I wait for notifications generally, but last evening I had the REAR valve stem come apart and the rear tire is ruined - or as good as. Now I have to look up how to R&R the rear wheel. Can anyone link me?
Thanks for the link - that's pretty much what I wanted, although I was hoping for photos. So the brake rotor stays on the wheel when it's removed, or did I read too fast? because I don't see it on the wheel in the next drawing.
The brake rotor is not attached to the wheel, it is attached to the wheel hub as shown in the drawings. You could remove it if you want but is not necessary. If you just go ahead and start the wheel removal following the instructions I think it will be pretty straightforward. I usually jack the bike up with a block of wood under the rear end of the battery box and then let it down on some short pieces of two by four stacked up or other suitable blocking. Be sure it is stable and leave the jack in place to take some of the weight. Be careful to balance the bike during raising and have the two by four blocking ready and within reach to let it down on. It is best to have a helper for this to make sure the bike doesn't fall over during the jacking up process. Good luck
Thanks. Now... what are the best big scooter tires available today, for no more than, say, $150? I'm also hoping for one that has a 'balancing dot' since it's so hard to balance those wheels.
I had Michelin City Grip tires installed (rear 140/60-13 63P and front 120/70-14 55S). $120 USD total for the two tires at the end of 2019. I've been happy with them.
Might be time to start some new posts for all the different topics popping up in this one :P
As previously stated, the disc remains on the hub and the wheel is simply lifted over it:
When I replaced my rear tyre (before the main stand was fitted) I placed a block of wood under the kickstand and then used a mechanical scissor jack on the right hand rear underside corner of the frame to raise the rear wheel off the ground, and then placed some bricks underneath the frame for additional security.
I also locked the steering and tied the front brake lever in the fully applied position to help prevent the bike from moving while removing and refitting the wheel assembly.
As stated in the Vectrix manual, when refitting the wheel nuts, ensure that the tapered edge faces inwards towards the wheel assembly to correctly locate and secure the wheel:
Important: Whenever the wheel has been separated from the hub flange, any rust or contaminants must be cleaned from the hub flange and the wheel mating surfaces. Failure to do this may result in excessive assembled lateral runout (LRO) of the wheel, which could lead to a shimmy or vibration.
An update on my VX1 I got the rear tire on by getting some latex out of a fixaflat can and put it on the bead, inside the rim sealed the old rubber enough so it popped on and sealed.
With that I have been riding it starting with about a 1 mile range and now up to 2.5 miles or so.
I'm making the Volt battery module up and just have to get the title in my name I'll convert it to 6kwh of 49.2vdc Volt module sections. And fairly quickly make a new much more aero windshield, leg aero mods.
I'll take out the battery cover, seat, center cover and make a flat to the frame battery cover saving weight, lowering seat height 6", make a new seat should lower frontal area nicely and increase rider comfort, lower frontal area. Between the battery replacement, it's cover, fans it should be about 100lbs lighter than stock.
I'm hoping with that, .22CD aero, old tires at higher pressure experimenting I can get 100 mile range on 6kwh is my goal. And looking out for a better battery as I'd like to put in 15kwh for 200 mile plus range at 60mph.
If someone who can, start a Vectrix tire and another Aero thread would be helpful to get these somewhere the data can be found, concentrated. MC Tires are a big deal as so high drag getting a balance between traction and range we can increase range 10-40% with some testing. The base tires pressures seem rather low at 32 and 40psi so increasing them to say 42 and 50psi will be a start then test for handling, range.
It's ALIVE!!!!
Got the new Volt module pack mostly in and did the lightbulb trick, hooked it up, turned the key and everything lit up!! ;^) I was worried a bit on the 148vdc , likely higher than stock NiMH though still don't know what it's voltage should have been. It charged to 139vdc.
Found a workaround on the temp boards so not having to change the programing, I just labeled and cut the sensor leads and other than the charger not working, no problem yet. The charger didn't work before likely from bad temp sensors. I blew a couple in a blaze of sparks when it started raining and I wasn't fast enough to cover them. Since they were crispy critters and the bike still worked, it gave me the idea to just cut all the sensor leads instead of taking the batteries apart. I did the burned set leads and the bike still worked, so did the rest.
