C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Gallery => Topic started by: dansretropod on 05, December, 2012 - 13:49:10

Title: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 05, December, 2012 - 13:49:10
*c5alive is the best*
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 05, December, 2012 - 15:35:04
Hi Dan,

doesn't look like a 'retropod' to me,  ::)  but it does look nice.  Isn't the cutoff temp for the motor a little on the low side?
Boy it's nice and warm where you are, so should come hear and feel the warmth.  :(

Quote
I must find a smaller box to house the display.
When I saw the top photo my first thought was "ow de ell iz'y gonna peddle"?  :D
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 05, December, 2012 - 16:32:32
Very good  :) :) :)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 05, December, 2012 - 16:34:33
Even though it is not original or even looks anything like the original it is defiantly better  :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 05, December, 2012 - 16:46:27
*c5alive is the best*
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 05, December, 2012 - 17:05:46
Not too sure about the motor temp, but I seem to remember a figure of 70°C.  Please don't take this as gospel, Marty's the man to ask.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 05, December, 2012 - 18:59:30
Hi Dave,

if you go here http://c5alive.co.uk/index.php?com=pages&page=5 (http://c5alive.co.uk/index.php?com=pages&page=5)  you will find the 'Unofficial Service documentation' in PDF or .doc formats.

You will find most of the technical details pertaining to the C5 here.

If you want to take a short-cut and not read everything then you can find the data covering the motor from page four to page seven.
The critical details, on page seven, are 70°C +/- 5°C

Regards.  KarlG.

EDIT: It would also pay to include battery protection in your system, this can also be found in the 'Unofficial Service documentation' .
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 05, December, 2012 - 19:08:00
Is it water proof
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 06, December, 2012 - 19:49:05
*c5alive is the best*
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Retro Andy on 07, December, 2012 - 06:10:44
I like it, but do you hit your legs on it ?

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Lancealot on 07, December, 2012 - 06:56:35
Yes it looks a good idea but I agree with retro andy does your feet / knees hit it.

Look forward to see the smaller version. keep up with the good mods.

Lance
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 07, December, 2012 - 08:59:58
*c5alive is the best*
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Karl on 07, December, 2012 - 11:07:27
a superb example of improvise adapt and overcome   8) you should be rightly chuffed matie  ;)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: mhurt on 07, December, 2012 - 12:23:22
I love it - ive posted before that i was considering something like this before, but never got round to looking into it. Would love to know the cost, and if you have thought about releasing instructions and the software (or selling it).
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 07, December, 2012 - 12:42:26
Quote
Would love to know the cost, and if you have thought about releasing instructions and the software (or selling it).

Ditto.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Dave.76 on 08, December, 2012 - 09:03:06
Well done, I like look of the screen and should look even better when you fit the smaller box.

The touch screen definitely appeals to a gadget lover like me. ;D
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 08, December, 2012 - 12:04:55
Quote
a superb example of improvise adapt and overcome
Thanks BooBoo, I've read your motto before and thought it quite relevant to what I'm doing now ;)

Quote
ive posted before that i was considering something like this before, but never got round to looking into it. Would love to know the cost, and if you have thought about releasing instructions and the software (or selling it)

At the moment this is just a one off project for me but by all means I can make the software available to others if they want it :) and I will in the coming weeks put together a component list and some rough instructions of how I made it.  I think it may have cost me about £80-£100 so far, with the main cost being the Arduino/Shield/Screen which was £40.  You could choose to implement whichever sensors you wanted and change the code accordingly, I'd be willing to help with any code modifications if you wanted to do things differently.

Here are some pics of it in its smaller box:

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/computers/large/C5_Touch_5.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/computers/large/C5_Touch_6.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/computers/large/C5_Touch_Screen.jpg)

I'll probably get burnt at the stake for doing this ;) but I've taken the case from a broken POD and butchered it to allow my new screen to fit into it and think it looks quite cool.  I've sat in it and pedalled it around a bit and there's plenty of room between my legs and the screen casing.

