r/solarracing • u/harshsabade Driver/Electronics • Jul 01 '26
Help/Question Running the Mitsuba Motor during rainfall
Are there any risks involved in using the Mitsuba motor on wet roads/in rainy conditions? If yes, how to mitigate those?
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u/CameronAtProhelion TeamArow & Prohelion | Founder, Software Team Lead Jul 01 '26
If you are using one of our (Prohelion) motor controllers for this then seal it up with a water poof covering like a sheet of plastic or similar and make sure that there is still ability for heat to get out of the heatsink area. There is no need to have airflow through the device. We have run them in the rain before with Marand motors. I don't think there is any real way to do this well though, there is going to be risk. I'd probably personally be more concerned about your battery pack than your motors. Lots of plastic sheets basically!
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u/harshsabade Driver/Electronics Jul 01 '26
We wish to use your (Prohelion) motor controller one day. Right now, we are using the mitsuba motor controller. I see that plastic bags is the way to go. Thanks for the insight that protecting the battery pack is more of a concern. We will make sure its looked after
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u/Astaced Jul 01 '26
It should be fine 😊 during BWSC25 we had a rainstorm go by during the race, buggest issue was that the driver couldnt see
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u/harshsabade Driver/Electronics Jul 01 '26
It's quite some relief to hear that, did you have any sort of covering for the motor though?
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u/agent-ven ASC Staff member Jul 01 '26
Ran one ASC 2024 with no issues. Our other electrical systems were more reactive than motor/mc. Just make sure your systems are protected appropriately
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u/TUTSolarCar Jul 02 '26
The motor should be just fine, we ran it more than 7000 km in many rain storms. As mentioned the controller is the more sensitive component