Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Putting back together my XCT 500 and super duty solenoid and noticed on the wiring diagram from Alltrax and have a question-

On the diagram for PDS- one wire from battery pack to a solenoid stud, the other solenoid stud has one wire going to B+ and then a third wire from B+ to the A2 of the motor. Therefore two wires are connected to the B+ terminal of the Alltrax. Is that the most correct way?

I think previously I had the second solenoid stud having two wires on it - one going to B+ on controller and the other to A2 motor. So my question is does it matter if the two wires are on solenoid stud vs the B+ terminal on controller?

I attached a hand drawn picture. Option 1 is the drawing from Alltrax and option 2 is my question if it could or should not be wired that way

Thanks

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Hi Conrad
Can you differentiate between wires and cables in your description? It makes it easier to understand (for me anyway)

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Electrically, either connection is identical. I'd say, which ever arrangement results in a more solid connection for the 500 amp terminals, use that. If both arrangements are similar, meaning stud length of solenoid is adequate, and/or controller terminal, then I'd route the cables to allow the most flexibility, since the motor "follows" the road, while controller and solenoid follow the frame, over bumps.

I prefer only one cable per solenoid stud, just 'cause. :mrgreen:

EDIT: If your solenoid is the same as mine, don't forget the studs are larger.

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Yes, were you able to see the picture I posted? All wires referenced are the 2 gauge wires. I am solely referencing large gauge wires and how the positive of the battery pack, solenoid to controller and controller to motor A2 should be connected. I am not asking about the solenoid activation circuit.

Just to try to rephrase one more time as seen in my picture, can I put a 2 gauge wire that then goes to the B+ controller terminal AND second 2 gauge wire that goes to A2 of the motor on the same solenoid stud.

Or should the solenoid stud only have one 2 gauge wire going to B+ controller terminal and then have another wire at the B+ terminal going to the A2 of the motor. Therefore should I have the two mentioned wires at the solenoid stud or two at the B+ controller terminal.

I think if you read what I just wrote along with looking at my shotty diagram it should make sense

Thanks

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

That makes perfect sense, thanks!

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Ironically, when the controller's output duty-cycle is less than 100%, the B+ on controller to A2 on motor cable carries more amps than the stubby cable from the solenoid's controller side stud to the B+ terminal on controller, so the most efficient configuration is landing both cables on the controller's B+ terminal. That way the higher amps have a slightly shorter path (less resistance) to travel.

If you look at your data logs, motor amps exceed battery amps when throttle is less than 100% and motor amps equal battery amps when throttle is at 100%.

This is due to feeding the motor with pulsed DC when at <100% duty-cycle. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field collapses and generates a current in the windings that is the same polarity as the pulse was. There is a "Freewheel" diode, or something similar, in the controller between M- and B+ that completes the current loop.

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If you have thick cables in good condition, the difference probably is not noticeable. :mrgreen:

Re: Super duty solenoid and XCT 500 wiring
 

Like I said, just 'cause. :mrgreen:

That's the way I wired mine (series), though as you said, "Ironically".