ANSWER: DC, this being a new product it takes time to finish completely. We have several reports of this unit working well on the charger itself. The 30930 36-volt version is a good alternative for 36-volt ferro-resonant chagers. So don’t forget there are two versions 36-volt and 48-volt.

I had so many requests for the 30931 to work on the car so I finally took the time to do that.

Procedure: Leave on-board computer where it is. Disconnect the main negative 48-volt negative twelve gauge lead wire going to the computer. Cut this wire close to the computer and move the wire to battery number six negative terminal or battery number four if you have a four 12-volt arrangment. Choose an area on the front of rear body leg area. Using supplied template mount the AT (auto-timer). Replace the key switch with a on-off-on double throw style switch. We found that part number 2690 works well by cutting dash hole large enough for mounting. Or you can use any kind of aftermarket switch that has the correct configuration. This works with key in the center position plug the charger in. Then turn key to left position and after a time delay the charger will begin. When complete the timer will shut off indication of a green light. Unplug charger turn key to full right the car is in run position and timer is disconnected.

Nothing else needs to be done to the computer as long as the car runs. If it does not run, we have by pass wiring for that as well. Below is the wiring configuration for the install.

As I am sure you are aware, electric golf cars are powered by rechargeable, lead acid batteries.  These batteries are still the most economical way to power an electric golf car. Although other technologies are available, most likely in anyone’s lifetime that is old enough to read this article the lead acid battery will still is the power source for golf cars. That is just the way it is.

These batteries are by far the most popular battery used to power golf cars are vented, wet cell, lead-acid batteries, sometimes called flooded or traction batteries.  Other options are also available; mainly AGM (absorbed glass mat) or gel batteries. The reason the vast majority of golf cars use wet cell batteries are the price.  AGM or gel batteries can be 2.5 to 3 times the price of a similar wet cell option.  The major golf cart manufacturers use wet cell batteries for most of their markets, although they generally provide AGM or gel cells as an option.  AGM and gel batteries are also known as ‘maintenance free’ batteries.  This is due to the fact that checking and maintaining water levels is unnecessary.  All three battery types do an excellent job delivering power and have similar run time capabilities.

So what is the down side of using the more economical wet cell batteries?  There are a couple of things to consider.  First, wet cell batteries require regular maintenance mostly in the form of maintaining the water level inside the battery.  Second, these batteries are vented for a reason.  During the charging cycle, hydrogen and oxygen gases are created and must be discharged into the atmosphere.  If not released, the battery case would rupture due to the increased pressure.  If you look, you can see the holes located on the vent caps.  Unfortunately, water containing sulfuric acid (battery acid) can also be released through these same holes if the water level is not maintained properly or if the battery is overcharged.

The result - The water/battery acid discharge will permanently damage most flooring.  This may not be an issue in a cart barn at your local golf course, but since your golf cart is most likely charged in your garage…well, see for yourself.   At this point, the concrete itself has been damaged, so cleaning it will not be an option.  Left unchecked, sulfuric acid has been known to eat completely through concrete exposing the dirt underneath.

The bottom line is these batteries have some bad side effects, poisonous gas and sulfuric acid over flow, to mention just two.   These are problems we have all just have had to live with to have the benefits of cheap battery power. Nivel has come across a new product that takes care of some of these issues and makes living with lead acid batteries a lot easier prospect.

Lyte Lock is an easy to install battery cover, new to the golf car industry that absorbs and neutralizes battery acid at the source.  Lyte-Lock covers are available to fit most 6v, 8v, and 12v vented, lead-acid batteries.  To install, simply remove the vent cap, place the appropriate fitted cover around the vent holes (label/white side facing up), and then replace the cap.  That’s it.  It is not necessary to remove the batteries or terminal cables.  Installation only takes a couple of minutes

The cover has an orange/yellow strip across the top which will change to red as its neutralizing potential diminishes.  The average life expectancy of the Lyte-Lock cover is 6 months to a year, but this can vary between the individual batteries.

How does it work?  Once acid drips on the Lyte-Lock cover either through the vent holes or from around the O-ring, it is absorbed into the glass matrix and distributed across the surface of the cover.  The chemical reaction that neutralizes the battery acid creates water, salt and carbon dioxide.  The carbon dioxide dissipates in the air, the water evaporates, and the salt is contained inside the Lyte-Lock cover.  Since battery acid that comes into contact with the terminals can also cause them to corrode, Lyte-Lock covers can minimize this issue as well.

Every couple of months, you should check the water level in your batteries.  Make sure to reference the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and safety guidelines.  This is a good time to make note of the orange/yellow indicator strip on the cover.  Generally, each battery will vent at different rates, so you may notice that your set of Lyte-Lock covers will not all have the same amount of wear.  Once the strip changes to red, it is almost time to replace the covers.

When the time comes to replace your batteries, you will also notice a difference.  It is not uncommon for acid and corrosion to build up around the base of the batteries and on the battery racks.  Often, this corrosion has to be removed with a hammer and chisel in order to properly seat the new batteries.  This should no longer be an issue if you have been using Lyte-Lock.

Nivel now carries these little wonders that will make the side effects of owning lead acid batteries much easier to live with. Acid is a destructive but necessary force of nature, we all house some very destructive acid in our own stomachs. As long as the acid is contained and controlled it will not cause the damage we all have seen.  Find out for yourself and order a set, you will be glad you did.

