DeltaRunner on electric drive from EchoSpeed

[dakidd1]

:rolleyes4:

Well, I am in the beginning process of making my wife's DeltaRunner. Have big plans for this one. Will be adding a "EcoSpeed" midrang electric power system to it. Very price'e at least. Had to wait quit a while to get the system from them. And it arrived not quite fully assembled, will give a picture as refference. E-Mailed them about grinding beeing felt when I turned the drive system counter clockwize, they told me that a little resistance at first would be felt untill unit broke in. Did'nt seem right to me, and upon futher investgation, I saw that the drive sprocket was not fully seated onto drive mechinizim. Told them what I found and didn't even get a "hey we are sorry" from them. Man, I expected a little more from them after paying so much out for this unit. Was able to fix it up, myself. But didn't like those gouges made on the inside of mounting plate where the screws were not fully tightened.

Whew !!!! OK... Got that out of my system. I do think this mid drive motor will be great thing for my wife's bike. Looks like a good ideal they have on the market for recumbrent bike's. She has proublems with her neah hurting after going on bike rides, so this should help her out.

Just getting started out, but will post pics from time to time of build, and report on finale build as how this all come out. Curiuos about miles, and speed of this new motor. Have been curious about trying an electric alternative to gas powered pedle assit systems.

Ron


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01421.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01465.jpg

[GregLWB]

Cool Ron - I'll be watching.:1eye: Sorry to hear that you had some problems at first.

Greg

[dakidd1]

I have found a way to weld my rear hub washers up without any trial and error. Think this might be of some use to someone else, so here are some pics. I use a lock collar to clamp my washer to. Bye clamping to oposite sides, and tack welding on oppisite sides, have no proublems with perfect allinement of the washer.

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01466.jpg


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01469.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01470.jpg

I remove clamps after first 2 welds, tack weld 2 more spots at 180 degrees from each otheir. Then tack weld oppisite side, allowing time to cool metal first by air gun and water, then finishing the full 360 degree welds all the way around.

Add the secound washer at the apropreit 3.5 inches distance, with the lock collar on the outside. ( so it can be removed after tack welds are complete) Make sure spoke holes are positioned correctly accross from each othier as per plans.

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01471.jpg

This seem to take all the tap, and reposition method right out of the picture for me... Maybe it will help someone else out...

Ron

[Radical Brad]

Nice tip, thanks.

Maybe Kat can use that one in the next newsletter?

Brad

[dakidd1]

Sure Brad, I would be honered if you thought it was usable info in any way, shap or form. Anything I can do to help someone out is the least I could do for you guys, and gals at AtomicZombie. You all are the best.

Greg, I am not sure why you are "Sorry to hear that you had some problems". I in no way hold you responsable (you don't work for them, do you? lol) for EchoSpeed lack of quality in there build. They did respond to my E-Mails in a quick fashon, and I am sure they are up to there heads in orders to fullfill, and I do think there electric drive system is a great ideal !!! Thank you for pointing them out to all of us.... You da man !!!

Ron

[TheKid]

We introduced the shaft collar for lining up a while ago.

What I mean is, weld the outside of the hub first. Then slide the disc adapter on the axle, and weld it to the hub and the axle. You could use the freewheel adapter to hold it tight to the hub and weld it to the hub first, then the axle. Or, you could buy inexpensive shaft collars to hold the adapter tight to the hub, so you don't risk getting spatter on the freewheel.


Then Joey came up with this:

http://forum.atomiczombie.com/showthread.php?t=678&highlight=shaft+collar

[GregLWB]

I'm glad that the shaft collar method got posted, or posted again. I hadn't seen this before and will be using this tip in the future.:)

Ron - I didn't feel responsible just sad to hear that even a company with a great reputation sometimes still has an issue.:)

Greg

[dakidd1]

We introduced the shaft collar for lining up a while ago.



Then Joey came up with this:

http://forum.atomiczombie.com/showthread.php?t=678&highlight=shaft+collar

Cool ..... I see you guys allready thought this one up. Should of known. I don't read all the post that are in here by far, but looks like that would be beneficial, to say the least, for me to do so... I make my rear sproket adapter useing a colar also, just like you guys. Be cool if all these little helper ideals had a place all by themselves, so someone like me could find them readly available to browze through.

Happy trails,
Ron 8)

[Patrike]

Cool ..... I see you guys allready thought this one up. Should of known. Ron 8)

I thought I had invented that - I have it written on paper and dated, do I own it:jester: Better to repost -- like Greg said he had not seen it and I am sure others will not find it in the future.

Ecospeed -- at that price they should be flying in a rep by helicopter to grovel at your feet and beg for forgiveness :jester: goes to show you just because it is really expensive !!!!! I think it is a fantasic setup, I would have to sell one of the kids to afford ----- hmmm!:rolleyes4:

Hey, what battery pack did you get?

[dakidd1]

Hey Patrike, Yeah.. I didn,t quite expect the reaction I got to that tip ...... Sheeeewwww eeeee ..... I'll try to be a bit more carefull in the future LOL But I really am not to concerned who comes up with these things, or ideals. Just good that we all share them here on AtomicZombie. Be cool if they had a special place to hoard them all in. 8)

The battery I got I found on Ebay. Its a "36V 20AH LIFEPO4 Lithium Battery" Just did a search there and found some right of the bat. I recieved it in a realtivly quick fashon, concidering it came from China. And best of all, it was a lot cheaper than EcoSpeeds battery deals.... I think it will perform just as good as there version.

