Rad city step through battery used for powering an electric canoe motor

gouthro

New Member
Hello,
I am interested in converting the battery on my rad city to power an electric motor on my canoe. I looked up some information on line. But, being fairly nul on electrical things, I called the author of a post. he was kind enough to fill me in on how to go about doing this. It seems that all I would need is a converter to go from 48 to 12 volts. put it in a waterproof case and get a connector from that would go from the battery to the motor. I am interested in this so that I can get extra use out of my battery. But, also because of the cost and the weight of deep charge batteries. But, the problem is that in his shop he does not have the adaptors that run from the battery to the motor for the rad. he says that it may be difficult to get that. He suggested that maybe I could talk to Rad about a preplacement harness for the battery. I saw on this forum, however, that Rad charges about $114 for them and that they are not even available.

Wondering if anyone has any suggestion about getting some kind of plug that would go from the battery?
thanks Gouthro
 
The idea of getting my very expensive RAD battery wet, which would very likely lead to it's destruction, is a show stopper here.
 
Hello,
I am interested in converting the battery on my rad city to power an electric motor on my canoe. I looked up some information on line. But, being fairly nul on electrical things, I called the author of a post. he was kind enough to fill me in on how to go about doing this. It seems that all I would need is a converter to go from 48 to 12 volts. put it in a waterproof case and get a connector from that would go from the battery to the motor. I am interested in this so that I can get extra use out of my battery. But, also because of the cost and the weight of deep charge batteries. But, the problem is that in his shop he does not have the adaptors that run from the battery to the motor for the rad. he says that it may be difficult to get that. He suggested that maybe I could talk to Rad about a preplacement harness for the battery. I saw on this forum, however, that Rad charges about $114 for them and that they are not even available.

Wondering if anyone has any suggestion about getting some kind of plug that would go from the battery?
thanks Gouthro
Cordless electric drill, a propeller, & a rod to join them.. you can even buy one ready to mount on any drill
online, but, like everything else, price has gone up. I think the product´s name is ´drill paddle´.
 
Last edited:
There are ways of keeping it dry, such as a waterproof Pelican, or other manufactuerer, case.
The electric drill idea is cute but paddling would probably be just as effective.
Thanks g
 
These plastic protector caps fit the battery port on the Rad. It should be possible to fabricate electrical contacts with screws or bolts to make your own power plug.

il_794xN.3132366344_pcad.jpg



Waterproof cases are available from several sources including these from Nanuk. You should be able to find one that would house the battery and 48 to 12 volt converter:

 
Last edited:
Hello,
I am interested in converting the battery on my rad city to power an electric motor on my canoe. I looked up some information on line. But, being fairly nul on electrical things, I called the author of a post. he was kind enough to fill me in on how to go about doing this. It seems that all I would need is a converter to go from 48 to 12 volts. put it in a waterproof case and get a connector from that would go from the battery to the motor. I am interested in this so that I can get extra use out of my battery. But, also because of the cost and the weight of deep charge batteries. But, the problem is that in his shop he does not have the adaptors that run from the battery to the motor for the rad. he says that it may be difficult to get that. He suggested that maybe I could talk to Rad about a preplacement harness for the battery. I saw on this forum, however, that Rad charges about $114 for them and that they are not even available.

Wondering if anyone has any suggestion about getting some kind of plug that would go from the battery?
thanks Gouthro
Take a pick of the battery terminals

These plastic protector caps fit the battery port on the Rad. It should be possible to fabricate electrical contacts with screws or bolts to make your own power plug.

View attachment 100761


Waterproof cases are available from several sources including these from Nanuk. You should be able to find one that would house the battery and 48 to 12 volt converter:

MacGyver I tell you... MacGyver!
 
There are ways of keeping it dry, such as a waterproof Pelican, or other manufactuerer, case.
The electric drill idea is cute but paddling would probably be just as effective.
Thanks g
Thanks very much for the reply. But, being not too mechanical, I am having a bit of trouble funderstanding it. The clip, for instance, seems to fit on the bike itself. What I need is something that fits on the battery. Perhaps I missed something there. And I wonder if you might be able to elaborate on how, if it is possible to connect this to the battery, you would add a plug?
thanks G
 
Thanks very much for the reply. But, being not too mechanical, I am having a bit of trouble funderstanding it. The clip, for instance, seems to fit on the bike itself. What I need is something that fits on the battery. Perhaps I missed something there. And I wonder if you might be able to elaborate on how, if it is possible to connect this to the battery, you would add a plug?
thanks G
The battery caps I mentioned above fit both the battery and the bike. I don't know what the actual electrical contacts look like on the battery, perhaps you could post a picture. The idea would be to make a plug by drilling two holes in the cap and place a bolt in each one. The bolt would then make the electrical connection when the cap is snapped on.

