Drive by wire go kart

I just got a new go kart engine, i went from 6hp to 10hp. This new kohler engine I got I think was not built to put on a go kart, so I had some trouble finding a way to attach the gas petal. Well after a few days of not really figuring anything out, I remembered that I had gotten an arduino about a week ago, and maybe I could use this to help me out.

Step 1 Power and safety circuit

below is a diagram of how I go power to the arduino. this way the engine will only start if the arduino is powered on. the first switch is mounted on the box that holds the arduino. the potentiometer i got has a built in switch so to turn on the arduino you have to flip the switch to the box and then turn the potentiometer. i used the led as status light to let me know that the arduino is powered on. i used the relay as a kill switch because if some how the arduino's battery died and the throttle was opened all the way up, it would be very hard to stop. I also put in a manual kill switch. Also below is what I actually did.

Comments

[beehard44]

Now design a navigation system
that would be awesome

[765mj]

 ill get some pictures as soon as i get back home, in 2 months. right know im working on making the go kart remote controlled using my iphone, ill post it as soon as im finished.

[sasaa]

they are called spacers mate :D

Really nice project :D

[maxpower49]

it has been a long time sence any commented lol but i love this instructable and i am working on a go kart and mini chopper and i want to do this on bolth i was just wondering if i could get some pictures of where the pedal attaches that would be grate

[765mj]

i actually changed it a little, i used a 500k sliding pot with a 10k resistor (instead of the one in the instructable) , then mounted that to the floor of the go kart. and hooked up the gas petal to that. i will post pics as soon as i take them, but it works just fine.

[espdp2]

Great project, incomplete 'ible, tho. What about your gas pedal? Don't you still have to make the connection from your right foot (or thumb) to the Arduino? You could use an automotive throttle position sensor... I love the cruise control idea, but you need a brake switch to disable it. Got a pic of the complete kart? That's the whole point of this fun. :-) How does she drive?

[crapflinger]

er....so you turn a knob to change the speed on the thing? why not just get a longer throttle cable?

[cwebsterlusk]

thats what i was thinking. use the arduino for something better

[765mj]

Hey thanks alot for the ideas i really appreciate it.

[cyrozap]

You could just wire in a digital pot in place of the servo controlling the throttle on the engine. Then, you could have the arduino modify the value of the digital pot precisely. You could also program the arduino and have buttons to slowly accelerate the engine, have a foot pedal connected to the arduino and have a cruise control button. This has a lot of potential.