Gainesville, Florida custom homebuilder and low handicap golfer Paul Hirneise saw how to fulfill the need for a hard-body fully enclosed golf car cabin with modern features and the opportunity for personalization. His vision has given us the moderately priced First Class Cabin, made in Alachua County, Florida and marketed by his company, Sleekline, LLC.

With front top and bottom air dams inside and out, a rear interior air dam, sliding rear window and great finish, Hirneise claims the occupant of a First Class Cabin may well believe she is in an automobile. Being a golfer, Hirneise designed bi-fold doors that allow even the biggest of us easy entry into the cabin and easy rear access to clubs, sand bottle and club & ball washer.

Sleekline offers custom options, including décor panels and fender flares that can be painted to match the owner’s car or display a team logo, side-view mirrors and a SoundCom Panel encouraging use of GPS-enabled device applications for golf. Hirneise says that other options are being developed.

Sleekline’s First Class Cabin is presently available for the Club Car DS and Precedent. Models for Yamaha and other golf cars will soon follow. Learn more at www.sleeklinecabins.com.

LITHIUM BOOST TECHNOLOGIES RELEASES IT’S NEW BATTERY AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR LOW SPEED ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Lithium Boost Technologies, Inc., the leading innovator of lithium technology for low speed electric vehicles has released its first production of Lithium Batteries with their patented Battery Management Systems after two years of research and development in the US market this January 2012.

On January 18th, 2012 our CEO, Sam Lev; VP of Sales, Roger Manusav; and Chief Engineer, John Wade were on hand for the grand opening of Classi Golf Cars in Sun Lakes, Arizona, to unveil a fleet of Lithium powered golf cars. John White, owner of Classi Golf Cars and a key champion of Lithium Boost had this to say about our product:

“I have been testing and promoting lithium powered golf cars for over two years, and am firmly convinced that we are on the cutting edge with the latest technical advances by Lithium Boost Technologies. I have generated a lot of interest in my three Arizona locations, and am sure this product will soon be the norm in golf cars, both new and used. My personal golf cars is a Star lithium, and I will never have to worry about buying another set of batteries.”

Our battery and management system is powerful, durable, and ecologically friendly. CEO Sam Lev, who has spent the majority of his career developing green energy technology for automobiles states that, “By replacing the 100 year old lead acid technology with the same advanced clean energy technology from the automotive industry, you will enjoy a virtually maintenance free battery system.”

We at Lithium Boost Technologies are very excited to be the first company to offer this revolutionary technology to the low speed electric vehicle community. This is a great opportunity for dealers to have the latest product to offer their clients.

To learn more about our products please visit our website: www.lithiumboost.com.

CLUB CAR TO INSTALL PRO-FILL BATTERY WATERING SYSTEM ON ALL PRECEDENT ELECTRIC GOLF CARS
The Pro-Fill Onboard Battery Watering System by Flow-Rite will now come standard on all Club Car Precedent golf cars.  Pro-Fill replaces the water lost in golf car batteries due to evaporation during charging and daily use.  Pro-Fill is the only battery watering system specifically designed for “golf car” style batteries.

“We’re pleased to add the Pro-Fill system to Precedent’s standard offerings to enhance efficiency and safety for our customers,” said Tim Walls, Golf Category Manager at Club Car, a brand of Ingersoll Rand.  “Pro-Fill is one more way that Club Car helps customers reduce costs and manage their fleets more effectively.”

The Pro-Fill system works by replacing the battery’s existing vent caps with valves that are interconnected with tubing, allowing the user to fill all battery cells from one remote location. Each valve independently shuts off water flow to the cell when the proper electrolyte level is reached.

“Thorough testing is performed on all Pro-Fill valves to ensure the high quality expected by Club Car customers,” said Rob Brock, Global Sales Director of Flow-Rite Controls.  “We are honored to be selected as the watering system of choice by the golf car industry leader and look forward to our continued relationship with Club Car.”

For more information, visit www.flow-rite.com or www.clubcar.com.

B&B PREFERRED CUSTOM BODY SYSYTEMS ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGNS & PRODUCTS FOR 2012
Jason Stella, managing partner of B&B Preferred Custom Body Systems takes pride in his products. “We offer the most complete and easy to install custom body systems—for the big three companies in the industry currently on the market today. All our front cowls and body systems are pre-fitted at the factory and include detailed installation instructions, all hardware/lights, and wiring schematics with all shipments. We also meticulously catalog and number all of our designs immediately following production resulting in the highest level of quality control in the industry,” says Stella.

New designs for 2012 include 3 new front cowls to fit the Club Car and EZ-Go platforms. Customers can expect the company to support its new product offerings with a full-color catalog, an updated website featuring virtual tours of all it’s products and also an image bank of photos to aid in customer sales efforts. “Our goal with the new website and image bank to is to assist our dealers with the promotion and marketing of their custom designs” Stella offers.

In addition, B&B is now offering custom seats and is also partnered with the Cool Breeze AC/Heater/Stereo custom canopies in response to customer demand. Stella continues, “The seats and Cool Breeze systems have been very popular for us and we are proud to incorporate these products at prices that significantly add to our customer’s profit margin on their custom vehicle sales.” The re-designed B&B website will include upholstery samples for the custom seats and also a new shopping cart feature for convenient dealer ordering.

