So I don't intend to do a lot of mods that I expect most people do, like trying out different pedals and gears. For some stupid reason I really want to add general technology to my bike. Like lights, and amplified sound, and full-motion-video spoke POV, and maybe even somehow a heads up display, and I mean really bright lights.
POWER
Most of this stuff is going to need a substantial amount of power, so that's what I started with. I have 10 2500mAh AA cell NiMH batteries in a custom pack slid inside of my seat tube supplying a liberal 12v. Intending to graduate to LiIon, I figured NiMH would be a safer start to get the kinks out.
The first pack I built employed springs, which are a no-no: they caused the voltage to flicker with road vibrations. I'm told I could simply install a capacitor to even it out, but the easy way was to remove the springs and screw down tight on the battery tube. The PVC tube allows a bit of flexibility in lieu of the springs.
The pack was made from a 20" long section of rigid non-metallic 1/2" electrical conduit. I threaded one end with 1/2" MNPT and used a brass cap. The other end, temporarily, has a clip retained and screw terminal to attach the positive lead. It slides inside the seat tube nicely!
I drilled a hole in the seat post to accommodate a 12v power lead.
| From Blog |
Eventually I'll have quick connect/release connectors on the batter pack and accessories so they can be easily removed when not in use.
| From Blog |
To test out the pack I threw together a few LED modules from some dollar-store quality flashlights. I incorporated the switch on the handlebar post. Ideally, I'll have light-weight LED modules illuminating the front and rear, all powered by the bicycle's central power supply. This can stay on the bicycle semi-permanently and charged with a cable -- rather then pulling our batteries individually and charging them. This will also allow me to easily take advantage of light-weight lithium ion batteries and the cheap new ultra smegging bright LEDs without wasting money on specialized equipment.
This thrown-together light setup is bright enough to illuminate my bathroom (just happen to store my bike in there...)