I had a little money left over from my Buyout at TRMI, (Toka Rika Michigan) a parts supplyer for Toyata, Camery, Lexus ect. I felt my posistion would be compromized, to say the least, if I stayed with them. Wife also has family in Iowa, and she and I have talked about moveing there lots in the past before the automobile industry bottom fell out for many people. So look out Iowa, here we come......... lol TRMI did hint that we would be able to draw unemployment from them, and we all did so (70 people plus) for about three mounths, then they "changed the wording" with MESC office and said we all voluntary quit. So now MESC wants all the moneys paid back .... LOL Such is life, though..... Rich one day, and poor the next....

On a Better note..... A current picture.


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01473.jpg


After building a 20" wheel StreetRider/DeltaRunner mixed bike for my sister's kids, this 26" DeltaRunner seems huge. I did give the rear boom a 32" wide spread, which is now 40"s wide with tires inplace. She did not want them tires close to her when riding her bike. This is going to be BIG !!!! LOL


Happy trails all,
Ron

[Odd Man Out]

Hey Patrike, Yeah.. I didn,t quite expect the reaction I got to that tip ...... Sheeeewwww eeeee ..... Be cool if they had a special place to hoard them all in. 8)
Happy trails all,
Ron

Ron;

It seems like as this forum becomes "older" and more solidified that some of the members take "ownership" it it. I personally am guilty of this -- I have been a member since 2006 and have probably read every post on this site and the old one. Honestly, I get a liitle ticked when people ask the same question that has already been answered 5 to 10 times already. All they have to do is expend a little effort and find the answers -- but they don't.

Let me be a representative for the old guard and say I apologize for expecting every newby to read everything before they ask a question or post a tip. There is an overwhelming amount of great knowledge on this site to soak up.

Also, I agree with you that there should be a place to concentrate all the great tips for each design. I don't think that Brad or Kat should be expected to do it though -- it should be up to US. The most that Brad and Kat should do is maybe creat a new section called "BUILDING TIPS". After this is created we can then post individual threads on each design. An example would be "DELTAWOLF BUILDING TIPS". It would then be incumbent upon each of us to scour the sites, old and new, and repost links to each tip with a small description of said tip.

Just my zwei pfennigs. Hope this helps.

[TheKid]

It seems like as this forum becomes "older" and more solidified that some of the members take "ownership" it it.

More to the point, if credit is going to be given for a tip, it should go to the person who originally posted it. In addition, if that person got it from elsewhere on the net, that person should fess up and say so. I posted the collar tip a long time ago, and Joey later came up with the method of using the freewheel adapter. I tried his method, and it actually worked better.

That being said, If you pay a premium price for a product, it's only natural to expect it to be superior to cheaper products of the same kind. If there's a problem with the product, customer service should be superb. This company may have lost business due to this thread, but maybe that was factored into their business model. I've encountered too many companies that sell junk at a ridiculously high profit margin and don't back the products with good customer service. If business is lost, no big deal. There's such a high profit, it's made up for by running the business as lean as possible, which means less hiring for customer service, research, etc.

[Odd Man Out]

More to the point, if credit is going to be given for a tip, it should go to the person who originally posted it. In addition, if that person got it from elsewhere on the net, that person should fess up and say so.

If it impinges on someone's business or somehow financial hurts them, then I agree with you wholeheartedly. If it is only for bragging rights and ego then I disagree with you. Hopefully we are all here on this forum to freely share and learn. I don't think anyone is trying to "one up" anyone else.

On the other hand it is always polite to provide correct attirubution if possible.

[Odd Man Out]

On the other hand it is always polite to provide correct attirubution if possible.

OOPS -- the word is "attribution" -- sorry I have FFS (fat finger syndrome)

[TheKid]

On the other hand it is always polite to provide correct attirubution if possible.


Bingo. It's called etiqueette. :1eye: (FFS)

[Odd Man Out]

Bingo. It's called etiqueette. :1eye: (FFS)

Nice LOL

We now return you to your regular programming...

[dakidd1]

Hello !!!
Back again. Got this build out of my basement, and a couple of things done to her. Glad you all stoped by. Working on stearing tomorrow, and will see what else I can get done tomorrow. Keep the coments coming, love to hear from ya.........

Ron


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01474.jpg

[dakidd1]

Oh, bye the way.
Somehow im starting to feel someone thinks I tried to steal there ideal, and claim it as mine. Trust me, I got way better things to do than that. So please stop trying to bash me. Take it somewhere else !!!

If an ideal pops into my little head, and I think someone could benefit from it, I will post it. Its as simple as that. Good god, you think I was going to recieve a medal or something........... I have tried to be respectfull, and hold my toung but you are really making it difficult for me. Just try to think of this. We that come here may be of like minded indeviduals, and things may come to us that are very simular in thought as we build these incredebale bikes that Brad has chosen to share with us all.