B&B Preferred has been offering custom body solutions for all makes and models since 2004. All bodies are constructed of hand-laid fiberglass. As the industry leader in custom body systems, B&B continues to maintain the highest standards in production of all their custom designs.

Look for the launch of the new website sometime in April, www.bbpreferred.com.

BASE MODEL LEGACY – AFFORDABLE YET DEPENDABLE
What does the market need?  A base model vehicle that is affordable yet dependable!  “Dealers across the country have expressed a need for a qualify golf car priced right.  In order to meet the need we have taken off some of the upgrades found in our earlier models to meet the challenge,” says Keith Andrews, President of Evergreen Electric Vehicles, LLC

The 2 Person Model includes golf package and canopy top with a 48 volt D&D Motor, Curtis Controller and Delta-Q Charger.  US Battery packs are an option, allowing the dealer to select from 6×8 Volt or 8×6 Volts from the factory or installing the brand of their choice.  The Delta-Q charger is easily programmable to the most popular battery brands.

Like the other quality vehicles offered by Evergreen Electric Vehicles, they are fully assembled here in the United States. A Colorado company headquartered in Grand Junction, Colorado, with their production facility conveniently located near the port of Long Beach in Southern California,   a perfect location for receiving a variety of assembly parts and loading containers for export.

To learn more about the full line of Evergreen Electric Vehicles, visit www.evergreenev.com.

GOLF CART BUSINESS WANTS TO PLAY THROUGH
A Glen Allen golf car distributor has cruised down Interstate 64 to Hampton Roads to open its second location in Virginia.

Peebles Golf Cars this week opened a dealership in Chesapeake, cutting down the transportation time to Hampton Roads and opening up a bigger direct-to-consumer golf cart market.

“We have several golf courses on the other side of those tunnels and when we do deals there we move the cars from Richmond to Virginia Beach or Chesapeake so we won’t have to bring the used cars back,” said Bert Zajac, manager for Peebles.

Peebles leases carts to golf courses for several years and then sells them to wholesalers and individual buyers. The business works with 140 courses in Virginia, 18 of which are in Hampton Roads and a few local courses such as the Country Club of Virginia, Hermitage Country Club and Kinloch Golf Course.

Zajac said Peebles has been eyeing Chesapeake for two years. “(In Richmond) We’re south of Virginia Center Commons, so we’re not getting all of the traffic that the West End and Short Pump gets,” he said.  “We will be able to sell to new customers in Chesapeake.”

Zajac said Peebles sold 1,200 carts last year to other used cart vendors in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and a few in Richmond. The business also sold 350 carts direct to local customers, who used them for puttering around their homes/farms or for recreational use.

“We’re basically trying to cut out wholesalers to retail more cars and make more money,” he said. “What we want to do is get the retail numbers up and we’re doing that by moving out here.” The business sells Club Cars-brand carts that range from $1,000 to $4,500. Zajac said customers are moving to electric carts.

Peebles also rents golf carts to individuals and companies for $150 per weekend. “Churches, schools and people that are having weddings rent them out,” he said. “I have over 250 cars in rental and from July to September I’m out of vehicles.”

Zajac said rentals will do much better at the Chesapeake location then in Richmond. “There are a lot more festivals and events that we don’t have that they have here,” he said. “The beach cities are much more open to the use of golf cars than Richmond.” Peebles hired four employees to staff the new location, which increased its total staff to 16.

The new Touring Edition version of Suite Seats continues with the simple elegance of the original Suite Seats but also features a swing-up upholstered arm rest and headrest.  “They are also a little bit wider” notes Chris Vorwerk, chief engineer and Co-founder of UCU.  According to Chris “Our dealers have been asking for these upgrades so we weren’t surprised by the feedback we received at the PGA show but it still feels good.  “We have always put a lot of stock into the feedback we get from dealers.  For example many of our competitor’s seats interfere with enclosures so our dealers asked us to engineer our larger seat with arm rests so that it doesn’t require a special order enclosure or complicated, time consuming modifications.”

Phil Vorwerk, President and Co-founder, is quick to point out a couple of things as well.  “We basically created the custom golf cart seat market seven years ago and our seats feature a level of quality that can only come from years of feedback” so he agrees that his dealers deserve a lot of the credit…”They are our eyes & ears in the marketplace so we have always listened carefully to what they have to say.  We put a lot of value in building solid, long term relationships with our dealers. Suite Seats has become a supplier to a couple of OEM’s…specifically Evergreen Electric Vehicles (formally Fairplay Electric Cars) & Star Electric Vehicles.  “Doing business with them has really helped us” say Phil. “An OEM comes to us with very strict requirements in the areas of quality control, ease of install, competitive pricing & tight timelines and there is no question we do things better because of our relationship with these OEM’s.”

In addition to the arm & head rests and wider seat there is another benefit to the Touring Edition.  “The dealers asked that we make them to have a softer feel right out of the box so we added an extra layer of softer foam on the top…and we are very pleased to announce we will be making that change to the traditional Suites Seats in the near future as well.”  Says Chris “again this is what the dealers asked for so we figured out a way to do it without increasing the price or sacrificing quality.  I guess the message is that our Suite Seats are always evolving and we will never stop making improvements to them.”