And not knowing canbus or computers well that could have delayed getting it running months.
I added an Anderson connector to add chargers and I have a 2.4kw and once new software, Dugas likely, hopefully the stock charger will work would give me almost 4kw total. I can make up 7kw of charging but the weight adds up.
I have no idea what most of the gauges do or if are viable at higher voltages. I'll add voltage and amp, amphr gauges.
It's nice sitting low in it and the butt back for lack of a better term becomes a lumbar support though I may want to move it farther back for a low feet forward riding style. And makes it easier for my weak legs to hold it up for lights.
So far as a friend gave the dead bike to me when I saw it in his battery business and asked about it and I've owned the batteries for 3 yrs, $1200/6kwh normally, and got them selling modules and taking the profits in modules. All up under $200 so far, most all for title/tag. ;^)
One question, the gear whine on acceleration is high. How much is normal and does it mean I need oil or a new gearbox or normal?
So time to study up on the gauges and how to fill the trans oil.
These bikes have straight cut planetary gears in the transmission, and do whine a LOT. I seem to remember mine whining less under load, but I could be mistaken - I haven't really ridden more than a mile or so since last Fall.
I have two new tires ordered for my bike. Thanks for the tip on brand and model, Kevin, and for all the help from everyone on the wheel R&R!
When you get a chance, please message forum moderator David. He will be able to update your account so you can create threads yourself: https://visforvoltage.org/user/webmaster
FYI - I'm here as well. I haven't been making postings either as Webmaster or as Reikiman -- but I'm here, in the background, making sure things are running.
The main task is catching spammers. Y'all won't not know this, but there are a bunch of spamming messages that are never visible because I block them first.
israndy,
I remember you .
I am coming back to VisV after long, long time.
I ride 2 ebikes both equipped with EPLUS drives.
searching for "EPLUS" you can read my posts.
also
David, thank you for keeping this forums alive
let's see if you are going to respond?
Well looks like winter has finally hit NorCal just a couple weeks before the real winter, as such I'll be off the bikes until springtime. I have the one bike set on a timer to charge every week for 1/2 an hour, but now that the other bike is Lithium I wonder if I need do ANYTHING to keep it until spring. Thoughts?
______________________
I also own a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiev
If you have a BMS, then check the state of charge (SOC) monthly. If no BMS, then every 2-3 months should suffice. (I think it's the clock using a little power monthly.) I usually do a partial charge once a Winter. Also, BEWARE THE STORAGE BUG! Read the voltage instead of counting bars, because the bars will sometimes lie, showing 5 more charge bars than are real. This usually happens over the Winter.
My Vx1 LI+ is my main vehicule. Tesla 18650 batteries. I'll soon change gear oil.. A little problem with either BMS or Battery wires puts me to about 140KM autonomy instead of 180
I'v just bought a second one for spare. I guess Batteries are dead. I'll soon try.
The general consensus seems to be to store lithium batteries at 60% charge so something around 130v assuming 18 Leaf modules or 36 cell groups. I check mine once a month or so. There also seems to be some problem charging at low temperatures. It could damage the cells so I don't charge at less than 40 degrees F. I have seen pics of Zeros charging outside in the snow so I don't know what temperature is actually the lowest before damage so I use 40 degrees to be on the save side. 40 is the lowest temp I will ride in. Evidently it's fine to discharge the cells at low temps, just not charge them.
My understanding is that you don' charge when the cells are below freezing - the air temp doesn't really matter. If it's been 40F in your garage, and not colder, then it should be safe to charge, at least at a lower rate.
Happy Holidays, all. If anyone would like to buy my Leaf cell-powered VX-1, PM me or post it here. The drivetrain and body are fine - it just needs tires. It has one flat (rear), for which I have a new replacement. It's too heavy for me, now.
And a happy new year, totally too wet to ride my home bike, and buried in snow to ride the cabin bike, but I still keep them in my thoughts, and the NiMH one at the cabin I still keep charging for 1/2 and hour a week... One advantage of it NOT being converted to LiIon, don't have to worry about trying to charge when temps are below freezing. It was 17° overnight last night and the power in the neighborhood has been off for more than a week after the impressive snow storm, no problem.