It isn't a plug & play solution and does require a bit of fabrication.
 
The battery caps I mentioned above fit both the battery and the bike. I don't know what the actual electrical contacts look like on the battery, perhaps you could post a picture. The idea would be to make a plug by drilling two holes in the cap and place a bolt in each one. The bolt would then make the electrical connection when the cap is snapped on.

It isn't a plug & play solution and does require a bit of fabrication.
"does require a bit of MacGyvering" .FIFY.
 
The battery caps I mentioned above fit both the battery and the bike. I don't know what the actual electrical contacts look like on the battery, perhaps you could post a picture. The idea would be to make a plug by drilling two holes in the cap and place a bolt in each one. The bolt would then make the electrical connection when the cap is snapped on.

It isn't a plug & play solution and does require a bit of fabrication.
I will take you up on that offer and post a few photos of my battery. Delighted with any suggestions
Thanks G
4E2E5B4D-7050-4D1D-A55F-78CB71BBC313.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 48D3DB3F-FEA7-48CD-8D85-9BE418EC2136.jpeg
    48D3DB3F-FEA7-48CD-8D85-9BE418EC2136.jpeg
    210.6 KB · Views: 232
Then again, I have a beautiful cedar paddle I carved with abalone inlays that doesn´t need a motor.
also an Inuit kayak paddle guaranteed not to short out. (built from Cape Falcon Kayak plan)
It´s the aesthetic of the thing, all the subtle nuances for maneuvering.
 
Last edited:
There are ways of keeping it dry, such as a waterproof Pelican, or other manufactuerer, case.
The electric drill idea is cute but paddling would probably be just as effective.
Thanks g
I just watched a video of this gizmo making very good headway for a heavily
accessorized fishing kayak, I´d have to work pretty hard to match it paddling.
The clear advantage is convenience & not having to put an expensive bike
battery at risk. (with a Ryobi no less, DeWalt or makita better still)
 
Then again, I have a beautiful cedar paddle I carved with abalone inlays that doesn´t need a motor.
also an Inuit kayak paddle guaranteed not to short out. (built from Cape Falcon Kayak plan)
It´s the aesthetic of the thing, all the subtle nuances for maneuvering.
I like paddling, too, john. It is just that where i fish in the Gulf of St Lawrence, the river is very strong. As well, there are tides. After catching a fish and landing it, i have drifted a mile down and have to paddle against the current to get back to where i was. Can’t put out an anchor because the current could tip the small boat over
G
 
I like paddling, too, john. It is just that where i fish in the Gulf of St Lawrence, the river is very strong. As well, there are tides. After catching a fish and landing it, i have drifted a mile down and have to paddle against the current to get back to where i was. Can’t put out an anchor because the current could tip the small boat over
G
Sounds like maybe a purpose-bilt trolling motor might be in order.
 
Or a row boat w/trusty outboard. Sea kayak?
I have a sea kayak. but, it is the same problem. Also, too many rocks to use a rowboat. no, I just want to find a solution to the battery question and not embarcation questions
thanks G
 
I will take you up on that offer and post a few photos of my battery. Delighted with any suggestions
Thanks GView attachment 100790
Ok, the easiest way to do this is to order these Hailong connectors:


They ship from China and may take a few weeks to arrive. You will have to solder your own wire to the larger pins on each end. The 3 small pins in the center aren't necessary for what you want to do..

Here is a you tube video of someone who made a second battery adapter for his Rad using these connectors:

 
Ok, the easiest way to do this is to order these Hailong connectors:


They ship from China and may take a few weeks to arrive. You will have to solder your own wire to the larger pins on each end. The 3 small pins in the center aren't necessary for what you want to do..

Here is a you tube video of someone who made a second battery adapter for his Rad using these connectors:

That's why I asked for photos... Exactly what I was thinking..
 
Back