The Touring Edition seats are available in the same vinyl colors and Sunbrella Plush fabric choices as the traditional Suite Seats as well as unlimited custom colors and embroidery options and they are available to fit virtually every cart out there.

For more information or to become a dealer please visit our website at www.ucuinc.com.

TM from CAL Writes: I hear you talk a lot about drive systems and how do I tell what system is in my E-Z-GO car?

Answer:

Determining if you car’s drive system is Regenerative /Dynamic Braking or Series is not that difficult. Regenerative/Dynamic Braking simply means the car’s system is called a SepEx system. The motor utilizes a separately excited field. Reversing direction of the motor on SepEx systems is done internally inside the controller with the use of a rocker switch. In a Series system, the motor fields are in series with the armature. Reversing the motor direction on Series systems is obtained by means of a large forward/reverse shifting switch/lever mounted on the front of the rear body. Series motors and controllers will not interchange with SepEx motors and controllers! That is why it is very important to identify what system your particular car utilizes. Pay close attention to the year and identity chart, as there are exceptions to rocker switch or lever switch reversing.

Sulfation is the most common cause of lead acid battery failure and here is why. As a battery cycles, crystalline lead sulfate begins to coat the surface of the electrode plates. Crystalline lead sulfate does not conduct electricity and cannot be converted back to its previous state under normal charging conditions. Over time this crystalline coating will start to limit the area on the plates where an electrochemical reaction can take place. As this materializes on all the surfaces of plates within a battery, the battery begins to lose its ability to hold a charge.

As the electrical resistance within a sulfated battery increases, receiving a charge begins to take longer, and less efficient charging produces excess heat. Higher battery temperatures cause longer cooling times and accelerate corrosion.  Over time and repetition the process spirals to the point where mechanical failure can take place as a side effects of the excess sulfation. Barring any mechanical failure of the battery, sulfation will be the ultimate mode of failure for 80% of all lead acid batteries. This is a time proven fact; sulfation shortens the life of most lead acid batteries.

Sulfation is a natural process that occurs in all lead acid batteries, and can be stopped by one of two different ways. The first and oldest method of desulfation, the process which sulfation is stopped and/or reversed, is the pulse method. This method has been around for quite some time. Our government has used pulse desulfation devices on military equipment since WWII. There are numerous competing manufactures of these devices. The claims are that, pulse technology battery desulfation is clean, efficient and will prolong the life of your batteries at least 20%. That’s 20% if used from day one on a new battery; you can double the life of an older battery or battery pack, by simply stopping and, or reversing sulfation.

Pulse desulfation in general is a small electrical device that is attached to the battery or batteries, which delivers a small electrical charge through- out the batteries plates. This charge causes the sulfate crystals to either dissolve or fall off the plates, depending whose literature you believe, and what product you get. These pulse devices have been the most widely used and have the longest track record of any method of desulfation around. They are most commonly used in the material handling industry, where battery replacement is both expensive and time consuming.

They pose two problems; one is the problem of attaching an electrical device to an electrical device. Murphy’s law may come into play and at some point, an electrical event will take place within the device or the battery that will do damage to the pulse device. The other problem for the golf car industry is the price. Some of these devices cost as much wholesale, as two-golf car batteries. That is a lot to pay to increase battery life by 20% or more, and not practical for the golf car industry. In the forklift industry a battery can be as much as $ 5,000, so a $300 pulse desulfater makes a lot more sense. Golf car battery sets, on the other hand can be as low as $366 for 6-volt and not more than $500 for 8-volt, wholesale pricing. A Pulse desulfater will have to come down in price to be a viable product for the golf car industry. Nivel is currently testing just such a device and my have an electric desulfater available in late 2009.

The other method that I have had success with over the past few years is a chemical method, an additive to the batteries electrolyte that actually reverses sulfation. This method of desulfation works faster than the pulse method. A set of mechanically sound batteries that can no longer hold a charge can be ready for action in about a half hour. Just by dissolving the sulfate crystals off the plates, the chemical reaction actually restores the batteries ability to hold a charge. I would not believe it, except I have seen it with my own eyes. The second advantage to this method is cost. The price to restore a set of batteries with a chemical desulfater is $37.50, one time. That is less than the price of one battery. Well worth the price even if it only extends the life by 20%, and well worth it if it doubles the life as it can for an older set.
Chemical desulfaters have been around for a number of years as well.

There are different types of chemical desulfaters. Some use cadmium, an extremely dangerous chemical. Others use non-hazardous chemicals that work as a catalysis, when added to the electrolyte. The way things are these days dangerous chemicals are just to great of a liability around the work place and should be avoided at all costs.

All chemical additives have a certain snake oil reputation to over come, and a non-hazardous chemical desulfater is no exception.  Nivel now carries a non-hazardous battery desulfater and demister. Both are in 12oz bottles desulfater is part # 14565 and the battery demister, a wonderful product that lessens battery gassing and watering for any voltage of battery is part # 6152. These products have been used extensively in the man lift industry, and have demonstrated their value there. I was not convinced until I saw them work myself, and have since have had Roger Kramer, A.K.A The Guru, test these products as well. He also is convinced of the value these have for our industry. I would expect you would be as skeptical as I was and need to see for yourself to believe it works. Give it a try on one of your next projects and I’ll bet that you make it part of your arsenal.

