New Special on the NuVinci Developer Kit - OOPS

[Rassy]

EDIT: I got a call from Noor Attia this morning (time zones, I was still in bed) and I didn't understand everything, not even sure if I'll get the $100 offer, she sent my request to the order department. Anyway, this was a limited offer sent to their wholesale customers still trying to get them to incorporate the auto shift kit in their products. I'm apparently in their data base because I purchased several of the kits from them in the past. I'm sure some other DIY ES'ers also got the same e-mail, but it's clear that they aren't really in the "retail" business. I did ask her if they were closing these out and she said no, but the price would go back to standard, and I don't think she's referring to the $150, which was probably really set for "wholesale" customer samples. These are just my rambling thoughts and I'll update if/when I learn more. First I'll see if I get none, one, or two kits at the $100 price.

I have just received an e-mail from NuVinci offering the developer kit for $100. These kits are a little large and complex for a regular bike, IMHO, but I love it on my tadpole trikes. I'm ordering two, if they allow it, just to put on the shelf. It sounds like they are serious about closing out their remaining stock at this time:

Hello,

The NuVinci Developer Kit is on sale for $100 each. This is a Limited time offer ending on June 1, 2013!!

The NuVinci Developer Kit includes:

· The NuVinci CVP Transmissions

· Electronic Shift Controller with 32-bit Microprocessor

· Electronic Shift Actuator with integrated Position Encoder

· Speed Sensor and Integrated Wiring Harness

· NuVinci PC Application and USB Connection Cable

· Detailed Instructions and Mounting Hardware

Please see attached datasheet document for more details.

If you would like to order a Developer Kit for the discounted price please fill out the order form and send it to nattia@fallbrooktech.com.

Thank you,

Noor Attia
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
2620 Brushy Creek Loop, Cedar Park, TX 78613

 

[gestalt]

Where do I find the order form?

 

[Rassy]

Where do I find the order form?

Good question. It was attached to the email I got. I actually used a copy I had on file from a previous purchase and just attached it to the email I sent back. They would probably email a copy to you, but I would also be happy to email a copy to you if you pm me with your email address.

If anyone knows how to pass it along via the forum, please let me know. It's a .pdf file

Edit: I found their order form on-line:

http://www.nuvinci.com/docs/kitform.pdf

They are still listing the kit for $150.00 instead of the $100.00 on the e-mail they sent me:

http://www.nuvinci.com/09_lev_kit.asp

 

[ddk]

that's because they liiks u better.

-so this is the 'real' developer's kit with the automatic motor-driven do-hicky?

edit: followed the link
maybe I should buy a couple too!
-although I hate the non-automatic one I have

 

[ebent]

Rassy,

Please explain the net results of applying this device. Is this a basic transmission that allows higher speeds through the use of a transmission? Automatically? If so, very cool!!

 

[spinningmagnets]

If you make the NuVinci a mid-mounted transmission, I'd like to describe the benefit of that (as opposed to it being mounted in the wheel as it often is).

If this hub was connected to the rear wheel by a 2:1 reduction, the NuVinci would be spinning twice as fast, but it would be feeling 1/2 the torque that the rear wheel is feeling. Plus, since it uses balls as the gearing mechanism, an over-power spike would result in slippage instead of a broken tooth (like on a Nexus 3-speed).

For a high-powered non-hub motor, a NuVinci as a transmission is a a pretty sweet option. There are several opinions about whether its worth it to give a smaller motor some gears, or perhaps just use a more powerful motor with no gears. I love both designs, and...I'm just saying that if you want to give a motor some gears, a NuVinci is a very worthwhile experiment.

 

[bowlofsalad]

My biggest question is it's efficiency compared to the other more common varieties of motors.

 

[ddk]

that's because they liiks u better.

-so this is the 'real' developer's kit with the automatic motor-driven do-hicky?

edit: followed the link
maybe I should buy a couple too!
-although I hate the non-automatic one I have

or rather, I've learned to live with it's sponginess beyond one-to-one


this is using the 'non' automatic drive
in reality I only change the nuvinci's settings when challenged by -over- 10% grades

 

[ddk]

My biggest question is it's efficiency compared to the other more common varieties of motors.

I use a two-motor system with a nuvinci transmission mid-mounted that the rear motor drives, along with the pedal chain.
Efficiencies be damned it works as intended.
If the nuvinci sold at it's 'list' price, a 3 motors system would be more cost-effective and always was more efficient.

 

[Rassy]

Please explain the net results of applying this device. Is this a basic transmission that allows higher speeds through the use of a transmission? Automatically? If so, very cool!!

There have been lots of discussions concerning this kit. Briefly, it is a CVT so shifting up and down is continuous, with no jerks, etc. The kit includes a speed sensor and you set your desired shift points using a computer worksheet, which you then download to the control unit. Then it shifts automatically as you pass those shift points. No gear shift at all on your handlebars.

My biggest question is it's efficiency compared to the other more common varieties of motors.

This also has been discussed a lot in other threads. The transmission itself is not as efficient as a standard derailleur system and it is heavy and it is complex and I still love it on my trikes.

that's because they liiks u better.

Actually, I first installed the manual shift version of this transmission on my trike and I hated it. I did this because I had ridden a couple of bikes with auto-shift derailleur systems on them and I hated the surprise shifts and resultant clunks. Plus the manual shift would not shift under load. This auto shift system shifts up or down under load and even though you can tell it shifts, there is no surprise and no clunk, just a smooth transition to another ratio. I always go up my driveway at full throttle with moderate pedaling and when I hit the 20% grade it just smoothly shifts to low gear.

To wrap up, I don't think there will be any support or parts for this model in the future. That's why I am putting a couple of units on the shelf. They do have an auto shift version of their lighter N360 model available.

 

[kriskros]

i have a nuvinci on my woodbike with a 1200w cyclone motor...44 1/2v 20amp lipo battery..in high gear speed is 17mph... in low it is 29.6mph.. the sytem works very well

 

[Rassy]

Please see my first post on this thread. I don't know if they intended to sell these kits to us DIY types, at least not at the discount price. I don't know if any of their "retail" dealers are currently selling the N171B auto shift kit. I'll repost if/when my order is filled.

 

[Rassy]

Well, I continue to be confused, but I'm happy.

Got an e-mail Friday apologizing for the delay. Didn't know there was a delay, only got the $100 offer on Wednesday. Said my order would be prioritized (over 66 others?) and sent out via overnight UPS instead of ground (shipping for each was still just under $20) to make up for the delay. Sure enough both kits were delivered to my house today.

Another ES member told me he added some of my info and ordered the $150 kit and it was invoiced for $100 plus shipping and now it's on it's way.

So I say, if you want one (or more) for $100, write an e-mail note with your order form attached.

Good luck.

 

[kfong]

I just got my order placed through paypal for $117 includes shipping and sales tax. I already have one, but figure this would be a spare. All I did was fill out the form and mentioned the sale. They replied back with a paypal invoice.