So my electrical engineering buddy and I built a gear indicator..
Here are some pics and a video:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765772788121_9028788_44558810_3344671_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs327.snc3/28945_765772798101_9028788_44558811_7831231_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765772927841_9028788_44558823_4164564_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs307.snc3/28945_765772937821_9028788_44558824_5056218_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765772952791_9028788_44558825_7207937_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs307.snc3/28945_765772962771_9028788_44558826_160402_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs327.snc3/28945_765773027641_9028788_44558833_5308609_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs327.snc3/28945_765773067561_9028788_44558838_3148114_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765773142411_9028788_44558844_5606380_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765778212251_9028788_44559301_8220503_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765778227221_9028788_44559302_6391050_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs307.snc3/28945_765778267141_9028788_44559305_2192521_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs559.ash1/32575_766297736121_9028788_44575560_2034898_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs619.snc3/32575_766296862871_9028788_44575548_1623338_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs619.snc3/32575_766297012571_9028788_44575550_4863020_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs619.snc3/32575_766297132331_9028788_44575553_2106422_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs619.snc3/32575_766297311971_9028788_44575555_1157706_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs559.ash1/32575_766297386821_9028788_44575556_5753091_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs659.snc3/32575_766297451691_9028788_44575557_2765279_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs559.ash1/32575_766297556481_9028788_44575559_7782943_n.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SaleenSkater/th_GearIndicator.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SaleenSkater/?action=view¤t=GearIndicator.flv)
thats some cool stuff right there. Is that duct tape on the electrical wires?
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t196/84CrapJ7/1270335553574.jpg)
Slap on some potting, and you're off to market.
Quote from: smaeda on May 14, 2010, 10:07:28 PM
thats some cool stuff right there. Is that duct tape on the electrical wires?
Yeah, we put that on there for abrasion-proofing.. However, in the visible areas we used a different method:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs336.ash1/28945_765778122431_9028788_44559293_7530043_n.jpg)
It is more appealing to the eye. :D
Quote from: Homer on May 14, 2010, 10:14:24 PM
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t196/84CrapJ7/1270335553574.jpg)
Slap on some potting, and you're off to market.
Hahaha.. What's potting?
We are considering making some of these upon order from people.
So far we are testing these bad boys... They are waterproof, and can stand up to 110 mph (indicated) highway speeds. My friend has one running full time at his madman laboratory... so far so good. :thumb:
Nicely done!
What's the LED on the left of the 7-segment LED for?
It is something my friend added to verify that the circuit works.. (For example if something goes wrong with the 7 segment display the light will still be lit letting us know that the problem is with the 7 segment display.
If you do decide to make them I'd definitely be interested
me too! just make sure a very detailed instalation manual is included for dummies like me XD
Definitely interested! What are you thinking of charging for them?
I don't get it.
I understand the usefulness of a gear indicator for the first month of riding but eventually a rider should be able to look down and compare the speedometer and tachometer readings to make a fairly accurate decision as to what gear they are in.
I have a normal geared bike. At 65 mph the speedometer needle is basically pointing straight up...If the tach needle is advanced past the 6500 rpm mark I'm in 5th or 4th...If is less that 6500 rpm I'm in 6th.
Just listening will communicate which gear the bike is in as well.
Do most riders need a gear indicator after they have been riding awhile? (Say...3,000 miles or more)
Quote from: XealotX on May 15, 2010, 05:44:20 PM
I don't get it.
I understand the usefulness of a gear indicator for the first month of riding but eventually a rider should be able to look down and compare the speedometer and tachometer readings to make a fairly accurate decision as to what gear they are in.
I have a normal geared bike. At 65 mph the speedometer needle is basically pointing straight up...If the tach needle is advanced past the 6500 rpm mark I'm in 5th or 4th...If is less that 6500 rpm I'm in 6th.
Just listening will communicate which gear the bike is in as well.
Do most riders need a gear indicator after they have been riding awhile? (Say...3,000 miles or more)
It's just a nice feature to have. Yes, I have been riding for 3 years and can tell you what gear I am in by my RPM and speed.. but I like looking down for a split second and seeing it right there.
We might be doing these for order. But we still need to figure out cost and such. I would need to know who is definitely purchasing one and know that they are not going to bail once we invest our money into parts and labor.
I'm in if price is right.
What's not to get? It's about the bling!!!! :thumb:
so. . . . . . how much is it?
Why will it only work for 110 mph? what would happen if that speed is exceeded?
Quote from: black and silver twin on May 19, 2010, 11:01:47 PM
Why will it only work for 110 mph? what would happen if that speed is exceeded?
Trust me bro.. you will never ever know with your GS.
Wow great feature. Count me in on one if you decide to market.
