DIY Kayak 12V PWM Digital Speed Controller Remote Build Project

This is a DIY 12V PWM digital speed controller with wired remote control for use with a trolling motor. This allows for the main PWM unit to be enclosed in a waterproof box and a smaller remote control to be used.
Parts:
Knacro 12V 60A PWM Digital Speed Controller
Knacro PWM Forward Reverse Switch
Knacro PWM On/Off Power Potentiometer
Hammond 1591BSBK ABS Project Box
Waterproof Cable Gland Joints (2)
5426-CL 8 Conductor 22 Gauge Unshielded Cable (4 feet)

[@bigtater29]

That's awesome. You've given me a lot off inspiration for my setup. Thank you. 👍

[@elvisrickey4625]

Awesome idea. I tried it using 22ga solid copper telephone wire that I had lying around. Didn't trust the solid wire though and ended up using an old Ethernet cable. It's 4 feet long and has 8-24ga color coded stranded wires inside it which I think will work perfectly. It is the same gauge as the controller wire. I was really having a hard time finding the wire in a shorter length and didn't need 25ft so I think this will work. Hope this might help someone implement your great idea. Appreciate you taking the time to video this for us. God Bless.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Elvis. It seems like it should work fine.

[@fivetwentyseven8598]

Oh ok it’s a TOTAL DIY. I thought you bought the hand controller. Nice job buddy

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks.

[@fivetwentyseven8598]

Aksman might want to switch to these store.digilentinc.com/dmc60c-digital-motor-controller-approved-for-first-robotics/

[@NiteWolfeFishing]

I notice on your testing motor the head was still on it, I assume with the 5/3 switch still installed. DO you just leave that switch in the 5 position? I kind of like the idea of the 5/3 switch still being there incase the pwm fails.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, in that configuration, the switch is set i the 5F position. I have done another video that explains different set ups. Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5yWkKCLm9CIi5o

[@dreday525]

I’ve been searching for 3-pin waterproof forward/reverse switches, but I’ve been having a hella a time as all I can find are 6Pin and momentary. It looks that the vendor you listed is no linger selling these toggles. Do you have any suggestions where the right switch can be found (round or rectagular doesnt matter). Thank you for all of your exceptional and detailed walkthrough of your builds! Folks like you bring so much great information for the community!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Dre! I would try pasting the part description into Amazon instead of the vendor link. It may help.

[@elvisrickey4625]

Hi Aksmaniak, Extended the wires on my PWM. Great idea. I seem to be experiencing a 2-3 second delay of power getting to the motor. Also the motor doesn't seem to be going as fast. Possibly a .3-.5 mph slower. Have you experienced either one of these reactions in you PWM extension? Very convenient and lots better that trying to deal with a large box. Thanks.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Elvis. I have not experienced any performance difference. How long is your extension wires?

[@elvisrickey4625]

About 5 feet. I used solid phone wire 22ga. Ordered some of the wire you used (8wire cable) Hopefully that will remedy the problem. Still better than paddling. :-)

[@mixablebiscuit]

Hi there, thanks for the video. I’m having some problems with the potentiometer once extended. Goes straight to 100 power. Did you have any experience of this?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Sorry for the late reply, I just saw it. No, I have not had any problems like that.

[@Wickedshifts]

Stumbled upon your video earlier when I was researching this very idea. Got a question for ya. Do you think it would hurt anything to mount the PWM on the inside of the battery box (With the trolling motor batter) and just extend the leads to a smaller box up by the seat?

[@Aksmaniyak]

It would depend on whether the battery box was waterproof/weatherproof.

[@bluepete7]

Do you sell this completed setup? I'd like to install it on a Newport 36 lb TM for my Hobie PA.

[@BassManStrikes]

What size wire did you use for the battery connections and any from Amazon you would recommend?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I use 10G for the battery connections. I just bought some new supplies from Amazon. The brand is Anchor Marine.

