Speedometer and odometer

[Tore]

Hi folks!

The kids was not satisfied with stickers on the dash.  They wanted a working speedometer and battery meter. Battery meter was easy - plenty of them on eBay.  But speedometer...  My plan was to tap into the signal from the tacho generator on one of the motors, and feed it to a voltmeter in the dash. 

But then Joakim sort of challenged me to see who could drive their Toylander the longest total distance this summer.  Consequently, I needed both a speedometer and an odometer.

Joakim suggested using a bicycle computer - this will provide both speed and distance covered (and probably a lot more).  At first I did not like the idea. I really wanted an authentic analog speedometer. But I gave in and bought a Sigma 500. 

My plan is to mount it in a 2" housing from an amperemeter.  Connect an external button to the "mode"-button inside the bicycle computer to be able to select distance, time etc.

So far, I have gutted an amperemeter and cut a hole in the Sigma to be able to connect the external mode button.  I've done one test drive with the pickup and magnet temporarily mounted, and it works great.  I'm documenting the work at my Toylander diary http://www.orpetveit.no/index.php/en/toylander

Are there anyone else having made a working speedometer for the Toylander?  Odometer?

-Tore

[markh15]

Hi Tore,
I was wondering about the Speedo / Odometer.
 
Because the cycle parts are designed for 26" (ish) wheels, would the readings still be accurate on the smaller (15") wheels fitted to the Toylander, or are you both just looking for a general distance reading, for your challenge?

Sounds like a future project, a working speedo.

I'm still sorting out the Steering, Suspension, etc etc, trying to solve problems that don't really exist!!

Keep us posted,
Regards,
Mark.

[multisync]

Hi Tore
Glad to hear you are still tinkering with the Toylander, I like the idea of the odometer, as I'd like to know how far it goes on a full charge.
I'm not familiar with the digital speedo/computer. How does it account for various wheel sizes?
Regards
Walter

[Tore]

The Sigma bicycle computer lets you set the tire circumference in mm.  So it will happily accept the Toylander wheels.  Actually, I've attached 3 magnets to the wheel to get a "quicker" speedometer, and set the circumference in the computer to 1/3 of the actual.

-Tore

[multisync]

Hi again Tore
Mark was asking the same question as me and we both posted at the same time!
Great minds think alike it seems!!
Walter

[Joakim]

I have now had this bicycle computer in two weeks and have drove 18 km. Who will be driving the longest total distance this summer?

The Sigma sensor is mounted with included rubber bands and reinforced with melt glue. The magnet is mounted to the wheel with melt glue. The magnet is from a "noname" Computer which didn't work and I did not replace the magnet when I changed computer to Sigma. Some computers (the "noname" which didn't work) can only choose standard wheel sizes. Sigma can adjust the circumference to the nearest millimeter.

It is ok to cut the signal cable for the sensor and solder it back to get it through to the dashboard.

See pictures.

[markh15]

Hi Tore,
I like the idea of the three magnets, so the speedo is reading in 'Toylander' speed, very clever.

It's a pity you could'nt find an analogue one, but then again, you would'nt be able to fool it with the magnets.

I can see some more modifications within the community in the near future, I'm off to Ebay to look for a Sigma!!

Keep Busy,
Regards,
Mark.

[Tore]

Re the three magnets, I did not use three magnets to change the reading of the speedo, but to make the Sigma update it's display quicker.  When it only gets one signal per wheel revolution, the reading will "lag".  Adding more magnets will reduce this lag significantly.

Since I set the wheel circumference in the Sigma to 1/3 of the actual wheen circumference, the reading will be correct.

-Tore

[markh15]

 Hi Tore,
Ahh, I understand now, I thought you'd scaled down the reading.
Thanks for clearing that up.

Regards,
Mark,

[multisync]

Hi Tore
Thats ideal, just what I (and Mark) want.
Sounds like a great bit of kit.
We'll be bidding against each other for one, if it gets on ebay!
Best wiahes
Walter

[Joakim]

Our bicycle computers are "Sigma 500" (Tore) and "Sigma 1200" (Joakim).
I think these models are in the lower price range, and it was not much difference in the price between the two models. But only 500 is to fit in a 2" instrument.

It is possible to use other brands too. But for Sigma we know it is possible to use input the wheel size to nearest millimeter.

[markh15]

Hi Guys,

Hey Walter, just found this on Ebay, looks the dogs danglies, and not mega expensive.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/16-functions-bike-bicycle-cycling-speedometer-odometer_W0QQitemZ360150144965QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Sporting_Goods_Activity_Monitoring_MJ?hash=item360150144965&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Keep thinking,
regards,
Mark.

[Tore]

Got around to mounting the Sigma in the dash today:


I'm quite pleased...   

-Tore

[markh15]

Hi Tore,
You should be pleased with your efforts, it looks great. It looks as if it was made for the job in hand, very professional. 10/10

You do realise that we're all going to be modifying the dash boards now,
what have you started!

What with Steering Boxes, Independant Suspension, Metal Chassis, Lights, Sirens, Flashing Strobes, Radios, Brake Lights, Remote Cut-out Systems and all the other mods that are ongoing, I bet Richard never invisaged so many inovative and inventive builders when he launched the forum.

Keep Thinking,
Regards to all,
Mark.

[multisync]

Hi All
Tore, thats looking great, the round housing is a great success, excellent.
I may send for one of those from ebay, thanks for the info Mark
Regards
Walter