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Curtis 1238SE - User Manual

Curtis 1238SE
152 pages
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Manual
Enhanced AC Controllers
for Induction Motors
and Surface Permanent Magnet Motors
Read Instructions Carefully!
Specications are subject to change without notice.
© 2016 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. 53096, OS31 May 2017
Curtis Instruments, Inc.
200 Kisco Avenue
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
www.curtisinstruments.com
» Software Version OS 31.0 «
Models 1232E / 34E / 36E / 38E
and 1232SE / 34SE / 36SE / 38SE

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • B
    Barbara SolomonAug 5, 2025
    How to troubleshoot a Precharge Failed error on a Curtis 1238SE?
    • P
      Paul FlemingAug 5, 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().
  • W
    wendystevensAug 9, 2025
    What to do if my Curtis Controller shows a severe overtemp?
    • S
      Shannon BrownAug 9, 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.
  • A
    Amber MitchellAug 13, 2025
    How to fix a Curtis Controller overcurrent issue?
    • O
      Oscar GarciaAug 13, 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.
  • C
    Candace FieldsAug 18, 2025
    Why does my Curtis 1238SE Controller show a severe B+ undervoltage?
    • A
      Ashley McgeeAug 18, 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.
  • P
    Phillip BullockAug 22, 2025
    What causes a Curtis 1238SE Controller severe undertemp error?
    • L
      Lisa BeasleyAug 23, 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.
  • D
    Debra RodriguezAug 27, 2025
    Why is my Curtis 1238SE showing a severe KSI undervoltage?
    • S
      Shawn TaylorAug 27, 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.
  • B
    Bruce PadillaAug 31, 2025
    What does Current Sensor Fault mean on my Curtis 1238SE?
    • M
      Matthew MossAug 31, 2025
      A Current Sensor Fault in the Curtis Controller indicates that the controller current sensors have an invalid offset reading. This can be caused by leakage to the vehicle frame from phase U, V, or W (short in motor stator) or a defective controller. To clear this, cycle the KSI.

Summary

Installation and Wiring Guide

High Power Connections

Describes how to connect high current terminals (B+, B-, U, V, W) and proper lug assembly.

Low Power 35-Pin Connections

Details the 35-pin AMPSEAL connector and wiring guidelines for low power signals.

Application-Specific Features

Programmable Parameters

1 - Speed Mode Menu

Covers parameters for tuning motor response in Speed Mode.

2 - Torque Mode Menu

Covers parameters for tuning motor response in Torque Mode.

Current Limits Menu

Sets maximum RMS current limits for drive, regen, and brake operations.

Throttle Menu

Configures throttle input types, deadbands, maps, and offsets.

Brake Menu

Configures brake input types, deadbands, maps, and offsets.

EM Brake Control Menu

Configures EM brake response to interlock, throttle, and motor speed.

Motor: Characterization Tests Menu

Configures parameters for ACIM or SPM motor auto-characterization tests.

Battery Menu

Sets nominal battery voltage and over/undervoltage protection thresholds.

Monitor Menu

Initial Setup Procedures

Step 2: Current Limits

Sets drive, regen, brake, EMR, and interlock current limits as percentages of rated current.

Step 3: Battery

Sets the nominal battery pack voltage for system voltage protection.

Step 6: Throttle

Guides setting up throttle type, deadbands, and max values, verifying interlock.

Step 7: Brake

Guides setting up brake type, deadbands, and max values, verifying interlock.

Step 8: Motor Technology & Feedback Type

Selects motor technology (ACIM/SPM) and matching feedback type.

Automated ACIM Motor Characterization Procedure

Part 1: Traction and Hydraulic Systems

Steps for ACIM characterization including motor poles, speed, and current settings.

Part 2 A: Traction Systems Only

Specific steps for running SlipGain and FW Base Speed tests for traction systems.

Automated SPM Motor Characterization Procedure

Tuning Guide

0 − Speed Mode Express Tuning

Guides tuning parameters for Speed Mode Express.

1 − Speed Mode Tuning

Guides tuning parameters for Speed Mode.

2 − Torque Mode Tuning

Guides tuning parameters for Torque Mode.

Vehicle Control Language (VCL)

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Guides users through troubleshooting controller faults using a chart.

Maintenance

Curtis 1238SE Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandCurtis
Model1238SE
CategoryController
LanguageEnglish

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