V is for Voltage electric vehicle forum

Regen on XM-3000 3500Li

Spaceangel — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:00:35 +0000

Is it possible to do Regen on any of the XM series scooters? Even the tiny Vectrix VX-2 lead sled can do regen along with the Zero and big VX-1 scooters. It sure could help with over all range. I notice the steep hills kill my range and I wish there was a just a tad to give back on a steep down hill grade. I slow down to a crawl and into red zone and just about stay there because of the steep hills drawing 40 plus amps on a 38 AH pack. Then after 8 or 10 miles I can't draw even 25 or 30 amperes to keep up speed. Do I have to swap out controller or can I feed some voltage in the controller to do Regenerative braking to put some juice back into pack. I am on my third controller anyways so that is an easy to do item. On another note, I notice hub motor seems to get a might bit warm so I don't know if it is hot from brake disk or just the amps running the motor. I wouldn't have noticed it much but I have to use a Xena lock on all wheels and a Master lock through holes to keep it chained up while parking.

200 Amp Vectrix fuse blows?

kingcharles — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:09:35 +0000

Today my Vectrix died while accellerating from the traffic lights.
All the symptoms point towards a blown fuse, lost all power, speedo stuck at the speed I was doing (45km/h) as it died and zero reaction from rebooting.
It happened in Amsterdam and the bike was towed to the nearest Vectrix dealer.

But I had the 125 Amp fuse replaced by the Dutch importer at the time that I bought the bike so it had a 200 Amp fuse!
My bike has done almost 40.000km on that fuse.

I have to wait for the dealer to open the bike and have a look, so I am not 100% sure that the fuse has blown but if it did than beware that also a 200 Amp fuse could blow!

As soon as I know more I will post it here.

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:48:23 +0000

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:48:09 +0000

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:45:31 +0000

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:42:02 +0000

We want to help the customers become bigger and bigger, so customers can order more from us and pay us after they sell it.

details please contact kevin(kevin_fang@b-t-n.cn)

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:39:20 +0000

We want to help the customers become bigger and bigger, so customers can order more from us and pay us after they sell it.

details please contact kevin(kevin_fang@b-t-n.cn)

www.b-t-n.cn www.b-t-n.org

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:36:37 +0000

We want to help the customers become bigger and bigger, so customers can order more from us and pay us after they sell it.

details please contact kevin(kevin_fang@b-t-n.cn)

www.b-t-n.cn www.b-t-n.org

Pay"0" to get the ebike&ebike kit from BTN HOLDING GROUP CO.,LTD

Ebikeparts — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:35:10 +0000

We want to help the customers become bigger and bigger, so customers can order more from us and pay us after they sell it.

details please contact kevin(kevin_fang@b-t-n.cn)

www.b-t-n.cn www.b-t-n.org

Lithium conversion continued

vveconvco — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:15:40 +0000

Recently I commented on my conversion to lithium batteries in my 2007 Vectrix. Hopefully here are some pictures of the conversion.

Power leads overheating

holmesjtg — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:58:40 +0000

Hi all,

Recently, my C-124 started reducing power occasionally while on my daily commute (9 miles each way). Today it died on me for a few minutes and I noticed that the dash LED was indicating 2 short and 3 long flashes, suggesting (according to the manual) that the power leads are overheating. However, after 3 minutes or so, it started up again and I made it the rest of the way home (just a mile or so).

Now, I did change the wheel out a couple of weeks ago because my bent rim needed replacing so I'm not sure if this could be related to how I re-installed everything. However, CurrentMotor had provided me with some really nice instructions so I was being pretty careful about re-connecting everything. I did check the lead connections on the controller tonight and they seemed tight.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar or has some ideas on why they might be getting hot.

Cheers,
Jeff

Supercap award winner

mf70 — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:59:46 +0000

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/20/eesha-khare-18yearold-inv_n_3307519.html

Details are a little thin, but the thought of a symbiosis between a supercap and a lithium cell is interesting...

MF70

Lithium battery conversion

vveconvco — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:49:19 +0000

I have recently converted my 2007 Vectrix to Lifepo4 batteries and BMS. I used 42 CALB 60 ah CA series batteries, and an Elithion Lite battery management system. 34 of the batteries fit perfectly in the battery box with no spacing or shimming required. The remaining 8 batteries are stacked up above the 34 in the space where the fans were. No modification of the battery compartment was required. Antiscab provided me with software, developed by the Laird, that allows the existing charger to fully charge the new 60 ah battery, and moved the top speed limit to 68 mph. Many thanks to Antiscab and The Laird!
The modification has transformed the bike. I could not be happier. I can travel on the expressway, and the range appears to be between 60 and 100 miles, depending on speed.The BMS seems to care for the batteries perfectly. I just plug in at night and forget it.
The one casualty of the software upgrade is the loss of the original SOC meter. Does anyone have a solution for this? I can connect the SOC output from the BMS to an after market meter, (0-5vdc input), but I'd rather retain the original SOC. So far I have traveled 2500 miles on the new batteries with no problems. I have pictures but I don't yet know how to attach them.
Mark

Zapino parts NEW!

