C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: RichardV on 05, April, 2013 - 08:25:15

Title: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 05, April, 2013 - 08:25:15
I got my working C5 back from radiomarty yesterday, and it now works great, thank you very much.

I'll be using it to go to work on dry, sunny days and the occasional pop out to the shops and I was wondering what you would use to stop people sitting in it or trying steal it.  How do you lock it when leaving it outside a shop for 5 minutes?  I was also thinking of something like the tonneau cover to stop kids (and adults) trying to sit in it, but I'm not going to put side panels on (so the attachment points won't be there)  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: kamilb1998 on 05, April, 2013 - 09:27:34
Great to hear someone considering using theirs as Sir Clive intended.

I use mine daily and when parked up in town, I tend to put the tonneau cover on as I have the side panels on mine. If you don't want the side panels on yours you could fit a vibration detecting alarm which would go off whe someone sits in the C5. Such as the one in the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UnzGcCYPzo&sns=em
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 05, April, 2013 - 09:47:39
The alarm is quite cool :), but perhaps an overkill for me.  I think I might find another way of attaching the tonneau, as that should be fairly effective.

How do you lock yours?  I don't see an obvious and easy to use attachment point.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: radiomarty on 05, April, 2013 - 09:52:29
Hi Richard - check out the document library section on this website - look for the security leaflet :

http://www.sinclairc5.com/
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 05, April, 2013 - 10:07:59
Thanks, found it.  A cable that fits through a wheel cover slot should do it.

I just need to find a tonneau cover and I'll be sorted.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: kamilb1998 on 05, April, 2013 - 10:13:46

How do you lock yours? 

Must say I've never locked mine, perhaps I am far too trusting.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 05, April, 2013 - 10:41:36
I can't imagine anyone would try steal it when in public view, so I don't think I'll bother either.  I think the cover will be enough of a deterrent.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: pso-buzz on 05, April, 2013 - 12:53:38
Oh a cover would not be good enough in Manchester!
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: mhurt on 05, April, 2013 - 19:29:48
An alarm, cover and bike chain isnt enough here! I use a motorbike lock around the axle - and that's just in the back yard (which is also locked) - not sure I'd be willing to leave it alone for more than 10 seconds in town O_o
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Luke S on 05, April, 2013 - 20:31:55
An alarm, cover and bike chain isnt enough here! I use a motorbike lock around the axle - and that's just in the back yard (which is also locked) - not sure I'd be willing to leave it alone for more than 10 seconds in town O_o

Where do you live  :-\
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: mhurt on 05, April, 2013 - 22:09:04
Burnley. I've already had two attempts at mugging me for my C5 whilst out on it, and I dont use it that often until I sort something for hill assist :P
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 06, April, 2013 - 07:46:11
Mugging for a C5?  :o  Or is that another owner wanting to up their collection number?  ;)

I took an early morning ride to work today while the roads were quiet.  It's just over 2 miles, and not quite direct so as to stay off the bus routes and in the cycles lanes.  Uphill was hard work, almost started sweating, but the way back downhill was fun.  One corner at the bottom of a hill in particular means I might need uprated brakes.

Also the side mirrors were practically useless.  You can't see anything coming up behind until it's on top of you.

Other than that it was great.  I might get a flag to add another 2 foot to the mast, but overall I love it.

(http://www.anony.ws/i/2013/04/06/uXV04.jpg)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Karl on 06, April, 2013 - 21:14:32
I agree the mirrors aren't much use as mirrors....but they do look fab  8) ;)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: dansretropod on 06, April, 2013 - 21:22:41
I've always found the mirrors to be not very useful, I'm usually concentrating too much on whats going on in front rather than behind, which is why for my LCD screen mod I'm going to mount a rear view camera on the C5 and feed it to the screen.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: thedesigntailor on 07, April, 2013 - 17:26:38
That'll be amazing - with a rear cam.

I'm thinking about attempting the long trip to work. Petrol is killing me!
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 10, April, 2013 - 16:50:47
I haven't quite started my peak hour traffic negotiations, but I did use it for a run into town for a meeting today.  It took quite a bit of peddling to keep it in the green and decent speed up, but handled OK.  The boot came in handy on the way back when the client gave us a few things to carry, and my colleague on the bike couldn't take them.

Centre of town was interesting.  A few drivers whipped camera phones out instead of moving on, which makes it a bit difficult to find a gap, but in general nobody seemed to be offended.

Once I get a few niggles sorted I should start using it daily.  :D  I also have a flag and horn going on this weekend.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: mhurt on 17, April, 2013 - 17:58:37
Would love to use mine daily, but the hills are impossible for me :o
I really need to work out the best way to start off on the steep hills (even with all my strength, I can't get it moving on most), and also to get up them as the motor isn't powerful enough, and neither am I!

