See also: Scooter Computer II - Dyno Requirements (this project will also include dyno software, with graphs and O2 sensing etc)
Project Description
This project is a Qt C++ cross platform application for adding computing functionality to Vespa scooters. The application is designed to run on a tablet pc connected to a LabJack data acquisition device.
The code can be found at: https://github.com/internetscooter/Vespa-Labs
Status
- Purchased U3 LabJack and Acer W500 Tablet
- Confirmed that Qt C++ works on the Acer W500 tablet
- Created Qt C++ project SCII that can load the LabJack dll
- Connected to LabJack and can talk to the pins and obtain data
- Created github repository and uploaded code https://github.com/internetscooter/Vespa-Labs
- RPM of wheel measurement added and tested ok
- Tested Qt Embedded Widgets working for a nice interface
- Crude logging enable to test sensor readings
- Implemented Reed Switch Debounce for wheel sensor and now get consistent readings
- Moved to LabJack streaming mode to get more accurate acceleration calculations
- Have LabJack U6 (more accurate clock)
TODO
In priority order:
- Better readings
- Ordered Hall Effect sensor for wheel speed (the reed switch not accurate enough)
- Add dyno functions for it to work with Scooterlabs Dyno
- roller based force calculations
- graphing (Qwt)
- O2 sensing (reading 5V signal)
- Better Logging functionality and replay - this will help with UI design and flushing out hardware issues with sensors
- Create top level control interface (requires using custom build Qt Creator)
- Implement UI to allow the user to set and save parameters about their Vespa. These will then be used to provide readouts from the wheel measurement - such as RPM, Km/Hr, Hp etc
- Vespa measured weight
- Rider measured weight
- Wheel circumference
- Vespa Type (for preconfigured settings)
- Fix any issues: https://github.com/internetscooter/Vespa-Labs/issues
Joining the Project
To join the project drop paul dot mcintosh at internetscooter dot com and we'll get you set up on github. This project is designed to be generic and you can join in even if you are using it for a motorbike or gokart. All you need is a LabJack and a computer to start and are able to do a bit of coding in C/C++ or know enough about electrics to test out sensors. Another option is designing SVG skins to display gauges.
Background
The problem with the first Scooter Computer (i.e. version 1... or is it 2... it's been going for a while see more background) is that you have to work in the confines of the device. If something goes wrong, then it's hard to get additional information. Everything you do also requires specialised programming techniques or even designing extra hardware. This page is for Scooter Computer II where instead we will go for higher capacity hardware which gives us lots of power to design and get things working.
The initial design is to take a touch screen mobile computer designed for a desktop OS such as Linux/Windows (XP,7) and connect that to a LabJack for data aquistion. The disadvantage though is that the Vespa will not power these for any length of time, so it is for targeted Vespa testing rather than a touring computer.
Disclaimer
This is experimental software and has absolutely NO WARRANTY. The fact that it is a computer for scooters means that it should NEVER be used. It is illegal in most places to operate a computer or electronic device while driving/riding. At best it may be possible to legally use this software on some secret test track, if you have the luxury of one of those then enjoy but don't expect the software to work!
Bits
Tablet PC
Acer Iconia W500 is the Tablet PC being used and I have successfully got it talking to the LabJack above. The performance is pretty good too and I am able to treat it as notebook pretty much including installing a development environment.
One issue to resolve is that the tablet can't be used with motorcycle gloves without some modification. This should be solved with conductive thread http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-A-Glove-Work-With-A-Touch-Screen/
Sensors
- Cylindrical reed switch,M8 NO 200Vac for wheel speed measurement
- Magnet: Disc Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet N50 8mm x 5mmfor attaching to wheel for triggering reed switch above (they are strong enough to stick to the wheels for years unaided)
FeatuFeatures
- Accurate 1us measurement of front wheel rotational speed through a reed switch pickup (similar to a bicycle speedometer)
- RPM output of rotational speed - tested so far up to 1000 rpm using lathe below (80 km/hr for a Vespa PX)
