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Curtis 1238E - User Manual

Curtis 1238E
157 pages
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Manual
Models 1232E/34E/36E/38E
and 1232SE/34SE/36SE
Enhanced AC Controllers
for Induction Motors
and Surface Permanent Magnet Motors
Read Instructions Carefully!
Specications are subject to change without notice.
© 2015 Curtis Instruments, Inc. ® Curtis is a registered trademark of Curtis Instruments, Inc.
© The design and appearance of the products depicted herein are the copyright of Curtis Instruments, Inc. 53134, OS30 11/24/2015
Curtis Instruments, Inc.
200 Kisco Avenue
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
www.curtisinstruments.com
» Software Version OS 30.0 «

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • H
    hessmichaelAug 16, 2025
    What to do if Curtis 1238E Controller shows Overcurrent Shutdown?
    • J
      johnsonrobertAug 17, 2025
      If your Curtis Controller shows an Overcurrent Shutdown, it indicates that the phase current exceeded the current measurement limit. This can be caused by: 1. An external short in the phase U, V, or W motor connections. 2. Mis-tuned motor parameters. 3. A defective controller. 4. Speed encoder noise problems. To clear this, cycle KSI (Key Switch Input).
  • P
    Patricia MayAug 19, 2025
    What to do if my Curtis 1238E Controller displays a Current Sensor Fault Shutdown?
    • J
      Joseph FowlerAug 19, 2025
      If your Curtis Controller displays a Current Sensor Fault Shutdown, it means the controller's current sensors have an invalid offset reading. This can occur due to: 1. Leakage to the vehicle frame from phase U, V, or W (short in motor stator). 2. A defective controller. To clear the fault, cycle KSI.
  • L
    Laurie DavenportAug 21, 2025
    Why does my Curtis 1238E show a Precharge Failed Shutdown?
    • A
      Amber HamptonAug 22, 2025
      A Precharge Failed Shutdown on your Curtis Controller indicates that the precharge process failed to charge the capacitor bank to the KSI voltage. This can be due to: 1. Refer to the Monitor menu, Battery: Capacitor Voltage for more details. 2. An external load on the capacitor bank (B+ connection terminal) preventing charging. To resolve this, cycle the Interlock input or use the VCL function Precharge().
  • J
    Judith ClementsAug 25, 2025
    How to troubleshoot a Precharge Failed error on a Curtis 1238E Controller?
    • C
      cynthiaalexanderAug 25, 2025
      Precharge failure in a Curtis Controller means the precharge has failed to charge the capacitor bank to the KSI voltage. This can be caused by an external load on the capacitor bank (B+ connection terminal) preventing charging. To clear it, cycle the Interlock input or use the VCL function Enable_Precharge().
  • S
    Stephen SchneiderAug 27, 2025
    What to do if Curtis 1238E Controller shows Severe Undertemp Shutdown?
    • M
      Marie JohnsonAug 28, 2025
      If your Curtis Controller displays a Severe Undertemp Shutdown, it means the heatsink temperature is below -40°C. This can happen because: 1. Refer to the Monitor menu, Controller: Temperature for more details. 2. The controller is operating in an extreme environment. To clear this, bring the heatsink temperature above -40°C, and then cycle the interlock or KSI.
  • M
    Mary NewmanAug 30, 2025
    What to do if my Curtis 1238E Controller shows a severe overtemp?
    • E
      Edward DelgadoAug 30, 2025
      If the Curtis Controller's heatsink temperature rises above +95°C, it triggers a severe overtemp condition. This could be due to the controller operating in an extreme environment, excessive vehicle load, or improper mounting. To resolve this, reduce the heatsink temperature below +95°C and cycle the interlock or KSI.
  • S
    Sean DouglasSep 2, 2025
    How to fix a Curtis Controller overcurrent issue?
    • J
      Jeremy GarciaSep 2, 2025
      Controller overcurrent can occur if the phase current exceeds the current measurement limit. This can be caused by an external short in the phase U, V, or W motor connections, mis-tuned motor parameters, a defective controller, or speed encoder noise problems. To clear this, cycle the KSI.
  • T
    Tanner RichardsonSep 4, 2025
    Why does my Curtis 1238E show a severe B+ undervoltage?
    • T
      Tina GatesSep 4, 2025
      Severe B+ undervoltage in a Curtis Controller happens when the capacitor bank voltage drops below the Severe Undervoltage limit with the FET bridge enabled. This can be caused by misadjusted battery parameters, non-controller system drain on the battery, high battery resistance, the battery disconnecting during driving, or a blown B+ fuse. To resolve, bring the capacitor voltage above the Severe Undervoltage limit.
  • S
    smithdonnaSep 7, 2025
    What causes a Curtis 1238E severe undertemp error?
    • I
      Ian OwensSep 7, 2025
      If the Curtis Controller's heatsink temperature falls below -40°C, it triggers a severe undertemp condition, often due to operating in an extreme environment. To resolve this, bring the heatsink temperature above -40°C and cycle the interlock or KSI.
  • S
    Stephanie RobinsonSep 10, 2025
    Why is my Curtis 1238E Controller showing a severe KSI undervoltage?
    • J
      juancollierSep 10, 2025
      Severe KSI undervoltage in a Curtis Controller occurs when the KSI voltage drops below the Brownout Voltage for 2 seconds. This can be due to a non-controller system drain on the battery/KSI circuit wiring, KSI disconnecting while driving, or a blown KSI fuse. To fix this, bring the KSI voltage above the Brownout Voltage.

Summary

Overview of Curtis AC Controllers

Installation and Wiring Guide

High Current Connections

Instructions for connecting high-current terminals (B+, B-, U, V, W) including lug assembly and wiring recommendations.

Low Current Connections

Details on low-power connections via the 35-pin AMPSEAL connector, including pin assignments and wiring recommendations.

Programmable Parameters Configuration

Throttle Parameters

Configuration of throttle inputs, including type, deadband, mapping, max, and offset settings.

EM Brake Control Parameters

Setup for the electromagnetic brake function, including type, pull-in/holding voltage, and fault settings.

Motor Parameters

Configuration of motor type, control algorithms, and characterization tests for ACIM and SPM motors.

Battery Parameters

Settings for nominal voltage, over/undervoltage protection, and battery discharge indication (BDI).

Initial Setup Procedures

Motor Characterization Procedures

Automated ACIM Motor Characterization

Procedure for characterizing ACIM motors using quadrature encoders for optimal performance.

Automated SPM Motor Characterization

Procedure for characterizing SPM motors using sin/cos sensors for optimal performance.

Tuning Guide for Vehicle Performance

Vehicle Control Language (VCL)

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Chart

Detailed chart of faults, possible causes, and set/clear conditions for diagnosing controller issues.

Controller Specifications

Curtis 1238E Specifications

General IconGeneral
Nominal Voltage36V
Motor TypeAC Induction
Regenerative BrakingYes
Continuous Current35A
Peak Current600A
Operating Temperature-40°C to 50°C
Protection FeaturesOvervoltage, Undervoltage, Overtemperature

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