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[BSDThw]

Who has already the new Firmware of the SevCon Controller?

I am interested in one effect.

We all know if the Zero 2012 is moved back and forth the Motor is making a sound.

It was always explained as recuperation, but that is not true. If you disable recuperation at throttle off, it is still making that sound. (Trikester can you confirm this? as much as I know you have a disabled recuperation mode too)

The sound is in my understanding produced from the so called “Controlled Roll-Off”.

It is enabled!
I was surprised, because SevCon Manuel says it is not recommended for on-highway vehicles.
=>The max speed is 6000rpm and Torque 0.001 so it is actually out of order.

If you try to disable it, you make it even worse?!? A SevCon Buck?

Does the Motor still make this sound with the new Firmware?

Would be nice if someone can answer the question, thanks.

[trikester]

My 2012 motor still makes that sound when pushed with the key on, even in SPORT mode where I no longer have any regen programmed. I have always assumed that it was due to the rotor position sensor detecting which way the motor was turning. I still assume that.

Trikester

[Richard230]

I have the new firmware.  I think my motor still makes the growling noise, but I do go out of my way to not push it around when the ignition is on.  I just don't like the noise.

[protomech]

Got the bike back today. New firmware, same growling noise when pushed.

[BSDThw]

Tanks for answering, hope we get the new firmware soon.

Strange the NHTSA letter says Zero start informing us at September,24.
I guess if someone got an information we had a post here.

I am not sure how Zero is programming the Firmware, but official SevCon use a software which needs a special CAN to USB Dongle and it cost over 200$ and funny it is “ produced/ developed ” 50miles of were I live. I am not sure if it is easy and fast possible to provide Zero dealers but maybe there is a better way.

[Richard230]

I was told that the actual Sevcon controller is made in China and that the factory in China had to be involved in the design or programming of the new firmware in some way, which is one of the things that delayed its implementation.

[Electric Cowboy]

I like the new firmware upgrade. You can feel a difference in the power. Got mine upgraded just after I got back from Bonneville. I definately reccomend it.

[trikester]

I received my recall notice yesterday (Oct 1) 

Trikester

[dahlheim]

just bought the bike, firmware updated.  growl present.  the bike is otherwise so quiet, it makes me not want to roll it at all when at a standstill because the slight growl is bothersome.  just being nitpicky.

[kcoplan]

Got my firmware updated today.  No change at first, but now I notice an electronic sort of chirping sound at low speeds.  Not sure if this is related to the firmware upgrade or not.  It's a chirping sound at around 5-10 mph, and just a steady tone at below 5 mph or so.

-  Karl

[Richard230]

I don't hear that sound on my bike.  My guess is that something on the chassis is making that noise.  Maybe there a foreign particle imbedded into one of the brake pads?  I would try letting the bike roll down an incline with the ignition off and see if it still makes the noise.  If it does, you can put it up on a lift and see if you can pin down the location of the sound.  It not and it is a function of the electronics or motor, that will be a little harder to find, but running the bike (very carefully) on a lift should help.  Just don't get your fingers tangled in the spinning works.   

[BSDThw]

Be careful if you have the bike suported under the battery box with a free spinning wheel.
If you open the throttle hard, the bike will "flip backwards" so it could happen the back wheel touch the ground...
   

[kcoplan]

Went for a quick ride today to see if the chirping sound was still there.  The sound was not there at the beginning of my ride, but came back when I slowed down at the end of the ride.  The sound is not there when I turn the bike off and glide.

The ride consisted of one mile on back roads at 30-45 mph, one exit on the parkway with  quick acceleration to 70 mph, then another mile back home at 30-50 mph.

It seems to be in the motor, and seems to be heat related, I would guess, since it only starts after pushing the motor hard.  Not sure if it is really anything to worry about.

I gotta admit I love going for my quick test rides - accelerating on the parkway on this bike is such a thrill!

[Harlan]

Sounds like your belt needs to be tightened.

[kcoplan]

I really don't think it's the belt; it seems like an electronic sound, not a mechanical one.

I guess I ought to by one of those belt tension checkers just to be sure -- anyone recommend the best belt checker for the Zero?

--Karl