[SFlaRC51]

I'm in Fort Lauderdale and will gladly be a guinea pig . However, 2 concerns you may want to consider before you commit with me: voltage spike and rain.

The unit you will supply to me for testing, will it have the additional transistor to protect against the voltage spike? Actually, this is my concern .

I'm concerned about rain water and water from bike washings causing some sort of sort since it looks like the LED read out is rather exposed. Rain here in south Florida can be unpredictable in it's occurrence and volume. I've stepped out of swimming pools drier than I have after getting caught in some of the rains:wacky . Therefore, I'd like to fabricate some sort of waterproof/resistant minimalist housing for the LED. This would alter your product at minimum. At worst, I might break it in doing so. However, if my housing were to be a success and attractive, that knowledge of course would be shared on the forum.

As for the seven segment read outs, I don't know much about luminousity, but it looks like the larger the LED, the brighter it can be.
.8" LED: 10MCD >5.3 <8.9; $.55 each. PDF Specs.
No pricing, but a lot of choices

Hope this is of some help.

 

[pdfruth]

I'm in Fort Lauderdale and will gladly be a guinea pig . However, 2 concerns you may want to consider before you commit with me: voltage spike and rain.

The unit you will supply to me for testing, will it have the additional transistor to protect against the voltage spike? Actually, this is my concern .

Thanks for volunteering.
Yes, absolutely, the transistor will be in there.

I'm concerned about rain water and water from bike washings causing some sort of sort since it looks like the LED read out is rather exposed. Rain here in south Florida can be unpredictable in it's occurrence and volume. I've stepped out of swimming pools drier than I have after getting caught in some of the rains:wacky . Therefore, I'd like to fabricate some sort of waterproof/resistant minimalist housing for the LED. This would alter your product at minimum. At worst, I might break it in doing so. However, if my housing were to be a success and attractive, that knowledge of course would be shared on the forum.

I've thought about this too. For the prototypes I've been building, I had a friend (who has a laser cutter) cut pieces of 0.1 in. red acrylic (see the picture in post #3 above). I then glue them together to make a small square box, into which I then glue the display (using plumbers goop). The little box is by no means "water proof". It certainly wouldn't withstand a total submersion. But I believe it is sufficiently "water resistant". It should be more than adequate for the occasional rain storm or washing. Infact, the back of the display box has a small pinhole, thru which you insert a straightened paper clip, in order to depress a tiny switch. This puts the unit into "Learn" mode, which you will need to do during initial setup. I would just put a piece of tape over that hole afterwards.

As for the seven segment read outs, I don't know much about luminosity, but it looks like the larger the LED, the brighter it can be.
.8" LED: 10MCD >5.3 <8.9; $.55 each. PDF Specs.
No pricing, but a lot of choices

Hope this is of some help.

So, it looks like the displays I've been using for my prototypes (HP HDSP-3400) have a luminosity rating of 1200 ucd. 1200 ucd = 1.2 mcd (http://www.ortodoxism.ro/datasheets/hp/HDSP-860X.pdf)
totally inadequate in direct sunlight.

The link you provided is for a display with a luminosity of 10 mcd (10,000 ucd). I'll have to give it a try.
I've also been looking at others with a rating of 36 mcd (36,000 ucd).

Bottom line... I just don't have a frame of reference at this point. I gotta get me some samples and try em out.
I'll keep ya posted.

 

[RVTMAVERICK]

Hey Pat,

I'd be willing #2... IF you'd like, I'm in Va. but I ride all year round.. AS long as there' no ICE on the road... I'm Flyin' Low..:woot:

So there will be times that I can't ride but... I do ride, I've been out riding in 24deg.(F):wacky

.. No Matter what Pat, You should NOT feel pressured into making these..IMHO, IF you think it's cool and you're like sure why not, I'll mess with it, that's one thing BUT to feel like we've pressured you into doing them because we all jumped on the band wagon, saying hook me up too... Screw that man,... I've got your back no matter what you decide!:clapper


Peace Jeff

 

[1nsx]

I live in Oak Ridge, TN, where the forecasted highs for the next week are in the sixties. I am retired and ride almost every day, the point being that I could really give your indicator a workout, if you still need someone to test it.

And I have a question about a different project. Is there any easy way to tell if there is another gear available, or if I'm already in high gear? I currently compare the tach and speedo to determine this, but if there was a light that came on or off it would be great.

 

[pdfruth]

Ok, so it looks like I have two good volunteers. SFlaRC51 & RVTMAVERICK. Thanks

Before I send you guys a prototype, I'm going to get me a couple super bright LED displays.

In the meantime, I'll be writing some "more formal" install/setup/operation documentation. When the prototypes are ready to go, I'll PM ya and we can sort out the shipping logistics (I'll pick up the shipping).

Thanks again.

 

[pdfruth]

I live in Oak Ridge, TN, where the forecasted highs for the next week are in the sixties. I am retired and ride almost every day, the point being that I could really give your indicator a workout, if you still need someone to test it.

Thanks for offering. I think I've got two good volunteers already.

