Scoota Speed Controller
This page is for reference only: the Scoota is no longer manufactured We ceased production at the end of 2005.
The Scoota is, in essence, a non-reversing version of our popular Pro controller. It is the same size as the Pro and has all the same features as the Pro series without the ability to reverse – which, naturally, results in a more economical controller. The connections are all arranged at one end of the board for ease of access once the controller is boxed. The Scoota is a full feature Two Quadrant (acceleration and regenerative braking) motor speed controller principally for 12v and 24v battery operation, but 36v and 48v versions are available. Although it is similar in size to other industry standard 110 amp controllers, the power performance is considerably enhanced with no loss of reliability.
Some possible applications are:- powered Scooters, bicycles and tricycles and golf buggies and miniature railways that do not require reversing.
The Scoota is technically advanced and packed with useful features without the ‘high tech overkill’ which is often used as a sales gimmick. The controllers have been extensively ‘value engineered’ to give the best possible ratio of performance to cost. Of special interest is the automatic ramp down and power off so the controller always stops smoothly and safely even if the ignition is turned off at full speed. Also of interest are the independent, linear, adjustable acceleration and deceleration ramps, the thermally sensitive overcurrent limiting, the regen current limit, pot fault detection, ramp down at power off, high pedal lockout and ignition switch lockout.
Specifications (Sco-120)
| Supply voltage. | 12v or 24v or 36v | depends on model. 48v on request. | |
| Tolerance | -20 +50% | Subject to overvoltage limit | |
| Overvoltage limit | 47v | 12v, 24 and 36v models | |
| 72v | 48v model | ||
| Supply current. | 30mA | At zero speed | |
| Output voltage (forward). | 0 to 100% full speed | adjustable. | |
| Output current max (typical). | 155 amps | 120 amps regen | |
| 1 minute rating. | 115 amps | without additional heatsink | |
| 2 minute rating | 60 amps | without additional heatsink | |
| continuous | 30 amps or more | heatsink dependant | |
| voltage drop at 20a | 90mV | ||
| Overheat current. | 25 amps – typical | ||
| Overheat temperature. | 95°C – on heatsink | ||
| Switching frequency | 20kHz | approximately | |
| Acceleration time | 330mSec to 7 Sec | adjustable | |
| Deceleration time | 30mSec to 7 Sec | adjustable | |
| Input | 1k to 25k pot or 0-3v | adjustable | |
| Pot fault detect. | greater than 30K | ||
| Size. | 160mm x 102mm x 40mm | ||
| Weight. | 325g | ||
Specifications (Sco-180-48)
This is a high current version of the Scoota, using the best available MOSFETs. Be warned that this type current rating pushes this type of design technology as hard as is realistically practical as the Sco-180 will give a short term current of around 210 amps. So take great care that sustained overloading doesn’t cause (literally) meltdown!
The Scoota 180 48 has no power relay, so reverse battery protection is absent, as is High Pedal Lockout. However – the absence of the relay means the basic version (Sco-180-48) will work over a wide range, 12v to 48v.
However – trying to operate a motor at this sort of current at 12v is impractical!
Cased version available, details as for Pro 120 controller.
- High speed circuit
- MOSFET chopper
- Half Bridge with relays for reversing.
- Fast current limit on drive and regeneration.
- Gain adjustment
- Electronic Ignition – separate, active. Auto-switch-off available as an option.
- Current limit on drive and regen
- Ramps on accel and decel.
- Regen braking. May be disabled (on board links are fitted, issue 3 boards)
- Reverse polarity protection.
- Electromagnetic parking brake driver circuit.
- Pot fault protection (resistance).
- High Pedal Lock-out (resistance).
- Thermal shutdown.
- Battery discharge protection is fitted to 24v controllers.
- Overvoltage protection.
- 6 pin control connector (supplied) accepts standard miniature stranded cable (7/0.2).
- Carefully engineered thermal design maximises output current. Long term current is limited only by relays and external heatsink.
- Decelerating output option: brake output is converted to a circuit to drive braking lights which illuminate whilst decelerating.
- The integral heatsink should be bolted to an additional heatsink as required. Normally this will be the main mounting to the machine’s chassis. The current limit reduces automatically if the controller gets hot, reducing the danger of failure.
- Power and motor connections are by 9.5mm tabs. Two sets of 9.5 tabs are fitted for the motors and a single pair for main battery power input. There is an additional pair of 6.3mm power connectors that may be used for other purposes, e.g. battery charger.
- Pre-crimped wires can be supplied as an optional extra.
- Also available for series-wound motors (subject to minimum order quantity).
Input is suitable for a standard 10K potentiometer. There is an on-board adjustment to alter sensitivity to suit different operating mechanisms. A connector is supplied. Various speed controls can be supplied as extras, including a spring-return-to-zero speed pot arrangement suitable for hand operation.
Instructions
You can download the instruction manual, in PDF format via our manuals and catalogues page.