Its late, so I will shut up,
Happy Trails,
Ron

[TheKid]

No bashing. You didn't know it was posted before. As long as Brad was going to give credit, I was letting him know it was posted before. There was nothing aimed at you. After that the discussion was generally speaking, and had nothing to do with you or Brad. In the future, I will be more explicit.
As far as your motor, I think the company did you dirty, and I'm sure they will lose customers from this forum.

[JayRay]

Dakidd1
Your DeltaRunner is looking good!
I am very interested in your build,
I think it will be my next project.
Please keep posting progress
reports and more photos.

I got a head start on mine when I
scored these two 26" rust buckets.
http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq317/JustJay2009/DeltaRunner/th_PiecesParts-01.jpg (http://s459.photobucket.com/albums/qq317/JustJay2009/DeltaRunner/?action=view&current=PiecesParts-01.jpg)
Jay

[Patrike]

Looking good - your going strong - are those's 20's - thought the DR called for 26 -- can't wait to see the build completion, I am living vicariously through the builds of others - so hurry up :jester:

[dakidd1]

Looking good - your going strong - are those's 20's - thought the DR called for 26 -- can't wait to see the build completion, I am living vicariously through the builds of others - so hurry up :jester:

Het Patrike, the picture does seem to make it look like smaller wheels. But thoses are 26 inch wheels. The thing is almost as tall as my John Dear. Wife is very happy for that to. Its not what I would have chosen for myself, but its just what she wanted.... I like the lean and mean ones better. And don't forget, really cool. (StreetRider, DeltaWolf, Marauder Reloaded for example.)

Ron

[Patrike]

I like the lean and mean ones better. And don't forget, really cool. (StreetRider, DeltaWolf, Marauder Reloaded for example.)

Ron

I am no longer about lean and mean - more ride and glide :jester: I was looking at a vid on Ytube, a guy with that mid drive, he was warning the thing could take his 2 wheel recumbent to over 60kph(37mph) and saying how scary it was -- looks like your going to be able to drag race that thing down Main St.

[dakidd1]

I usally cruse around 40mph on my StreetRider. It was scary, and crazy fun, when I first started doing those speeds. My GEBE has broken in now, and she roles along very smothly. Got something like 2000 miles by now, I think. Havn,t really looked at the milage lately, so I am guessing. Been really buzy, lately. This is my secound build this year.... Can't wait to see what this Echo speed can do. It will be really nice not to have that noise from my GEBE in my ear, that is, if the wife lets me ride it. LOL

Well, here is todays picture, got a couple of big time consumming parts made and installed. ( Handle bars, peadle assemble, stearing linkage.) Might see if I have enough junk chain laying around just to play a little. Gotta replace the tire on my StreetRider, as last trip my right rear tire went flat. Then I ran over a metal pipe trying to stop, and bent the rim, plus runed the tire. New tire arrived today for it, have replaced old bent rim with a spare I had lyeing around. So not sure what I'll end up doing. Thinking on fire up old StreetRider, and just roll away somewhere.

Ron

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01478.jpg

[Patrike]

Man -- your going at that like a hurricane heading for the cost of Florida -fast and furious! Looking good - I to am looking forward to the report on the Espeed - you will be our first zombie eco speeder.

[GregLWB]

Looking good there Ron.

One thing though. From my experience with my GEBE you're going to need a bigger front chainring with the ecospeed setup. That is unless she's not going to pedal at speed (or maybe you're worried that she'll outrun you).:jester:

All kidding aside, I am looking forward to your experiences with the ecospeed drive on the trike. I would like to do an electric setup on a trike for my winter commuter.

Greg

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg, Patrike....

Yeah, I could use a different sproket set up. Proublem is, that is uncharted territory for me. Don't have a clue as how to go about doing that. On the StreetRider, after I get to say 20mph, I can not pedel that any faster to keep up with motor. But on the othier hand, when I need to climb this football field long gravel, all up hill driveway I have, I need a really low end. Or is it high, I don't know, but you get what I mean.

Put new tire on SF, its approching 80 degrees and climbing. Looks like a ride is in order for this morning. Wife calls it playing...... Hear we gooooo..........

Ron

[GregLWB]

Hey Greg, Patrike....

Yeah, I could use a different sproket set up. Proublem is, that is uncharted territory for me. Don't have a clue as how to go about doing that. On the StreetRider, after I get to say 20mph, I can not pedel that any faster to keep up with motor. But on the othier hand, when I need to climb this football field long gravel, all up hill driveway I have, I need a really low end. Or is it high, I don't know, but you get what I mean.

Put new tire on SF, its approching 80 degrees and climbing. Looks like a ride is in order for this morning. Wife calls it playing...... Hear we gooooo..........

Ron

Ron - one of the best places I have seen that explain this is 25Hz's site. His technical explanations made sense to me without my eyes glazing over.

On my commuter bike w/GEBE, I am running a 32/48/60 on the front, and an 11-32 7-speed cassette on the rear. I don't ever use the small front ring because on that bike I always use the motor assist. In fact I can't remember the last time I used the middle chainring either!:jester: If anything happened to the assist motor, the 32 front and the combination of gears on the back have gotten me up some really steep hills, even from a dead stop.

