Pine wrote on 08/11/12 at 10:57:42:Very nifty!
Just throwing stuff out...
If you could replicate the "connector" such as a pass-throughto the stock speedo cluster, then it should provide you with power and an easy method for users to hook it in to the savage system.
If you did so and since you would then be privey to all the data the stock cluster had yo could:
replicate the neutral indicator
replicate the left and right turn indicators - also could "tune" for LED?
In this way, some one could replace the speedo and use your package to replicate all the missing cluster info. ( IE they could replace the tank ...lose the stock speedo but gain all other info back.
Sorry but it aint finished till I get a gas gauge!!! LOL
Other sensor ideas
vaccumn - this is the "economy" sensor
MAF- gawd would only know why
ignition ON idiot light -- YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
clock
USB power out
Thanks for your suggestions Pine. I did consider some of these and other features that COULD be implemented, but the primary goals for the project are KISS and no mechanical mods to the bike. I wanted a plug-n-play unit that would be the least problematic or intrusive to the bike, and that anyone could install. In doing so, I thought it would have the broadest appeal. Modding the speedo case or cable would provide extra features, but would be too intrusive for most. I did consider a clock, and clocks are reasonably cheap and easy (i.e., Maxim 1307, for instance), but there are a couple of problems... A) clocks require either a battery or continuous power from the 12V system, and B) they require setting, which means buttons for hour & minutes.
One feature I thought of was a security system using a single button. Since I already have the rotor pulse signal, I could effectively disable it at startup, preventing the ignitor from firing. This condition would persist until a unique button sequence was entered. So for instance, the display might initially say "Suzuki Savage", and then wait for the a button sequence to be entered. The sequence would be simple, perhaps 3 or 4 button pushes, but would consist of short (< 1 sec) and long (> 1sec) pushes. Example: puuuush-push-push-puuuush. Once the sequence is entered (and you have x retries), the rotor signal is re-enabled, the display returned to normal, and the bike is permitted to start. This feature would only add a single button to the unit (and the software written). Note that electrically, the rotor pulse is a simple floating signal from the sensor coil and not referenced to 12V or ground.
I also considered, at least briefly, designing in a true cruise control. In this case, when you hit "cruise", I would latch in the current rotor pulse count and attempt to keep it constant by altering the throttle using a servo motor attached via short cable to the carb. In other words, in parallel to the regular hand throttle cable. Just like in a car, I would disable the servo motor using either the brake light signal, or by hitting cruise button again. Of course, this feature would violate my no mechanical modding rule, so I threw it out. The only reason I even considered this feature is because my hands are VERY subject to handlebar vibration, thus it would be personally helpful.
CalisOsin wrote on 08/11/12 at 11:12:23:This is awesome! Is it just something you felt like building, or are you thinking of selling these once you get it dialed in?
Either way, great job.
Hi Caslis, I have thought about selling the unit either as a finished product or kit form (soldering required), but there would have to be enough demand to order the materials (otherwise, it will just be one unit for myself - LOL). I haven't calculated an exact bill of materials, nor have I decided on an external packaging (housing) design, but a rough guess is the unit could be offered somewhere in the range of $30 .. $40.