Getting to places is fine. Getting home usually involves me pulling/pushing the C5 uphill 50% of the time :P
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 20, April, 2013 - 17:45:16
I've got a horn, safety flag and wiring harness upgrade, so I'll start using it a few days a week to get to work.

This is from today driving around Rutland in the sun.  :)
(http://s21.postimg.org/xno2kawx3/C5_Rutland.jpg)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: radiomarty on 20, April, 2013 - 18:42:57
Looking good - could enter that into POM  ;) - hows she running now ? - Marty
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 20, April, 2013 - 20:19:10
She runs really well now.  Chain didn't skip once, even on some reasonable hill starts.  I feel much better with the safety flag there, and it unplugs in seconds for easy stowing.

Such a nice day to be out.  Windsurfing when it's windy and c5 when it's not.
(http://s11.postimg.org/v09dfuibn/C5_Rutland2.jpg)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Retro Andy on 21, April, 2013 - 07:27:11
Looked a nice day out  (for a change) :) I take it you do a lot of windsurfing then  ;D

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: thedesigntailor on 21, April, 2013 - 12:42:24
Second photo is even more POM material. Out in the sun, what the C5 was made for!
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 26, April, 2013 - 14:46:04
Nice and sunny outside, so I C5'd in to work today.  Lots of smiles and even a nice police lady on a bicycle gave me a wave.  It takes the place of honour in reception.  Each time I go out to get a drink I can hear visitors discussing it, so very much a talking point.   ;D

(http://s23.postimg.org/t9sczwdy3/C5_Reception.jpg)

Need to get some proper hub covers though, the Tupperware ones are letting it down.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: radiomarty on 26, April, 2013 - 19:32:08
Looking good -hopefully shes running like a dream  :)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 29, April, 2013 - 10:23:08
Yep, 'Boomerang' is working well.  I wanted to bring her in again today, but I can't fit the windsurfer in the boot.  :)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 05, May, 2013 - 13:21:54
Marty,
I've used her a couple of times this week to get to work, and she's still running really well.  Here are some notes about using Boomer regularly, in case others have suggestions.

The mirrors aren't as bad as I first made out, and if you turn right or left a little, you can see directly behind you.

Pumping the tyres up is a pain with the wheel covers on, and if I ever had a puncture I don't think I'd be able to fix it on the side of the road like it is.  I'm tempted to remove them and go black for simplicity, but I think people like seeing it in original form.

Charging is a pain when doing it daily.  It feels messy, undoing/doing the strap, moving the battery around while keeping cables tucked and the strap out the way.  Has anyone gone for some sort of easy attach charging connector, something like this, perhaps hidden in the boot?
(http://images.maplin.co.uk/300/vj79l.jpg)

The gearing is just right to keep her in the green while peddling at a reasonable speed up a hill.  If one changed the gearing, would that put more stress on the motor, as you're going slower, but still getting motor assisted?

Proportional speed control would be quite useful, no idea how easy it would be to do though, maybe something like a thumb trigger on a quad bike.

How useful are indicators?  I quite like hand signals, and I'd worry that no-one would see the indicators, especially being lower.  They do look nice though.

I charge every 4 miles or so between work trips as the higher voltage helps with the hills and the top speed is better.  I'll have to do a proper range check at some point.

Cheers
Richard
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: kamilb1998 on 05, May, 2013 - 20:48:47

Pumping up the tyres is fiddly but certainly do able. I've had one puncture in the miles I've done and was able to change the inner tube ( I always carry a spare set in the boot) at the side of the road.

I've always charged the battery in situ and that is certainly easier unless your garage doesn't have electric hook up. I have thought about some sort of easy attach charging connector before but the idea never went further than that.

I'm quite light and therefore only tend to pedal when setting off. I've certainly never had a problem using just the motor to get up hills, this may increase wear on it but I'm rather lazy.

Speed control is possible using an electric twist throttle but would not be plug & play. The original Sinclair system runs on an on/off relay so it requires modification to accommodate the twist throttle. I have thought about doing this and bought an electric twist throttle but never got round to actually fitting it.

I've found that I get around 12-13 miles on a charge out of a Yuasa 038 35Ah battery.

I can't comment on how good the mirrors/indicators are as I don't have them fitted to my C5, but I also was concerned about the indicators being too low to be seen.

Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 06, May, 2013 - 11:47:40
Cheers for the reply.
Marty did say my battery was a bit stuffed, and I only got about 6 miles out of it this morning before a marked drop in speed and power.    I'm charging it in place at the office now, and it's easier than lugging it around the house, so I'll do the charging here instead.