Curtis Industries LLC has a new addition to its line of cab systems for the Polaris Ranger.  The new PathPro SS cab system for the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew UTV offers functionality, versatility and value.

Because this vehicle is used in a multitude of applications, the new PathPro SS cab system’s rugged design will withstand a host of obstacles.  Its main feature is the interior, offering almost 100% panoramic visibility, allowing the driver easy access to see in all directions with limited view obstructions.

Using quality 30oz clear, double-polished vinyl, the PathPro SS cab system seals snug around the entire vehicle, making the ride virtually air tight with minimal noise intrusion. Each cab features a steel roof with textured powered-coat paint and acoustic headliner that comes in 2 pieces, for easy shipping and assembly. The windshield is made from polycarbonate with quantum coating, allowing the ability for optional wiper usage and reduced marring. Accessories are also available for these cab systems that include heaters, work lights, plows and spreaders.

For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtisindustries.net

US BATTERY ANNOUNCES NRE ADVANCEMENTS IN DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

U.S. Battery Manufacturing announces one of the greatest advancements in deep cycle batteries in recent history…XC2™! Back in 2006 U.S. Battery introduced their trademarked XC® (Xtreme Capacity) formulation. This exciting improvement brought with it significant performance gains such as higher initial capacity, higher overall capacity, longer cycle life, improved energy density, better recharge ability, and stronger plates. At the time, these improvements were considered innovative and have helped to position the U.S. Battery brand as the top performer in the industry. Along the way U.S. Battery was challenged to make their product even better and with XC2™, they have risen to the challenge. In March of this year the second generation of XC® will be introduced into their complete line of golf and some specialty batteries. The XC2™ formulation uses the platform created by XC® and takes it several steps further. Donald Wallace, executive vice president stated that “for the past two years we have been listening to and working with some of our biggest customers. Their goal was to create an optimized performance package consisting of chargers, controllers and batteries. The objective was to get component suppliers working together to design a system that would work in perfect harmony, thus optimizing the performance of their equipment.” One of the biggest problems with large deep cycle flooded lead acid batteries has been the long break in period required to attain 100% of their rated capacity. Typically, the move to improve initial capacity performance in deep cycle batteries would lead to shorter cycle life. Using the XC2™ formulation allows the U.S. Battery brand to achieve 100% rated capacity in as few as 25 cycles as compared to competitive brands which take as many as 125 cycles or more to reach the same level. This performance jump increases the amount of runtime that consumers can expect, increasing customer satisfaction and brand reliability. Not only do batteries using the XC2™ formulation reach capacity sooner they stay at rated capacity for a greater number of cycles.

Another problem encountered by deep cycle battery users is related to the industry switch to high frequency or smart chargers. Creating the correct charger algorithm for large battery packs using these charger types has proven to be more difficult than originally expected. Improving charge efficiencies in deep cycle batteries plays an integral part in ensuring a complete battery recharge within the industry required time standards as well as working with chargers that are at the top end of their capability. To further complicate things, states such as California are implementing legislation which will place energy efficiency requirements on combined charger/battery systems for any battery powered application, including equipment using large deep cycle batteries. Once adopted in California it is anticipated that these limiting charger/battery efficiency requirements will spread to other states as well. The XC2™ formulation improves overall charge efficiencies in the U.S. Battery brand making it highly compatible with the wide range of chargers used in the field. Mr. Wallace further stated that “Implementing XC2™ allows our batteries to reach full charge at minimum input levels well within the California range. We have not seen this ease of recharge in any other brands making the U.S. Battery XC2™ brand the new industry benchmark.”

The benefits of XC2™ include:
•    Highest initial capacity
•    Fastest cycle up to full rated capacity
•    Greatest total energy delivered over the life of the battery
•    Ultimate compatibility with the wide range of chargers currently used in the field
•    High charge efficiency designed to meet the new California Energy Commission regulation for combined charger/battery charge efficiency

U.S. Battery has spent the past two years testing internally and coordinating with independent testing to ensure that XC2™ is working as promised. The results achieved with the XC2™ formulation are impressive and set new standards for deep cycle battery performance.

MINTER’S GOLF CART SALES OPENS STORE IN URBANNA

Minter’s Golf Cart Sales operates by a simple but effective principle, said president Tom Minter. “We treat customers like we want to be treated… we always have and always will.”

That motto has kept customers happy and Minter’s Golf Cart Sales has grown steadily in the past 22 years—with golf cart sales numbered in the thousands.

Minter’s Golf Cart Sales recently opened a branch in Urbanna at 5437 Old Virginia Street, just west of town. Minter explained his business has built a large customer base in Middlesex County. With two large campgrounds in the area, the Urbanna store will make it more convenient for local customers.

When it started in 1989, Minter’s Golf Cart Sales was one of the few places in the area that sold and serviced golf carts. Customers came to Minter’s main store in Tappahannock from as far away as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Maryland. “They have stayed with me through the years,” he said.

Minter’s also sells golf carts wholesale and internationally, and has several commercial customers, which include hospitals, government agencies and corporations that use golf carts as utility vehicles.

Minter’s Golf Cart Sales specializes in new, used and reconditioned golf carts as well as service, accessories, parts and short or long term rentals.  The firm has a well-stocked parts department. Service technicians have the training to make all repairs, and Minter’s will pick up and deliver your golf cart, said Minter.

