Baby's Got a Brand New Electric Motor Cooling Fan and Cover.

Ain't the web grand? I did a little googling for info on running PMDC motors on higher voltages (since the motor I found was made for 12V and the bike is 24) and found some excellent advice from a motor rebuilder at Hi-torque Electric. He recommended advancing the brushes and adding a cooling fan. I had already thought of making a new cap for the brush end of the motor because the original is not vented and I've been itching to do some custom metal fabrication.  

Before:

After:

Since fabbing the new cover, I've installed a 12V fan which I salvaged from my old Mac G3 power supply.  There are two fans in that supply, a 3", 200ma and a 4.5" .44a.  I installed the smaller fan first but I am planning a bigger diameter cover for the bigger fan that will extend past the brush holder and over the motor for even more "sensflow" cooling action.

As the kids say: "Sweeeeet" 

 

The Children of The rEVolution

Finally found a new motor for #12.  I was going to try to rewind the original KDB if I couldn't find a replacement but I just picked one up today. 

A Scott 12v 1 hp exactly the same motor style as a KDB.  They are almost identical in appearance with no extra flanges/fins to deal with. I have been waiting for one to come up on EBAY as I don't have the budget for a $535 unit from one of the EV suppliers.  I googled the 2 hp Scott part number and got a hit in Vancouver for 75$.  There was a web page specials list with a few Scott motors all for cheap.  When I phoned they had sold the last 2hp model 4BC2850 but still had a 12v 1hp model 4BC01368 in stock.  It seemed too good to be true, though, and sure enough when it came to the details they said they could only sell to a distributor. DANG!  I then dropped in to Drake Electric who were very helpful earlier in supplying me with rewinding supplies and advice and thankfully they agreed to order it for me plus $10 markup for a total of $85!  I was so happy, I gave them $100 and still got a smoking deal. Thanks Greg!  

Greg was furiously rebuilding a motor on his day off for a BC ferry contractor.  If the ferry does not run they get fined $40,000 so I guess paying through the nose for a rush job just ain't no thang. 

I realize the voltage is wrong but the motor should still work at 24v as long as I don't push it too hard.  Or since I don't have batteries yet I could get a couple of T-105 6Vs and practically double my range battery life (with a little judicious rewiring) 

Very soon we should be cruising side by side Auranthetic style!

Max Head Room

Top hat optional.

The ghost of Gerry Garcia approves.

Matching leather required.

Just as a car interior should look.

Just got back from the VEVA REV show. My only regret is that I did not drive there on electric power. I brought the Charger in the back of the van. Next year electric all the way for sure.

The highlight for me would have to be driving the 1912 Detroit electric car which cost about $2000 new in 1912. Roughly $350 000 in today's dollars. It's still in original condition and runs perfectly. The original batteries were nickel-iron, very expensive, very heavy but durable and still hold a charge today but not enough for any distance so newer batteries now run it. The steering is by tiller! Push to go right pull for left. Charming to drive and the only noise it makes is the squeaking rubber of the wheels.  Who could resist those leather seats?

Global and the CBC were there as well as some news papers so we will have to wait and see how much air time they give it.

It was great to see all the rides there and the e-bike guys were busy all day showing off their wares and giving demo rides.

Please go and sign the petition to mandate ZEVs in Canada. It's 100 years late!