Eclectic
1 kW
Like everyone else (I assume) that uses 2 wheeled transportation, I am frustrated with traffic light sensors that don’t “see” me. I searched around on the net and saw a lot of stuff on using magnets. I tore apart a couple of old hard drives and put the magnets on my pedals. I seemed to get about a 25-30% improvement in triggering traffic lights.
Unfortunately I didn’t change things in an organized manner. I added some magnets with the Mu-metal attached and some magnets just wrapped in pvc heat shrink. I also changed my behavior. I now try to place my lower pedal directly on top of the cut in the street where before I always tried to center my bike on the whole sensor. My problem is that right now all I have is some anecdotal evidence that it might work.
Since I only have a very basic understanding of how an induction sensor works, I thought I might ask others who probably have a much better understanding of magnetic flux and sensors; does the theory work? Can a small molybdenum magnet or a small piece of Mu-metal close to the sensor wire actually change the inductance enough to trigger the sensor?
Unfortunately I didn’t change things in an organized manner. I added some magnets with the Mu-metal attached and some magnets just wrapped in pvc heat shrink. I also changed my behavior. I now try to place my lower pedal directly on top of the cut in the street where before I always tried to center my bike on the whole sensor. My problem is that right now all I have is some anecdotal evidence that it might work.
Since I only have a very basic understanding of how an induction sensor works, I thought I might ask others who probably have a much better understanding of magnetic flux and sensors; does the theory work? Can a small molybdenum magnet or a small piece of Mu-metal close to the sensor wire actually change the inductance enough to trigger the sensor?