the newer AC motor or Brushless DC motor technologies, the electric golf cart motor will not operate at all without a speed controller. These motors now require reversals in current that are accurately timed with the motor’s rotation. The purpose of the controller is to generate the exactly timed signals the motor requires to function.
How does a golf cart speed controller work?
The golf cart's speed controller sends its current and battery voltage to its motor. This entire process depends on your golf cart's input device, which includes its throttle. That's how the golf cart's speed controller allows you to operate its acceleration rate, as well as its deceleration rate.
Why replace club car speed controller?
There are several reasons why you might want to replace or repair your Club Car speed controller, including customization of Club Car, adjustment or upgrade of the motor, or upgrading Club Car controller to better fit your needs.
Why is a speed controller important?
Why Club Car Speed Controllers are Important. The basic function of a speed controller is, as the name implies, to control and manage the cart's speed. If your golf cart is working on a Brushless DC or AC motor, you will not be going anywhere without a speed controller.
How to control a cart's speed?
In addition to controlling the cart’s speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer. Limit the current to the motor to protect both engine and controller in case of overloading. Determine the battery current so that battery is protected from excessive discharging. Monitor battery health and charge.
What does it mean when there is no controller?
When there is no controller, it means battery drainage is at its peak, as motors can operate independently at their high speed, which increases stress on the mechanical and electrical components. A speed controller notes the battery voltage and current to the motor based on operator input types like the throttle, twist grip, or pedal force.
Is a speed controller always fully understood?
Even though it is one of the essential parts of any electric vehicle, the speed controller is not always completely understood. Here's everything you should know about Club Car's speed controller and its adjustment.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
There are many other features available while programming the controller yourself. Most modern speed controllers are easy to program by a computer or a handheld programmer. This allows users to manage various controller settings and enables you to tune the controller's performance to match with the motor.
How does an electric golf cart work?
How Does a Golf Cart Work. In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
What is a speed controller?
The speed controller is essentially a variable resistor. You have them in most electrical systems. They’re a pretty simple concept. Depending on some type of input, the variable resistor will consume different amounts of energy. In the case of your golf cart speed controller, the input is the signal from your accelerator pedal.
What is a golf cart solenoid?
We did a write up on golf cart solenoids if you want to get deeper knowledge, or learn how to test them. Like I said before, a solenoid is basically a switch, but more specifically, it’s a relay, meaning that it’s a switch that uses one circuit to control another.
What is an inductive throttle sensor?
What that really means is when you push down your electric golf cart accelerator, you’re actually pushing a rod through an inductive sensor coil. The sensor coil uses this to tell the speed controller how much voltage to consume.
How do golf cart batteries work?
Batteries work by changing chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemical reactions to do this, but for the most part they’re all very similar. We did a whole article on golf cart batteries ...
How many volts does a golf cart battery pack have?
The battery pack is pretty basic. It could be anywhere from 6 to 48 volts, but it’s usually 36 or 48 volts on most newer electric golf carts. The battery pack’s power is routed to the motor, but along the way, it is changed by a solenoid and a speed controller to give you only the power you’re asking for and only when you’re asking for it.
What is a DC motor?
A DC motor is the most basic, and a lot of entry level golf carts still use them. They can easily reach the speed demands of fleet golf carts, and are a lot cheaper to manufacture. A DC motor consists of three parts: a stator, rotor, and commutator.
Why is a speed controller important in a golf cart?
Not only does it give you more acceleration and torque, but it can help maintain a constant speed and regulate the current to the motor to avoid whiplash from violent takeoffs.
How does a golf cart controller work?
It alters the power to the cart’s motor, thus allowing the user to control the speed and torque of their vehicle. The larger the controller, the more current it provides, allowing the cart to generate more power. While this does make the cart go faster, ...
What is the role of a golf cart controller?
The controller on your golf cart plays a very crucial role in its working. It controls the acceleration, torque and speed of your golf cart. So, without a working controller, your golf cart will drive unpredictably, and it will not maintain a constant speed. Despite it being so vital to the golf cart, not many people know much about how this device ...
What is Alltrax controller?
Alltrax has been one of the top go-to companies for controllers and electric vehicle systems for quite a while now and is known to have exceptional research, development and engineering.
Can a golf cart controller cause stress?
