Thread: Electrathon - A Different Kind of "Hotrod"

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Now very close to being able to take this thing for a test-drive, I just need some circuitry for the motor and controller. The first part is mounting the main power switch through the triangular panel on the left side pod.

After that, I was able to run the battery cables. I didn't take any specific pics of this step because it's just a matter of cutting the cable (# 4 AWG) and soldering on the ends.

With the cables installed, next step is to install and wire the "dead man switch" and potentiometer. The "dead man switch" is required by Electrathon America. If the driver lets go of the controls, either deliberately or due to some sort of incident, all power to the motor is cut off. In this case, I used a little microswitch located on the left bar of the steering "wheel". When the driver's hand is on the controls, the upper part of the left forefinger holds the switch closed. If the driver's hand lets go of the steering, the controller cuts off power to the motor.

The throttle in these cars is a 5K ohm potentiometer which signals the controller. There are several options available for this including foot operated "pot box" assemblies and twist-grips similar to what is found on motorcycles. Everyone has their preferences, but I like a hand operated throttle. In Electrathon, consistency is important to battery life and having a throttle that the driver can "set it and leave it" helps to promote consistency. For this instance, I made a bracket from 1/16" wall 1" aluminum angle. I drilled and shaped the bracket and riveted it to the right bar of the steering "wheel". I positioned this so the potentiometer is accessable with the driver's right thumb. Roll the knob up to accelerate, down to decelerate.