Running the 60 tooth front with the 11 tooth rear on a 26" Schwalbe Marathon tire, I can and have pedalled with the motor up to 36.4 mph on a flat with no wind. I will let someone else do the math as to my cadence speed on that run.:scooter:

Greg

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg,

Thanks for the heads up, I do need to get a good understanding of this.... You allways seem to be 2, or is 3 steaps ahead of me in this game. Will be looking into that stuff, if I can find the time.... lol

Just got back from my play time, (bike ride) as my wife calls it. Now that was a hot ride, realy hot...... I can't believe my tempiture gage is reading 93 degrees, that can't be right. I'm so glad I didn't have to peadle much at all. Man once I hit say anything over 25mph, its allmost like flying. What a blast !!!!! Thank you Brad, for this increadble bike !!!

Ron

[GregLWB]

Hey Greg,

Thanks for the heads up, I do need to get a good understanding of this.... You allways seem to be 2, or is 3 steaps ahead of me in this game. Will be looking into that stuff, if I can find the time.... lol

Just got back from my play time, (bike ride) as my wife calls it. Now that was a hot ride, realy hot...... I can't believe my tempiture gage is reading 93 degrees, that can't be right. I'm so glad I didn't have to peadle much at all. Man once I hit say anything over 25mph, its allmost like flying. What a blast !!!!! Thank you Brad, for this increadble bike !!!

Ron

Thanks for the kind words but generally you don't get much from me that I haven't learned from others. I read alot and research alot and when I have the chance I ask a lot of questions in person. Many times it doesn't help me right away but down the road I usually remember the tip but not always where I got it from. So if ever I give info that someone feels originally came from them, it probably did and I would be glad to give them credit or Kudo's. I am glad to share whatever I know but sometimes worry that I give out too much at once and may overload people.:jester:

Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Was that with the electric drive?

Greg

[Patrike]

Hey Greg,
I'm so glad I didn't have to peadle much at all. Man once I hit say anything over 25mph, its allmost like flying. What a blast !!!!!
Ron

So - 25mph - was that full throttle or you were holding back on it a bit.

[gphil]

I usally cruse around 40mph on my StreetRider. It was scary, and crazy fun, when I first started doing those speeds. My GEBE has broken in now, and she roles along very smothly. Got something like 2000 miles by now, I think. Havn,t really looked at the milage lately, so I am guessing. Been really buzy, lately. This is my secound build this year.... Can't wait to see what this Echo speed can do. It will be really nice not to have that noise from my GEBE in my ear, that is, if the wife lets me ride it. LOL

Well, here is todays picture, got a couple of big time consumming parts made and installed. ( Handle bars, peadle assemble, stearing linkage.) Might see if I have enough junk chain laying around just to play a little. Gotta replace the tire on my StreetRider, as last trip my right rear tire went flat. Then I ran over a metal pipe trying to stop, and bent the rim, plus runed the tire. New tire arrived today for it, have replaced old bent rim with a spare I had lyeing around. So not sure what I'll end up doing. Thinking on fire up old StreetRider, and just roll away somewhere.

Ron

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01478.jpg

gphil here and wondering where to find some handle bars like yours???/

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg,
I was rideing my StreetRider today, needed a little break. I have gotten of topic, a little. But that seems to be the norm around here. 8) It has the 2 cycle 40cc GEBE on it. Does a real good job, baring the occasional spring breaking, good thing I bring a small tool bag with Vise grips.....

Hey Patrike, that was about half throttle. Full throttle takes you to about 40mph. On the StreetRider, that is. I know, I got of topic...... Got a ways to go before DeltaRunner is ready to test. Had to work around house, cut the grass, after my ride today. Realitor is showing house this Friday, and I still need to modify my utillity trailor so me and my 4 dogs can ride in it, while wife drives us away somewhere Friday, so house can be shown.

Hey gphil,
Good to hear from ya. I got my handle bars on ebay. They call em "Origin8 Tiki 51cm 26.0mm Blk Mustache Track Handlebar"........ Just do a search for "Mustache Handlebar" and you will come up with some to chose from...

[dakidd1]

Finally got a day to spend on my bike build. Lets see, got the brakes mounted, axils drilled out and taped with set screws in place. Mounted the Echospeed motor system, chains in place.... Adjusted both derailers... Will pick up some brake, and shift cables tomorrow. Hook them up when I get back. See about how to mount battery to bike, wonder if vibration is a concern for the battery? Might have to incorperate that into a padded battery holder of somekind. Oh well, its almost done at any rate. Hear are some pics, kinda hard to see anything with it hanging in the air. But it is easyer to work on while it is.

Ron


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01483.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01484.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01485.jpg

[Patrike]

Looking nice -- I see batteries all the time in thick heavy looking bags and this concerns me as a batteries life is affected by heat -- If possible, put it in a thin breathable bag to allow heat out as fast as possible.

I read an article about a University guy making new LIon or NiMH batteries - one of the things he was trying to compensate for was the micro cell damage done when there is two much heat build up in the batteries - something to do with expansion and contraction that. This was one of the major factors in cycle life - I don't pretend to understand it but if I am going to buy expensive batteries I want to maximise thier life so I would not put them in an insulated bag in the summer time.

