I've had a few problems with my curtis controller and need to change some settings. CURTIS charge a fortune for the lead and software to do so. :(
I am going to try to make my own lead, does anybody have a copy of the software?
A uk forum has a poll on the issue of Curtis lock down - link above
I intend to forward it to them because a number of people are unhappy.
If anyone would like to add their vote to the poll please do.
A few people have added their vote to the poll in the last week, and I'm guessing some may have come from here so thanks, I'm now composing a letter to Curtis to outline what I think could change for the better.
I know this forum is oriented towards Vectrix machines, just out of interest did they use Curtis controllers?
If not, could someone please tell me who makes those controllers?
Vectrix made their Motor Controller themselves. Curtis I would think is more the golf cart and electric fork lift specialist, similar to Sevcon before some French manufacturers chose them to fire their Twizzy and E-Vivacity. But Sevcon seem to be very similar to Curtis in their demeanor towards DIYers... :-(
My rides:
2017 Zero S ZF6.5 11kW, erider Thunder 5kW
Vectrix made their Motor Controller themselves. Curtis I would think is more the golf cart and electric fork lift specialist, similar to Sevcon before some French manufacturers chose them to fire their Twizzy and E-Vivacity. But Sevcon seem to be very similar to Curtis in their demeanor towards DIYers... :-(
My rides:
2017 Zero S ZF6.5 11kW, erider Thunder 5kW
Just ordered a Twizy by the way, long delivery time, August....
Are you in UK? I know of 3 nearly new Twizys in London people are trying to sell?
At least the Twizy uses a Sevcon controller which is better, but still expensive, as MEroller says the same crazy high cost for the software if you ever want to configure
For people who have bought them they can be difficult to sell, there are a number on ebay around the £4000 mark
I think the problem with transfering the battery rental agreement makes some people reluctant to buy them
No, I'm in Sweden so I need the "left hand drive" version, (actually all are mid-driven, but there are some things that differ, lights, speedo etc.).
I have looked around for second hand ones in Europe and you can find quite a few around the price you say, but I don't feel like transporting it re-register and so on. Buying it for my company so I get quite a good deal with leasing.
Are you buying the version with the doors? It is a shame they didn't make them with full size locking doors. I did hear that option was coming but I don't now if its out yet.
Also as mentioned above Sevcon charge a fortune for the software to adjust the controller, which is very annoying.
You might not ever need to but if you ever end the leased battery contract and use your own battery it would make it easier.
http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/sevcon-gen4-pc-based-programming-kit.html
Yes, the door version and I will also buy windows.
Will also buy a wireless unlocking system and remove the inside door handles, thus making it lockable.
I already have an IXXAT usb-can converter and programs, but I think I will buy the OVMS system (http://www.openvehicles.com/) which is a cheap and easy way to both get the info you want and to "tune" the Sevcon.
That link is very interesting. Is it just for the Sevcon controllers?
I'm still looking for an 'open' way to configure the Curtis controller. I've seen a few posts on people making their own lead cheaply but still haven't found anyone with the software. Essentially Curtis say its 400euros for the lead and the software is 'free', but its not easy to find and they wont send it out.
I would imagine the config variables are just stored in files on the chip, but I think programming that from scratch is out of my limits!
The OVMS system is tailored for specific car models and generic CAN bus communication so it can not be used for Curtis as such.
I have programmed a Curtis many years ago, borrowed a hand programmer, don't you have anyone around which you could borrow?
I think if you look around you will propably find the the program eventually.
Someone on another forum found an old copy of the Curtis software, I haven't tried it myself yet as now need to look at making the cable.
If anyone has the updated version 4 of the software them i'd still be grateful, but apparently the version 3 does everything.
I'll link the other site here just incase anyone else does require it in the future
http://www.ev.forumchitchat.com/post/1314-curtis-controller-programmer-software-download-and-cable-6854105