I'm getting used to driving Boomer regularly and think it's a very well designed and rounded product.  I think the mirrors are a must have though, I'm always looking to see what's coming up behind now.

I went through town when it was quite busy yesterday and got a good reaction from a bunch of hairy bikers in leather, although when I put my arm out to indicate, I actually heard someone laugh.   ;D
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Michael on 10, May, 2013 - 22:42:14
I've got a horn, safety flag and wiring harness upgrade, so I'll start using it a few days a week to get to work.

Where did you get your safety flag and where is it mounted?

Regards Michael
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 11, May, 2013 - 09:25:18
I can't remember what length it is, but it's just a regular safety flag for bikes.  I got mine from a client, but they are on ebay for around 6 pounds.

(http://s18.postimg.org/wleohq69l/Flag_Mount.jpg)

The bottom holes line up with the mud flap bolts, but you'll need to drill an extra hole in the bodywork for the top hole.  The rod pulls out the mount easily when transporting the C5.

It'll probably be frowned upon by purists, but I feel much safer with a practically luminous flappy flag that adds an extra foot or two over my head.  I tried using the mast but it's shorter, can't be seen from the side and doesn't get a driver's attention like a flappy thing.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Michael on 11, May, 2013 - 10:22:27
I had my first test ride, last Monday, but couldn't wait to get back out on it. Seen a picture from behind and it is just to low and dad said I do need a flag.

Had seen them on bp ebay, but thought someone could easily still the flag, also looking at using the high mast holes and make a kind of flag and mount it in that.

Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: theo on 11, May, 2013 - 13:53:31
I would´nt drill extra holes in the bodywork. I just fixed my flag in one of the High-Vis Mast holes.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Michael on 12, May, 2013 - 10:06:17
I'm going to use the high vis holders.

I do not want to drill any more holes, just had to fit a Union flag enamel badge to the side to hide a big hole left from the previous owner.
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: baselpat on 13, May, 2013 - 13:08:28
Charging is a pain when doing it daily.  It feels messy, undoing/doing the strap, moving the battery around while keeping cables tucked and the strap out the way.  Has anyone gone for some sort of easy attach charging connector, something like this, perhaps hidden in the boot?
(http://images.maplin.co.uk/300/vj79l.jpg)

Yes, I've gone down this route - it was getting a pain to keep removing the batteries. 

So I use a modified Type J (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Swiss_SEV_1011_.28Swiss_10.C2.A0A.2F250.C2.A0V.29.28Type_J.29) (to ensure it *CANNOT* be used on a 240V by accident) plug/socket in to boot.  Then using a relay circuit like the one found here http://www.4qd.co.uk/faq/bmnc1.html#chge  to charge a 24V system (2 12V car batteries at the moment) from a 12V charger.  Works well for me....
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: gertk on 13, May, 2013 - 17:08:54
Another usable low voltage connector might be the SpeakOn or even better PowerCon connector series.

Speakon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speakon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speakon)

PowerCon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powercon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powercon)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: RichardV on 13, May, 2013 - 20:58:13

Yes, I've gone down this route - it was getting a pain to keep removing the batteries. 

So I use a modified Type J (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Swiss_SEV_1011_.28Swiss_10.C2.A0A.2F250.C2.A0V.29.28Type_J.29) (to ensure it *CANNOT* be used on a 240V by accident) plug/socket in to boot.  Then using a relay circuit like the one found here http://www.4qd.co.uk/faq/bmnc1.html#chge  to charge a 24V system (2 12V car batteries at the moment) from a 12V charger.  Works well for me....

I have a regular 12v with the new wiring harness, so I guess no circuit required.  I'd presumed the C5 wiring had to be removing from the battery while charging, as not to blow any of the circuitry.  Are you saying I can charge the battery while it's still connected to the C5?
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: Karl on 19, May, 2013 - 08:55:24
I always disconnect the c5alive wiring kit from the battery whilst charging it, I wouldnt be able to attach the battery charger otherwise  ;) But then I do use a tradional style charger with crocodile clip attachments  8)
Title: Re: Day to day use
Post by: baselpat on 19, May, 2013 - 21:10:52
I have a regular 12v with the new wiring harness, so I guess no circuit required.  I'd presumed the C5 wiring had to be removing from the battery while charging, as not to blow any of the circuitry.  Are you saying I can charge the battery while it's still connected to the C5?

I've not got any of the original electrical/cabling left on my C5, so I'm not worried too much about damaging the original control pod due to bad electrical connections or signals... That said, I do isolate my batteries from the "new" control box by means of a "motorsport" kill switch:

(http://photos.cm7.ch/C5/Electrical/i-jrvkz5z/0/M/IMG_4193-M.jpg)

Does the job and it means batteries can charge without having to worry about what else is being "charged" at the same time.