Quote from: Bluehaze on May 20, 2010, 01:03:12 AM
Quote from: black and silver twin on May 19, 2010, 11:01:47 PM
Why will it only work for 110 mph? what would happen if that speed is exceeded?
Trust me bro.. you will never ever know with your GS.
Downhill with a tailwind you might, lol.
Great job on the indicator! If I had stock anything I would snag one of these for the cool factor.
Quote from: Bluehaze on May 20, 2010, 01:03:12 AM
Quote from: black and silver twin on May 19, 2010, 11:01:47 PM
Why will it only work for 110 mph? what would happen if that speed is exceeded?
Trust me bro.. you will never ever know with your GS.
I have taken mine to 125mph indicated (redline in 6th with 15t sprocket) many times.
Quote from: O.C.D. on May 20, 2010, 07:03:38 AM
Quote from: Bluehaze on May 20, 2010, 01:03:12 AM
Quote from: black and silver twin on May 19, 2010, 11:01:47 PM
Why will it only work for 110 mph? what would happen if that speed is exceeded?
Trust me bro.. you will never ever know with your GS.
Downhill with a tailwind you might, lol.
Great job on the indicator! If I had stock anything I would snag one of these for the cool factor.
on flat road, dont know about tail wind though. I have done it enough times to rule out wind.
nice.. thats an awesome feeling getting that on a GS i am sure. You must be mechanically inclined.. for most of us its just a dream.
I think this is a great idea since this can be a "begginers bikes". It takes out the stress of trying to figure out what gear you are in and more on riding. Then once you get used to riding, you will also get used to hearing the gear/rev. Its a win win situation. I hope the OP does sell this in a manner that would make it worth while to buy.
bling factor on this one is 15 out of 10 :icon_mrgreen:
I really don't need one for practical use, but if the price is right I would purchase one just to have it ;)
very nice build and pics!!
thanks
I have a naked so I was wondering how it would hold up to high speed (wind resistance).. But even at 110 mph there was no problem. We still have to see what the cheapest way to produce these would be for the GStwin-ers.
http://www.riderstation.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=DG8
Quote from: SAFE-T on May 22, 2010, 06:14:22 PM
http://www.riderstation.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=DG8
Indicator is suitable for use on all motorcycles equipped with an electronic speedometer and electronic tachometer.Unfortunately the GS is not equipped with an electronic speedometer.. unless you know something I don't. :flipoff:
Then you need to hurry up and get yours into production :thumb:
Just going to give this post a bump..
We are looking good for producing 10-20 of these indicators if the demand is there.
My question is what would you be willing to pay for one? Please throw some reasonable numbers out there.
I will have some more/better pics & videos up a in the near future.
I have no idea what reasonable is... it all depends on how much time you have to spend on assembly, soldering etc, and how much the components cost.
Quote from: kml.krk on June 13, 2010, 06:46:19 PM
I have no idea what reasonable is... it all depends on how much time you have to spend on assembly, soldering etc, and how much the components cost.
I'm looking at what each individual would value this at?
Would you be willing to pay $80 for something like this? $90? $100?
Quote from: Yev on June 13, 2010, 07:26:26 PM
Quote from: kml.krk on June 13, 2010, 06:46:19 PM
I have no idea what reasonable is... it all depends on how much time you have to spend on assembly, soldering etc, and how much the components cost.
I'm looking at what each individual would value this at?
Would you be willing to pay $80 for something like this? $90? $100?
In short, if it only has a cost of $20 to make (parts and labor) you don't want to charge $40 if people are willing to pay $100. Why make a $20 profit when you might be able to make a $80 profit, right?
The downside, if you could call it that, is that people value things differently.
For instance, you could offer it to me for $1 and I wouldn't buy it. I have no desire to have it and couldn't be stuffed messing around to put one on. Heck, I wouldn't even take it if it was offered for free. So to me it has Zero value..
Michael
I wouldn't buy one myself. But here is your price-point: http://www.riderstation.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=DG8
for $80-100 I am out. I simply cannot afford it :icon_neutral:
But kudos to you for making that thing!
Maybe one day when you become rich from selling these things you will post instructions on how to build it :thumb:
I will then gather parts online and play with solder iron ;)
best of luck to you :cheers:
KML
One part alone (the suzuki gear switch is $46-50.. If it wasn't for that it would be cheaper. We can make it a DIY kit and sell it for A LOT cheaper (you would have to find the suzuki part on your own).. But you would have to obviously do it yourself...
The actual board is one of a kind. My friend Dave (the electrical engineer) designed and made the circuit. If there is interest for something like that.. Let me/us know!
We are going ahead and making 3 of these indicators for purchase.