I am looking forward to your 1st test ride.

[dakidd1]

Have all the cables hooked up and took her out for a spin. Well............ I must say, that EchoSpeed drive is really sweet. I was gone for about 90 menits, pedeled some here and there, and my battery still seems strong. Climb right up this old gravel drive of mine. Seems to have very good low end pull........ As a comparason, I have to pedel up my drive with the GEBE, and I just turn engine off, on my StreetRider counter part.

Don't have a speedometer installed yet, but I would guess I was going about 35mph or so at top end, maybe more. It did seem to fly down the road. Came home because wasn't sure how much that battery had left in it, and my but was getting a little tired setting on that plywood. Will add padding to the seat next, and go for anothier test ride, but I give EchoSpeed the thumbs up for a really great electric drive system. Don,t have anything to compare with, as this is my first electric system, but I would recomend it as it seems to be a really smooth deal all the way around. (except price, that is.)

And of coarse, a picture for the road.

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01486.jpg

[GregLWB]

Sounds good there Ron. I hear your pain about the padding!:jester:

You do know on your GEBE you can order a different gear for it (you will lose a couple MPH on the top end but you will gain a lot of torque). I probably run the next smaller gear than you and I also run a 4-stroke but even though I do peddle on the hills with it my motor will climb some really steep hills.:scooter:

I'm looking forward to more ride reports as you get it completed.

Greg

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg,
I did get smaller gears for that hill of mine, but ended up chewing up drive belt when I tried to use em.

Tried to charge battery up when I got home today, and my charger died on me. I don,t now if it was because I didn't turn of the power switch, before charging, or maybe I should have unpluged cables to the drive motor all together first. Who knows, battery and charger came from China with no instructions at all, and I must have done something wronge......... So I will be down without power untill a replacement charger can be shiped here. Comeing from China, I can emagine it will be awhile to get.... Seems like 11 days for my battery pac to arrive when I bought it. DANG IT !!!!!

Ron

[GregLWB]

Hey Greg,
Tried to charge battery up when I got home today, and my charger died on me. I don,t now if it was because I didn't turn of the power switch, before charging, or maybe I should have unpluged cables to the drive motor all together first. Who knows, battery and charger came from China with no instructions at all, and I must have done something wronge......... So I will be down without power untill a replacement charger can be shiped here. Comeing from China, I can emagine it will be awhile to get.... Seems like 11 days for my battery pac to arrive when I bought it. DANG IT !!!!!

Ron

That's not good news. I'm not sure about your system but I do know that on the 12 volt battery I use for my head/tail lights that I installed a pigtail between the battery and the switch. My charger has a matching pigtail on it and when I pull in at the end of the day I unplug the pigtail from the switch and plug in the charger to the battery (takes about 10 seconds). Removes all chance that you will hook the charger up with the power switch turned on.

Before you go to all that trouble though I'm sure you checked the basics like the breaker or that the charger or battery pack doesn't have a GFCI or overvoltage trip?

Greg

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg,
Yeah, I took it apart and looked inside. Lots of electronical stuff, 1 fuse which was not blown, and nothin else that could be reset was found. E-Mailed person I got it from, but no response as of yet. Went ahead and ordered a 5 amp charger from him, 60 bucks. Just have to wait for new charger to come, this time will unpluge everything that is not needed. Be nice if instructions had of come with it. Oh well, leave it up to me to do the wrong thing 8)

Ron

[GregLWB]

Hey Greg,
Yeah, I took it apart and looked inside. Lots of electronical stuff, 1 fuse which was not blown, and nothin else that could be reset was found. E-Mailed person I got it from, but no response as of yet. Went ahead and ordered a 5 amp charger from him, 60 bucks. Just have to wait for new charger to come, this time will unpluge everything that is not needed. Be nice if instructions had of come with it. Oh well, leave it up to me to do the wrong thing 8)

Ron

Hey Ron,

Do you have a Batteries Plus in your neck of the woods? They will test the batteries and/or charger for you usually for free. If there is an easy fix they will usually do that right on the spot. Might save you money in the long run or if they can fix it you could leave one charger at home and carry the other with 'just in case'.:)

Greg

[dakidd1]

Hey Greg,
That is an idea I had'nt thought of. Got a response from dealer, said to send it back to them for a replacement charger. Thought they say something like this, does have a 1 year warrenty. Its just the time lost sending, and recieveing replacement involved. I estamate 20 days round trip at least, not concidering time for them to inspect item. He didn't give me a address to send it to, so E-Mail #2 has been sent asking where to send to has been sent. At least I was smart enough to order a new charger, then take care of broken one, plan.

Ron

[TheKid]

It seems the charger must have been defective to begin with. In all the forums I've visited with posts about someone who left the switch on before charging, their controllers fried, not the charger.

[dakidd1]

Thank for info, TheKid.... This is all new to me. Still haven't gotten an address to send my broken charger back to ....

Hey Greg,
Did contack Batteries Plus people today. They can,t help me with this proublem. Thanks for input, though... 8)

[TheKid]

This is all new to me.

