Post by JohnnyC on May 16, 2010 15:15:02 GMT -5
Being the tinkerer and geek that I am, I decided I wanted to know exactly how fast I'm going. Someday I plan on adding a GPS to the bike, but in the meanwhile I needed a cheaper alternative that would allow me to see a more accurate speed measurement than the stock speedo (they're always off a bit). So I decided to add a bike computer to my scooter. I went with a Sigma BC1009 (wired) because it will register speeds as high as I will ever need to have it go. 
Here's some pics of it installed... In this first one you can see it there in the center of my steering column.
This one shows how I mounted the magnet and the pickup sensor. I did switch out the original magnet with a more powerful magnet so it wouldn't have to sit too close to the sensor. Essentially you just need a strong enough magnet to trip the sensor. The one that comes with the BC1009 is only strong enough to be detected when VERY close to the sensor. By putting in a stronger magnet, it registers with a full centimeter or so between the magnet and the sensor. The magnet is JB Welded to the wheel now. They also sell an upgrade magnet on the SigmaSport website, but in all honesty, you can get a good strong magnet that would be easier to mount elsewhere. The one they sell online is strong enough to be detected about 20mm away from the sensor.
I ran the wire straight down through the plastic cover on the steering column. I just did the soldering on the extension wire (you have to extend the wire on the wired models since they are never long enough to reach down to the axle) after I ran it through the hole so it wouldn't have to be a very big hole. So essentially the only place you can ever see the wire is as it wraps around the original speedometer cable, otherwise it's invisible.
All in all I'm very pleased with my craftsmanship on the mounting. Sitting on the scooter, it looks as though it belongs there and not out of place or sloppy.
Another thing to note... The Sigma BC1009 has a memory chip in it so if you change the battery you won't loose your data. The battery is rated to last two years, so... shouldn't be a problem for a while anyway. On top of that, the BC1009 can be plugged into a special docking station (about $30) so I can offload the data for analysis on my PC (tracking miles, speed, etc). I don't have a docking station yet, but will likely order one for myself soon. It's also weatherproof... so no need to worry about it getting a little rain on it.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Here's some pics of it installed... In this first one you can see it there in the center of my steering column.
This one shows how I mounted the magnet and the pickup sensor. I did switch out the original magnet with a more powerful magnet so it wouldn't have to sit too close to the sensor. Essentially you just need a strong enough magnet to trip the sensor. The one that comes with the BC1009 is only strong enough to be detected when VERY close to the sensor. By putting in a stronger magnet, it registers with a full centimeter or so between the magnet and the sensor. The magnet is JB Welded to the wheel now. They also sell an upgrade magnet on the SigmaSport website, but in all honesty, you can get a good strong magnet that would be easier to mount elsewhere. The one they sell online is strong enough to be detected about 20mm away from the sensor.
I ran the wire straight down through the plastic cover on the steering column. I just did the soldering on the extension wire (you have to extend the wire on the wired models since they are never long enough to reach down to the axle) after I ran it through the hole so it wouldn't have to be a very big hole. So essentially the only place you can ever see the wire is as it wraps around the original speedometer cable, otherwise it's invisible.
All in all I'm very pleased with my craftsmanship on the mounting. Sitting on the scooter, it looks as though it belongs there and not out of place or sloppy.
Another thing to note... The Sigma BC1009 has a memory chip in it so if you change the battery you won't loose your data. The battery is rated to last two years, so... shouldn't be a problem for a while anyway. On top of that, the BC1009 can be plugged into a special docking station (about $30) so I can offload the data for analysis on my PC (tracking miles, speed, etc). I don't have a docking station yet, but will likely order one for myself soon. It's also weatherproof... so no need to worry about it getting a little rain on it.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