If you would like one please send me a PM.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs246.snc4/39625_798735765051_9028788_45896852_6937973_n.jpg)
For those of you that would like to view the PDF for the gear install.. here it is:
http://www.folcik.com/GearIndicator-User_Guide.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICVV7e76PkI
What about selling just the indicator part and letting others get the switch on their own? This would reduce your overhead costs of parts as well as the shipping charge.
I'm interested for my wife, she is learning to ride. On another note.... I never count my gears. I know what first feels like for speed and I don't worry about the rest. Still... would be nice to have this.
This gear indicator is one of the coolest non-performance mods Ive seen! It looks easy to install too! If I wasn't selling my gs I'd buy one.
Quote from: grahamlocklin on August 20, 2010, 10:36:47 AM
What about selling just the indicator part and letting others get the switch on their own? This would reduce your overhead costs of parts as well as the shipping charge.
I'm interested for my wife, she is learning to ride. On another note.... I never count my gears. I know what first feels like for speed and I don't worry about the rest. Still... would be nice to have this.
That is definitely a possibility for anyone that wants to do this. I did purchase 2 switches.. But it can be sold separately. If you are interested in one for your wife just shoot me a PM and we can work something out.
What part did you use for the gear switch? Was it the 37720-45100?
I have one I was going to use to program a PIC processor but if the switch is what you used, then I'd be interested in buying one of your boards and save me some work.
By the way, if you want any help, I have done schematic through completed PC board and could help you make more boards or add more functionality with PIC processors (I've done parts for AMF/Brunswick pinsetters and for pipe organ interfacing and MIDI controllers with PICs. Other stuff with Z-80's and Parallax SX's).
Quote from: adidasguy on August 21, 2010, 11:39:07 PM
What part did you use for the gear switch? Was it the 37720-45100?
I have one I was going to use to program a PIC processor but if the switch is what you used, then I'd be interested in buying one of your boards and save me some work.
By the way, if you want any help, I have done schematic through completed PC board and could help you make more boards or add more functionality with PIC processors (I've done parts for AMF/Brunswick pinsetters and for pipe organ interfacing and MIDI controllers with PICs. Other stuff with Z-80's and Parallax SX's).
Yes we used that part #.
My friend is the one that does all the electrical engineering parts of this project.
I can see what a fair price for everything but the switch is. I will shoot you a PM with an update.
Thanks,
Yev
I have a 2007 GS500f. When I looked at the neutral indicator switch it has 3 wires rather than the single blue wire I was expecting. The GS500f wiring diagram has the additional 2 (GR/BL & R/B) wires going to the igniter. If I were to install the 37720-45100 switch what happens to the two wires going to the igniter. Do they matter?
Cheers
Rob,
I am at work right now so I can't verify any diagrams..
But from the top of my head I believe there is one wire that is not used.
I have the indicator installed on my 2007 GS500e (used to be an F) and everything works great!
Hope that helps, if not send me a PM or post up again and I will verify when I get home.
"MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING"----Shakespeare.
It is kinda cute, but not for the trouble and expense.
Same can be said about any modification.
:D
To each their own!
Cheers Yev.
Here are the two wire I'm talking about. This is from the K4 service manual supplement. Do you know what they are connected to in the switch, and if they are needed.
(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9829/gearswitchwiring.png)
I did check my bike and that harness plug was left unplugged and tucked away. It is not necessary for the operation of the bike when you switch over to our gear indicator.
Hope that helps!
It would be interesting to look into the switch itself and actually see where those wires go and what they do. OR use an ohm meter and check resistance with the switch on as you change gears. Maybe it is a resistor that changes value with the gear and slightly changes the ignition timing.
I'll check on my 2009 model next week. I'm getting the gear indicator so when I install it, I'll see if my GS has the same thing and if so, I'll determine what it does.
Here is the harness that is probably in question:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SaleenSkater/DSCN8649.jpg)
I do have it unplugged and have done almost 4K miles without it plugged in with no problems.
I just tucked it away when I installed the gear indicator:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SaleenSkater/DSCN8652.jpg)
Quote from: adidasguy on August 26, 2010, 06:05:42 PM
It would be interesting to look into the switch itself and actually see where those wires go and what they do. OR use an ohm meter and check resistance with the switch on as you change gears. Maybe it is a resistor that changes value with the gear and slightly changes the ignition timing.
I'll check on my 2009 model next week. I'm getting the gear indicator so when I install it, I'll see if my GS has the same thing and if so, I'll determine what it does.
That would be great! ;)
And a big thanks for being the first buyer. :cheers:
Here is yours... all ready to be shipped:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SaleenSkater/DSCN8648.jpg)
Bump.. got one all set for sale..
So what is the mystery wire?
Quote from: ke7syv on September 16, 2010, 05:30:33 PM
So what is the mystery wire?
The pic above was for a fellow GS member who had his own gear switch.
For everyone else it would come with no "mystery wires".
It would come as a plug and play.