Same here. It was suggested that I visit some of the e-bike forums to learn more. Lots of good info out there:

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=258

http://www.ebikehub.com/forum/

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=21

[dakidd1]

Well, here is a current update. Have my wife's new bike mostly done, and still waiting for a battery charger to come in. Can,t wait for the speed, and distance trials !!!! Got some lights installed, a speedometer, and waiting on some black handle grips, mirrors, and a battery meter to arrive from e-bay autions......... Will report back when tests are complete, and if you like, a video could be arrange...

Ron



http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01498.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01495.jpg


http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01496.jpg




I know,a blue seat !!!! But thats what she wanted. She is a die hard Michigan football fan. 8)

[GregLWB]

Well, here is a current update. Have my wife's new bike mostly done, and still waiting for a battery charger to come in. Can,t wait for the speed, and distance trials !!!! Got some lights installed, a speedometer, and waiting on some black handle grips, mirrors, and a battery meter to arrive from e-bay autions......... Will report back when tests are complete, and if you like, a video could be arrange...

Ron

I know,a blue seat !!!! But thats what she wanted. She is a die hard Michigan football fan. 8)

LOL! I guess if a bike isn't going to be blue with a yellow seat, yellow with a blue seat is okay!:jester:

Ron, I'll be waiting for the video. Side by side, your's vs. her's! Gas vs. Electric! Showdown at High Noon!:scooter::jester:

Greg

[SirJoey]

Man, that's just gorgeous! The blue seat really sets it off! :punk:
Does the shock fork seem to make any noticeable difference in the ride?

Why is it that everyone else's rides always look like they'd be more
fun to ride than my own? Is it the "grass is always greener" factor? :confused: :rolleyes4:


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[Patrike]

Great Job - I vote for vid!

[Radical Brad]

The electric ride report will be interesting. Nice work as well!

Brad

[dakidd1]

Man, that's just gorgeous! The blue seat really sets it off!
Does the shock fork seem to make any noticeable difference in the ride?

Why is it that everyone else's rides always look like they'd be more
fun to ride than my own? Is it the "grass is always greener" factor? :confused: :rolleyes4:[/COLOR][/FONT][/B]

Hey SirJoey,
I saw your new quad, nice work. You know, I do think the grass is greener in someone elses yard.... Saw you had made a birthday bike for wife, good move..... 8) She seemed to be really happy with it. Don't know if wife will ride this much, its usally toooo this, or tooo that outside....... Eather you got the bike bug, or you don't, we will see what happens.... The shock front forks do seem to make a little difference, had it out today for a few secounds. Battery is all but gone out, but had her up to 33 miles an hour. Wonder if thats bad to drain this Lifepo4 down that far, tried to research that out, but havn't been able to find any info on that. Oh well, its off to see what else I can break, hopefully not a front fork like Brad did. To old to be a crash test dummy....

Ron

[dakidd1]

Well, got my charger today. A 5amp model. Took 4 hours to charge her back up. So ..... Had to go for a test ride. Lets see, got about 3 miles from home, was shifting gears, and clunk !!!!! Chain came off and stuck in between caset and derailer.... Good thing I take tools with me 8) It seems my bolt through the old axile trick didn,t stay tight.... I see why Brad says to weld them bad boys down, and the brakes bolts came a little lose, also..... Well, I got out a bigger allen wrench, and really tightened them bolts down this time. Wonder if they will stay.......... hummmmmmm.... Will see, I quess. So I got about an hour out with it, today... Even with the minor set backs. Oh yeah, got my mirrors also, but they were on very flimsy rubber rods, they called em flex mirrors.... Well going down the road with them was wild, they were all over the place... lol They say you get what you pay for, and I did. Had to tear em apart, and make a makeshift bolt replacement for they cheepy little junk mirrors... Out of cash flow, so will have to make do...

My ride was about an hour, I'd say. Speedo says I averaged 19.9mph, with a max speed of 40mph.... That was going down hill, of coarse. I traveled a grand totall of 28 miles. Seems to hover around say 35mph on straight aways, but I am pedeling right allong with her. They did a good job at the sprocket set up with this motor. Didn,t need to change anything on my standard 18 speed gears from the junk yard bikes. I need to make a PDF copy of instructions and post, in case anyone should want to see them. See if I can do that, never tried to do this before, so will see if I can. I found out that its prouble better to let off of the throttle while changing gears because there is a lot of clunking going on if you don't. Can't be good for 6 speed caset... ect...

Al in all, this seems to be a more pedaling involved kind of deal. Big differance for me between a gas model, and this Echospeed motor. You kind of need to I think, just to get more distance out of a charge. But also, performance is better if you do. Am I rambleing? I think so......... My body will get more out of a electric ride, which is not a bad thing I quess..... But wait, this is for my wife..... He He he he he............. Better her, than me 8)

Ron

[dakidd1]

Great Job - I vote for vid!

Took sweet thing (wife) out for a ride this sunday (7-12-09) with her new 3 wheeler. She dosn't have a hole lot of experiance with 18 speed bikes, much less one with an assit motor, so shifting was asked to be keeped at a minamall, for her sake.... less confuzing. (Reminds me of a 2 wheel 18 speed bike ride at Makinac Island a few years back, and she drifted off the paved raized ledge on bike path that went all the way around the Island. She crashed right in front of me, and I crashed my bike to keep from running over the top of her.....) Told her to use only the front 3 gears. She did get a little sun burn on her face, as we went out at about high noon, but all in all she seemed to enjoy the ride. Video is uploading to U-tube, and will post a link when its done should anyone care to see it.