[@briansantacruz354]

@Aksman Thanks for the turorials, learning a lot of useful info from you. Just had a few questions, I have a 30Lb thrust MinnKota, and wanted to run a PMW with it. 1) What type of battery would you recommend ? 2)What type of circuit breaker ? 3) What type of waterproof connectors (for battery/speed control)would you recommend? I’ve seen some with 120A? Is that too much? too little? Im sorry for asking a lot of questions, I’m just a little lost at this point.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Brian. That's a lot to answer here. I just started a FB page that makes it easier to share info about projects. It will be easier to answer there. Here is the link see you there. facebook.com/groups/3521517597860461/

[@briansantacruz354]

Aksman Unfortunately I do not have a Face book account, but I can log onto my wifes if thats ok?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@briansantacruz354 Sure.

[@arturoalvarez3914]

Quick and potentially silly question, can I use thermostat wire 18 gauge? Thank you for all your videos!

[@Aksmaniyak]

You could but stranded wire is better.

[@ronscala8953]

Thank you , works great, after 2 years my panel board started to deteriorate,and now don’t, work, i know they only cost 25$, is there a more durable one , or should I just replace?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes Ron there are other options. I have also done video tutorials with a fan mounted PWM and also a Minn Kota control board. Just search my PWM playlist and you will find them.

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

Have you found a project box that will very closely fit the PWM board (I am remote mounting switches)

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi Mike. I wanted the project box to be bigger than the PWM board to give it more air space. This helps with heat dissipation.

[@gher81]

Great videos! Do you need an inline fuse for this set up to protect the trolling motor or PWM?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Juan. I use a circuit breaker for the trolling motor/PWM.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I use a circuit breaker for the trolling motor.

[@NeverDunnFishing]

Apologize if this has already been posted but do you have a video showing how to run the wires to the pwm while still keeping the stock trolling motor head on the trolling motor shaft? I would like to retain it like in this video but would like to know the best way to run the wires with it still being installed.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have not done a build like that but it is easy to do. You put the speed selector on "5" for maximum output. You connect the red/blk trolling motor power input wires to the PWM motor leads.

[@NeverDunnFishing]

@@Aksmaniyak gotcha. Thanks!

[@imelusive1732]

Can you explain how you can add one of the standard kill switches you see in case you fall off boat?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I don't use the standard kill switch on these. I made a different type of kill switch. Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYO9c6Rje5eSe80

[@allornothing7957]

Have you tried running higher voltages? I'm considering building a pack of 18650 cells for mine and wondered how high I can go before causing issues!

[@Aksmaniyak]

No I have not. All my electronics are rated for 12V.

[@trentbriver]

What size battery was that? Is that the normal size you would use out on the kayak? If so, what is approximately run time using that same motor and your setup?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi, that is a 9AH battery that I use for my kayak electronics. Since dry testing of trolling motors and other components do not draw many amps, I use it because it is easier to handle.

[@eltigre6446]

So how does the pwm connect to the trolling motor? I’m series with the battery with the positive and ground cable from the trolling motor?

[@Aksmaniyak]

2 wires go to the pos (+) and neg (-) of the trolling motor and 2 go to the battery.

[@WaynJul]

It looks like the prices of those are coming down. I am leaning towards changing my Minn kota switch to a PWM. Curious to see how hot the module get if enclosed. Would be interesting to check the speed of the prop with a tach set to five with the switch against the PWM set to the highest speed to see any difference.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes Wayn there are becoming less expensive. That would be an interesting speed experiment too.

[@maiko6862]

Ethernet cable is 8 wire and is more flexible and lighter. 4 color solid and 4 color striped wire.

[@Aksmaniyak]

That could be but I used what was available to me.

[@maiko6862]

No ding on you, just commenting for someone else to see. I’ve got dozens of Ethernet cables lying around.

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@maiko6862 No ding taken...lol. Just saying what I had to work with.

[@BassManStrikes]

Hi, if you had a choice for a 13 foot kayak would you go with a minkota 30lb or a Watersnake 24lb?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have never owned a watersnake TM but a 30lb MK TM is less expensive and will work fine.

