Post by prodigit on Aug 2, 2012 17:14:12 GMT -5
Hi,
In a few weeks, I'll be ready to mod my scooter.
First thing I was planning on doing is get an ALL LED bike, except for the headlights.
Since the parking lights are always on, I will change them to leds too.
Then on the right handle, there are 2 buttons, ready for any mod.
See picture below:
The switch supposed to turn on parking lights, and headlights, but my BMS has it's lights in ALWAYS ON mode (it seems that this is an unfortunate necessity).
So my first project will be to paste white LED strips under the bike; then connect it to the switch on the handle.
The second mod would be to install a GPS system in my bike.
So far I've managed to get my hands on a good cigarette lighter adaptor and plug, to convert the 12V to 5V with USB output.
So far so good, there's sufficient space under the dashboard to install it, however, 2 things I'm still working on:
1- The GPS needs to be small. I have a 4,5" GPS, an older model, that could be installed on the dashboard, but it's slightly too big. Any suggestions for GPS systems?
I'm thinking of a tiny GPS, preferably with voice, and a hold, where the GPS can click into. I can glue the hold on the dashboard with Silicone glue, and click the GPS on or off the dashboard whenever I need it.
In all honesty, I'm even thinking of cutting part of the plastic of the dashboard, cutting out a small window, and installing a transparent plastic window, under which I could install the GPS. The only con is, that the only possible place where it would fit, is under the steering column, which is more dangerous to place a GPS, as I need eyes on the road at all times!
Also, with a transparent plastic window, I won't be able to adjust the GPS, or input data in it, nor will I be able to turn it on or off.
Most GPSes turn on in menu structure, they don't even show a map. It would have been nice if it would automatically showed my location; but seeing all the cons, I think I'll have to install it on top of the dashboard, not under it.
The coolest MOD ever, would be if the GPS could somehow be connected to a laser, or small LED projector, projecting the GPS data on the windshield.
I'm sure that this is something for the future, but for now, I want to do with a regular onboard GPS; easy mod.
2- I'm still working out the issues with low voltage. At startup the bike has quite low voltage. I think because the alternator is not generating enough juice, and the lights flicker. THat could possibly be dangerous for the electronics. So I was thinking on buying a condenser, 1-2F, just to even out the voltage somewhat; the type that's used in cars for the audio system.
It supposed to be enough to even out the voltage a bit; and takes up no more than a soda can, which can even be stored right between the battery compartment and the wall.
For the future I was thinking of getting a Li-ion battery for the bike; perhaps a smaller version, which still can crank out 9V 7A (14A peak).
As for the LED strip mod, I've already purchased 10-12 LED strips, they're white though, but I do believe it's possible to give them a little color (by applying a filter).
Do you think it'd be illegal to put leds under the bike? It surely makes driving on the road more visible!
And if it's allowed, now I only need to find out which colors I'd put under the bike! (my bike is the orange version, like on photo):
In a few weeks, I'll be ready to mod my scooter.
First thing I was planning on doing is get an ALL LED bike, except for the headlights.
Since the parking lights are always on, I will change them to leds too.
Then on the right handle, there are 2 buttons, ready for any mod.
See picture below:
The switch supposed to turn on parking lights, and headlights, but my BMS has it's lights in ALWAYS ON mode (it seems that this is an unfortunate necessity).
So my first project will be to paste white LED strips under the bike; then connect it to the switch on the handle.
The second mod would be to install a GPS system in my bike.
So far I've managed to get my hands on a good cigarette lighter adaptor and plug, to convert the 12V to 5V with USB output.
So far so good, there's sufficient space under the dashboard to install it, however, 2 things I'm still working on:
1- The GPS needs to be small. I have a 4,5" GPS, an older model, that could be installed on the dashboard, but it's slightly too big. Any suggestions for GPS systems?
I'm thinking of a tiny GPS, preferably with voice, and a hold, where the GPS can click into. I can glue the hold on the dashboard with Silicone glue, and click the GPS on or off the dashboard whenever I need it.
In all honesty, I'm even thinking of cutting part of the plastic of the dashboard, cutting out a small window, and installing a transparent plastic window, under which I could install the GPS. The only con is, that the only possible place where it would fit, is under the steering column, which is more dangerous to place a GPS, as I need eyes on the road at all times!
Also, with a transparent plastic window, I won't be able to adjust the GPS, or input data in it, nor will I be able to turn it on or off.
Most GPSes turn on in menu structure, they don't even show a map. It would have been nice if it would automatically showed my location; but seeing all the cons, I think I'll have to install it on top of the dashboard, not under it.
The coolest MOD ever, would be if the GPS could somehow be connected to a laser, or small LED projector, projecting the GPS data on the windshield.
I'm sure that this is something for the future, but for now, I want to do with a regular onboard GPS; easy mod.
2- I'm still working out the issues with low voltage. At startup the bike has quite low voltage. I think because the alternator is not generating enough juice, and the lights flicker. THat could possibly be dangerous for the electronics. So I was thinking on buying a condenser, 1-2F, just to even out the voltage somewhat; the type that's used in cars for the audio system.
It supposed to be enough to even out the voltage a bit; and takes up no more than a soda can, which can even be stored right between the battery compartment and the wall.
For the future I was thinking of getting a Li-ion battery for the bike; perhaps a smaller version, which still can crank out 9V 7A (14A peak).
As for the LED strip mod, I've already purchased 10-12 LED strips, they're white though, but I do believe it's possible to give them a little color (by applying a filter).
Do you think it'd be illegal to put leds under the bike? It surely makes driving on the road more visible!
And if it's allowed, now I only need to find out which colors I'd put under the bike! (my bike is the orange version, like on photo):
