Sinclair C5 Restoration - Part 4 - Electrics

[@RetroWorkshop]

Errors and Corrections: - Catch Diodes: I think it is intended to add diodes to IC pin 4 only. Not pins 1 and 4 as shown in the video. - I'm talking out of my hat when I discuss the diode damage caused by pushing the C5 in reverse (motor generator action). It is of course the current, not the voltage, that destroys the protection diode across the motor. For full details see www.retroworkshop.uk/sinclair-c5-restoration/sinclair-c5-restoration-part-4-electrics/

[@DaveFiggley]

I really enjoyed this series. Your style of presentation is thoroughly engaging. RIP Sir Clive.

[@RetroWorkshop]

My sister-in-law tells me that my presentation style is very old school Open University programme. I’m not sure that is a complement 😉

[@RMCRetro]

I LOVE the C5 simulator. Great series, and great work Frank on the production 🐕

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks! It’s been a great project to work on. I think the C5 will return in a future video. Frank sends his regards.

[@maninderthind4309]

Just bought a c5 and will be watching your videos for help. Subscribed

[@RetroWorkshop]

Great stuff. Don’t forget to join the Sinclair C5 Owners group if you are on Facebook.

[@__________________________6451]

I love your style and grace you sound better than any TV personality here in the states. I've subscribed and hope to see more of your videos

[@RetroWorkshop]

Well that’s very kind. If you were British, I might accuse you of being sarcastic! There is a very slow turnaround on these videos, due to the exceptional quality control.

[@simontaylor5861]

Brilliant series. Thank you

[@patmustardlive]

Love the way you present these videos. Reminds of tomorrow worlds style of presentation. 👍

[@thebelowaveragegamer9252]

Great job! A resource for the future C5 fan.

[@DejectedTomato]

I would love to replicate that board showing the electrics working, Any chance of a detailed video showing how you made and wired it? or a link to how to build it? Thanks!

[@bazza5699]

outstanding series dave.. congratulations..

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks baz za!

[@migry]

Brilliant series! I was impressed at the time and expense you must have had to go to in order to create the controller demo board.

[@Ryglado]

High quality video - this could easily be on the telly. Great job.

[@srowell3]

Very good video. Good job Dave!

[@RetroWorkshop]

srowell3 Thanks Sam.

[@stevebull2737]

Absolutely brilliant video's of the C5. Very well put across and easy to understand! Very impressed. 😊

[@stevebull2737]

Definitely got a new subscriber 100%.

[@matthewcobb6951]

Fantastic job ! Very informative and well done !

[@simonharding1572]

nice work I would like to buy one of these one day

[@kevinkun]

First time watching your vids and love it.

[@davejohnson3376]

Really informative. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@rwdplz1]

I keep hoping I'll find one of these for sale here in the US

[@stevetaylor8698]

Just found this series. Excellent, brightened up a very cold and dull January Sunday afternoon. Thanks. I do wonder how it is doing after over two years since restoration?

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Steve. I recorded another video and uploaded a couple of weeks, ago by way of an update.

[@Boemel]

What grease is recommended ? I have bentonite grease for lawnmower gearboxes will that do ?

[@RetroWorkshop]

The owners handbook suggests for the gearbox "lithium/ polyethylene based, semi-fluid grease, viscosity 14.5 sec @100 deg C". For other areas it suggests "general purpose grease". I used Coma multipurpose (Lithium) grease "NLGI 2" from Halfords for the gearbox and other areas. Other folks recommend Granville Multi-Purpose Grease, also lithium based, which has a similar viscosity.

[@Boemel]

@@RetroWorkshop thanks and iv just found the 45 page unofficial manual pdf, good for another sleepless night.

[@tmfcbog]

great videos and fantastic presenting job can you please tell me where I can download the literature on t c5 that you showed regards Gary

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Gary. Here you go: www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-resources-and-documentation

[@tmfcbog]

thank you Frank

[@RetroWorkshop]

@@tmfcbog Frank sends his regards.

[@danielmiller7245]

awesome video, I rebuilt my C5 using your videos end to end :-). my Pod stopped working for no apparent reason this weekend (3 test run). motor and head lights still work, but no Pod.. (motor is intermittent, so suspect it is related to pod issue) if you needed to test that power is getting to the pod, which pins would you put a voltage meter on to check? I guess I can just do all of them in turn but wondered if you knew off hand. :-). (cleaned the contacts with 400 grit, but will clean the plug contacts too with contact cleaner and see if that helps before giving in and sending off for refurb).

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Daniel, glad the videos were helpful. The pod must be working to a degree, as it governs the motor on/off control signal (enforcing lock out in case of low battery, over temperature etc). Usual culprit is dirty connector. It may be that the red connector itself has degraded, this is also common. You can re-terminate the cable easily enough - Paul Grice has a video on this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6XdgoRnZdipg6c it is a little fiddly with the improvised crimp tool. Connections are shown here: www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-resources-and-documentation/wiring-diagrams/pod-wiring-diagram

[@SmartTrainkent]

You said the resistor is 47k. But what are the diodes ?.

[@RetroWorkshop]

Any small signal diode will do. I used 1N914.

[@iantheinventor8151]

Can you use a lifeP04 12v battery instead of a lead acid battery 🤔

[@RetroWorkshop]

Never used one myself but many other C5 owners recommend an Ultramax 12v 36Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 Battery.

[@iantheinventor8151]

@@RetroWorkshop thanks, neighbour has an unused C5 that he said I can have. I assume a lifeP04 will be lighter & last longer than a lead acid battery.

[@RetroWorkshop]

Definitely lighter. Will last same time for same capacity eg AH rating. Bonus is the discharge curve for LiFePo means that volts drop off is less meaning speed more consistent, compared to lead acid.

[@jlbtech105]

Do you still have your C5? Have you had anyissues with it since making these videos?

[@RetroWorkshop]

Yes I still have it. There was an electrical issue after about a year following this video. See my other video “retro commute”. Also one wheel now squeeze so more work to do.

[@marktaylor3564]

Brilliant. Thanks :)

[@ansarafsar6268]

They should have sold it in the summer as a kids toy.