[@BassManStrikes]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks 👍😀

[@DavidBrownSC]

First thank you for your videos. They have given me the courage to attempt it myself. Question do you run the 8 wire through the hull of your kayak? If so what connector do you use for quick disconnect.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks David. You can run 8G through the hull but I use 10G without any problems. I use an Attwood 12/24V male female connector and just cut off the extra wire lead.

[@DavidBrownSC]

@@Aksmaniyak Thank you for the reply. Sorry I mean the 8 wires inside the one wire you used for your remote. Did you run it through the hull and what connector?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, I mounted the box on the deck. The remote does not have a quick connect.

[@BassManStrikes]

You could in theory use rj45 network connectors to have a quick disconnect for the 8 conductor wire. You would need a crimper to do that though. If you have a friend who is into computers they would likely have the tools.

[@Aksmaniyak]

That is definitely an option but I try not to make things overly complicated.

[@jasonbouchard8914]

Do you remember what size wire gland connectors you used. Amazon has all different sizes?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No I don't. I bought a variety size bag and used what was there.

[@jasonbouchard8914]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks for the reply I did the same

[@eltigre6446]

Yo i just tried to do this and failed miserably. Where did u get the 8 wire cable from? And how did you strip the wires from the pwm? Mine were so thin that the wire cutter only goes to 22 gauge and had to do it by and took me forever

[@Aksmaniyak]

I bought it on Ebay. I stripped the wires by hand using a razor blade.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I am curious about an update, you have since built one with a fan, have you ever had a failure of this one? Which do you use on the regular? Is the fan necessary? I have a 46lb. motor and the 60/100 pwm but I need to be able to run full throttle as long as I want.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes I built one with a newer model PWM that has a larger heat sink and fan using this design. It is a 60/100A and I made a video for it. If you are subscribed you will see it. I recently completed the project.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@Aksmaniyak so, the no-fan version did fail from heat?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@TahoeYakFisher No, I just wanted to see how the new model worked.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@Aksmaniyak do you have ample time on the no-fan version that failure is not likely, is basically what I am asking?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@TahoeYakFisher Yes, it is still working fine.

[@ronscala8953]

I have the minn Kota 45 lb thrust, where do I get the min n Kota control panel?

[@Aksmaniyak]

You can buy them on Ebay.

[@NeverDunnFishing]

One more question and I am done bothering you haha. What is the part number or name for the box you used for the remote

[@Aksmaniyak]

It's listed in the narrative. The Hammond box.

[@IRBent2]

Looking at other PWM videos that you've done I see where one setup you used an amp clamp meter and readout. However on this remote box you dropped the amp meter readout and only left the basic controls. What was you experience with the Amp meter? I'm wondering if I want to bother with the amp meter. I'd imagine the amps go up but at some point you can crank the potentiometer up and see no benefit speed wise and the amp draw goes up significantly.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi, the amp meter read out version was made for testing purposes. I wanted to know the relationship between the output power and amp draw. That is not really necessary when just using a PWM for speed control.

[@IRBent2]

@@Aksmaniyak Yes, I understood that it is not necessary. I was just curious if you learned anything that you might be willing to share, and if what you learned kept you from tossing the meter into your next build? Or should I buy the darn meter and see what happens?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I did learn the actual relationship between a trolling motor power percentage and amp draw. The meter will help me in other builds but for operational purposes it is not really necessary.

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, there was not anything else to share. I just felt that I can use the one meter for all future testing but it is probably overkill for every build.

[@IRBent2]

@@Aksmaniyak Revisiting this to tell you my experience. I purchased a 60A PWM and coupled it to a 45# Minn Kota that was rated to pull 42A Max. Turns out most of the 60A PWMs are only capable of pulling that load for a short time. Their continuous amp load is only 40A. I ran mine wide open for maybe 10 minutes and my control wires leading back to my remote started getting hot. I shut everything down but not before it fried the PWM and started meltign the jacket off the 24AWG control wires. I'm moving up to a 100A PWM that's rated for 60A continuous.

