

| Subject: | Re: DIY Vanagon Trip Computer Update |
| From: | Edward Maglott |
| Date: | Sun, 14 Jul 2002 22:09:27 -0400 |
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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