EZGO RXV Navitas Controller Upgrade

[andrewuk311]

I received my Navitas 600 Amp Controller yesterday. This was to replace my broken Danaher controller on a 2010 RXV. For reference, I have 215/35/14 tires on the cart. I have never replaced a golf cart speed controller. I’m a mechanical engineer and have pretty good mechanical skills, but just average electrical skills. Attached below is some pictures of out of the box. The kit included the controller, On-the-fly programmer, harness, and mounting bracket and studs.

The install was very easy. I removed the old controller and mount without any issues. I took care to mark where the wires went, so I didn’t have a mess at the end. You can leave the solenoid and bracket in the cart, but you have to swap the resistor coil and mounting bolts to the new bracket. This will require you to remove the resistor wire from the solenoid. It’s very straightforward and not difficult at all. The new bracket mounting studs will fit in existing holes in the bottom of the cart, but not the same holes where the stock controller mounted.

After you install the new mounting bracket, and attached the resistor coil, I mounted the controller to the bracket with the 4 supplied bolts, washers, and lock washers. It’s very sturdy, the bracket is machined aluminum and so is the base of the controller. I’m guessing it’s about 1/2” thick, strong but light (aluminum). From that point, it’s as easy as attaching the motor wires (U,V,W), battery positive, resistor wire to the controller, and battery negative. Then, the existing harness plugs into the new wire harness adapter which attaches to the controller. Final step is to locate the on-the-fly programmer, and route the cable to the new wire harness adapter. Secure everything in place using wire ties. Wrap loose and exposed wires, remount the cover plate with the run/tow switch, and your off to the races!

From my one day of testing this thing, I could not be happier. I clocked 28 MPH on a flat street. I think I could do better with larger gauge battery cables (ordering after I finish this). The controllability of the on the fly programmer is just amazing. Pretty sure at some point I was giggling with excitement. The controller is still in beta testing, but updates are delivered through your phone via Bluetooth. The app is cool to see your performance and how the cart behaves as you tweak the parameters on the programmer.