In addition, over-speeding can add extreme stress to the components of the cart. Golf cart controllers present you with several options, and each one can generate different output levels according to input voltages. The choice of the controller suitable to you depends entirely on the intended usage of the cart.
Does a controller make a cart go faster?
While this does make the cart go faster, the controller serves more than just this purpose. Regulating the speed prevents excess current and voltage from going to the motor, which otherwise can result in violent takeoff and whiplash. In addition, over-speeding can add extreme stress to the components of the cart.
What is the function of a speed controller on a golf cart?
Following are some of the primary functions of the speed controller: Limiting Motor Current – Protects the motor and controller from damage in case of stalling and overloading. Limiting Battery Current – Managing current drawn from the battery ...
Why is a golf cart controller important?
From being able to change your golf cart's speed to manage all the electrical components perfectly, the controller is an important element of your cart. You could say the controller is the heart of your cart. A properly selected and maintained controller will allow the vehicle to operate smoothly and safely. Learn more about your Club Car speed ...
Why won't my golf cart run?
If your controller is damaged, your cart won't run. However, a few other reasons could lead your vehicle to stop running. Since the speed controller is the heart of your electric golf cart, you need to make sure that the problem is not something else first. Following is a list of things to check before you troubleshoot the speed controller.
What to do if your golf cart doesn't start?
If the cart doesn't start, check the solenoid. If the solenoid is working fine and allowing power to flow, then you can begin inspecting the controller. Learn more about symptoms of a bad golf cart solenoid. If all the components are working well, the next step is to check the speed controller.
How to start a golf cart when it's dead?
Start with batteries and make sure they are working properly. If your batteries are dead, your golf cart will not start. Charge your batteries completely, and then try to drive the cart.
What is a club car controller?
The Club Car controller is also known as a speed controller, and the best thing about the controller is that it works as a brain and speed control system for the golf cart.
What is a programmable controller?
Programmable Controller. The programmable controller can easily be configured for the needs of your cart. This controller's most significant and important advantage is that programmable controllers produce 60% less heat than other controllers.
What is the purpose of a golf cart controller?
Golf cart controllers play an important part in which its main job is to control the speed of a golf cart. However, many times, the controller tends to act up or simply stops working. This is when it is very important to troubleshoot the problem immediately. Known as the heart of the EZGO golf cart, the controller’s core objective is to control ...
What is the purpose of the speed controller on an EZGO cart?
Major functions of the speed controller of the EZGO cart are: Acceleration: The controller controls the speed of the vehicle. It also regulates the speed when you apply full throttle to the cart. Battery health maintenance : The controller makes sure that the battery is working well and is not overloaded.
What is the controller on an EZGO golf cart?
Known as the heart of the EZGO golf cart, the controller’s core objective is to control the speed of the golf cart. It is a needed component in a AC and brushless DC motor. Without the controller, the golf cart will not work. The speed controller is not present in the DC motor vehicles, which is why they do not have varying speeds.
How to check the output of a controller?
To check the controller output, follow these steps: Press the pedal of the cart until the solenoid clicks. Keep watching the voltmeter and see if it is showing the battery voltage. Now again, keep pressing the pedal and see if the voltage is going down or not.
What is the 2005 Ezgo cart?
2005 EZGO TXT cart is one of the popular ones since it has some of the best features. The features include handles on the top, the plastic front bumper is not there, and the seatback is connected.
Why does EZGO have different speeds?
However, a vehicle with a speed controller will have different speeds as it will change the voltage and current input based on user input. This is why EZGO with controllers can be accelerated and decelerated and the rate ...
Why is my cart not moving forward?
If the cart is not moving forward or the speed is not getting regulated or there is a problem in controlling the speed, then the chances are that the controller is being erratic. Then, it is very important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible.
How does an electric golf cart work?
Basically, an electric golf cart works in this process, firstly the electric power goes from the battery to the motor, and then the motor runs the wheels of the cart. The whole thing is about when and what power should be delivered. The battery pack is a really basic thing. It can be 6-48 volts in a golf cart.
How to make a golf cart faster?
How can I make my golf cart faster? 1 Adding more torque to your golf cart 2 You may upgrade your golf cart motor 3 Improving the high-speed controller of your golf cart 4 Adding the better golf cart tires 5 Using the high-powered golf cart batteries 6 Try to make your golf cart lighter in weight
How does a golf cart battery work?
The battery pack is the thing that provides the energy to make the golf cart going. Battery basically works by changing the chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemicals. But most of the parts are the same.
