Golf Cart Speed Controllers: A Beginners Guide
- The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. ...
- Speed Controller Functions. ...
- Programming Your Speed Controller. ...
- Determining Your Power Rating Needed. ...
- Choosing the Right Controller. ...
- Final Thoughts. ...
How to properly drive a golf cart?
What Does A Golf Cart Speed Controller Do? The speed controller measures out current and battery voltage to the electric vehicles’ motor to raise and lower speed on the golf cart. It monitors the state of the motor and generates signals to match the alternating currents.
How to modify golf cart?
Feb 02, 2022 · Every EZ-GO golf cart comes equipped with one of two kinds of speed controllers, a precision drive system or a drive control system. These devices control the acceleration and overall speed of the golf cart, so when they’re not working …
How do you replace coil on club cart golf cart?
4.7/5 (270 Views . 41 Votes) We can get you any golf cart speed controller you need. A controller works like a dimmer switch for a light. It varies “power” by modulating voltage. By using a controller, it allows the user to vary the current to the motor thus adjusting the speed of the vehicle. Click to see full answer.
How to connect golf cart batteries?
Feb 01, 2021 · 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 really works.
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.
Will a new controller make my golf cart faster?
Most stock new and used golf carts come with standard 8" golf cart tires. Bigger golf cart tires alone (20” to 24”), with no other upgrades such as a new motor, speed controller, etc., can add an extra 2-4 MPH of speed to your golf cart depending on the tire size.May 18, 2021
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.Jan 7, 2021
How do you test an electric golf cart controller?
Connect the negative probe to the controller's M terminal and positive probe to the B+ terminal. Press the accelerator and watch to see if the voltage increases. It should increase from a reading of 0 to the full voltage of the battery. If the motor is not turning, the problem may be in the directional switch or motor.
Is 30 mph fast for a golf cart?
Depending on how far you want to go on a full charge, you might want a 40mph or a 30mph golf cart. At top speed, most golf carts do around 14mph. However, with the advent of street legal golf carts and modifications, it is possible to go 35mph and above.Oct 4, 2021
How fast can a 48v golf cart go?
The standard 48v golf cart will travel between 12 to 14 mph. However, if you apply modifications to the vehicle you can expect top speeds of 20 to 24mph.Sep 6, 2021
How does a speed controller work?
Function. 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.
What controls the speed of a golf cart?
Essentially, your golf cart's speed controller sends its current and battery voltage to its motor. This process depends on your golf cart's input device, which includes its throttle. That's how your golf cart's speed controller lets you operate its acceleration rate, as well as its deceleration rate.Aug 29, 2019
How do you program a golf cart remote?
0:002:59STS - Curtis Controller (Adjust Speed Setting) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to show you in this video how to reprogram. The drive speed of a cursors controller fittedMoreI'm going to show you in this video how to reprogram. The drive speed of a cursors controller fitted to an STS stacker. First thing we need to do is switch off the unit. And remove the key.
How do you reset a golf cart controller?
Easily Reset the Club Car Golf Cart OBCKey switch to off.Set forward/reverse to neutral.Put tow/run switch to tow.Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery pack.Put the tow/run switch to run.Put forward/reverse switch to reverse.Put key switch to on.More items...
Why does my golf cart slow down going downhill?
The Reason Your Electric Golf Cart Goes Slow Uphill? Your electric golf cart can struggle on inclines for a variety of reasons. Weak batteries, incorrect tires, and wear and tear to the motor and wiring are all potential causes of your cart's slow speed.
How do I reset my electric golf cart motor?
First, you'll want to reset your motor. It should have a small reset button (Usually it will be red) located near the main battery supply. Hit the reset button and then put the cover back on the motor. The next step would be to recharge your cart and try turning it on again.Feb 12, 2018
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
What does a battery controller do?
With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
Why is a speed controller important?
The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.
How much horsepower does a golf cart need?
These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.
What is the function of a speed controller?
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.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
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.
Do AC motors require a sensor?
Device Support on SPF ( Speed of Position Feedback): AC motors can require a sensor in order for the controller to operate smoothly and efficiently.
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 ...
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, ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Where is the controller on a golf cart?
This controller is typically located under the seat on your golf cart. Determining if the controller is bad is a relatively simple procedure. Lift the golf cart's bench seat to gain access to the engine. Locate the governor on the engine. This is the small “T”-shaped metallic rod around the top of the golf cart’s motor.
How to find the governor on a golf cart?
Locate the governor on the engine. This is the small “T”-shaped metallic rod around the top of the golf cart’s motor. Look for the carburetor in the engine. The carburetor is the cylindrical shaped object in the engine that has valves pointing up and out of the motor. Pull on the governor closer to the carburetor.
How fast does a golf cart go?
The speed controller, also known as the “governor,” generally keeps a golf cart from exceeding 10 miles per hour.
The Importance of The Speed Controller
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. 1. Battery Current Limiter:This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage. 2. Motor Current Limiter:This can protect your vehicle controller and moto…
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…