Pro-150: Reversing, 24v – 48v, 110A, programmable.
£186.00 – £216.00 inc VAT
The Pro-150 is a mid-size digital controller, suitable for motor currents up to 110A. It is commonly used in mid-sized locos, golf buggies, and industrial applications requiring some customisation of performance characteristics. The Pro-150 will be discontinued soon, and is replaced by the Pro-100/Pro-160 model.
Please scroll down for full controller specification
Motor noise suppression
We strongly recommend fitting motor noise suppression components to each motor in your system to protect the controller. See this quick explanation of what EMC is and why it matters. We have interference suppression packs and a page of advice on how to fit them, and other steps to take to reduce RFI.
Description
Before we designed the Pro-160 this was probably the most user-friendly programmable motor controller available. Programming is easy, using the (optional) low-cost combined display / programmer unit. The Pro-150 has been used in a wide variety of industrial machine applications, and has also been built into a large number of model locomotives where it has proved a popular replacement for the long serving workhorse that was the Pro-120.
Key features are:
- Will function as a standard controller without any programming.
- Optional display shows system state and battery voltage.
- Programmable control over many features including:
- Acceleration.
- Deceleration.
- Maximum power.
- Dead band.
- Sounder [for reversing and audible problem alert]
- Pot learning feature allows:
- Single ended, or joystick mode [wig-wag].
- Fine tuning of input values
- 10 memories for different configurations.
- Continuous diagnostics monitors controller and system.
- Thermal overload protection.
- Under and over voltage protection.
- Reverse polarity protection.
- Integral box and heatsink [suitable for most applications].
- Built-in heavy duty reversing relays.
- 16V to 48V without adjustment.
- Peak current 110A. 1 minute current 80A. Continuous current 60A [heatsink dependant].
- Parking brake driver for vehicle applications.
- Regenerative braking.
- Input 1k ohm to 15k ohm potentiometer, direct voltage control, or by PWM output from a Pi or Arduino etc.
Display / programmer
The programmer and the display are the same unit – in two halves so they can be separated once initial programming is done. The display, once the controller has been installed, is used to show battery state and to give a visible indication of any fault detected.
Simple wiring
All the essential inputs are on one 6-way connector. More advanced features are on a separate connector. See the support tab for the instruction manual, wiring diagrams, and instructions for double heading. 3 and 6 way IDC control connectors are included.
Safe
The on-board computer monitors the controller and much of the external system. Should a fault be detected, the computer will shut down the controller and give an indication of the fault audibly and on the (optional) external display.
The manual
Full instructions on setting up and operating the controller are in the manual.
Specification
| Model | 150 |
| Nominal voltage range | 16 – 48 |
| Minimum / maximum voltage | 16 – 55 |
| Motor current A [max] | 110 |
| Motor current A [1 minute] | 100 |
| Motor current A [continuous] | 60 [depends on mounting / cooling] |
| Reversing | Y |
| Half speed reverse | Programmable |
| Regen braking | Y |
| Gain adjustment | Programmable |
| Dimensions [mm] | 145 x 102 x 38 [board], 181 x 121 x 46 [boxed] |
| Weight [g] | Board = 320g, boxed = 630g, |
| Power connections | 9.5mm push-on blades |
| Input | 1k – 15k pot, or 0 – 4.7V |
| Reverse polarity protection | Y |
| Over voltage protection | Y [60V] |
| Under voltage protection | Y [8V] |
| Pot fault protection | Y |
| Thermal protection | trip @95’C |
| Current limit – drive | Y |
| Current limit – regen | Y |
| High pot lockout | Y |
| Joystick/Wig-wag input | Programmable |
| Radio Control | Via DMR-203 |
| Selectable dual ramp reversing | Programmable |
| Pre-select reversing | N |
| Ramping | Acceleration and deceleration programable between 0.1S and 15S |
| Parking brake | Y [1A max] Delay and threshold programmable |
| Inhibit function | Y |
| Powerdown state (motor) | shorted |
| Tacho feedback | ask |
| Ignition, Electronic | Y |
| Heatsink | Integral with boxed version |
| Double heading | Y |
| Switching frequency | 20 kHz |
| Quadrants | 4 |
Support
The manual provides full instructions on setting up and operating the controller. The manual is available in PDF format:
The manual is designed to be printed double-sided in A4 booklet format. To print the booklet from the PDF on a double-sided printer, select Booklet in the Page Size & Handling section of the print window, and set Orientation to Portrait.
Troubleshooting
Although generally straightforward to program, we have had a couple of cases where some inappropriate values have been inadvertently programmed into the “pot learn” parameters. These have caused the “Po” and “Pu” fault codes to be displayed even though there is no real fault with the system. Re-setting the Pro-150 back to factory default values and starting again has cured the problem.
For troubleshooting common to all controllers click here.
Slow / fast switch
With version 2.3, the operation of the slow / fast switch as described in the manual has been changed. If pins A and B are connected [or the – button on the programmer held for 3 seconds] at start-up, the controller will then start up in personality 9. This allows better control over the behaviour of the controller in an easily selectable alternative mode. Once pins A and B are disconnected, the controller will revert to it’s previously set personality on the next power-up.
Power down mode
Some customers have requested that the power down mode be disabled. We have a software version 2.4. that keeps the controller awake. Please contact us if you require this version.
Joystick [wig-wag] mode
For those customers who want to operate the Pro-150 from a joystick with a centre off position this article has instructions on how to program it.
Pot fault
There is a very thin track on the PCB adjacent to the 3 and 6 way connectors, it’s circled in red in the picture below. This is actually a scratch through link that allows modifications to the input circuit but under certain short circuit conditions we have seen this act as a 3rd fuse track and blow. If this does happen to your controller then just bridge the pads with some 1A fuse wire.
Software versions
| Version | Changes |
| 2.2 | Version to support change from Atmega 16 to 164A |
| 2.3 | Fast / slow switch operation changed |
| 2.4 | Power down mode disabled, on request only |
| 2.5 | Change to inprove production yield at 50V. |
We reserve the right to change the software without notice as we find ways to improve the product. If you have a requirement for a specific version then please contact us.
More Information
Accessories
You may need some or all of the following
- A throttle mechanism to control the motor speed.
- Switches e.g. for ignition and maybe reverse.
- Control cable to connect the switches and throttle to the controller.
- A power lead set to connect the controller to the battery and motor.
- or
- 9.5 mm crimp connectors for the battery and motor leads.
- Fuses.
- Connectors.
- Interfaces e.g. for radio control.
- Relay board to control lights and horns etc.
- Battery meter.