DRV230BD 60A 2000 Watt Two Channel Motor Controller

from $79.00

Two channel brushed motor driver (Specifically designed for 550, 775, 887, and 895 Brushed DC motors)
8 - 40VDC input voltage
30A continuous per motor output (60A total)
Can exceed 1000W of continuous output power per motor (2000W total)
Wi-fi Access Point for configuration, monitoring, and Diagnostics
Variable Throttle Input
Variable Brake Input
Two forward speed limits and one reverse speed limit
Applies Brakes when throttle is released
12VDC 3A accessory output (Regulates to 12VDC when input is over 12VDC, tracks input voltage when under 12VDC)
5VDC 1.5A accessory output

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Two channel brushed motor driver (Specifically designed for 550, 775, 887, and 895 Brushed DC motors)
8 - 40VDC input voltage
30A continuous per motor output (60A total)
Can exceed 1000W of continuous output power per motor (2000W total)
Wi-fi Access Point for configuration, monitoring, and Diagnostics
Variable Throttle Input
Variable Brake Input
Two forward speed limits and one reverse speed limit
Applies Brakes when throttle is released
12VDC 3A accessory output (Regulates to 12VDC when input is over 12VDC, tracks input voltage when under 12VDC)
5VDC 1.5A accessory output

DRV230BD V6 Enclosure

$20.00

Color:

Black White

Throttle and/or Brake Pedal

$15.00

Installation Kit

$15.00

Two channel brushed motor driver (Specifically designed for 550, 775, 887, and 895 Brushed DC motors)
8 - 40VDC input voltage
30A continuous per motor output (60A total)
Can exceed 1000W of continuous output power per motor (2000W total)
Wi-fi Access Point for configuration, monitoring, and Diagnostics
Variable Throttle Input
Variable Brake Input
Two forward speed limits and one reverse speed limit
Applies Brakes when throttle is released
12VDC 3A accessory output (Regulates to 12VDC when input is over 12VDC, tracks input voltage when under 12VDC)
5VDC 1.5A accessory output

Product Overview

The DRV230BD is a motor controller designed for DIY applications requiring two independent high power brushed motor outputs. With enough standard I/O and regulated output power options to fit the needs of many projects. This project was inspired by my kids requesting a high-performance variable speed controller option for their ride on vehicles. Failing to find an affordable option on the market that could handle close to 200 pounds of rider capacity, after many iterations trying off the shelf motor drivers, finally the DRV230BD was born.

Controlling the motor drivers is an ESP32 microcontroller that comes with preinstalled software intended to meet the needs of most DIY motor controller projects, the basic software functions allow the user to change critical timing characteristics of the motors (ramp up and down times, coast times, brake delays) as well as enabling variable throttle and brake functions. The software can play a critical role in diagnosing issues with a diagnostics page providing real time status of the controller.

What Comes in the Box?

The motor controller and mounting hardware to secure it. Nylon hex standoffs are sufficient for most applications so that is what is provided. This is a motor controller designed for DIY projects, since each project is unique no additional materials are provided.

Motor Controller
QTY 4: M3 X 8mm Nylon Machine Screws
QTY 4: M3-0.5mm Nylon Hex Nuts
QTY 4: M3 X 15mm + 6mm Male to Female Standoff
QR Code to access the Product Specification and Installation Guide (Same one linked in the Installation section below)

Detailed Specifications

This is a brushed motor controller designed for use in DIY projects including ride on kids toys (Power Wheels, Kid Traxx, Peg Perego) and robotic projects. It was been tested with many different 550, 775, 887, and 895 sized DC motors.

Installation

The link below will bring you to the installation guide for installing in a power wheels or other Ride-On-Toy.

Click Here for the Installation Guide

For guidance watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoD1xiNBkrM

Versions of Ride-Ons with power steering and high power electronics will require special attention if those functions want to be retained. There is a low power 3A 12VDC accessory output for LED’s and sound functions. This motor controller was not designed with power steering or other high power accessories in mind.

Ride-On Installation Without Variable Pedal

This motor controller can be installed directly into most stock ride on toys (Without additional motor controlling electronics, like soft start modules or remote controls). Simply plug with controller into the stock motor connections, connect the motors to Motor A and Motor B outputs, and connect power, the speed controller will detect Forward Low, Forward High, or Reverse and provide regulated power to the motors. There isn’t an easier Soft Start/Stop solution.

*Note: For this installation method you must disable the throttle pedal in the setup page of the web app, the throttle pedal is enabled by default as once direction is detected the motors will spin when throttle pedal is disabled. This is the only mandatory configuration within the web app.

Ride-On Installation with Variable Pedal

A variable pedal can be connected using the +3.3V (Red Wire), B- (Black Wire), and T (Green Wire) connections. It is recommended to use the variable pedal sold by Peanut Workshop since that is the one all testing has been conducted with. There are calibration functions within the setup page if an alternate pedal (Or hand grip) is required. Be aware the input CANNOT exceed 3.3V without causing permanent damage.

A variable pedal can also be connected to the BR input (Green Wire), this will provide variable brakes. There are some protective actions within the software to help keep kids safe, the brakes will be applied automatically per the Brake Delay timer.

Ride On limitations

Use of the stock motor inputs from a “Smart Module” will not work with the DRV230BD, based on my limited testing, they detect the load is incorrect and turn off. Examples are vehicles with remote controls or units with a soft start function like the Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper. Those units would need to be bypassed for use with the DRV230BD. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns about compatibility.

Interactive Web App

Customizing parameters to meet your desired needs is simple with any Wi-Fi enabled device (Smart phone, Tablet, Laptop). Connect to the Wi-Fi network labeled SpeedControl once powered ON (Red LED means power is available and Blue LED means Wi-Fi is ready to connect) using the default password (SpeedControl). Once connected you may receive a notification, when pressed your web browser will open and display the home page. If a notification does not appear in a couple seconds, simply open any web browser on the device and navigate to “4.3.2.1” (4.3.2.1 is the local IP address for the device). Note that some devices will be required to be in Airplane mode to connect correctly. There is no need to install any apps on your phone, the application runs on the motor controller for your convenience.

Testing

This motor controller has undergone extensive testing to ensure all functions will perform flawlessly even under the harshest environments your project can throw at it. Testing has been performed from 8VDC up to 42VDC with current loads up to 46A of continuous operation. Thermal images are provided below showing the thermal performance and temperature rise with some of the loads tested. This motor controller is rated for 40VDC, the 12VDC converter will fail with input voltages between 42 - 45VDC. I have tested with two 20V/18V drill batteries in series (~41.5VDC) and it will work but there is no margin so it is not recommended.

Variants of this motor driver have been under test in my children’s ride on toys since October 2024, every failure has been analyzed and mitigated, the version being offered for sale has not had any failures when operated within the limits defined in the Specification Table.