Drum
100 W
Hi JRH,
Re your idea:
"I've been considering how to implement a mode of throttle that would limit speed near 30mph on flat, but still let it rev out on downhills and not bog down going uphills. Seems that an inclinometer would be the magic component to meet the law's criteria on flat ground while letting it rev out like a gas engine going downhill."
Remember that an inclinometer is basically an accelerometer intended to measure the direction of the "downward" acceleration of gravity. This would work fine on smooth roads at steady speeds, but other accelerations would influence it. As you accelerated the inclinometer would assume you were heading uphill, and as you braked it would assume you were heading downhill. Potholes and other bumps would play havoc with its output momentarily.
You would probably need to average the output over at least one second to reduce the issues caused by bumps, or somehow program it to ignore sudden spikes. The acceleration / deceleration issue probably isn't too bad, but may cause slight control issues.
Maybe instead of an inclinometer, you could use a 3-axis gyro unit from a RC helicopter? I don't know much about these personally, but I know they have been used to enhance stability and "read" angles in many devices and situations.
Dave
Re your idea:
"I've been considering how to implement a mode of throttle that would limit speed near 30mph on flat, but still let it rev out on downhills and not bog down going uphills. Seems that an inclinometer would be the magic component to meet the law's criteria on flat ground while letting it rev out like a gas engine going downhill."
Remember that an inclinometer is basically an accelerometer intended to measure the direction of the "downward" acceleration of gravity. This would work fine on smooth roads at steady speeds, but other accelerations would influence it. As you accelerated the inclinometer would assume you were heading uphill, and as you braked it would assume you were heading downhill. Potholes and other bumps would play havoc with its output momentarily.
You would probably need to average the output over at least one second to reduce the issues caused by bumps, or somehow program it to ignore sudden spikes. The acceleration / deceleration issue probably isn't too bad, but may cause slight control issues.
Maybe instead of an inclinometer, you could use a 3-axis gyro unit from a RC helicopter? I don't know much about these personally, but I know they have been used to enhance stability and "read" angles in many devices and situations.
Dave
Although our one week of nice weather turned right back into icy rain and snow today :| Seems that the BMS is smart enough to not let the cells get so low as to be damaged, at least thats what I'm sticking with until I have time to throw a CA on the bike and test the real capacity. Trying to stay positive about the situation!
)