And I have a question about a different project. Is there any easy way to tell if there is another gear available, or if I'm already in high gear? I currently compare the tach and speedo to determine this, but if there was a light that came on or off it would be great.

To the best of my knowledge, on the RC51 (or most any other bike that doesn't have a GPI).... no, there is no indicator, other than the technique you mentioned.

 

[vfrrider]

Electronics Wizardry

Pdfruth,

And when you get that little project going, contact me. I have been looking for a specialist like you to adapt DFI to my Honda VF1000R motor. Say take the injectors from a CBR1000RR, cut them apart and slip them into the rubbers and make new throttle linkages. I would get the TP Sensor with them, but have no idea how to find a signal and adapt the controller to the V4 timing. So, if you get this venture all off and running, maybe you would like another little challenge?

Larry
VFRrider

BTW, I'm in Dallas, TX

 

[RVTMAVERICK]

Pdfruth,

And when you get that little project going, contact me. I have been looking for a specialist like you to adapt DFI to my Honda VF1000R motor. Say take the injectors from a CBR1000RR, cut them apart and slip them into the rubbers and make new throttle linkages. I would get the TP Sensor with them, but have no idea how to find a signal and adapt the controller to the V4 timing. So, if you get this venture all off and running, maybe you would like another little challenge?

Larry
VFRrider

BTW, I'm in Dallas, TX

Hey Larry,
LOL.. I think you are talking about EFI not DFI Hahahaha


Joking aside though,
Cool idea there Buddy! BUT I
might be able to help you out there with making that JOB AWhole Heck of alot Easier ... you know how?...

1st) Screw the CBR1000R Throttle Bodies!.. Why in the World would you want those for a V-Four engine?.... Too Much Work Man, WAY TOO Much:twocents You're talking about Cutting up the Throttle assembly and working on tons Fabrication not to mention... everything you would HAVE to do! Okay NOT tons of fab. but I think you get the idea.. ...

Okay, so here's what you should do,...... again this is just my 2 cents... But.


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What I did was, to use Hondas VFR800's EFI/Throttle Bodies!:clapper Right?
So IF you were to use these VFR Throttle bodies, More then 85% of your battle of fabing/moding. parts & pieces is Done!

Now, IF you were doing the JOB that My Brother has planned... Then the CBR1000R stuff would be Great!...
What he has planned is, he has those parts for is his CBR900RR project...

All though, I think he should just leave it alone, that thing IS Plenty Fast Enough already with everything it has in it!....


I Hope this Helps,


Peace Jeff

PS. Not meaning to JACK your thread Pat, just wanting to help out a fellow VF1000R Brother...

 

[SFlaRC51]

Ok, so it looks like I have two good volunteers. SFlaRC51 & RVTMAVERICK. Thanks

Before I send you guys a prototype, I'm going to get me a couple super bright LED displays.

In the meantime, I'll be writing some "more formal" install/setup/operation documentation. When the prototypes are ready to go, I'll PM ya and we can sort out the shipping logistics (I'll pick up the shipping).

Thanks again.

Take your time my friend. I've ridden a couple of years on the bike without it, I can ride some more until it arrives. But, I've been wanting something like this since the day I bought the bike, so I'm psych'ed that I can help you out.:woot:

 

[kewjr]

k

intersting, pd is the man, would like to see how the prototypes hold up. would love to have a gear indicator! the more plug and go the better. less shit to mess up.

 

[pdfruth]

Ok, Found me some super bright LED displays.
Kingbright USA, an opto-electronic LED manufacturer products include all type of LED LAMPS , SMT LED, SMD LED, LED DISPLAYS optoelectronic components

These are 36,000 ucd. I replaced the 1200 ucd display in my prototype this weekend. Just pushed the bike out into the driveway in the bright noon sun light. Can't ride on account of the snow on the roads around here. But this display is quite adequately readable in direct sun light.
Kingbright's shipping was super fast. I ordered em on Monday. They were here on Thur (3 days after submitting the order). I bought 36 of em if someone needs one, let me know.

I've also finished building two more prototypes for my guinea pigs (RVTMAVERICK & SFlaRC51). Just finished testing em.

Over the last week, I've also tested the GPI on my Honda ST1300. The circuit works perfectly (without modification) on both bikes. I enhanced the microcontroller code so that you can configure it for bikes that have either 5 or 6 gears (i.e. RC51=6 speed, ST1300=5 speed). Although I don't have access to any other Hondas at the moment, I suspect this thing will work on most all other modern Hondas (and perhaps other makes) that have electronic ignition & speed sensors


RVTMAVERICK, SFlaRC51... you have PM's.

 

[vfrrider]

Hey Larry,
LOL.. I think you are talking about EFI not DFI Hahahaha


Joking aside though,
Cool idea there Buddy! BUT I
might be able to help you out there with making that JOB AWhole Heck of alot Easier ... you know how?...

1st) Screw the CBR1000R Throttle Bodies!.. Why in the World would you want those for a V-Four engine?.... Too Much Work Man, WAY TOO Much:twocents You're talking about Cutting up the Throttle assembly and working on tons Fabrication not to mention... everything you would HAVE to do! Okay NOT tons of fab. but I think you get the idea.. ...

