There are probably better places for this discussion but oh well...
I'm into microcontrollers/GPS/robot design and stuff like that. I was thinking, what would be the dream "gadget" to attach to your scooter? What would it do?
I'm thinking a very small device with a daylight-readable LCD in it and a GPS, for starters, just for an accurate speed reading. Then you could add battery monitoring with predictive capability for remaining time - that could, for instance, learn the exact discharge curve of YOUR batteries to give you really accurate estimates.
This is just off the top of my head... anything's possible. And it doesn't have to be insanely expensive, believe it or not, So what would you want to see in your "dream" scooter add-on gadget?
Already have it installed. PAKTRAKR.
Robert Dudley
E-Scoot Tech
Not just the paktrakr but the Cycle Analyst both do a lot of what you're suggesting. The Cycle Analyst includes a spedometer (if you can work out a way to mount the magnet on your wheel) and does a good job of calculating watt-hours-per-mile/kilometer (but not per furlong..).
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
Cool, I figured there were products out there but I was looking for a new project. I'd always rather build a gadget than buy it!
Think there's a market for a GPS-enabled speedometer that is capable of reading out in furlongs per fortnight?
So those of you who have used the other products, blue-sky a bit. What would you add to them if anything? With GPS chips so cheap the Hall-effect speedometers seem rather archaic. A tiny FM radio and speaker? A blender for mixing margueritas? Use your imagination...
I guess if this is going to be a feature list...
-how about an odometer?
I know you can use a bicycle computer to do this, but if you're rolling your own it'd be a good addition.
I'm thinking the easiest implementation is to just put a sensor on the tire and count the revolutions, then convert that to normal people distances (eg. furlongs or anything else).
A real-time weather visual radar tracker, with maps and audible GPS (wireless to my helmet). And while we are at it, maybe it should read my email to me, be compatible with Audible so I could listen to books, support mp3, and have a cell phone adapter so that it could be used as a hands-free phone. Which would of course have to toggle a wind screen on the helmet to lower so that the other party could actually understand what I was saying. Maybe built in radar detection too. I don't want to get caught speeding on my 600w bike ;)
NOW we're talking! LOL!
I know you're making a joke, but seriously, about half of that is totally feasable...
I would like top-notch surge protection coupled with a residual current device (RCD, protection against electrocution) and extensive timing options with several independent power outputs for charging or cooling or both.
Ideally it would measure ambient temperature and battery temperature and integrate these measurements into a variety of charging algorithms.
It should have several programmable charging options that can be activated easily.
The display should be easily readable in full sun without blinding the rider at night.
It should incorporate radio and mp3 playback (wireless to the helmet), and also mobile phone functionality.
The display should serve as the key to the vehicle and attach fast and securely to the dash, but stay remotely connected to the vehicle to allow monitoring of charging or activation of charging without need to return to the vehicle.
GPS of course and full long term logging of data to allow analyzing for most beneficial charging algorithms for range, energy efficiency, and/or battery longevity.
It should also measure and show actual power consumption during riding and estimate remaining range based on this.
Alarm / anti theft function.
Wireless internet access so you can post a report to V whilst waiting for the tow truck (been there, done that!)
Actually, except for GPS and remote monitoring of charging I use all the above features on the Vectux already, but of course I need to drag along multiple devices.
It all needs a lot of operator input so far, which is fine because I am learning what goes on that way.
Mr. Mik
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There is always a way if there is no other way!
What I have in mind is more of a peripheral device than one that ties too much into the electrical system... but anything's possible.
Great idea.
Wow. GREAT ideas. Can do, can do, can do!
Every single thing in your list is feasable. It boils down to cost and development time - I DO have a day job! lol...
All great ideas. Thank you very much for the input.
Want a BASH shell while we're at it? LOL...
Start with this helmet with a built-in mirror, combine it with a built in HUD display. It should display the usual, plus what a wattmeter displays. Add in MP3 capability and I think we have a winner.
Of course, the difficulty is in working that in without it getting in the way...
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my dream gadget? 3 words: perpetual motion machine
Caveat: Dream gadget must obey laws of thermodynamics. Along that respect, a generator with a coefficient of performance greater than one would be nice. :P
Also, as an addendum to that helmet, build in a camera for on-board vids and crash assessment. And make it solar powered.
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