Curtis 1243GEN2 Manual
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3 — PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS:
Braking Parameters
The seven Braking parameters affect the regenerative braking that is initiated when
the throttle is reduced or when the direction is reversed while the vehicle is being
driven. During regen braking, armature current flows toward the battery.
M1–M4, BRAKE C/L
The braking current limit parameter adjusts the maximum current the
controller will supply to the motor during regen braking. The braking current
limit is adjustable from 50 amps up to the controller’s full rated braking current.
(The full rated current depends on the controller model; see specifications in
Table D-1.) The braking current limit is tuned as part of the vehicle performance
adjustment process (Section 5).
M1–M4, DECEL RATE
The deceleration rate defines the time it takes the controller to reduce its
output to the new throttle request when the throttle is reduced or released. A
lower value represents a faster deceleration and thus a shorter stopping distance.
The decel rate defines the vehicle’s braking characteristic for any reduction in
throttle, including to neutral, that does not include a request for the opposite
direction. The decel rate is adjustable from 0.1 to 10.0 seconds. The decel rate
is tuned as part of the vehicle performance adjustment process (Section 5).
THROTTLE DECEL
The throttle deceleration rate parameter adjusts the rate at which the vehicle
transitions to braking when throttle is first reduced. If the throttle decel rate is
set low, deceleration is initiated abruptly. The transition is smoother if the
throttle decel rate is higher; however, setting the throttle decel parameter too
high can cause the vehicle to feel uncontrollable when the throttle is released,
as it will continue to drive for a short period. The throttle decel rate is adjustable
from 0.1 to 1.0 second, with a value of 0.3 or 0.4 working well for most vehicles.
When the armature current goes negative (i.e., at the point when positive
torque transitions to negative torque), the normal decel rate goes into effect.
M1–M4, RESTRAINT
Because the 1243
GEN2 controller is configured to provide regenerative braking,
overspeed causes the controller to create a braking current and thus limit or
“restrain” the overspeed condition. The restraint parameter determines how
strongly the controller tries to limit the vehicle speed to the existing throttle
setting. It is applicable when throttle is reduced or when the vehicle begins to
travel downhill.
Braking Parameters