Randy W — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:46:50 +0000

Hi, fellow Zapinoists,

A friend and I have just acquired a large portion of the remaining inventory of Zapino parts from ZAP! These are new and are mostly the plastic body parts, fenders, cowlings, floorboards, rubber fender pads, chrome racks, etc. We have not inventoried this collection, yet.

Also, for a short time, we have the chance to acquire 10 scooters, from which various parts have been scavenged. As storage space is expensive, we are trying to see what the demand might be before we decide to purchase and store these.

Please let us know your needs. RadioRan (at) aol.com

Thanks,

Randy

2 Vectrix for sale

elevatorguy — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:31:36 +0000

I am selling my Vectrix's one silver 500 miles and one blue 250 miles, both NiMh batteries.
upgraded software, better charge and 68 MPH speed max.
Location is Indianapolis Indiana USA
4500 takes both and spare cells.

http://www.evalbum.com/preview.php?vid=4390

http://www.evalbum.com/preview.php?vid=4386

Dead Battery Saved by Reset Button

oobflyer — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:27:39 +0000

Yesterday I decided to ride the converted Vectrix (50 AH Li-ion) until the batteries were dead - since I haven't done that in a long time. But, I didn't plan my ride very well and ran out of juice a few miles from home. I "pushed" the bike by walking next to it while it was still running - the batteries continued to push the bike along at 1 MPH for a while. During the last few blocks I turned the key off and just pushed it.

When I got home and plugged it in it wouldn't charge! The red warning light was on and the alarm sound was screeching. Terrified that I had damaged the batteries I tried again, this time pressing and holding the reset button (from Antiscab's conversion kit). The charging started, but would only trickle charge at 1.7 Amps. After a few minutes it stopped charging. I unplugged it, plugged it back in, again using the reset button (I finally just shorted across the terminals so I wouldn't have to hold it in place). Again it started slowly charging. I had to do this several times, but finally the red light turned off, the high-pitched alarm sound stopped, and it started charging at the normal 9.5 Amps.

This morning the battery pack was fully charged and everything appears back to normal. Whew!

I now have 14,000 miles on the bike and this was the first time I ever had to push it - but it was my own fault. Thanks to Antiscab's kit I was able to revive the dead batteries!

Vectrix VX-1 (New MC Board and Charger) on Ebay + Leg covers etc

Shaddle — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:54:31 +0000

Hi All

just to highlight a great opportunity to buy a low mileage (4800) early bike, with virtually new MC Board and Runke Gold Charger (+ software updated)...both of which benefit from a 2 year warranty.

So if you are looking out for a Vectrix (or indeed want a potential donor bike even??) then this one is a great buy.

Long tax and MOT, both (matching Michelin) tyres are new too and there's the added benefit of rare Urbano Tucano Leg covers and mitts too!!

Just flown through the MOT with only brake pads as advisories....so they are now done too. Nothing more required.

Anyone interested, as I am planning to change my commute and need a bigger bike? Sad to see her go, but has been 3+ years of great fun and it's a great bike with everything done for you.

Pics on Ebay if you are interested.

Dead MC board

allanbairstow — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:29:31 +0000

Yesterday my Vectrix died. My motor controller board has burnt out just after the fuse. Does anyone know where I can buy a replacement board cheaper than the £1,862 that I have been quoted by Vectrix UK (EFS) ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. My Vectrix is 2008, NiMH battery pack. If you need board details to help please just let me know what you need. Yesterday was a very sad day :-(

Used Taller "Winter" Windshield

moccasin — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:26:57 +0000

Vectrix VX-1 Tall "Winter" Windshield. Very good condition with only very minor surface wear. Gives much smoother airflow and helps protect hands as well.
$70 (PayPal preferred)

Buyer pays actual FedX Ground shipping costs. Package Size 32x9x25 @ 10 lbs. Shipping from 36101 (shipping to a business address is considerably cheaper than to a residential address).

Photos emailed upon request.

Is this the final end for "Better Place"

marcopolo — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:20:45 +0000

Now it would appear that even Carlos Ghosn, has abandoned the "Better Place" business model. No new Renault or Nissan models will be produced incorporating " Better Place" battery swapping features.

Having lost first the founding CEO, Shai Aggassi and then the non-politician CEO, Even Thornley, Better Place have announced that the company will only operate in Israel and possibly Denmark as retailers of charging posts.