Ron

[dakidd1]

This is my Video. They didn't like my first attemp, something about my song choices and copywrights. So will see if this secound version holds up to there scrutiney. To bad, first one was more appropeat as far as music choices went !!! Oh well, hear it is.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QxO0_-pNYI

[GregLWB]

This is my Video. They didn't like my first attemp, something about my song choices and copywrights. So will see if this secound version holds up to there scrutiney. To bad, first one was more appropeat as far as music choices went !!! Oh well, hear it is.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QxO0_-pNYI

Good Job! The trike looked really good. Seemed very smooth. I feel better about the handling characteristics on the DR now and am more confident that the one I'm building for my daughter will do what she needs it to do.

Also, the video should help those who have been asking about the noise level of our GEBE engines to understand just how quiet they are (considering the one on your quad is mounted just a couple feet away from where you were holding the camera).:)

Greg

[gphil]

Ron,

Showed wife your video and it appears that I have lost my Delta. She wants elec assist too. By the way your pics are giving me a lot of pointers and I now have bars like yours. gphil

[gphil]

daKidd1

Looking at your build pics I was thinking about making my steering setup just like yours. I have the exact front fork. Did you weld the mount for the push pull tube one the top of the fork on the outside? I see the weld on the inside but was wondering if I should block the little hole port or whatever on the left . Would not be able to change that rubber cover. I have not studied it that closely but was just wondering how you did yours. The rest of your build has been real helpful. gphil

[dakidd1]

Hey gphill,
I welded the mount for the front forks just below the bottom bearings, but left myself just enough clearance to get a slim weld around the topside of stearing tab. The bottom there was not much room also. Tried to find a happy middle spot. Before I welded my stearing tab, I welded a bolt in place to hold my tie rod end to this tab, as this seemed to me to be a good ideal. Then all I had to do was put a nut on the top of the tie rod end, once it was in place. Be sure to pop that little plastic plug out before you weld, or it might get burnt or melted. I used aluminum foil to wrap every thing up before welds were done, really helped to keep splatter down to a minamall. Also, had a bucket of water near by. And a rag to get wet and squese over my short welds as I was going, trying to keep the heat down around bearing brace, ect....

Wife didn't like them handle bars, so I replaced em with a stright out kind. It was uncomfortable to her to have her hands in that poisition. Oh... She wants a black seat now, also....... I new that blue was going to look bad !!! Got some better mirrors comeing also, these bikes never seem to be complete. There is allways something else I want to do to them..... Need fenders, also.....:kid:

Ron

[jimFPU]

Maybe a close up pic of that front fork welding?

[gphil]

Hey Ron,

Thanks for the great idea. You have a clone trike being built here is the Big "A". I still like the orginal bars so until I like you get other instructions will keep. Going now to do more work. gphil :punk:

[dakidd1]

Here is that picture you asked for, gphill. Hope it helps.



http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww103/dakidd1/DSC01506.jpg


Ron

[jimFPU]

Great! Thanks.

[gphil]

Ron,

Golly thanks loads for the closeup of the fork. I did a pre-weld set up today and mine came out (located) in the same area. Where did you get the chrome bracket?? I would guess you just had the upper fork rechromed. Looks great. One more question from the pest fella, where do you buy those push-pull rods and bearing connectors. Now in aviation they are called push pull rods and rodends. Like gon on the ends of hydraulic cylinders etc. Maybe the hardware places or Home Depot may have them. Anyway clue me in on any sites to order and thanks once more for the pic. Good lord you are a craftsman for sure. My welds look like a herd of pegions walked by. gphil

[dakidd1]

Hey gphil,

I just got some chrome spray paint, and used that to touch up welded area, and paint tab with. Looks like the real stuff.....

Those tie rod ends I got at this place: http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/servlet/the-367/3-fdsh-8%22-Female-Rod-End/Detail Bought left, and right handed types....

I bought a 3/8 inch steel rod at local hardware store, and cut to length, leaving enough room for threads to be cut with a left, and right hand die from here.... http://www1.mscdirect.com/Left-Hand-Dies/Dies/Cutting-Tools/s0000000587.HTML Search there site for right hand die....

Those dies were not to easy to find around here, so I bought then online. Also used nuts that were left, and right handed. Found them at local hardware store.

I was an Mig arc welder for a shoping cart busness for 12 years, United Steel and Wire CO. They concidered me to be there best quality welder, and always came to me for there trial carts to be welded, to give to a poitental new customer. My welds looked like they had been chromed over, when I did them. But this was with the use of a gas, as a shield from air. Coare flux welding is very different to me, and I can not seem to get that quality back I once had.

P.S.
I believe Brad plans calls for a male tie rod end. It would have been much easyer to do it his way, and prouble much cheaper to. It is really a personall preferance, and I like the way I described. Brad has all this stuff figured out for us in his plans, and I try not to stray to far from them, as he has far more exsperiance than I will ever have at this..........

