On 1 Jun 2019 at 2:35, Lambert Little via EV wrote: > My [1980 CommutaCar] charger doesn't work
There isn't a lot to that Vanguard charger. I'm not a EE, more like an electronics hacker; Lee can probably give you better trouibleshooting guidance than I can. However, I'd say that it sounds like a problem in the charge controller. I'd probably start by checking the 12.6 volt zener diode CR-6. I think I recall that if the charge-complete light on the instrument panel burns out, the charger can act wonky too. http://www.evdl.org/docs/c_car_charger.jpg Or you could give your batteries gentler treatment for a longer life (for them, not you), and save some onboard weight, by recycling that boat anchor in favor of a good modern 3-stage golf car charger. There are lots of 48v golf car chargers around. Delta-Q's lightweight switchmode chargers (designed in Canada and manufactured in China) are supposed to be pretty good. Quick Charge can sometimes be found cheaper and made in the USA, but they're heavier, and possibly not quite as precise in their charge control (I haven't looked at them lately so they might have changed). In any case, I'd recommend a charger capable with at least 20 amps of maximum current, for a reasonable charging time and proper treatment of your batteries. A temperature compensated charger is nice to have, too, since hot batteries need a lower finishing voltage. Let us know how you make out. David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA EVDL Administrator = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = EVDL Information: http://www.evdl.org/help/ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Note: mail sent to "evpost" and "etpost" addresses will not reach me. To send a private message, please obtain my email address from the webpage http://www.evdl.org/help/ . = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org Please discuss EV drag racing at NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