Minter’s, one of Virginia’s largest E-Z-GO golf cart dealers, also sells Car Club and Yamaha carts, and offers financing and insurance. Minter’s sells an average of 700 golf carts a year.  Minter’s was one of the first to customize golf carts with lift kits and custom wheels and tires, and can even build “stretch limo” golf carts or carts for utility use.

EVERGREEN ELECTRIC VEHICLES ENDORSES SOLAR DRIVE

Evergreen Electric Vehicles, LLC endorses the Solar Drive system as the preferred Solar Top for all of its vehicles. “We are very impressed with the quality and performance of the Solar Drive products,” says Keith Andrews, President of Evergreen Electric Vehicles.  “The robust design and attention to detail are qualities that drew us to the product.  The management and support staff are highly professional and forward thinking.  We wanted to give our customers some direction on which of Solar top to consider.”

The Solar Drive top fits a wide range of vehicles. The hardware to install the top uses top quality stainless steel fasteners and the solar panels are surrounded by an attractive extruded aluminum frame with a Scandinavian flare.  Solar Drive’s home office is located in Denmark.

The Solar Drive top converts solar energy from two one hundred watt PV modules through a proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller to maximize the amps and volts to the battery pack.

“The use of the latest state of the art solar panels along with a superior management system is what differentiates the Solar Drive system from the others.” says Erik Andersen, General Manager of Global Sales for Solar Drive.  “This free power from the sun can extend the vehicles range five to ten miles per day, depending on a variety of conditions.  By keeping the batteries constantly charged, the rate and level of discharge is improved, which over time will improve the battery life,” adds Andersen.

To learn more about the Solar Drive system or to locate a Solar Drive distributor near you , go to www.solardrive.com .  To find our more about the full line of Evergreen Electric Vehicles go to www.evergreenev.com
EASLEY CHAMBER WELCOMES XTREME CARTS

The Easley Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Xtreme Carts to the Easley business community on Wednesday.

Xtreme Carts has been in operation since 2004 when owners Travis and Angel Weathers set up shop on Latham Road. In April they moved the retail location to its new home at at 6129 Calhoun Memorial Highway.
Angel said it began as a hobby for Travis and his sons- Preston, 13, and Cameron, 7.  “We bought a golf cart for them to tinker around with and it just took off from there,” Angel said.

The family-owned business makes custom made golf carts and four-wheel drive hunting vehicles which they sell locally and nationally from the Xtreme Carts retail store and through the company’s website. The shop also carries outdoor gear, hunting gear and also repairs carts and hunting vehicles.

The Weathers even have their own patented hunting cart — the Stalker XTV. Travis designed the Stalker XTV solely for hunting purposes and said he’s sold the carts to hunters as far away as Iowa and Texas.

Travis began his career working in paint and body shops for businesses in Greenville and decided to launch his own business here in Easley so he could spend more time with his family. “It’s just fun to be able to work with my kids around,” Weathers said.

Members of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce gathered at the store on Thursday to officially welcome Extreme Carts to the Easley business community.

“We’re proud to have Xtreme Carts as the newest member of the Chamber of Commerce,” Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce President Kent Dykes said. “We wish them success in their business and their family.”

E-Z-GO TOPS VEHICLES WITH AMES FIRM’S SOLAR CELLS
The PowerFilm panels cut battery charging costs as much as 20%

PowerFilm Inc., the Ames manufacturer of flexible solar panels, is partnering with Textron Co. to make solar power an option for E-Z-GO golf cars and other electric vehicles.

The companies said in a product announcement that they had developed a snap-top installation system that allows PowerFilm’s solar cells to be easily attached to the roofs of E-Z-GO cars. The rooftop solar system will be available in February. Pricing for the option has not yet been established, said PowerFilm’s Mike Coon.

The panels are expected to reduce energy costs for charging the batteries in golf cars by as much as 20 percent, the companies said. PowerFilm has experimented with solar-powered golf cars for some time, and last year made 10 solar-powered cars available for use at the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament in West Des Moines.

The companies said the advantages of solar power include increased driving range, easy installation of the rooftop panels and reduced energy costs. The panels are lightweight and durable, weighing less than 7 pounds. They are “designed and manufactured using military-grade specifications,” the announcement said.

“The solar panel creates, on average, enough electricity per year to offset nearly 175 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions,” it said. “E-Z-GO’s partnership with PowerFilm aligns with our commitment to environmental excellence,” said E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran in the announcement. PowerFilm President Tim Neugent said the Ames company has been working with E-Z-GO for more than two years.

The product rollout is consistent with PowerFilm’s efforts in recent years to promote use of its flexible solar cells to the building industry for rooftop installations. The company has also worked with the military to develop solar panels that can be used on tents and other installations to promote remote power for computers and other devices used in desert situations.

YAMAHA GOLF-CAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE HIRING OF MATTHEW JONES
Yamaha Golf-Car Company is proud to announce the recent hiring of Matthew Jones as District Sales Manager for south Texas.

Jones is an experienced golf professional who joins YGC after two years as General Manager for Cross Timbers Golf Course in Azle, Texas. His prior experience includes a four year tenure as Director of Golf at Koasati Pines Golf Course in Kinder, Louisiana and has worked as a member of the golf staff at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas and at Golfcrest Country Club in Pearland, Texas.

