June 24, 2007 by Rob.

Even with the power issues, I was able to drive the RAVolt 7 miles today, shifted several times, and even reached 50 MPH.

Clutchless shifting is a breeze - feels just like regular shifting.

Note: my tachometer is not working, but the speedometer is.

Posted in Storyline | 1 Comment »

June 24, 2007 by Rob.

After yesterday, I’m was wiped out an wanted to just chill. Steve from Houston is planning a S-10 conversion. He was in town and bought me breakfast. Yum, thanks Steve!

The auxiliary power issues were also on my mind. It turns out there were two problems: a blown 100 Amp fuse that ran most of the auxiliaries (easy fix) and drawing so much power from the Astrodyne DC-DC converter that it goes into “power overload shutdown” (hard fix). The lack of DC-DC over works my poor auxiliary battery. It gets tired an turns off the contactors when I brake (pump + brake lights = brown out).

Note: I was able to demonstrate that the DC-DC converter is working fine.  It recovers from overload after a power cycle.
One issue with working tired is that I make mistakes. In this case, the mistake involved a utility knife and my palm :(. Sorry - no pictures of that one.
Punch list update: Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Planning | 1 Comment »

June 24, 2007 by Rob.

Gerron H. made all the difference in getting on the road ahead of schedule. Thanks Gerron!

We worked hard to get the 12 volt system working. The system has the 12 volt battery and the DC-DC converter hidden in 2/3 of a bright orange dry box. I drilled bolts out of the box where the old battery terminals were. This made it much easier to connect up the old wiring components.

It was scorching hot today, but mobility was in sight! We applied sunscreen and kept our noses to the grind stone.

Posted in Parts, Pictures, Planning | No Comments »

June 24, 2007 by Rob.

It’s just as if you were there.

Posted in Pictures, Storyline | 1 Comment »