Does a controller heat up?

John F

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Sep 3, 2013
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I am considering wrapping something around my controller, with a view to giving it a bit of shock protection within its enclosure.

Does a controller heat up, making this a bad idea?
 

Zebb

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Jun 13, 2012
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Yep they heat up, though depending on how much current is pulled through it, more power more heat.
So be-careful how you protect it.
 

Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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As Zebb said, I would try not to cover it up, especially the side where the fets attach to the casing. Edge with screws along the casing.
Use small pieces of sticky back foam attached to the controller at key points to isolate from shock.

BTW, controllers are pretty robust, so vast amounts of shock protection aren't vital.
Batteries are vulnerable though, so concentrate on protecting that ;)
 
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John F

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Sep 3, 2013
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Excellent thanks. I'll experiment with the sticky thingys.

How do you mean protect the battery?
 

Geebee

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Mar 26, 2010
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Australia
Go for a steep/ hard ride and see how hot it gets, I have some that get quite warm that padding would be very bad for and I have others that stay totally cold under any type of abuse so padding would not adversly affect.
 

Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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Excellent thanks. I'll experiment with the sticky thingys.

How do you mean protect the battery?
Just from any potential road shock or a crash, god forbid. For example, I have my Ping 48v 15Ah split pack, inside a triangle bag in the frame. I have used some fairly thick sticky backed foam, to prevent it from banging about on the frame and potentially damaging the battery or chaffing the wiring.
 

John F

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Sep 3, 2013
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Just had a look inside. The controller is basically wedged inside with wires around it, so perhaps doing nothing might be the answer. Even getting sticky pads (are they heat resistant?) fixed would be fiddly in the confined space.Controller#1.jpgController#2.jpg
 

Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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Just had a look inside. The controller is basically wedged inside with wires around it, so perhaps doing nothing might be the answer. Even getting sticky pads (are they heat resistant?) fixed would be fiddly in the confined space.View attachment 7160View attachment 7161
Yeah, I wouldn't bother, doubt if it will get damaged tucked away in that little container.
The only problem you're likely to have is tarnishing of the battery contacts, creating resistance.
Just keep them clean with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol.
 
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