Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 22:09:27 -0400
Reply-To: Edward Maglott <emaglott@BUNCOMBE.MAIN.NC.US>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Edward Maglott <emaglott@BUNCOMBE.MAIN.NC.US>
Subject: Re: DIY Vanagon Trip Computer Update
In-Reply-To: <3D31B55F.11100.18F9E04@localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
I am using some silicon adhesive from the flaps. Supposed to withstand 600
degrees F. I doubt it will get that hot there on the hub. Could be wrong
about that though. Being fairly close to the axis of rotation, and
relatively low rpms, I don't think there is too much centrifugal force
there. The cycle computer kit includes 2 mounting kits which is the
magnet, sensor, wire, and bracket the computer module slips into. The wire
is not long enough though, so I had to splice in some extra length. I used
the other mounting kit on my 2002 Golf TDI. Even if I still had the
original magnet from the kit, I think I would use this current mounting
system. The original relied on a big glob of silicon, and this one also
has the advantage of easy adjustment by bending the "V" shaped piece of
aluminum. Have Fun!
Edward
At 7/14/02 05:31 PM, you wrote:
>Hey, that's interesting.
>
>Designing such a trip computer has been something I've wanted to do
>for years, but if they're already available so cheap, there's no
>excuse to wait (especially now that I just retired).
>
>The sensor magnet attachment looks like a challenge. What kind of
>adhesive are you using? Aquarium? It'll be interesting to see if
>that holds up with the heat & dynamic forces. Fortunately, the
>magnet is pretty cheap to replace. Is the reed switch & cable
>included in the kit?
>
>Please keep us informed.
>
>//Jack
>'85 Vanagon
>
>
>On 14 Jul 2002, at 18:53, Edward Maglott wrote:
>
> > Just in case anybody cares, here is an update on this project. The magnet
> > fell off and I "designed" an improved magnet mounting "system." Go to the
> > website below for details. Other than that problem, it has worked well for
> > me. I have included the original message about this in case you have no
> > idea what I am talking about...
> > Edward
> >
> >
> >
> > Here is a project I am working on for the vanagon camper. I have adapted an
> > inexpensive bicycle "cyclo-computer" to become a powerful trip computer. It
> > senses speed from a sensor I installed fairly easily on the front left
> > wheel. It tells your current speed, down to .1 mph. It tells your average
> > speed for a trip, your maximum speed, your trip distance down to .01 miles,
> > the time you have been moving, whether your current speed is faster or
> > slower than your average. It has a time of day clock, it turns itself off
> > when you are not moving for a few minutes, starts automatically when you
> > start driving. It has a function that will scan automatically through all
> > of its readouts. It comes with 2 mounting kits so you can use it on 2
> > vehicles, or even on your van and your bike. It can switch easily from the
> > configuration of one vehicle to the other. You can reset the "trip" at any
> > time. It can read in 12 or 24 hour time, miles or km. You calibrate it to
> > the circumference of your tires, down to 1 mm, so it has the potential to
> > be very accurate. It has an odometer that keeps going to measure your
> > cumulative mileage.
> >
> > I bought the kit from Bike Nashbar. It was about $15 with shipping. The
> > speed sensor is basically a magnet and a reed switch. I am currently
> > (4/1/02) testing it out, and so far it is working quite well. I have read
> > up to 75 mph on it. There is a bit of a lag in the speed display at times.
> > I think it only updates the speed every second or two, so sometimes it is
> > behind what the speedometer is reading if you are accelerating (ha!) or
> > decelerating significantly.
> >
> > Why, you may ask, would I do this. That is a good question. I had a VW
> > GTi that had a built in trip computer, and found it quite entertaining on
> > trips when there was not a lot to look at. Generally, I love information,
> > I'm pretty cheap, and I get a kick out of adapting a product to do
> > something useful other than what it was not intended for.
> >
> > Here are some photos:
> >
> > http://buncombe.main.nc.us/~emaglott/pp8/index.htm
> >
> > Edward
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