Thursday, March 26, 2009

The rebuilt trailer and more

The trailer works just fine. I have another set of test to run on different batteries so I will be working on converting a different trailer I have to a battery toter. It will be interesting of course.

I'm going to try to determine whether or not a flooded battery setup is practical.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

the bigger and better (i hope) trailer..

I rebuilt the trailer.. I tested and rebuilt it again. Now I hope I have a trailer that will not come apart and will carry 2 battery packs well hidden. I am going for stealth. Yes the trailer draws attention, but I'm hoping it won't set off any moped bells for the local pd. With that in mind I will be riding with a bike helmet but not the motorcycle helmet required for mopeds.

I will try to make a photo next time I ride it. If I can remember to take the camera.

Besides being stealthy it also had the center of gravity issue beat.

Friday, March 20, 2009

troubles in trailer land.

I knew it was too good to be true lol. I fixed the trailer right to the point that it wouldn't work at all. Even worse I rode off with it not working.When I finally got it home again, I really did what I hope was to fix it permanently. time will tell after I build some more battery cases.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

hub bike range test two

I went to the senior center again the same route as yesterday but with power management in mind. It was a little more work but it seems to have done better on power consumption. I rode uphill pedaling all the way with power assist. I coasted down hills with the throttle off completely. I pulsed the throttle on the flats, batteries had 12.87 volts on them when I returned.

conclusion is if I need to make a trip of about five miles then power management is in order but for trips under four miles it is pretty immaterial. I will be making the double battery pack test either this afternoon or tomorrow I think.

Monday, March 16, 2009

off to the senior place

I rode the friction bike 3 1/4 miles today to the senior center. The parking lot was full so I didn't stop. I rode it with the throttle wide open and got home with 12.57 volts still on the battery pack. That isn't too bad but I plan to do it again tomorrow when it stops raining. I'm going to do it with more of my power and less of the battery just to see if there is a significant difference. I was almost never off the throttle during the ride.

Then I am going to make the ride with my battery trailer on as well. I am curious to see how it does that way.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

too many experts

Every time I go to bike forum and stay more than a couple of minutes I am surprised by how many experts there are lol....

It Sunday and raining

what a drag...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

seems like its rainin' all over the world

It has been rainy since yesterday and will be few more days it seems. I really do want to ride again. I hope the rain ends soon. meantime I am giving some more thought to a push me pull me trailer.

Friday, March 13, 2009

hard to believe

It is hard to believe but it has been almost a week since my last post. I have been working on the bike a little but mostly I tested the friction drive and found it wanting I switched the engine for a larger one and the wheel broke off it. So I commence to ruin it completely. Ah well such is life.

I did get a second good battery pack up and working. Two working packs give me a lot more flexibility. I can switch them if I need to make a trip before the first one has recharged or use them both together for a long trip.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

the plan what happened to the plan

I rode the bike to the home depot instead of just around the hood, so I did the power management thing and it kicked my butt. It was all doable and I need the exercise so it's not a terrible thing. I still don't have the correct technique I'm sure. I did order the second battery pack so that I can load up and go father or ride again sooner. I'm looking forward to seeing how that works out.

Sunday morning comin down.

It's supposed to be another great day here. My plan is to ride the bike again today but probably not the bike trail. Something on city streets most likely. Using more power and less pedal.

I still want to find the best way to ride this. Also I need a longer test with the higher seat. I think it probably changes the balance of the bike and not for the better but it does allow for better pedaling torque.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

the power trailer test



I rode the hub bike today with the addition of extra batteries on a trailer. The battery pack is interchangeable with the one on the bike or they can be run together to give longer life.

Friday, March 6, 2009

rebirth of the hubber bubber



It's a twenty inch kids bike with extensions on the front fork to hold the 26inch wheel of the hub motor. It isn't a perfect ride but it is fun.