Hi Mark, The interesting thing about wheelchair controllers is they are programmable. Most are setup ultra conservative form the factory or dealer. The joystick is programmed with a delay so that accidental activation does not launch the chair like a race car, this can be reset. The motors are typically set to 50 to 70% of max rpm as well as 50 to 60% torque for forward speed and less for reverse. The are also set to reach max rpm very gradually. Braking can be setup to either coast to a stop or slam to a stop. Turning is also setup conservatively.
In the test I did, I rest all the values for top speed (both in High and Low range), turning, and acceleration to their respective max values. I then set the braking to 10%. This worked wonders as the motors now have no delay once the joystick is pushed forward and hit max rpm in about 2 seconds. Fully proportional speed control. :-) I have thought about controlling the POTS directly but I am unsure how to do this (still searching the internet, tho) and I am leery about ripping apart the joystick as I don't have a spare in case (when?) I screw it up. I thought that for proof-of-concept using a mechanical joystick control will do. The real trick to all this is either getting a programming unit with the controller or sweet-talking the nearest dealer into it. The dealer may refuse due to liability issues as he only has your word it won't go into a chair and injure the occupant or someone else. I imagine if you show up with it INSTALLED in a tank they *might* accommodate you. Otherwise, your choices are limited to finding someone with the programming unit for your controller or biting the bullet and buying one, which can be as much as the cost of a speed controller. Fortunately, one of the speed controllers came with the programming unit. I bought two de-commissioned power wheelchairs, for less than the fuel to go 40km to pick them up, with the understanding that they would not be repaired and sold. Both were fully functional, even the batteries are good. Cheers, Fred -- You are currently subscribed to the "R/C Tank Combat" group. To post a message, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send email to [email protected] Visit the group at http://groups.google.com/group/rctankcombat
