BionX

Brand new to the forum...We just received a PL350 kit to install on an ICE Trice-T trike. We wanted DC output to power lights. In 2010, BionX only offers the DC output on rear rack models, but since it's a rear suspension trike, the BionX rack wouldn't fit. Ordered from NYCEWheels, and they send us a 2009 PL350 kit with the DC output, only the label says 6V DC, rather than 12. Before I contact NYCEWheels...is there a way to convert the 6V to 12V? Is it hard-wired to the battery pack, or is it a software control?

Hello,

I wonder if there is a difference between the 250 HT ,350 and 500 motors.
I mean, is it only the software who is making the difference?
Can we turn a 500 W motor into a 350 motor if it would be possible to change the software?
I see on the Bionx website there is no difference in weight (4,7 kg)

Thanks,

renaatdb

Hello everyone

I'm new here. A couple of weeks ago I purchased the new Trek FX+ here in Atlanta, GA.

Love it so far.

I'm wondering, has anyone considered using solar power to recharge the battery while riding?
I have a friend who is training to be a solar installer, and I haven't run it by him yet, but figured I'd ask this community first.

I have enjoyed all of the resources and discussion here.

thanks,
Kerry

Am new to this forum; just got a Montague Swiss Bike LX with the Bionx 350. I notice that when standing still, if I use the throttle or when pushing the peddle from standing still the motor will activate. Is there a menu setting that will create the lag until the bike is in motion. I am aware of contoller setting 0007 and 1234 (both set on 2). Any other settings I should be aware of?

I posted this on bikeforums.net but figured I should also put it here. And I guess the Bionx forum is the appropriate location?

It arrived over the weekend and I rode in to work today. While I like it, I'm not sure it wouldn't have been better to install a Bionx kit on my old Trek 7100 hybrid. The most disappointing feature is the battery. Rather than using the 10 Ah battery that should come with the 350 motor, it comes with a 6.4 Ah battery that normally comes with a PL-250 kit. Slightly different because the 6.4 listed on the Bionx site is 22.2 volt while this one is 6.4 / 40.7 volt.

The bike is heavier than I thought - I guess it would be even heavier with the 10 Ah battery though. It's ok on level surfaces without using the assist at all, but I wouldn't want to do it for too long. Assist level 1 overcomes the extra weight of the system and adds a bit of a boost. I'd like to use level 2 much of the time.

My major concern is that I have a 30 mile r/t commute, and while being pretty conservative (mostly using assist level 1) it's still about 1/2 used after coming in. And that's with using regen modes coming down most hills. I'm guessing that it's going to get a bit better as it breaks in but I understand from the folks on this forum that the battery shouldn't be run down that much. An extra charger is around $70 and I already ordered one. I'll keep one at work and the other at home.

The charger (fan) is very noisy and I don't look forward to having it in my office but I don't really see an option. Maybe I can put a pillow over it or something. Astonishingly, the instructions call for disconnecting the battery from the charger once it's full rather than just leaving it attached until ready to go. I find it hard to believe that a system this sophisticated could actually hurt the battery by leaving it plugged in but that's the implication. I'll review the manual tonight but that's what I recall.

The light that comes with the kit is decent but is really only a "be seen" light. It will not replace my MagicShine. It would be nice it if at least had a blink mode but it doesn't. The rear light (on the battery) is nice. Again, no blink mode though.

The rack doesn't seem too well thought out, or maybe it's just my bag - which is designed for the Topeak rack system. Using the Velcro fasteners, the placement of the bars doesn't allow for much of the velcro to grip and I worry that it won't remain stable. I'm likely to get front panniers anyway, just for the weight distribution. The battery does slide in and out and lock nicely.

When in mode 3 or 4, this baby does fly up the hills. Even being very conservative this morning I got in 10 minutes faster than normal. It will be much quicker when I'm not afraid of killing the battery.

Well, that's the initial report.

On the new BionX controller code 0008 extra assistance range

A goes from 1 to 4

B goes from 10 to 25

Does any one know why there are 2 different settings A and B. What does the B setting do?

I was also wondering if any one has played with the 0007 Assist Sensitivity range

goes from .1 to 4

Is there some kind of ideal setting? I like to pedal with a cadence of 75 to 90. I find when I pedal with a high cadence I get very little assist.

The route has been announced. July 25-31. Starting in Sioux City and going to Dubuque Iowa. About 450 miles in seven day. I bought a second battery with my 350 wheel kit, so two batteries will probably get me through. Let me know if you are going. There will be about 10000 bikes and one big party. Ik'm getting my Bianchi Volpe ready.

I know the shape is different but is the Trek battery the same capacity as the PL350? According to a Trek video, the expected range is 15 - 45 km. Elsewhere, in the Q&A section, it says 20 - 70. The Bionx is supposed to be 39.6V and 10ah. I can't find anything specific about the Trek.

I will be getting my LP350-700C kit soon. I will put it on my Bianchi Volpe which has Shimano RSX SLI-8 shifter with drop handlebars. That is, the shifter and brake are one unit with sideways motion for shifting and squeeze for brakeing. I will want to disconnect the back caliper brake and use the regenerative braking for the back and calipers for the front. In the youtube assembly demonstration it showed attaching the regenerative braking assemble to a straight handle bar, separate break leaver, type of break. My question is, will I be able to disconnect my back caliper brakes and put the regen assembly into the Shimano unit and still use it for shifting. Using only caliper brakes in the front and only reg braking in the back is what I want. I would like to keep my shifters in tact because there will be times when I will want to take the Bionx wheel off and use my old fashion wheel sometimes.
I will not get my new wheel kit for a week or so but I need to know if I have to do anything to get ready.

Thanks for any help,
Nelson

OK yous guys. I've been watching this thread for a while. I am 80 years old (google Nelson McAvoy) and I need some way to make me 60 years old again so I can keep up with the pack. I have a 1995 Bianchi Volpe. Rode it all over the world. It is quick response steel with braze-ons all over for touring. It was really made for cyclcross. Spring is coming in these Appalachian mountains, when we start up a hill, you know what will happen? They say, "Good bye Grandpa". I can handle it when they choose up to play ball and they choose me last. But it is hard to handle, "Good bye Grandpa". I do about 75 watts (0.1 hp) on the flat which is about 10 mph (15 km). I want to do that RAGBRAI from the Mississippi to the Missouri in Iowa this summer. I got me one of those 1970 style small Zipp fairings and have been fanaticizing about pulling in behind riders and drafting. One good thing about being old, some might let me do it.
Like I said, you guys got me to thinking. So I up and bought an LP350 700 kit and an extra battery. If I take a condom made for Clydesdale horses, cover the battery, maybe I will be able to say, sometimes, "Good bye kids". I'll keep you posted.
Nelson McAvoy