______________________
I also own a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiev
Happy New Year to everyone. Rainy and cold here in Portland OR. I'm leaving on the 3rd to start a 3 month van camping trip to Southern CA. I'm trailering my Zero SR/S behind my old Sienna minivan so hoping to get alot of riding in this winter. The Vectrix will have to wait all alone in a cold storage space for my return.
Great question. I only check once in a blue moon. Are there Vectrix owners around anymore? I want to convert but need leaf batteries and support. Not sure if I can find in the US anymore.
Still checking this site , also in blue moon.
Here we use now 12S Samsung SDi modules, from Ford hybrids. They had to stop production due to fires, and the modules sat idle for many months at the production line. In the end tfires by caused by a problem with the gas system. The modules were good, firefree, brand new, but theydidn't trust them, and they decided to sell them to 3rd party. In a vectrix 3 SDI modules give you 36S 6 kwh, and you can install up to 16 kwh 48S. yes, vectrix works fine with 48S! PS; If I have some spare time I'll try to make new posts.
R, that is remarkable! I still want to convert my NiMH machines to something sensible lithium powered! I look forward to seeing your updates on this when you have a moment as 16kWh is a game changer. Does 48S work out as a peak voltage of over 200V? How does the original Parker MC take to that? Also interested in the cost of these Samsung SDi modules, too!
I wait for notifications generally, but last evening I had the REAR valve stem come apart and the rear tire is ruined - or as good as. Now I have to look up how to R&R the rear wheel. Can anyone link me?
Here is a link to Vectrix Parts tutorials. Lot's of good info.
https://vectrixparts.userecho.com/knowledge-bases/2-vectrix-service-support/articles
Thanks for the link - that's pretty much what I wanted, although I was hoping for photos. So the brake rotor stays on the wheel when it's removed, or did I read too fast? because I don't see it on the wheel in the next drawing.
The brake rotor is not attached to the wheel, it is attached to the wheel hub as shown in the drawings. You could remove it if you want but is not necessary. If you just go ahead and start the wheel removal following the instructions I think it will be pretty straightforward. I usually jack the bike up with a block of wood under the rear end of the battery box and then let it down on some short pieces of two by four stacked up or other suitable blocking. Be sure it is stable and leave the jack in place to take some of the weight. Be careful to balance the bike during raising and have the two by four blocking ready and within reach to let it down on. It is best to have a helper for this to make sure the bike doesn't fall over during the jacking up process. Good luck
Thanks. Now... what are the best big scooter tires available today, for no more than, say, $150? I'm also hoping for one that has a 'balancing dot' since it's so hard to balance those wheels.
I had Michelin City Grip tires installed (rear 140/60-13 63P and front 120/70-14 55S). $120 USD total for the two tires at the end of 2019. I've been happy with them.
Might be time to start some new posts for all the different topics popping up in this one :P
______________________________________________
2007 Vectrix VX-1 (19 gen2 Leaf modules, ESD charger) -- SOLD
2013 Nissan Leaf SV
As previously stated, the disc remains on the hub and the wheel is simply lifted over it:
When I replaced my rear tyre (before the main stand was fitted) I placed a block of wood under the kickstand and then used a mechanical scissor jack on the right hand rear underside corner of the frame to raise the rear wheel off the ground, and then placed some bricks underneath the frame for additional security.
I also locked the steering and tied the front brake lever in the fully applied position to help prevent the bike from moving while removing and refitting the wheel assembly.
As stated in the Vectrix manual, when refitting the wheel nuts, ensure that the tapered edge faces inwards towards the wheel assembly to correctly locate and secure the wheel:
Tightening torques:
Wheel nuts 23 Nm (17 lb ft)
Swingarm nuts 23 Nm (17 lb ft)
Axle nut 145 Nm (107 lb ft)
Caliper bolts 25 Nm (18 lb ft)
Shock absorber bolt 57 Nm (42 lb ft)
Important: Whenever the wheel has been separated from the hub flange, any rust or contaminants must be cleaned from the hub flange and the wheel mating surfaces. Failure to do this may result in excessive assembled lateral runout (LRO) of the wheel, which could lead to a shimmy or vibration.
Alan
An update on my VX1 I got the rear tire on by getting some latex out of a fixaflat can and put it on the bead, inside the rim sealed the old rubber enough so it popped on and sealed.