[@johnrugani9832]

Hello Aksman it's been awhile, Hope you are well and still enjoying DIY. I have a question and need your opinion on my set-up. I have had some trouble burning out PWM boards. My setup 7' of 10 gauge wire from the battery to the PWM and 9' from the PWM to the Motor. My controls are 5' from the PWM to the remote hand control using (cat 6 23 / gauge) It is the board that i'm burning. Any thoughts would be appreciated Thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi John. My first thought is that you are running too much length of wire and that is what is causing an overload. Do you have a circuit breaker installed anywhere on your electrical circuit?

[@johnrugani9832]

Aksman yes I have a 40 amp resettable on the positive battery side. It has never tripped. So I changed it out, Just in case. But to no avail. Do you think the 10 gauge wire is to long? My original game plan is to keep the battery behind my black pack close to the motor. my PWM under my seat so the 5' cat6 length could make it to my standup bar. This way I was able to stand while motoring & fishing. At this time i will do what ever works without blowing PWM.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have never run 10G longer than 12 feet. If you are going to run that much wire length then you should go to at least 8 gauge or shorten your run.

[@johnrugani9832]

Aksman you said you haven't run more than 12' is that all inclusive both to and from the PWM combined? I don't know why i was under the impression I could take it to those lengths? It's easy enough to shorten the wires up and give it a try. Thanks I appreciate you sharing!! I'll be in touch

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, that is total length. Thanks John. Keep me posted.

[@ronscala8953]

Can you charge battery while hooked up can it hurt pwm?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No. The battery should be charged separately.

[@1xenman]

Where did you purchase that 22-8 wire?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I bought it on Ebay.

[@jaloi5862]

What did you do with the other two wires on the motor? (White and yellow)

[@Aksmaniyak]

I just capped them off and hid them in the shaft.

[@jaloi5862]

@@Aksmaniyak I thought probably but thought I'd ask to be sure yours had them too. Thanks! Controller will be here Tues already have the cable. No more 3 hours on a battery I'm hoping!

[@S21Harris]

Where did you buy the 12v PWM?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Amazon has many to choose from.

[@hapapinoy6579]

I built my trolling motor control based on your video, so thank you. My build differs slightly as mine encompasses the battery and PWM in the same hard case. I have one question, as I am trying to improve load/unload on the kayak when I get to and leave the water. I have found waterproof connecters for ethernet cable that would work fantastically to unplug the control box from the battery/PWM case. Will the PWM wiring for the Potentiometer and Fwd/Rev switch overload the amperage that basic Ethernet cable can handle? The ability to plug/unplug the remote control to the battery/PWN box would be very helpful. Thank you for you time.

[@BassManStrikes]

That looks like ethernet cable :-)

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, just multi-conductor wire.

[@BassManStrikes]

@@Aksmaniyak I have a whole spool of ethernet cable its just like that except it has some shielding and the wires are twisted into pairs.

[@ChannelMarker]

could one use a Ethernet for this project? I have a few Ethernet cords that are 8 conductor

[@Aksmaniyak]

I really don't know. You could try it but I never have.

[@ChannelMarker]

Aksman cat6e is 22 gauge wire and has 8 conductors. It looks exactly like the wire you have in the video

[@Aksmaniyak]

Sounds like it would work.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

@@ChannelMarker I have used Cat6 cable for mine for the past few years with no issue. My only concern is that Cat6 uses solid wires, but so far no problem even with it being coiled up and unwrapped numerous times. Planning on building another one of these but will order the 8 conductor cable with 22ga stranded wire from Amazon.

[@samsosaelee]

what case did you get for the pwm box?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi, it is listed in the narrative.

[@samsosaelee]

I found the other case on your other video I ordered everything . Which wire did you order to make it longer I want to mount it next to where I am sitting

[@Aksmaniyak]

I bought the remote extension wire off Ebay. It was the only place I could find it at the time.

[@samsosaelee]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks keep up the good videos!

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome.

[@AliOsman-uz1ff]

What size are the glant joints?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I don't know. I bought an assortment and used what fit.

[@AliOsman-uz1ff]

@@Aksmaniyak nice ok! Thanks for the quick response! Enjoy bro!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Ali.