Speedometer calibration device By ksmason42 (Read 3,684 times)

[ksmason42]

All,

I am currently in development of a device to calibrate mechanical speedometers, and was trying to determine the interest level. This device is designed to be calibrated on-bike without riding and can be used on any scoot with a mechanical speedo driven by a cable from the front wheel. After the initial calibration, the device should run true until either tire size is changed (if ever) or the unit is moved to a new bike.

Installation would involve installing a small box and a device both on the back of the speedo and on the end of the speedo drive cable. Calibration will take about 10-15 minutes. Based upon initial estimates, the price point should be around $129. The wearing parts on the unit will be replaceable.

Please let me know of your interest level in such a device. I will also need a few beta testers to try out the unit (free of charge, of course).

Thank you all in advance for your time.

[turtle8]

Would this operate similarly to a magnetic senor equipped bicycle computer?

[ksmason42]

Kind of, but not quite. This device reads the revolutions from the speedo cable and based upon the radius of the front wheel and revolutions per turn of the wheel will calculate the speed at which to drive the speedometer itself.

I have designed it to account for non-linearity in the speedometer, and individual quirks of each bike will be compensated for during the calibration process.

Thanks!

[sprocket]

Nope... Chinese speedos are poor from the hub to the gauge...

I would buy a Trail Tech first...totally programmable with many more functions...

Price about $129.00 US

trailtech.net/vapor.html

Speedometer:
Current Speed
Maximum Speed
Selectable MPH/KMH Display

Tachometer:
Real-Time RPM Bar Graph
Numeric RPM Readout
Dual Programmable Shift Lights
Up to 20,000 RPM

Temperature:
Ambient Temperature
Engine Temperature
Dual Programmable Temp Lights
Exact Model Fit Temperature Sensors
Selectable °F/°C Display

Distance:
Adjustable Distance
Permanent Odometer
Selectable Mile/Kilometer Display
Clock:
Hour Meter
Stop Watch
Ride Time
Accumulated Ride Time
permanent Hour Meter
Selectable 12/24 Hour Display

Power Input :
Includes Power Connection Fits All Machines
Accepts Any Power Input - AC/DC
Auto Switch to Internal Power if External is Removed
Permanent Memory Guarantees Data is Never Lost

Value Added :
Custom Designed for Exact Model Fit
All Parts Included to Complete Installation
One Year Warranty
Unlimited Free Trail Tech Phone and Email Support
Waterproof Connections Included
Bright White Backlit LCD Display
Accessory Dashboards for Most Applications

[ksmason42]

That sounds like a great product. However, the advantage to what I have designed is that is makes use of the existing speedo, and since most of these are multi gauge cluster units, nothing has to be added to the exterior of the scooter. The controller and sensors / driver remain hidden behind the cowlings, and the odometer is still usable.

The hub is of little concern, as long as it is properly lubricated, it will be consistent. As far as the speedo itself, the calibration procedure takes care of any inconsistencies that are inherent in that particular gauge.

[sprocket]

Maybe for $25 for people that really are concerned about speedo accuracy.. but with GPS, hooking up a controller or whatever to a lousy mechanical system is a waste of time and money. Do some research and see how often they fail...hubs fail, cables wear and break and the gears in the odometer jam, which takes out the main drive gearing...

Gee.. for $15 I can get a bicycle speedo what will give me near perfect accuracy...

As an entrepreneur for 50 years, I wish you the best and hope you find a market...

[ksmason42]

Wow... Hubs fail because they are not properly maintained, and ditto with cables. I personally do not like cobbling a bunch of extra 'stuff' on the outside of a bike, but apparently I am all but alone on that matter.

I have to be honest, your well wishes do seem a bit empty - imho.

I apologize for wasting valuable time and posting space on this board. Thank you for your comments.

[turtle8]

Jul 5, 2011 18:28:11 GMT -6 ksmason42 said:

Wow... Hubs fail because they are not properly maintained, and ditto with cables. I personally do not like cobbling a bunch of extra 'stuff' on the outside of a bike, but apparently I am all but alone on that matter.

I have to be honest, your well wishes do seem a bit empty - imho.

I apologize for wasting valuable time and posting space on this board. Thank you for your comments.

I can see your point about not liking to add extra doodads, for $130 I'd rather get a whole computer. I'd might even hack up my dash and put it in there. Your price point is high, you must remember that these Chinascoots are dirt cheap (in the motorscooter world) and people don't like Vespa type prices.

[robb]

Jul 5, 2011 18:28:11 GMT -6 ksmason42 said:

Wow... Hubs fail because they are not properly maintained, and ditto with cables. I personally do not like cobbling a bunch of extra 'stuff' on the outside of a bike, but apparently I am all but alone on that matter.

I have to be honest, your well wishes do seem a bit empty - imho.

I apologize for wasting valuable time and posting space on this board. Thank you for your comments.

Do you mean to say your device will not be visible? Or just not visible on the dash? I think people would be better off with a gps, giving accurate speed and directions. Or if short of funds a bicycle speedo or if no funds at all remark the speedo to reflect reality with a marker. Everyone here has wished you good luck and I will too. It sounds like your market will be very small though. There are alot of great ideas that just don't happen because of the price point required.

[beachcityscoots]

Personally I have had 3 Gauge sets in my Roketa Fiji 150cc, not that I tried to fix the calibration problem but the first one failed and I wanted a better looking one for the third and they're all reading about 10-12 mph fast. My assumption is that the wheel gear drive is not correct. Now if you were going to make a new product wouldn't it be cheaper to just find the right gear ratio for the cable drive to get you within a few percent and leave it at that. I'd buy that for a dollar hahaha. I can buy a NEW cable drive off eBay from anybody for 7.99 to 20.00 and change it in less than an hour. It doesn't have to be so elaborate or cost so much. It could be a bevel gear connected to the cable that could slide in and out and be locked down on a spring loaded drive gear to change the ratio. It's as simple as a hammer and a box of nails guys. Thinking about it, maybe the main drive gear would have to be a little thinner but stronger to slide back and forth on the drive shaft but that concept would work.

[mike6736]

If I and going any distance...GPS is used, just as in the car. Just have to remember when you stop to remove and lock it up.

Magoo

[jct842]

If it was of any great importance to me I would just make a new face for my 150 and use a gps to calibrate it. Thing is where I ride a 150 does not go fast enough to get a ticket. The face on my 150 came up with a crack not long after I got it too. The non linearity part scares me to the point where I wonder if the non linearity does in fact change over time.

Just last week I was wide open throttle going down the road to eat and a state trooper was coming the other way and I just held the thing wide open and continued on. I was probably some where around 55 then and so was the limit.

[flsumner]

Forget all the shallow pocketed people on here. I assure you if this product was on the market I'd purchase it. My 150 cc VIP is off by 25 percent and I'd gladly pay 130 to easily fix the problem. Good luck and I hope to see your product soon

[Alleyoop]

Jun 19, 2013 18:23:49 GMT -6 flsumner said:

Forget all the shallow pocketed people on here. I assure you if this product was on the market I'd purchase it. My 150 cc VIP is off by 25 percent and I'd gladly pay 130 to easily fix the problem. Good luck and I hope to see your product soon

Shallow pocketed!!! No, not shallow pocketed just a little smarter for that price there are much better choices and most for a whole lot less money with more functionality and may I add ACCURATE TO BOOT.

But I must say you and Ksmason42 must be the same person or relatives. How do I know.. THINK ABOUT IT, if you have any computer skills the light will come on.
Alleyoop

[Deleted]

Bet some of those old Harley riders would buy it