With that I have been riding it starting with about a 1 mile range and now up to 2.5 miles or so.
I'm making the Volt battery module up and just have to get the title in my name I'll convert it to 6kwh of 49.2vdc Volt module sections. And fairly quickly make a new much more aero windshield, leg aero mods.
I'll take out the battery cover, seat, center cover and make a flat to the frame battery cover saving weight, lowering seat height 6", make a new seat should lower frontal area nicely and increase rider comfort, lower frontal area. Between the battery replacement, it's cover, fans it should be about 100lbs lighter than stock.
I'm hoping with that, .22CD aero, old tires at higher pressure experimenting I can get 100 mile range on 6kwh is my goal. And looking out for a better battery as I'd like to put in 15kwh for 200 mile plus range at 60mph.
If someone who can, start a Vectrix tire and another Aero thread would be helpful to get these somewhere the data can be found, concentrated. MC Tires are a big deal as so high drag getting a balance between traction and range we can increase range 10-40% with some testing. The base tires pressures seem rather low at 32 and 40psi so increasing them to say 42 and 50psi will be a start then test for handling, range.
Gerald Dycus
It's ALIVE!!!!
Got the new Volt module pack mostly in and did the lightbulb trick, hooked it up, turned the key and everything lit up!! ;^) I was worried a bit on the 148vdc , likely higher than stock NiMH though still don't know what it's voltage should have been. It charged to 139vdc.
Found a workaround on the temp boards so not having to change the programing, I just labeled and cut the sensor leads and other than the charger not working, no problem yet. The charger didn't work before likely from bad temp sensors. I blew a couple in a blaze of sparks when it started raining and I wasn't fast enough to cover them. Since they were crispy critters and the bike still worked, it gave me the idea to just cut all the sensor leads instead of taking the batteries apart. I did the burned set leads and the bike still worked, so did the rest.
And not knowing canbus or computers well that could have delayed getting it running months.
I added an Anderson connector to add chargers and I have a 2.4kw and once new software, Dugas likely, hopefully the stock charger will work would give me almost 4kw total. I can make up 7kw of charging but the weight adds up.
I have no idea what most of the gauges do or if are viable at higher voltages. I'll add voltage and amp, amphr gauges.
It's nice sitting low in it and the butt back for lack of a better term becomes a lumbar support though I may want to move it farther back for a low feet forward riding style. And makes it easier for my weak legs to hold it up for lights.
So far as a friend gave the dead bike to me when I saw it in his battery business and asked about it and I've owned the batteries for 3 yrs, $1200/6kwh normally, and got them selling modules and taking the profits in modules. All up under $200 so far, most all for title/tag. ;^)
One question, the gear whine on acceleration is high. How much is normal and does it mean I need oil or a new gearbox or normal?
So time to study up on the gauges and how to fill the trans oil.
Gerald Dycus
These bikes have straight cut planetary gears in the transmission, and do whine a LOT. I seem to remember mine whining less under load, but I could be mistaken - I haven't really ridden more than a mile or so since last Fall.
I have two new tires ordered for my bike. Thanks for the tip on brand and model, Kevin, and for all the help from everyone on the wheel R&R!
Congrats, Jerry! Sounds like you're making good progress!
I created a new thread for you to post your aero mods: https://visforvoltage.org/forum/14546-freedomevs-vx-1-aero-mods
When you get a chance, please message forum moderator David. He will be able to update your account so you can create threads yourself: https://visforvoltage.org/user/webmaster
______________________________________________
2007 Vectrix VX-1 (19 gen2 Leaf modules, ESD charger) -- SOLD
2013 Nissan Leaf SV
FYI - I'm here as well. I haven't been making postings either as Webmaster or as Reikiman -- but I'm here, in the background, making sure things are running.
The main task is catching spammers. Y'all won't not know this, but there are a bunch of spamming messages that are never visible because I block them first.
- David Herron, http://longtailpipe.com/
Many thanks, David. Your keeping this board going is responsible for many Vectrix scooters staying on or getting back on the road, I'm sure!
______________________________________________
2007 Vectrix VX-1 (19 gen2 Leaf modules, ESD charger) -- SOLD
2013 Nissan Leaf SV
israndy,
I remember you .