Matt graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in Business Management and received his membership into the Professional Golfers Association in 2006.

“Matt has a great deal of golf course experience and understands the challenges faced by today’s golf clubs and managers. We feel this knowledge gives him the inside track in understanding how to build a better relationship with General Managers, Course Owners and Golf Professionals”, said Kevin Norcross, Department Manager of Direct Sales and Marketing for Yamaha. “We’re happy to have Matt on our team and know he’ll do an excellent job taking care of our customers in south Texas.”

If you’d like more information, please visit us on the web at www.yamahagolfcar.com.

GLOBAL ENTERPRISE WILL POWER GROWTH IN JOHN DEERE GOLF
Golf course maintenance professionals and club managers to gain innovative products, business-focused services and improved after-the-sale support

To enable greater global growth, John Deere recently underwent a global reorganization of its golf business, which will now fully integrate into the John Deere Agriculture & Turf Division.  The enhanced organization puts the full resources – innovation, expertise and history – of the expansive John Deere Enterprise behind its golf business, allowing John Deere Golf to better serve golf superintendents and greenskeepers, club managers, and maintenance professionals.

“We see an exceptional opportunity within the global golf business,” said John Lagemann, vice president, sales and marketing, John Deere Agriculture & Turf Division. “And, we’re well positioned, as an Enterprise, to strengthen our industry position worldwide. By aligning more closely with their peers, our golf-dedicated team members now have more resources at their disposal. As a result, our customers ultimately will benefit through more innovative products, improved business services and reinforced after-the-sale support.”

This expanded global focus not only keeps current team members in positions aligned with their experience, but also integrates them into focused business units that have additional resources.

“We are pleased that we’ll now be able to fully leverage John Deere’s global reach, backed by 61,000 employees, a $32 billion company and a $3 million-a-day investment in research and development,” said Gregg Breningmeyer, global segment manager, John Deere Golf.  “While this is an exciting internal change, we remain focused on our customers. We understand they play a key part in managing golf facilities, and we’re looking forward to leveraging our global assets to help them fortify and grow their businesses, as we grow ours.”

“John Deere Golf is trusted by some of the most demanding facilities and customers in the industry,” continued Lagemann. “So, it’s a natural progression for us to utilize all of our resources to grow globally…and to help our customer grow in all of our markets. John Deere prides itself on its commitment to continual improvement and learning, and this is best realized when each of our businesses are able to benefit from the focus and strength of our entire global organization.”

For more information please visit; www.john-deere.com

“The results from Golf Course Industry’s reader survey affirm Trojan’s unwavering commitment to product quality, dedication to exceptional customer service, and overall support of the golf marketplace,” said Jeff Elder, president of Trojan Battery Company.  “We are pleased that Trojan’s product and corporate objectives resonate and are valued by golf course superintendents.  Trojan will continue to focus on building industry-leading quality, performance and reliability into our battery products.”

Golf Course Industry magazine’s reader survey was conducted online polling its more than 30,000 readers.  The survey asked superintendents a variety of questions on the reputations of companies in the industry they purchase products from to maintain their golf courses.  The reader survey featured multiple choice questions which included random listings of industry vendors to prevent the same few companies from being consistently chosen simply because they were at the top of the lists.

“There are hundreds of companies competing for the attention of golf course superintendents today,” said Pat Jones, publisher and editorial director of Golf Course Industry. “It’s a tribute to Trojan Battery that they were among the Top 50 most admired and trusted suppliers in our business.”

According to the magazine’s feature story “… (The reader responses) don’t define total market share or sales.  What they do is give us an idea of which companies superintendents think are meaningful to the industry right now.”

For more information on Trojan Battery Company, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

While sitting around the Cartguy shop “discussing” golf carts and how to come up with a unique cart the owner of this particular cart stated it would be different to have a set of dual wheels. Then we got creative! Old rims were used, plasma cutting the center out of them to keep the same bolt pattern. We welded the cut out onto a 2 inch O.D. steel pipe 12 inches long, fit it over the existing wheel studs on the cart. Then the studs were changed up to 2 inches for more stability. The embedded pipe was torqued to the cart with the original wheels on it. A second wheel was put over the extended pipe to simulate dual wheels, now the wheel was secured an inch apart from the inner wheel. An aluminum spacer hub was positioned on the 2 inch pipe approximately where the outer wheel would sit. The spacer was marked, pulled off, a 3/8 inch hole was drilled, then positioned back on the pipe, a 3/8 hole was drilled through the pipe lining it up with the spacer. Then it was bolted together with a 3/8 inch bolt and lock nut. Now we had an outer hub with the studs already in the aluminum spacer in the original bolt pattern. The outer wheel was then bolted on, this ended up being the birth of the Cartguy dual wheels! The customer loves his cart and drives it every day.

