motorguide speed control

[DAvis31052]

Chipmaker,

You need to contact the folks at www.vexilar.com. They used to make an item called a "Moto-Max". This is basically a "pulse width modulator" that'll slow the motor speed with out effecting the amperage. That's what you want. Do not use any type of rheostat. It'll cause the amperage to increase and burn up the motor. trust me, I know!

The one I bought from them back in 2004 was $127.00 plus shipping. Even though its not listed on their site any more, you may be able to call or shoot them and e-mail for more information.

D

[dwightparks]

For you guys running 12 volt motors the maximizer by minn kota is the way to go. I have found three of these on e-bay in the last couple of months. These units are not made any more but there are still units out there. Vexilar does not make the moto-max any more. Had one of these built by Mississippi trolling motor repair but it was expensive 275.00. If you can run across one on ebay most of the time they bring between 80 - 100 dollars. On ebay type in trolling motor and also check under minnkota header as I have found them both places. I also believe tom will come up with you guys a device if you give him time.

[dwightparks]

There is a maximizer on ebay right now. Hight bid at 9 a.m. was 81.04 Auction ends at around 5 p.m. today. Go to ebay Type in trolling motor and then go to minnkota header and you will see unit. These units are for 12 volt only.

[DAvis31052]

Yep, Dwight is right.

Vexilar no longer sells the moto-max. I just talked with a salesman at Vexilar and he stated they no longer sell the item since all the T/M manufacturers started adding the digital technology to their motors.

He said the Moto-Max was a transitional item and the demand went away so they discontinued it. That sucks for those of use who can't afford a 500-900 dollar trolling motor just to get variable speed.

If you can't get your hands on a Maximizer,I guess you could go "old school" and use a drift sock or 5 gallon bucket pulled behind the boat to slow you down.

D

[Cane Pole]

Hey ya go. 12 volts @ 60 amps (at 25 degrees C. and proper heat sinks).

Red and Black heavy lines indicate heavy current paths. Adjust wire size for the amount of current to be drawn by trolling motor (max). If you can build circuits, this will work fine. If you need a 24 volt circuit, I can modify this one to use 24v. Or both.

Wired one up today. It has good linear response over the potentiometer range.

Wire and test before installing a circuit like this. Caution. This is high current. You can catch things on fire. Not for the novice. I ain't responsible for your wiring.

[chipmaker]

Thank you. I feel the wheels in motion.

[robbor]

Hey Tom, what can you tell me about incorporating I guess an H bridge or switch for adding reverse?
Thanks for the curcuit I am going to grab some components for the weekend.

Wattage of the resistors?

[Cane Pole]

Hey Tom, what can you tell me about incorporating I guess an H bridge or switch for adding reverse?
Thanks for the curcuit I am going to grab some components for the weekend.

Wattage of the resistors?

I would not use an H-Bridge for this app. Here is a circuit that reverses using relays. Same thing elec wheelchairs do, but dont try this circuit on a wheel chair. Might do a wheelstand and dump the driver. No damping is provided in this circuit.

If the circuit is blurred, open the file with fax viewer or paint. File got to big for bmp extension post here.

With this circuit, the motor is on or off and does not coast (free wheel) when the power switch is released. If you want it to coast, I will add a coasting relay. No prob to add it. I am just trying to keep cost down. Wheel chairs have coast relays.

[Cane Pole]

As you see, the more stuff you want it to do, the more parts I have to add. I can keep adding features.

[Dn.liner]

I am also looking for an easy out for the speed control problem. I have a motorguide 46# thrust. I talked to a moterguide repair guy, he suggested the easiest and least expencive way out was to install a 4 blade weedless prop. The rpm,s stay the same but that prop moves less water therefore slowing you down.