Swizzbee (aka dolphin) anyone got detailed knowledge?

[KirstinS]

I've posted this on ES as well....But just in case....


Hi All,

I’ve recently acquired a Swizzbee ebike in amazing condition. They are extremely rare in the UK and rather unique in the way they function (and in my opinion great looking machines. I’m afraid I’ll need to give the information I have before getting to the question. Apols if this seems rambling....I’ll keep succinct as I can 

So

• They were produced in Switzerland about ten years the brain child of one Michael Futter (http://www.escooter.de/Z_Kategorien/speedx/swizzbee/powerbike.html)
• He moved to USA where the same concept was marketed under the Dolphin name
• The bike uses a 270w heinzmann mid mounted motor and a unique drive system. The motor is connected to a differential hub via a belt drive on the left. The gears/chain are connected to the hub on the right. The hub/differential melds the power (I’m not an engineer so this is my laymans terminology - details here http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=US&NR=5242335&KC=&FT=E&locale=en_EP)
• Battery is a LG 10ah lithium pack in mine (early versions had NiMh). The charger is, unusually, integrated.
• The electrics are complex. There is a 3 press personalised code to unlock the bike – get it wrong 10 times and you need a 10 press secondary code from the dealer. There aren’t any anymore.....at least not that I’m aware of so I guess the bike would be bricked if this happened !

So, my bike has the original battery which is quite degraded. Its good for about 10/12miles on the flat. The sag under load is horrible.

I’m pretty good with batteries – I’ve built a few bikes up including the packs (cranks and hub). I tend to use Samsung 18650 cells these days and also Lipo bricks (usually HK multistar). I’ve repaired quite a few bikes also for others. So I have a reasonable level of knowledge

The Question then

I want to replace the battery BUT I don’t want to brick my bike. Does anyone have any knowledge of these bikes? Or can point me in the direction of anyone who might know ?

I’m very comfortable in replacing the cell pack and hooking up the BMS......but I’m terrified that I’ll be asked for that dealer code at that point


Any help much appreciated

Thanks
Kirstin

 

[KirstinS]

Thanks to flecc for input as to designer/move to usa

 

[shemozzle999]

Most security dongles (like those that use to be supplied with software program packages) were designed with non-volatile electronically erasable prom chips (eeproms) which retain the code even when the power is removed but I don't know if this applies to your system. They usually come in 8 pin dil IC's - you would need to have a look at the electronics.

I did find another photo of the Swizzbee though sandwiched in between a very interesting set of ebike pictures by the author Beeping Sleauty, may even be our own forum member Beeping-Sleauty :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24973847@N07

 

[flecc]

Link direct to that photo.

Click to enlarge to full frame.
.

 

[KirstinS]

Most security dongles (like those that use to be supplied with software program packages) were designed with non-volatile electronically erasable prom chips (eeproms) which retain the code even when the power is removed but I don't know if this applies to your system. They usually come in 8 pin dil IC's - you would need to have a look at the electronics.

I did find another photo of the Swizzbee though sandwiched in between a very interesting set of ebike pictures by the author Beeping Sleauty, may even be our own forum member Beeping-Sleauty :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24973847@N07

Thanks, I'll see if I can photo anything useful that might confirm this later today

But potentially good news

 

[anotherkiwi]

Can't you just work around the code thing by installing a new battery and a controller that is compatible with the motor?

 

[KirstinS]

Can't you just work around the code thing by installing a new battery and a controller that is compatible with the motor?

Not really as that would ruin the ride of the bike which is based on cadence being the variable which controls the power assistance .....which is then blended within the differential

Plus it would ruin the looks as the buttons wouldn't work, and LCD would be required, sensor on bb etc.

I mean it is an option of last resort. But only if all else has failed

 

[KirstinS]

What if I wire a new 36v pack in parallel and then cut the old battery out of the circuit ?

This way the 36v connection is never broken ?

Any issues with this. Do you think ?

 

[flecc]

I mean it is an option of last resort. But only if all else has failed

One option to try to fool the software would be to have a second carrier mounted battery connected in parallel, supplying additional current for drive power and range while the software still sees the original BMS.
.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I think the code is in an eprom and you should be able to change the battery without losing the code. Parallel connection would mean you need both batteries to be charged to exactly the same voltage can you still do that?

 

[flecc]

What if I wire a new 36v pack in parallel and then cut the old battery out of the circuit ?

This way the 36v connection is never broken ?

Any issues with this. Do you think ?

Our posts crossed, I'd just suggested this on this link. I wouldn't disconnect the old battery immediately though, try them in parallel at first.
.

 

[KirstinS]

And over on es I was given this. Looks like izip still sell a 750w 20ah version using same drive mechanism

http://www.izipusa.com/prior-year-models-electric-bikes-2014-pavement-express

 

[anotherkiwi]

They should be able to answer your questions about the code.

As the page says: "I want this bike"! A top assisted speed of 35 km/h would be perfect.

 

[flecc]

And over on es I was given this. Looks like izip still sell a 750w 20ah version using same drive mechanism

http://www.izipusa.com/prior-year-models-electric-bikes-2014-pavement-express

I thought they might still be in production, this is the one they originally sold as the Dolphin. I don't know if the software was the same though.
.

 

[KirstinS]

I thought they might still be in production, this is the one they originally sold as the Dolphin. I don't know if the software was the same though.
.

Yes, that was my concern too

Still I shall ask them and report back