Current Sensor
Current is probably the most useful data to have on a Greenpower car as it gives the best indication of how quickly the batteries are being discharged.
From Kit version 1.4 a PCB breakout board for the current sensor is included to carry the LEM sensor, three capacitors, and a connection to the vehicle harness.

From V2.0 onwards, a JST connector and wiring pigtails have been included as connections to the current sensor PCB.
Connecting the sensor to the eChook board
The four outputs from the current sensor PCB, labelled 5V, GND, Ref and Sense (Out on early boards), match the labels of the four pins on the eChook board current sensor - although the pin order is different.
+5v
5V
Ref
Ref
Sense/Out
Sens
GND
GND
If possible, avoid a long harness between the eChook board and the sensor to limit interference on the current signal.
Positioning the sensor in the car
This sensor needs to be placed around the main 24V cable from the battery. A convenient location is often next to the circuit breaker. The orientation of this sensor is important; if it is the wrong way around it will not read a current. The correct orientation is shown below - note the lip around the right hand side of the sensor aperture, and if you have a PCB mounted sensor, the mounting direction is printed on the bottom of the board.

Last updated
Was this helpful?