Update: Beta Release Commuter Booster & Brain Box
Okay. Announcement time.
After a lot of testing, refinement, building, testing, refining, building, etc. I am now happy with my new throttle interface/ebike computer/datalogger/brain box.
I have settled on a schematic, nailed down one hardware varient, and finally crammed all the features I want into the firmware. I'll post up pictures in the coming week, and contacting the list of people that have put them names on the waiting list, and put up a thread in the for sale section. But here is a quick heads up.
Commuter Booster
- Only minor changes have been made to the mechanical drive unit, based on alpha test units
- specifically the main pivot shaft will now be a press fit into the swing arm
Brain Box
- button throttle only
- 8x2 LCD display
--- minimal size, but feature packed
- temp sensor input
--- currently just displays temp to screen, and data logs.
--- uses simple, cheap and available LM35 temp sensors
- powered via ESC throttle 5V (if your ESC doesn't have a BEC, you will need an external one)
- SD dataloging
--- each trip creates two data files
--- (1) trip summary stats to one file, and
--- (2) settings & real time stats to a separate log file
- 10bit analog input resolution (for volts, amps, temp )
- unique single button throttle interface
--- performs power limiting to user settable limit
--- cruise control mode
--- turbo mode, quick switch to higher user settable power limit
- fully programmable via single button input
--- default settings are always available to reset to if you mess things up
- battery fuel gauge
--- visual bar graph style battery meter
--- based on pack watt-hours
--- automatically resets when battery is recharged (no need to remember to reset it)
- ebike stats
--- all the usual stuff, plus a few new cool stats like distance left, and average power consumption
- custom designed for my friction drive
--- enforces minimum & max assist speeds
--- PID power & speed control
--- controls motor engagement/disengagement
--- limits power to preserve tires, maximise efficiency, minimise noise
- upgradeable/expandable
--- firmware is update via a standard usb cable, so future firmware can be installed easily
--- spare IOs are still available for future features like, analog throttle, more temp sensors, PAS sensor etc.
--- 16x2 display variant may come if there is enough interest in a larger interface, and more screen real-estate.
Pics and videos to come. Still awaiting the final parts for manufacture but have 95% of them, and design is now
finally finalised. Woo hoo.
I am really excited about this, because it makes my drive a much more refined and complete package. I will likely offer fully assembled kits with ESC and motor if people are interested. Just leaving you to supply and plug in your own battery. Doesn't get much easier than that.
Stay tuned.
- Adrian