> 3) Still searching for good availably and price. WarP 9's have 6 week or
> more lead times and run in the $1700 to $1800 ballpark.
> 
> That leaves the electronics. From both a cost and integration standpoint
> there's a lot to be left desired with control electronics. The major
> subsystems:
> 
> 1) PWM motor controller. Not a fundamentally complicated piece of
> equipment. Accepts a limited number of control inputs (5k throttle pot,
> brake switch) and controls via PWM a high powered switch between the
> battery bank and the motor. An example is the Curtis 1231C controller:
> 
> http://www.electricvehiclesusa.com/product_p/co-1231c-8601.htm
> 
> I'm almost ready to choke on the $1400 price tag.

Before doing the electronics all by yourself, I would try FANUC CNC 
spindle motors and controllers like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fanuc-spindle-motor-a06b-0759-b970_W0QQitemZ180243520740
(30kW at 40%ED, 22kW continuous)
http://cgi.ebay.com/FANUC-DC-SPINDLE-SERVO-DRIVE-MODEL-SP12_W0QQitemZ220237949247
(I don't know if this one fits the motor, it's just an example)

These motors and controllers are very rugged, protected from overload, 
short circuit, etc. and you also get regenerative braking since they 
brake by dumping energy to DC rail. The controller keeps the set rpm 
automatically and goes in reverse.

The only drawback is they expect 200V 3-phase which is around 300V on DC 
rail. The price for these starts at $1000 for each item.

If you make it work, you can experiment in making your own by looking 
the way FANUC did it. If you go this way, let me know and I can find 
some datasheets.

Djula
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