Better Place has squandered nearly $800 million in capital,and is servicing less than 800 cars in Israel with it's absurd battery swapping scheme.

As I predicted 4 years ago, Better Place was always based on a totally impractical, unworkable, and bizarre concept. Better Place made countless wild and completely false statements. Employee behaved more like cult devotees than employees of a commercial enterprise. Better Place had all the hall-marks of a scam. (In the end, it may prove to have been more of a mass delusion, rather than a deliberate scam).

As Better Place staggers toward bankruptcy, it's just one more instance of how the over-enthusiasm for 'green' projects, in 2007-2010, led to otherwise astute business people suspending all reality,and common-sense, in the rush to back such projects.

Vale Coda

marcopolo — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:29:58 +0000

As predicted the Coda EV is extinct !

This dubious product from an equally dubious manufacturer, has finally filed for bankruptcy. The demise of Coda will be missed by no one, except it's workers and a handful of Coda owners.

Fortunately, the US taxpayer with not lose, although the State of California (and others) will have to write off the millions given to this enterprise.

A bad car, a bad EV, promoted by a bad company, and backed by bad people. Luckily Coda's demise, should not reflect on EV Technology as an industry, and EV sales with not be affected.

Unknown issue with BUSVLT error

Cyde — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:10:56 +0000

Hi all,

Long time rider and occassional reader/post, and right now I have an issue.

State of my Bike:

Location : Melbourne
Model 2007 (red)
Batteries : Antiscab upgrade kit 6/2011
KM's 37970.9
Firmware : original

My current daily commute is ~46Km (round trip) + 6km (after work occasionally to the shops). I usually still have 3-4 bars left on the display after this. I have been doing this for over 6 months now. (prior to that my commute was 25km).

Previous known issues: the cable plug/connections string the BMS modules together have some times (a) unplugged or (b) through movement(stop/start) have broken from the solder joint. I simpled opened and replugged/resoldered (for safety I disconnected anderson connectors before solder/reconnecting BMS cables then attach light/reconnected anderson's).

Current issue:

I was on my way home and just turned onto Ballarat Rd getting up to 70km/r (its speed limit in that zone), when all of a sudden I had no response from throttle. I pulled over and turned off/on. Red Battery light (solid), and BUSVLT error. However the battery meter still shows 10 bars.

(I got a tow home).

Subsequent tests/diag:

turn on the bike with the stand down, no error (but Red battery light on). Once kick stand is up, and "Go" mode enaged, BUSVLT error occurs.
I have not plugged the bike into charge (unsure what that might do).

Thinking it might be a bolt that worked loose, I have opened it up, but cant see/feel/test any bolts loose. (I have only checked the top visible row, its a bugger to get the lower 2nd half).

I have not pulled out my CANBus cable or the diag software yet (I have both), but plan to do this, this week after work (depending on how tired I am) or on the weekend.

Any idea's of where I should look in the diag software, or hard issues I shall look at?

Also I posted in the Australia Support thread, if they have heard if the new Australia reseller supports (or will support) the original VX-1's.

-Randy

Forcing EQ Charge via Scooterdiag ?

mikemitbike — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:10:04 +0000

Hi there i´m back after Winter- and Twizy-Vacation. The battery of my Vectrix seems to
have driftet a lot during winter althought i carged it now and then. To my question:
I found a description to force an EQ charge via the Scooterdiagnostic-software, but
finaly lost it again and can´t find it anymore. I tried the search in this forum but
without luck. Has anyone an idea where to find and how to do it?
I´m using an NiMH Vectrix.

Greetings Mike

CAN-USB Cable set for sale in U.S.A.

moccasin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:47:06 +0000

I have a used Peak CAN-USB cable set for sale for programming or diagnostics for the Vectrix with a laptop or other computer. Comes with a Driver CD (downloaded from the Peak website) which includes the Scooter Diag software as well as several of "The Laird's" modified charger/controller files.

I sold my Vectrix and no longer have use for this material. Selling the CAN-USB cable and Serial adapter cable as a set for $165.00 which includes priority shipping to any U.S.A address. Would prefer to sell it in the states, as the US Postal service is making it quite clear that they don't like international mail.

mocc@moccsplace.com for more info.

Please note: Can't get 64 bit Windows 7 to work with this software. I may have missed something in trying, but it works fine with an older XP laptop.

Strange charging pattern

berndoz — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:42:57 +0000

A strange pattern has now occurred, it seems that when I charge the bike all night from about 120v until auto off it discharges.....
The fuel gauge reads full and I start of with about 140v, after 3km the bars completely disappear and voltage goes down to about 120v.
If I do only part charges and stop, lets say 2 hrs before finish I still get 138v and 'normal' distance.

