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Motor Controllers

Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

1205M
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

Curtis Models 1204M/1205M/1209M/1221M provide fully programmable control of DC series motors 

performing on-vehicle traction or pump duties. These microprocessor-based MOSFET controllers add flexibility 

and versatility to the time-proven Curtis series motor controller family.

Primarily designed for battery-powered vehicle applications using either electric or hydrostatic traction. These 

include industrial trucks, personnel carriers, mobile elevating work platforms, and golf and utility vehicles.

FEATURES

Controllable Power

▶ Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control with 

programmable speed, acceleration rate, and current limit.

▶ Short duration boost capability (5 sec, 110% of 

2 min current rating). Allows clearing of obstacles, 

climbing ramps.

▶ High efficiency, silent operation. Costs, heat-sinking 

requirements, motor and battery losses reduced. 

Low-end torque, range, and battery life maximized.

Programmable and Flexible

▶ Fully programmable via Curtis hand-held tools or Curtis PC 

programming software model kits 1314K. 

▶ Supports multiple throttle types and high pedal 

disable (HPD) options.

▶ LED output for easy system troubleshooting via 

flash codes.

▶ Fully programmable analog throttle input for precise 

speed control with a variety of signal sources.

▶ Programmable under voltage cutback caters for different 

battery types.

▶ Programmable, variable, or fixed plug braking modes.

▶ Plug braking diode internal to controller.

▶ Models available without A2 busbar for applications such 

as pump control that do not require plug braking.

1204M 1221M 1209M

Robust Safety and Reliability

▶ Redundant hardware and software watchdog timers.

▶ MOSFET short-circuit protection functions.

▶ Programmable High Pedal Disable function prevents 

controller operation if throttle is applied before key is 

turned on.

▶ Contactor fault detection: controller shuts down safely 

if the main contactor opens.

▶ Contactor protection functions minimize high current 

arcing to prevent contact pitting and thus prevent 

contactor weld failures.

▶ PWM frequency shifts from 15.6kHz to 1kHz in high 

temperature of controller, providing audible warning of 

thermal cutback.

▶ Under voltage cutback and shutdown functions protect 

against low battery voltage, including low voltage caused 

by external loads.

▶ Electrical isolation to heat sink: 500VAC(≤48V);

1000VAC (›48V).

Compliance

▶ EMC: Designed to the requirements of EN12895.

▶ Package environmental rating: IP54.

▶ Certified to UL 583 (*See note in model chart section).

▶ Regulatory compliance of the complete vehicle system 

with the controller installed is the responsibility of the 

vehicle OEM.
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

MODEL CHART

Model No. Voltage (V) Current Limit (A)

2 Min) 1 Hour

1204M–42XX 24/36 275 125

1204M-53XX* 36 / 48 325 140

1204M–63XX* 48 / 72 325 140

1205M–46XX 24 / 36 500 (30 Sec) 175

1205M–56XX* 36 / 48 500 (1 Min) 200

1205M–-6B3XX 60 / 72 400 (1 Min) 175

1209M–55XX 36 / 48 450 200

1209M–64XX 48 / 72 400 175

1221M–67XX 48 / 72 550 225

SYSTEM ACCESSORIES

Curtis Model 906 is an inexpensive, 

one piece, easy to install battery 

fuel gauge that provides a reliable, 

accurate, and easy to read display of 

battery state-of-charge.

The Curtis Pot Box is a building block 

for a vehicle throttle. Attached to a 

lever arm, the pot box provides the 

controller with a proportional resistance 

to indicate the desired speed.

The Curtis Model 1313 

Handheld Programmer is 

ideal for setting parameters 

and performing diagnostic 

functions.

NOTE: 5 sec, 10% current boost available on all models listed. 

*These models have not been tested to UL 583
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

DIMENSIONS mm 

Model 1204M and Model 1205M (1205M dimensions same as 1204M except for those shown in blue)

22.2±2.0

ø8.5

B− A2 B+

173 +2.0

−0.5

133.3

4−ø7.2

130.3

146.0

77.0

199 +2.0

 −0.5

25.0±2.0
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

DIMENSIONS mm

Model 1209M and Model 1221M (1221M dimensions same as 1209M except for those shown in blue)

±2.0

165.0

22.8

180.0

36.3 152.4 25.0

9.6

37.0

229 ±2.0

4-Ø7.2 THRU

2-Ø8.5 THRU

Ø8.5 THRU

B− M− B+

281 ±2.0

203.0

80.0
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

TYPICAL WIRING — PUMP

INTERLOCKS KEYSWITCH FUSE

MAIN FUSE

PRECHARGE RESISTOR

POLARITY

PROTECTION

DIODE

MOTOR

ARMATURE

MOTOR

FIELD

SERIAL PORT

4-PIN MOLEX

A1

A2

S1

S2

J4

4

3

2

1

J5

J1

J2

J3

THROTTLE POT

STATUS LED

+

KSI

THROTTLE

POT WIPER

THROTTLE

POT LOW

+15V

Tx

GND

Rx

MAIN DRIVER OR

REVERSE INPUT

B+

A2

M–

B–

–
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Programmable Series Motor Controllers

Models 1204M / 1205M / 1209M / 1221M

is a trademark of Curtis Instruments, Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice ©2016 Curtis Instruments, Inc. 50211 REV B 6/16

WARRANTY Two year limited warranty from time of delivery.

INTERLOCKS KEYSWITCH POLARITY FUSE

PROTECTION

DIODE

MAIN FUSE

PRECHARGE RESISTOR

MOTOR

ARMATURE

MOTOR FIELD

A1 A2

S1 S2

+

–

F R

F R

B+

A2

M–

B–

KSI

THROTTLE

POT WIPER

THROTTLE

POT LOW

+15V

Tx

GND

Rx

MAIN DRIVER OR

REVERSE INPUT

J1

J2

J3

THROTTLE POT

STATUS LED

SERIAL PORT

4-PIN MOLEX

J4

4

3

2

1

J5

PEDAL

MICROSWITCH FORWARD

REVERSE

F

R

TYPICAL WIRING — TRACTION