ANSWER: First it must be determined what issue is seen:
1) Will Not Charge
2) Charges But Car Will Not Run
3) Charges But Will Not Shut Off
4) Charger Will Not Work On A Different Car
5) Working Charger Will Not Work On Specific Car

System #1:
Re-boot Computer first and confirm battery pack voltage is above 41 volts. The Computer is voltage sensitive and must see battery pack voltage to activate system.
Rebooting consists of battery disconnection per manufacturers procedure. If the car utilizes a run/tow switch you must place the car in tow position before disconnecting any batteries. For cars that have a Regenerative One system (first generation) the key switch is utilized as run/tow. For all 1995 and up Series cars place car in neutral, key off and disconnect battery number six negative cable and any accessory wires that may be connected to that terminal. Lay the cable and or wires aside as not to touch the frame of any other wiring! Turn key switch on and place shifter into reverse. Hold the accelerator pedal at about 1/3rd down until back up buzzer softens or stops. Repeat accelerator pedal up and down several times until you see that. Then reconnect all wires and cable onto number six battery negative terminal. Note you may see a small arc as you make this connection this is just the capacitor bank inside the controller being charged. In the event the back up buzzer does not function simply discharge the controller. With batteries disconnected short out B+ to B- on the controller it will arc loudly so do not be alarmed (series systems only). After the cables and wires have been connected you have now re-booted. All regenerative systems will be a little different you have to remember turning run/tow switch on before putting car in reverse and then remember to turn run/tow back off before connecting number six or number four battery (if it have a four battery arrangement instead of six).
After you have competed this try to first drive the car. Then try to charge the batteries once again. If all is well the re-boot took care of the lock out. If the car still does not run or runs but will not charge we move on the next level.
Will not charge but does run:

1)    Make sure the AC cord is receiving voltage (test for AC voltage)
2)    Make sure you have DC voltage at the cars charging  receptacle (positive only) (negative not seen)
3)    Make sure you have battery negative voltage at the yel low sense lead fuse and to the charger relay
4)    Make sure the charger relay “clicks” if not confirm 48-volts positive and negative on the relay coil
5)    48-volts present on the relay coil and does not “click” the relay is defective
6)    Missing negative from the computer or blue sense lead wire on charger cord it is open. Meaning the blue wire can be broken inside the DC cord and usually breaks at the handle plug end from up and down movement. If missing negative from gray sense lead wire on car half replace the computer.
7)    All voltage present and relay “clicks” and does not charge, check DC battery connections on the car and confirm they are not broken, corroded or connected to wrong area. If all connections and wiring is good then the computer rectifier is defective replace the computer. Note: just because the relay “clicks” it does not mean it is good, the main contacts can be open so test that.
8)    If the charger will not shut off it means either the relay contacts or stuck in the closed position or the computer is defective. Technical Note: This system will not shut off if there is a defective battery (batteries) in the system. You must confirm you have a good working set of batteries.

System #2:
Car Will Not Run:
1)    Car will not run. Does the solenoid “click”?
2)    Solenoid does not “click” we have either a “lock out” from computer, controller, solenoid or wiring issue
3)    First determine if we have a “lock out” from compute Re-boot as per System #1.
4)    Still have “lock out” and will not charge follow System #1 testing.

Follow the following by-pass procedures:
1)    For series systems remove yellow solenoid wire from solenoid. Tape the end of this yellow wire so it does not touch anything. Place a jumper wire from battery negative to the vacated solenoid terminal. Activate the system (meaning key on, in forward and accelerator pushed). The car should now run and if it does and the car will charge add a 10 fuse to a 18 gauge wire and place this wire and fuse to the vacated solenoid terminal and to a battery negative connection. At this point computer replacement is not necessary. However, if you wish to retain the “lock out” function you must replace the computer.
2)    If the car does not run (no solenoid “click”) you have a car wiring issue, follow car wiring diagram to locate issue. Or (solenoid does “click” you have a drive control system issue such as controller, motor, shifter, solenoid or cables and wiring. Do not confuse solenoid activation with computer “lock out” it is two separate things.
To by-pass “lock out” on other computer system (SepEx) you must know exactly what drive system is in the car i.e. Regen 1, Regen 2, IQ, IQ+ or what ever. Each uses “lock out” differently then the standard series system. Notice on the series system negative “lock out” is used. Some of the SepEx “lock out” is based on positive voltages. So make sure of exactly what you have before doing anything. At this point do not and I mean DO not jump any solenoids activation terminals without removing the main negative solenoid wire! Failure to do so can destroy a controller or computer!
A)    Regenerative System 1 (first generation) connect a negative 18 gauge wire with a bullet connector going into the Z plug pin number 12 yellow wire. This will by-pass computer input to the controller. If the car runs and charges add a 10 amp fuse and leave it that way. If you wish to have the “lock out” feature you must replace the computer.
B)    Regenerative System 2 (Power Drive Plus) connect yellow, blue and white wires together on the car side of the on-board computer harness. These are all positive connections. If the car runs and charges with the applied positive add a 10 amp fuse and leave connected as a by-pass. If you wish to have the “lock out ” feature replace the computer.
C)    IQ System cut the light blue wire at pin number 5 on the 16 pin controller connector. Connect a 18 gauge wire from the light blue wire going to the 16 pin connector and route the other end to battery positive at the solenoid large terminal (from battery number one) or the back of charging receptacle red positive terminal. Tape the light blue wire going to the computer. If the car runs and charges install 10 amp fuse in the jumper and leave it that way. If you wish to retain “lock out” replace the computer.
Always advise your customer that any type of by-pass does remove the “lock out” function. This by-pass is a way of testing to see if it is a computer issue or controller issue. Of course you can allow just confirm the voltages with a voltmeter if you understand the voltage pin-outs. Knowing the voltage pin-outs you must have the correct wiring diagram for the system being tested.