I am coming back to VisV after long, long time.
I ride 2 ebikes both equipped with EPLUS drives.
searching for "EPLUS" you can read my posts.
also
David, thank you for keeping this forums alive
let's see if you are going to respond?
CM
Yes! when in trouble with my Vectrix...
Well looks like winter has finally hit NorCal just a couple weeks before the real winter, as such I'll be off the bikes until springtime. I have the one bike set on a timer to charge every week for 1/2 an hour, but now that the other bike is Lithium I wonder if I need do ANYTHING to keep it until spring. Thoughts?
______________________
I also own a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiev
If you have a BMS, then check the state of charge (SOC) monthly. If no BMS, then every 2-3 months should suffice. (I think it's the clock using a little power monthly.) I usually do a partial charge once a Winter. Also, BEWARE THE STORAGE BUG! Read the voltage instead of counting bars, because the bars will sometimes lie, showing 5 more charge bars than are real. This usually happens over the Winter.
Yes!
My Vx1 LI+ is my main vehicule. Tesla 18650 batteries. I'll soon change gear oil.. A little problem with either BMS or Battery wires puts me to about 140KM autonomy instead of 180
I'v just bought a second one for spare. I guess Batteries are dead. I'll soon try.
I think about changing me pseudo to "Mohican"...
The general consensus seems to be to store lithium batteries at 60% charge so something around 130v assuming 18 Leaf modules or 36 cell groups. I check mine once a month or so. There also seems to be some problem charging at low temperatures. It could damage the cells so I don't charge at less than 40 degrees F. I have seen pics of Zeros charging outside in the snow so I don't know what temperature is actually the lowest before damage so I use 40 degrees to be on the save side. 40 is the lowest temp I will ride in. Evidently it's fine to discharge the cells at low temps, just not charge them.
Merry Xmas everyone, hope you got an Xbox (or whatever)
______________________
I also own a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiev
My understanding is that you don' charge when the cells are below freezing - the air temp doesn't really matter. If it's been 40F in your garage, and not colder, then it should be safe to charge, at least at a lower rate.
Happy Holidays, all. If anyone would like to buy my Leaf cell-powered VX-1, PM me or post it here. The drivetrain and body are fine - it just needs tires. It has one flat (rear), for which I have a new replacement. It's too heavy for me, now.
And a happy new year, totally too wet to ride my home bike, and buried in snow to ride the cabin bike, but I still keep them in my thoughts, and the NiMH one at the cabin I still keep charging for 1/2 and hour a week... One advantage of it NOT being converted to LiIon, don't have to worry about trying to charge when temps are below freezing. It was 17° overnight last night and the power in the neighborhood has been off for more than a week after the impressive snow storm, no problem.
______________________
I also own a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiev
Happy New Year to everyone. Rainy and cold here in Portland OR. I'm leaving on the 3rd to start a 3 month van camping trip to Southern CA. I'm trailering my Zero SR/S behind my old Sienna minivan so hoping to get alot of riding in this winter. The Vectrix will have to wait all alone in a cold storage space for my return.
Great question. I only check once in a blue moon. Are there Vectrix owners around anymore? I want to convert but need leaf batteries and support. Not sure if I can find in the US anymore.
Still checking this site , also in blue moon.
Here we use now 12S Samsung SDi modules, from Ford hybrids. They had to stop production due to fires, and the modules sat idle for many months at the production line. In the end tfires by caused by a problem with the gas system. The modules were good, firefree, brand new, but theydidn't trust them, and they decided to sell them to 3rd party. In a vectrix 3 SDI modules give you 36S 6 kwh, and you can install up to 16 kwh 48S. yes, vectrix works fine with 48S! PS; If I have some spare time I'll try to make new posts.
R, that is remarkable! I still want to convert my NiMH machines to something sensible lithium powered! I look forward to seeing your updates on this when you have a moment as 16kWh is a game changer. Does 48S work out as a peak voltage of over 200V? How does the original Parker MC take to that? Also interested in the cost of these Samsung SDi modules, too!
Best wishes from the UK.
Drew
I suggest you join European Vectrix whatsapp group. These modules will run out soon. Send me pm and i'll send you joining link.
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