Now go make that bike, and were are those pics? LOL

Ron

[gphil]

Ron,

Thanks again guys for all the input I have been getting. got signed into the photo place and going to make some new pics and send. The tirke has been takekn apart to place on a bench etc. I made the pilot tube , welded and temp placed it with magnets on the frame at 5 " fwd the seat . It seems like it will be too close to my body after the bars are installed etc. Now Brad does say build to fit. I am such a stickler for plans and following that I can't leave it at that measurment. Did you find it too close? How far forward did you place on your trike? It may just be the way it appears and will be fine but I just hate to get it welded then find out opps too close. Like the chorme paint and rest assured gonna get some. Finish the seat padding and then it will finish quickly. If I can figure out the gearing derailers etc. By the way, did you mount the tabs for the brake exactly like plans? Ok pick your brains enough for today so bear with me. gphil

[dakidd1]

Hey gphil,

I did find that the seat, and pilot tube seemed way to close for me and wife. But I keeped them apart by 5 inches, I think that what the plans called for. But my seat is bigger than his design. Seat measures 13 inches long by 15 inches wide. The back of my seat is at an height of 2 inches, and the front is at 4 inches high, giving it a tilt up from the main boom..... I think this is more comfortable of a ride at this angle. The seat was also padded with 4 inches of foam, and that was a little tough to cover, but I am glad I did the 4 inches of foam..... Front of seat plywood was rounded also....... Back rest was 22 inches tall, by 14.50 inches at bottom, and 10.50 inches at the top. Keeped the angle Brad called for in the design, or plans. Rounded plywood at top of backrest, also. Used 2 inches of foam for it, and seems to me to be plenty.

So the stearing support tube ( 1.5 inch square tube) I made 8.50 inches tall, and cut to desired angle, so the stearing head tube was at the same angle as front forks, or very close to it. My stearing head tube bottom, or where the tab is welded, clears my main boom by 4 inches.

The brakes I used 2 disk brakes, or 1 for each axile. My bike goes 35 mph on straight aways, if I want to go that fast by changing gears, and I wanted to be able to stop it quickly. Also bike seems to pull, or stear, to the side of brake being applied to a degree... So with 2 disk brakes that is not a proublem. Kind of handy, say, if you want to make a quick turn in one direction, or the othier to just use one brake on the side you are turning to.... They are mounted close to the wheels, but I wanted a good cableing option when done, so I keeped that in mind when I chose a spot for them.

[gphil]

Ron,

Looking at some of your photos seeing how you did things on the brake disk. I am at that point and appears like you did not weld to the axel but maybe a collar??? Also the derailler (sp) bracket is in a different place for the freewheel. You're attach point would be easire to do I think. Anyway cast a note here if you can. Much appreciated for sure. gphil

[dakidd1]

Ron,

Looking at some of your photos seeing how you did things on the brake disk. I am at that point and appears like you did not weld to the axel but maybe a collar??? Also the derailler (sp) bracket is in a different place for the freewheel. You're attach point would be easire to do I think. Anyway cast a note here if you can. Much appreciated for sure. gphil

Hey gphil,
I just welded my brake disk to the collar at first, buy way of the cut out washer. Then I found the place I wanted it to reside on my axil, tightened the set screw down to make a mark on my axil. Lossened the set screw, move collar disk brake assembly out of the way, and drilled and taped my axil for the set screw threads size. Got a longer bolt to replace original set screw, and tightened it all down. Kept coming loose on me, so I ended up just welding it all down tight. I think that what the plans call for anyway. It will not be comeing loose again after the welding was done. Things did warp a little, and now my rotor is off some. Have tried to make perfect, with no rubbing noise as rotar turns, but there is still a little noise that I can not get ride of. I need to work on my brake skills, as they are far from perfect.........

My derailer mount had proublems also, as I used just a thick bar of metal for my mount. With the added stress of an electric motor, I think it would move some under the pressure of pedaling with full throttle. Could hear and feal my rear derailer rubbing on the casset in higher gears. I ended up welding a flat thin strip of metal to the derailer bar, at a 90 degree, which gave my support a angle iron form. I need to work on this part of my builds also, as my plan wasn't to good. I am having proublems comeing back down from faster sproket, it seems to not want to shift properly in the middle range of gears. And if I am heavy on the throttle, things want to shift by themselves while I am in the middle range of gears. I don,t know, but I think its because of my cheap rear derailer. Too flimsy. For now, I give up !!! This is a very nice bike, all in all. Just I am not a good at figuring these little details out. I sure this would not be a proublem, if it was just a peadle bike. It works fine without the motor engaged.

Ron

[gphil]

Got kicked off again, not the site but me I think. Keep touching something on the laptop keyboard. Not used to this thing. I posted a pic on site titled "progress report" showing some of what I have gotten done. I am going to weld the washer to a collar then place it on the axel and weld. I can then place the disk on the washer (bolts) and be able to remove it if needed. But then I guess you could always do that. Thanks for the information on that and the mount for the freewheel shifter. I too have trouble with the small stuff. Hope to be up and riding soon. gphil

[dakidd1]

Geezzzzeee..... I just noticed I speeled EcoSpeed wrong....... Whoopsy....
Ron