I LOVE crusie control!

[morphix]

The cruise control on the KU series controllers works like this:
Hold the throttle still for 5 seconds and when you let go, it will maintain that speed setting.

This is easy to do at full throttle because you're against a stop, but at any other position it's very difficult to hold the throttle still for that long to set it. Often, when you've been using full throttle for a bit, the cruise is set, so when you let go of the throttle expecting to slow down, instead you carry on at maximun speed, which gives you a little scare, even though it can be cancelled by blipping the throttle or using the brakes.

I tried the cruise function for a bit, but soon got fed up wiith it and changed to a more reliable simple mechanical/electrical cruise control.

Thanks Dave, I knew someone would know the KU63! Do you know if the cruise control feature can be controlled by the speedict at all?

I'm also curious..how did you devise your own cruise control..by modifying the throttle like others have suggested, taking the spring out? Or some different approach entirely perhaps?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Thanks Dave, I knew someone would know the KU63! Do you know if the cruise control feature can be controlled by the speedict at all?

I'm also curious..how did you devise your own cruise control..by modifying the throttle like others have suggested, taking the spring out? Or some different approach entirely perhaps?

The present Speedict doesn't have cruise control. I asked Danny for a function that activates the throttle by pedalling with power level set by an external potentiometer, which is nearly the same thing. We'll have to wait for the new version to see if this feature is included.

you can make a cruise control with a 10k linear potentiometer and a switch mounted in a 1" cube pot box, all of which can be bought from Maplin for about £5 total. You can also use this arrangement instead of a normal throttle, like I do on my Dahon.

Here the three speed switch on the left switches between the normal throttle and cruise, and the red lnob near the stem sets the speed.

 

[morphix]

How neat and uncluttered does that look! neato No bell though?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Saneagle and myself are building a very neat and stealthy bike at the moment. We'll post details when finished. The aim is to have enough power to go up steep hills without effort, to have a range of 40 - 50 miles with slight pedal effort, cost less than the cheapest ready made ebikes, have higher spec components than most ready-made bikes, and nobody must notice that it's electric for reasons outlined by jerrysimon.

 

[Waspy]

Saneagle and myself are building a very neat and stealthy bike at the moment. We'll post details when finished. The aim is to have enough power to go up steep hills without effort, to have a range of 40 - 50 miles with slight pedal effort, cost less than the cheapest ready made ebikes, have higher spec components than most ready-made bikes, and nobody must notice that it's electric for reasons outlined by jerrysimon.

I'm in. When do you want my credit card details?

 

[mountainsport]

Saneagle and myself are building a very neat and stealthy bike at the moment. We'll post details when finished. The aim is to have enough power to go up steep hills without effort, to have a range of 40 - 50 miles with slight pedal effort, cost less than the cheapest ready made ebikes, have higher spec components than most ready-made bikes, and nobody must notice that it's electric for reasons outlined by jerrysimon.

d8veh i will buy the bike from you once this carefully desighned product has been completely finished and tested and also throwing in a reverse switch to add to my laziness,and for sure that will tempt me even more still.

Mountainsport.

 

[morphix]

Saneagle and myself are building a very neat and stealthy bike at the moment. We'll post details when finished. The aim is to have enough power to go up steep hills without effort, to have a range of 40 - 50 miles with slight pedal effort, cost less than the cheapest ready made ebikes, have higher spec components than most ready-made bikes, and nobody must notice that it's electric for reasons outlined by jerrysimon.

That sounds like my ideal bike! It's basically everything I think makes the perfect e-bike and what an e-bike should be like!

I tried to achieve that with my 26" folder (the front wheel motor was obviously a terrible choice in hindsight, but was done for simplicity on my first build) and came pretty close, but obviously a full-size bike is not the way to go if you want ultra-lightweight and absolute portability. I think with my current Mezzo build I will come close to achieving my original aim.

I'm waiting with bated breath to see your finished bike! Is it just a personal project, or are you planning to go into business and bring something new to the market?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

It's just Steve's personal project. We're just waiting for the motoor - a Bafang CST.

 

[morphix]

It's just Steve's personal project. We're just waiting for the motoor - a Bafang CST.

Nice, but a strange choice given the heavy weight? Or perhaps weight is lower down on your priorities on this one? Why did you choose that specific motor?

For my Mezzo build weight is the top priority, there's probably lighter bikes I could have chosen, (but not in my budget) and although you see sub-10kg bikes like the Dahon Uno, it's misleading as they're bare with no rack, guards etc. By the time you added all that on, they end up heavier than my Mezzo which has everything and still only weights 12.3kg.

It's been difficult to find the balance between maintaining a low carry weight and keeping a functional work bike. I'm weighing everything closely on this build and looking to offset weight or save weight where I can. I'm aiming for a carry weight of under 15kg! (less the battery and controller/speedict). Also like your project, I want the bike to look completely unpowered. I even tried to get a black rear motor to blend in with the Mezzo!

 

[Deleted member 4366]

We expect the overall weight to be less than your average ready-made ebike, but not as light as the lighter ones.

 

[morphix]

We expect the overall weight to be less than your average ready-made ebike, but not as light as the lighter ones.

My 26" is around 21kg total weight with battery and all.. not too bad eh. If I take off the controller and battery in handle bar bag, carry weight is a respectable 18.4kg.

 

[wurly]

You know there is an easier way to incorporate the cruise control on KU controllers if you use a momentary switch. Hold the throttle depress the switch........it's set. (No need to hold the throttle steady for 5 seconds). Moving the throttle/ operating the brake/3speed switch/operating the momo switch will all cancel the cruise.