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Author Topic: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit  (Read 4103 times)

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Offline mike7201

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Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« on: 30, October, 2009 - 13:44:39 »
Rode on my C5 last night.  It was mild, so was just right for some excercise. 

I ran out of power at about the right time and heard the 'beeping' from the pod.  I was only a moment away from home, so used the reserve by re-setting the system via the switch.  Can anyone tell me if the motor cut-out still works if the C5 were to be used by someone without pedalling?

I've offered to let someone ride it, and I want to be sure that if he attempts to power-up without pedalling, and ride up a hill, he'll do some damage.

Will the motor cut-out still work even with the wiring kit fitted, and what's the wait time for recovery, or is it a case of switching off and on again?

Just want to be prepared that's all.

Thanks,

Mike

Offline Umpa

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #1 on: 30, October, 2009 - 15:35:31 »
Hi Mike,

yes all the protection that is built into the c5 is still in place.  The only thing that the wiring kit does not do is allow the lights and horn to function with the C5 switched off (the c5 ignition block does), and the wiring kit resets the battery status (the c5 ignition block does not).

The motor protection stays the same, so if your C5 trips because of heat, then switching the wiring kit off an on will do nothing till it cools down.

On a side note, you should not get in to the habit of using the kits reset as continued over discharge of the battery will shorten its life.

Offline mike7201

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #2 on: 30, October, 2009 - 22:08:44 »
Good point, thanks.  I usually make sure I'm home before the last red LED has been 'used up', and only 'reset' if I'm in need of assistance.

As an observation, I find that the two green LED's usually go within 2-3 minutes of using a fully charged battery, and the yellow goes out about 5 minutes later, followed by the reds about 10 minutes after that...  This always appears to happen.  Perhaps my battery is becoming poorer in quality.  After all, it is a car battery, yet it seems to tolerate constant charge/discharge/charge/discharge etc.

I should point out that I'm becoming more concious of pedalling more, and using the motor less, to help offer me a better range.  It does seem to make a difference when I only use the motor in short bursts.  It's surprising how far you can 'roll' or 'coast' without applying any power or even pedalling.  Almost as if it were perfectly balanced!  Super.

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #3 on: 31, October, 2009 - 08:42:15 »
Hi there mike I'`v just been reading the above ..Just as a quick test connect the battery up to the c5 and check the lights on the pod . Do not start the C5 just leave it for say 20 mins and keep an eye on the pod lights .If they go down from green to red then cut out it's the pod/control box not the battery .bye Chas

Karl

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #4 on: 31, October, 2009 - 16:41:22 »
Sounds like a good test.

Also, how sure are you that the battery is not past its best ?

Offline Umpa

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #5 on: 31, October, 2009 - 18:06:05 »
If its not the pod/box then that battery sounds tired to me, then again you might be trying to get up Ditchling Beacon lol

Offline techytype

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #6 on: 31, October, 2009 - 18:56:54 »
Hi there mike I'`v just been reading the above ..Just as a quick test connect the battery up to the c5 and check the lights on the pod . Do not start the C5 just leave it for say 20 mins and keep an eye on the pod lights .If they go down from green to red then cut out it's the pod/control box not the battery .bye Chas

i'd (humbly) suggest the above, but also do a voltage test before and after, just to see and confirm if the battery voltage drops much.

regs
alan

Offline mike7201

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #7 on: 31, October, 2009 - 20:39:08 »
Thanks guys, I'll try as you suggest.  I've been wondering whether having the lights (front and back) switched on would have an impact.  Obviously, it will mean it's taking more power, but how much?  When I apply power with the lights on, the lights go dim.  Not to the point that they can't be seen, but it's noticeable.

Maybe the battery's just old and tired.  I have no way of telling how old it is as Nova don't have a website that I can see, and I can't afford a replacement just yet.

When the C5 knows that the battery is low and cuts out, the lights (front and back) stay on.  Is this for safety reasons?

Offline Umpa

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #8 on: 01, November, 2009 - 09:37:19 »
Yes, the C5 cuts the power to the motor in order to save the battery from over discharge, which will damage the battery. The lights don't draw that much and are left on.  This is a design consideration by Sinclair.

Offline Retro Andy

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #9 on: 01, November, 2009 - 10:21:25 »
Yes, the C5 cuts the power to the motor in order to save the battery from over discharge, which will damage the battery. The lights don't draw that much and are left on.  This is a design consideration by Sinclair.

I know its been said before, but Sir Clive was very clever, and his inventions were ahead of its time

Retro Andy.

Karl

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #10 on: 01, November, 2009 - 15:06:52 »
I reckon your battery is cream crackered...the lights flickering when you draw power doesnt happen with a healthy fully charged battery.   

Offline techytype

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Re: Driving with C5Alive wiring kit
« Reply #11 on: 02, November, 2009 - 22:47:55 »
to save wasting pennies can you not borrow a battery to test on the C5 with?

charge the battery and see if it will turn over the family cars engine (or friends car), if it were me i'd disconnect the HT leed's 1st (having marked then  ::)) to the plugs and turn it over several times, not as accurate as a proper battery test but will help you gauge its condition either way.

regs
alan