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Bicycle Computer #9 -Mounting the Hardware on the Bike

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This is the 9th in a series of articles demonstrating how someone with modest .NET programming capabilities can now write applications for embedded devices using the .NET Micro Framework and Visual Studio.  To jump to the initial article, click here. The full project source code can be found on www.netmfbikecomputer.codeplex.com.  Remember, you can help determine what we cover in the series with your questions and suggestions.

We are deep into the finishing up of Version 4.1 due to launch in about a week.  So, to lighten my load this week, I am going to focus not on code but on the process of getting the computer on the bike which is progressing.  Here are some pictures.  Jim has been helping with the mounting brackets for the sensors and the computer itself.  Here is what it looks like now.

We mounted some aluminum brackets with hose clamps lined with rubber to protect the handle bars.

IMG_0135

The lower plate of the plastic enclosure is then screwed on.

IMG_0138

Then the dev board (the GHI Cobra), and the sensor board, and the Wi-Fi radio are mounted onto that base. The top of the enclose with the display mounted is also attached to the processor board.

IMG_0140 

All buttoned up and ready to run.  My old bike computer (below and a little to the right) is clearly a lot smaller but this is still a prototype and can get much smaller (within the limits of the display of course).

IMG_0148And we are working on getting the switch sensors mounted.  The plan calls for mounts to tubes and pedals using zip ties.  There are still some placement challenges because these magnets are so large.  

IMG_0160 IMG_0162 IMG_0164

We lucked out and the reflector that I use on the wheels has a center that we could drill out to fit the magnet.

That’s all for now.  In the coming weeks, I see articles on saving the ride data off to the SD card, writing an application to run (a long time) on batteries, and setting the date and time on the device when I start it up from the network at my house.  Anything else you want to hear about?

Comments

  • Anonymous
    July 15, 2010
    The link 'www.bikecomputer.codeplex.com' is not correct. The correct link is:  netmfbikecomputer.codeplex.com

  • Anonymous
    July 16, 2010
    Thanks Johan,   That has been wrong in the last several articles.  Fixed now.  

  • Anonymous
    September 12, 2010
    Is the display on this device sunlight readable or only usable on rainy seattle days?

  • Anonymous
    September 13, 2010
    Well - is there a difference?  :-).   I actually adjusted the colors on the screen to make them higher contrast and the larger display helps.  I can see it on days that are as sunny as it gets here but we haven't had many really bright days this summer. The angle is important with this screen so the mounting needs to be adjustable.  

  • Anonymous
    September 23, 2010
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 28, 2010
    This unit probably doesnt meet that requirement so I dont recommend replacing the instrument panel on your plane with this hardware without verifying that it meets your needs. :-)

  • Anonymous
    October 26, 2010
    hello, i search wifi application and i find you :) i'm interest by FEZ Domino do you know what is the module to acces wifi: cle usb wifi? wifi interface but i don't find thank you

  • Anonymous
    October 27, 2010
    Hi franck   GHI has a Wifi shield for the Fez Domino.  www.tinyclr.com/.../fez-domino There are no offical GHI drivers but they do have some sample drivers for now that bridge UART to Wifi at: www.tinyclr.com/.../FEZ_Shields_WiFly.cs   This is a simple wifi connection without DPWS or Sockets.  If you are looking for something more complex, you might consider the Fez Cobra.  There is a free NETMF ebook that explains the differences at: www.tinyclr.com/.../Beginners%20guide%20to%20NETMF.pdf