What is the solenoid on a golf cart?
For that reason, an electric golf cart has a speed controller and a solenoid. In a simple word, a solenoid is a switch but technically it is a relay. That helps to use one circuit to control another.
What is an inductive throttle sensor?
That means when you are pushing the pedal for acceleration, that time you are actually through the inductive sensor coil by pushing a rod. The sensor basically says to the speed controller that how much voltage has to consume.
What is a golf buggy?
A golf buggy is a motorized vehicle that is used in a golf course to transport the golf equipment and bags. The golf buggy is also called a golf cart in the United States. The golf buggy also means golf push cart and sometimes only the golf bags.
How does a battery work?
As we mentioned before that the battery supplies power to the motor and the motor turns the wheels. But, the main thing is to know when and what power should be supplied. That thing is done by a solenoid which is like a switch like a light switch. After turning on the solenoid, it starts to supply power.
How to troubleshoot a golf cart?
GOLF CART CONTROLLER TROUBLESHOOTING 1 Make sure it isn’t your batteries! If your batteries are old and dead, then your golf cart will not operate. Charge them fully first and attempt to drive the unit. 2 If your batteries are fully charged and your vehicle won’t run, when you press on the accelerator pedal, then you should hear a clicking sound which will indicate the solenoid is engaging and allowing power to flow to your controller. If there is no distinct clicking sound, then check your solenoid. Also, it could have to do with something in the accelerator device as well. But, we can eliminate the controller as being defective. 3 If your batteries are fully charged and you get a clicking sound ensuring the solenoid is allowing power to flow to the controller, then you can begin inspecting the controller 4 Check all the wiring and signs of disconnection or damage. Also, most controllers will have an operation light that will begin to flash a morse code that will unveil the secrets of the problem. If that is the case and all of the above have been eliminated, then you are getting closer to determining it is the controller.
What is the function of a motor controller?
Following are some of the main functions of the controller, irrespective of the type of the motor: Limiting the current to the motor so that both motor and the controller could be protected in case of motor stalling and overloading.
Why won't my club car run?
Due to their expense, you want to be sure your controller is the major reason and problem with your Club Car. First off, if your controller is bad, your vehicle won’t run. However, there are other reasons that could lead to your vehicle not running. Here are a few quick troubleshooting tips.
What does it mean when there is no controller?
When there is no controller, it means batteries drainage is at its peak, as motors can operate independently at their high speed, which would gradually increase stress on the mechanical and electrical components and let motors and batteries degrade quicker.
Does a golf cart controller degrade?
As a controller in the Club Car or golf cart is made up of electrical and electronics components, it degrades gradually over time with the frequency of usage. But usage is not the only factor, controllers and the Club Car parts may also degrade in case of non-usage. For example, if a golf cart is left for no use for a longer period, ...
Can you trust aftermarket controllers?
price difference. Generally, Club Cars are made with highly precise and quality ensured engineering practices, so you can easily trust the aftermarket controllers if you don’t want to spend much.
Do golf carts have solenoids?
In the old days of golf carts, a series of solenoids were used which was not an efficient means for battery management. As today’s technology does not use full-on DC Motors, instead there exist Brushless DC Motors and AC Motors by way of which operators have the option to drive the Club Car at varying speeds.
The Importance of The Speed Controller
Programming Your Speed Controller
- Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy. Easily access settings for your controller in order to customize the operation. You can even tune the performa…
Determining Your Power Rating Needed
- After you have figured out your motor type and battery voltage, consider looking deeper into the current and power rating of your speed controller. This will be based on multiple aspects including the weight and size of the vehicle (load included), your average vehicle speed, and the environment in which your vehicle will be riding in. The power provided by the controller will obvi…
Choosing The Right Controller
- Like I previously stated, you need to make sure you know what your vehicle is going to be used for! If your golf cart is going to be used for transporting 2 people or light loads on flat ground, and smooth roads, a small 200-300 AMP controller with a 2-5 horsepower motor should adequately perform. You’ll find that most vehicles in this category run with 24 to 36 Volt battery packs. If yo…
Final Thoughts
- As you can see, the speed controller is the center of your golf cart, and most of the other modern day electric vehicles. Making sure you choose the right controller for your new custom cart makes all the difference in the vehicle running safely, and smoothly. When upgrading your controller for your golf cart, we suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controll…