Okay, so here's what you should do,...... again this is just my 2 cents... But.


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What I did was, to use Hondas VFR800's EFI/Throttle Bodies!:clapper Right?
So IF you were to use these VFR Throttle bodies, More then 85% of your battle of fabing/moding. parts & pieces is Done!

Now, IF you were doing the JOB that My Brother has planned... Then the CBR1000R stuff would be Great!...
What he has planned is, he has those parts for is his CBR900RR project...

All though, I think he should just leave it alone, that thing IS Plenty Fast Enough already with everything it has in it!....


I Hope this Helps,


Peace Jeff

PS. Not meaning to JACK your thread Pat, just wanting to help out a fellow VF1000R Brother...

Sorry to hijack in mid idea, but...................

Jeff,

Would not the DFi (Digital Fuel Injection) set-up from a VFR800 run out of capacity with the 998 engine? This is why I'm looking for a electronics expert as I do not believe these are big enough? Bueller, anyone?

All ideas welcome as to the "easy" way.

Again, PD, sorry to vere off the established topics, please continue.:notworthy

Larry
VFRrider

 

[RVTMAVERICK]

Hey Pat,

Return PM and sent e-mail.

Hey Larry,

You've been PM'd so as not to jack this thread again.

Peace Jeff

 

[havocwreaker]

Pat,

Check out this site:

QKits Electronic Kits

There are quite a few bright looking ones but they would be ginormous! LOL

The 1st one seems good for the cause even though it's a tad expensive.

 

[bryanboonern]

Pat,

Check out this site:

QKits Electronic Kits

There are quite a few bright looking ones but they would be ginormous! LOL

The 1st one seems good for the cause even though it's a tad expensive.

That 9" one would be awesome. Just put it on a chain and wear it around your neck. Talk about some bling.:woot:

 

[pdfruth]

Since starting this thread a few weeks back, I also started a similar thread over on the ST forum. There's been some pretty good buzz over there, so I've fallen behind updating this thread. Several of the guys on the ST forum expressed a desire to have an ambient light sensor incorporated in the design. Because the display is soooo bright, it will quickly become a blinding distraction while riding at night. Probably not too much of a concern for all the track addicts here (since we only ride in daylight), so I included it as an "option".

The basic principle behind the sensor is to have it detect when the ambient light level drops to a certain level, and then automatically adjust (lower) the seven segment display's intensity so that it doesn't blind you.


Anyhow, I've updated the schematics, and released a new version of the code (V1.3 is now current), incase there's anyone interested in building one (and there are few here). See the top of the thread for updates.

 

[catch2otwo]

any update on these? how are they holding up?

 

[SFlaRC51]

The GPI is awesome:clapper. It has withstood rain, bike washing and high speeds (160mph - speedo corrected:woot. It mounted up excellently with the stellar provided instructions from pdfruth. It handles clutchless gear shifts in both directions and works exactly as described previously in this post.

Installation was a challenge for me. But this has less to do with the instructions and more to do with my limited experience in working on motorcycle electronics and poor soldering skills. Following closely the instructions and patience were my best allies. I alloted a full day to mount and used every bit of it, though someone with better experience could do this in a couple of hours easy.

The GPI has proven itself functional rather than just bling. I've found myself unsure of what gear I'm in a couple of times and being able to simply glance down and confirm has been great. THANK YOU PDFRUTH!

Here is where I mounted the GPI LED as seen nearly from my point of view while sitting on the bike in my riding position. It looks as if the brake reservoir would block the view, but I sit just a tad higher than the photo reveals and keep in mind that when the bars are turned enough to block it, I'd only be doing like 5 to maybe 10mph and clearly in 1st. Other than that, I always have a clear line of site.

 

[Marxist]

Jeebus. When are these going to be available for the common man?

 

[RVTMAVERICK]

The GPI is awesome. It has withstood rain, bike washing and high speeds (160mph - speedo corrected). It mounted up excellently with the stellar provided instructions from pdfruth. It handles clutchless gear shifts in both directions and works exactly as described previously in this post.

Installation was a challenge for me. But this has less to do with the instructions and more to do with my limited experience in working on motorcycle electronics and poor soldering skills. Following closely the instructions and patience were my best allies. I alloted a full day to mount and used every bit of it, though someone with better experience could do this in a couple of hours easy.

The GPI has proven itself functional rather than just bling. I've found myself unsure of what gear I'm in a couple of times and being able to simply glance down and confirm has been great. THANK YOU PDFRUTH!

Here is where I mounted the GPI LED as seen nearly from my point of view while sitting on the bike in my riding position. It looks as if the brake reservoir would block the view, but I sit just a tad higher than the photo reveals and keep in mind that when the bars are turned enough to block it, I'd only be doing like 5 to maybe 10mph and clearly in 1st. Other than that, I always have a clear line of site.

Sweet Deal!
Good write up man, However I would have placed it on the left side as well as removing 4 or 5 of those keys:wtf get rid of all of them but 1! LOL


By the way, have you tested yet when it gets dark, how's "pdfruth" sensor work when the SUN goes down?... Pat did an Awesome JOB by the looks of it:clapper


Peace Jeff