My VX is a 2008 with a mixture of original and second hand batteries from 3 different bikes.
Bike has The Lairds software installed.
Question:
- is the charger playing up or on its way out
- does the software have a glitch
- are the batteries begging to be dumped

Any ideas?

VX-1

Spaceangel — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:59:00 +0000

Like a lot of Vectrix owners, I am reluctant to sink a lot of monies into a 6 year old scooter just to ride it a very short distance. Lithium packs are expensive and Gold Peak NiMH cells are hard to come by. So out of three VX-1 scooters I hope to make one good pack of batteries for my best scooter. I believe 6 modules of 8 cells and 6 modules of 9 cells so that is 48 cells plus 54 cells equal 102 cells of 1.2 volt each equal 123 to 125 volt pack voltage. My question is that- how little can I get away with just to make motorcycle just Run? I would like to keep one stock with all stock charger controller and batteries. One with just Positive and Negative of 125 volts worth of any kind of battery pack whether it be Pb or Lithium or even model airplane NiMH cells. No charger and I will figure out charging via an Anderson connector of new proper charger for appropriate pack. The third scooter will be parts of which it already really is. Out of the third scooter I have a two pack of 9 cells which have maybe a good 20 to 25 AH 10 hour rating in old pack. Now that is impressive for a NiMH pack of 6 years old. It has about 11.25 volts and I use it rarely with of course no load on it till I use it and never dies like other two VX-1 scooters. They always have a computer bring it down in a 3 week period.Will the bike start up with 120 to 130 volt pack and sort of go or does it have to be programmed to do its thing? How would a separate charge going into "new" pack affect batteries? Reason I ask is the Vectrix charger is tied to computer therefore put in 30 AH plus 20 minutes at 3 1/4 , 4 amperes to equalize. I do have lots of Pb batteries of the EVX12200 CSB brand to waste on it if I need a Pb sled again. Also lots of 120 and 132 and 144 volt Pb chargers for Gel Cell packs.
So before I strip bike down to frame I would like to know what I can leave out making the light weight VX-1 I can make then add batteries whether it be one mile range like RC battery pack or real Lithium or Pb packs. I figure remove charger and stock batteries is all I can do for computer is needed to run bike?

Odering from China

tigger19687 — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:36:31 +0000

Has anyone ordered a scooter from China ?

Just wondering what I should expect, how to pay, who to blame if it is broken when arrived ?

Since I am just outside of Boston, I wonder if it would come to Boston.... more likely Maine or NY. So then it needs to be trucked to my house.

What about the MCO and paperwork. Should that be sent to my house after I get it (before)? I think I read that is should NOT be sent WITH the scooter.

Any other info would be great.

I still need time to save the $4000 + for it but I think it will be worth it.... newer technology, newer Li batteries with BMS etc...

BTW, going for the Puma

Thanks

scooter diagnostic not comunicating with Vectrix

vveconvco — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:05:20 +0000

I have scooter diagnostic version 2.0 on my laptop (windows seven). With the grid connect can/usb adapter connected and drivers installed, I have a continuous red light on the can/usb adapter. When I plug the adapter into the Vectrix, turn the bike on and initiate the scooter diagnostics program,
the general page comes up, but the red 'can inactive' indicator never goes green. Antiscab sent me an older version of dll file to install in windows 32 and to the scooter diag folder. I have installed these and still just a constant red light. If I use Pcan view, I can transmit and receive messages over the can/usb adapter, but not when I call up the scooter diagnostic. It's like the diagnostic program never attempts to comunicate with the bike. Does any one have a suggestion?

E-Max Sped Restriction help

Chris V — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:01:29 +0000

Hello... I own a 2005 E-max EP 2000 Sport and would like to remove the speed restriction on the controller as discussed many times in the Forum. The controller, located in the battery compartment, that is now on the scooter does not appear like any of the images I have seen in the V articles and archives- this is possibly an early model or replacement. I'd like to know if there is a way to change or adjust this controller to remove the speed restriction.

The scooter has 48 volts with SLA batteries in buddy packs and runs well. I have not got around to making it 60 volts. The rearrangement of the batteries increased the range to about 33 miles. When I checked the operation of the relay switches, the compartment appeared to be modified- does the controller belong in this compartment, rather than in the battery area?

Any help would be appreciated.

CHRIS V Rockport, USA

Front wheel scratching?

Joshteacher — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:53:34 +0000

I have a 2008 Vectrix with about 3300 miles (5300 km). I've recently noticed a scratching sound at low speeds that seems to come front the front wheel. I don't use regen much, so could it be time for new brake pads? There is a motorcycle/scooter shop nearby that does brakes and stuff. If I took the Vectrix in for brake pad replacement, is there anything special they need to know before servicing the scooter?