DC/DC Converter installed!

We finally got around to installing the Iota DLS-45 DC/DC converter this week. The unit was installed under the car in the tunnel that previously housed the gas tank. So we would not any issues with the converter turning on before the controller, we used a small contactor that is activated at the same time as the main battery pack contactor. We found out the hard way last spring that if the auxiliary battery is low on charge and the DC/DC turns on before the Raptor controller, it tries to charge the battery and pulls high voltage through the controller thus destroying the pre-charge circuit. So this time we did it right and ....no smoke!
One benefit of the work this week was that several new students were able to gain a better understanding of the vehicle schematic. Knowledge is power.

Storage a plenty

The EV garage is in the process of getting a makeover with the addition of shelving in the storage room. We never really had time to organize and make the garage our own last year since, by the time we moved into the new school, we immediately began the MR2 conversion.
The EV10 team took control with Ryan Stone in charge and within a day, the shelving was erected. Thanks to Jim Stone for the lumber donation and to the students who took the time to help complete the project(see photo). Now it is organization time!

EVcast.com interview (Podcast #270)

We were interviewed Saturday by Nikki Bloomfield from aminorjourney.com about our EV program. Two students and myself fielded questions for an hour during a conference call over Skype. Marissa and Arik did a fine job with the questions, answering honestly and with candor. Nikki was very impressed with the program and did a great job of promoting what we are doing and making it known that fundraising is a crucial part of our program. Looks like the Topsail EV team has gone international!
You can catch out Podcast by going to EVcast.com

It's back!! Up and running again with new Raptor.

We received the rebuilt Raptor controller this week from Peter Senkowsky and installed it during class with the new EV10 students. I must admit, I was apprehensive and nervous about firing it up, but we managed to not let the smoke out and all is well. I have not driven the car enough to determine if this one is "peppier" since it does not have the"mild" chip that Peter had in the loaner controller, but I will keep you posted.
The EV10 students seem very eager to learn and to participate, hope this enthusiasm continues throughout the year as we embrace a new conversion. Next up, installing the DC/DC converter.

Raptor Extraction!

Today, we finally had to say goodbye to our "loaner" Raptor from Peter Senkowsky. Several EV10 students (Arik, Adam, Marissa and Josh), an EV9 (Rob) and Jeffcoat showed up to help with the extraction. It took an hour and a few small jolts to Adam's leg before the controller finally bid farewell to the MR2. I spoke to Peter today and he informed me that there was a slight delay in rebuilding our controller due to a few design changes. He should be sending ours out within 10 days. Meanwhile, the MR2 is resting on the lift awaiting the heart transplant. I will keep you informed.

Controller exchange time

Back in May, we had an unfortunate controller meltdown just days before our final event in Raleigh. Bad news for sure, but even worse, the Raptor controller has been out of production for nearly 5 years. Fortunately, I contacted Peter Senkowski in Ca. and he agreed to send us a Raptor "loaner" overnight and he would rebuild our damaged controller. He has finished our Raptor and completed a 200 mile burn-in so it is time to send the loaner back. This Thursday, we will remove and ship out the controller and await the return of old smokey. Hopefully we will not have a repeat performance requiring the fire extinguisher!

Presentation at Wilmington Men's Club

The Mr2 conversion was presented at the Wilmington Men's Club on Friday morning at the YMCA in Wilmington. Five EV10 members were there, Adam. Arik, Ashley, Brady and Josh. They fielded questions during and after the presentation and showed the MR2 outside to a very enthusiastic and supportive group of about 100 elderly men. We were impressed by their energy and enthusiasm plus their insightful questions. We were introduced by an old friend in Bouty Baldridge who showed his Lithium powered Geo Metro.