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Old 09-20-2011, 07:20 PM   #2
scottyb
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
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Default Re: 36 volt to 48 volt club car

First you have to understand how the two different drive systems work.

How a resistor cart works:
The application will differ from cart to cart but the theory is the same .... key switch powers the micros at the F&R. The micro activates the solenoid which brings power to the speed wiper board assembly. The speed wiper selects a cable depending upon peddle position. Each of these cables runs to a different speed resistor . Each resistor has a graduated resistance value which regulates how much amperage is allowed to flow to the motor ...the motor goes faster the more amperage it is allowed to draw.


Early carts ( pre 89-90ish) use a series of graduated sizes of speed resistor coils to regulate speed. Each coil in the group offered less resistance than the previous one. When you stepped on the gas 100% of the available battery power (amperage) was drawn and speed was regulated by how much of this amperage was burned off (wasted) by the resistor coils. So even if you push the peddle a little it drains the batteries same as wide open throttle.

In contrast the modern solid state speed controller sips the battery power. When you step down on the peddle 10% just 10% of the battery power is delivered to the motor.
In contrast to the resistor coil cart this very efficient system will yield longer run times.
It will also open the door to voltage increases like the one you asked about ..... 36 to 48v. The average 36v golf cart motor does very well on 48v. The increase voltage brings an increase of about 30% more torque and speed, while consuming less amperage.
I hope this helps
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