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Hobo Man
New Member
1 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 23 2006 : 05:32:10 AM
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well I want to build a gokart
my idea is as such:
What could I use fo stearing? (cheapest way please :D :D ) Also how could I control the speed of the small motor ,dunno what ill use yet :D
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marks256
Mad Scientist
USA
402 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2006 : 1:04:11 PM
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If you would like to live on the side of danger, you could simply tie a rope on each end of the axle, and steer that way. :)
As for speed control, you could just hook up a high-power dimmer switch. If you want to get real fancy, you could even connect the dimmer switch to a peddle type thing! ;) However, i would suggest using a gas engine. More power, less battery.
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Intel: We put the 'Um...' in Pentium! |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2006 : 2:34:50 PM
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Seems reasonable. If you check out my go kart ( http://www.aaroncake.net/projects/sm2k.htm ) you will see an easy steering mechanism.
Now, for speed control it's a bit complicated. If you plan on using an electric motor, there are many, many options. Either you have to build something yourself (contactor controller) or purchase something (PWM controller). A light dimmer WILL NOT WORK since they are AC only.
Gas engines are easier since all you have to set up is a pedal connected to the throttle via a cable. |
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Binary 1011001101
Nobel Prize Winner
United Kingdom
569 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2006 : 09:41:52 AM
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| For steering you could cheat and use a front half of a bike, or something close. |
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marks256
Mad Scientist
USA
402 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2006 : 1:05:27 PM
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I did not know that light dimmers were only AC? Hmm. Oh well, then you could probably get by with using the dimmer switch off of an old car(the dimmer for the lights), that is, if the motor is low enough current!  |
Intel: We put the 'Um...' in Pentium! |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 10:12:18 AM
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| The light dimmer in a car is way too small. It can only deal with a few hundred milliamps, maybe an amp or two. To control a gokart sized motor, you need control over several hundred amps DC. |
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Schleusner
Member
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 10:33:27 AM
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| Why not a variable transformer? Then you could regulate the voltage without much amp loss. |
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cirvin
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1542 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 4:19:57 PM
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| Because transformers are AC only devices too. |
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Schleusner
Member
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 4:59:58 PM
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| Don't they make dc variable transformers? |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
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Binary 1011001101
Nobel Prize Winner
United Kingdom
569 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2006 : 10:00:41 AM
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| Transformers only work on AC, it induces the currant on the secondary winding only when the magnetic field colapses. It is impossible to get a DC transformer. That is how I have learnt it (correct me if I am wrong) |
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Schleusner
Member
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2006 : 10:22:26 AM
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| I get it now. The magnetic fields have to change in the primary in order for current to flow in the secondary. |
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coilgunner
Apprentece
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2006 : 09:05:09 AM
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| there are methods to boost power in DC current through circuits and I suppose you could run it though a switch or two but that would get very complecated and its probly pretty delicate |
ö¬Ž;Ä•☺☻☺ |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2006 : 10:41:33 AM
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| It's actuallly very easy. Just use a commercially available PWM controller. Either a large scooter controller, or a golf kart style controller. There are many available, but the good ones are not cheap. |
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Go Kart Idea?
