Bafang CST 500, S12S, safe power levels?

[pn_day]

Hi all
I had the first road test of my almost completed conversion today. I must say it is a very nice thing to be able to go up steep hills without turning red and sounding like a horse that is on its way to the glue factory!

I've soldered the shunt slightly on the S12S, but was wondering what a safe level to run the motor at is? Running a 270 rpm CST laced in a 700c wheel with 36V 20Ah battery.

On PAS level 3 I was seeing a rough average just over 300W, with PAS level 5 showing over 500W even on the flat.

Is it alright to run flat out, or would I be better to limit the higher current to just for an occasional boost? I'd like to make the motor and battery last if possible.

Throttle and cruise control both work as well but feel decidedly alien on a bicycle! Fun, but definitely different.

Thanks
Phil

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Something's wrong. You should be seeing about 1200w from the battery when you're climbing hills at full throttle. What are you using to measure the power? When you travel at speed the current (power from the battery) will go down. Maybe 500W at 21 mph.

 

[pn_day]

Thanks d8veh - I will do some more tests. I must confess that the power readings were all travelling at speed with me peddling as well. Will see what power I get with throttle from standstill.
Power readings are as reported on the LCD3 (relatively new display from BMSb) which is very handy - no need for secondary watt meter.