There's still things I want to add to this unit, such as Indicator/Light/Hazard control etc but that will have to wait til next week when the necessary parts arrive, after that I'll get some documentation done for it.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: kamilb1998 on 09, December, 2012 - 13:45:11
Could this be used as a sat nav ?

I don't think you'd ever need a sat-nav on a C5 with it's rather short range ;) Though I guess it could be used as a sat-nav, with the correct software and GPS receivers.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 09, December, 2012 - 15:59:17
Hi just downloaded the app .Take a look and see what you think

Cyclemeter GPS Cycling Computer

By Abvio Inc.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 09, December, 2012 - 16:05:55
Quote
Could this be used as a sat nav ?

You probably could do a sat nav for it.  The LCD screen has an SD card slot on the back of it so you could store the map data etc, though I doubt I would ever need it, as kamilb1998 said, the limited range on a C5 makes it not really worth it.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 10, December, 2012 - 11:04:44
Hi Dan,

are you still running on 12v or have you converted to 24?
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 10, December, 2012 - 13:39:55
Hi Karl,

No.  This is a regular 12V C5  :)

It's funny you have asked this as in the past couple of days I've been thinking of converting it to 24V and using the PWM feature of the Arduino to drive the motor.  My knowledge of existing 24V conversions is limited, but I believe most use PWM motor controllers.

At the end of the day I want this C5 to be road legal so if I did a 24V mod I'd want the option (via the touchscreen ;) ) to limit it to 15mph whilst on public roads and a full speed option for private roads which would be easy to do in software.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 10, December, 2012 - 15:02:18
Hi Dan,

did you read Phil's ULA replacement project, he used an ATmega88 to replace the original ULA which covered all of the original controls plus the ability to select normal or pedelec modes. This means that if anyone blew their original ULA, which happens quite often, it could with a couple of small mods, be directly replaced with his unit. Seeing that the original ULA is no longer available this meant that C5s could be kept on the road, not only that, with the pedelec mode the C5 can now be used legally anywhere within the EU.

This is his web page http://www.cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en (http://www.cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en) I'm sure that you'll find some info there that will help you with your project.

IIRC in the UK the regs are 15mph and 250w, so if you up the voltage to 24 there is a chance that you may run into problems. I've read that the cops in the UK are not so hot as here, due to too many illegal electric bikes and scooters on the roads they've been ordered to crack down.

Anyway I'll be following your project and hoping that you include a pedelec mode.  8) 8)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 11, December, 2012 - 08:54:08
Quote
did you read Phil's ULA replacement project, he used an ATmega88 to replace the original ULA which covered all of the original controls plus the ability to select normal or pedelec modes.

Thanks for the link Karl, I hadn't seen this before.  I can see the advantages of doing it this way, allowing you to keep the original setup whilst making it more reliable and conforming with the pedelec rules.  If I ever get another C5 with all its electricals in working condition I may go down this route so I can keep it original looking.

Pedelec and 24V will be for the next phase then I think.  I'm not 100% sure of the legality of having it run at 24V with a software option to reduce the output to the motor by 50% whilst on public roads but I think it would be okay.  I have in the past spoken to a local traffic cop about the C5 and all he said was that as long as it had 3 wheels, was electric, didn't go over 15mph and I wasn't drunk it would be fine.  Though he did say if he ever saw me on it he'd pull me over just to say hi ;)

Quote
Dan could you use this with the uni 8 24v controller?
Erm, not sure.  I'm leaving the 24V issue 'til the new year now (I need to figure it out) as I have other things to be getting on with.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 11, December, 2012 - 12:39:30
Hi Dave,

I gave you Phil's link as a source of info as to which functions need to be addressed, e.g. battery management (BMS) etc. and not to steer you into going pedelec. Mind you that's not such a bad idea.  ::) ::)

I would like to change over to a lighter type of battery, but they are not suitable for the C5's BMS. This means I need to change over to a totally new control system, hence my interest in your project. Going over to 24v would probably cause me a lot of trouble with the Bulls (cops) here. If I get stopped I could be ordered to go to the TÜV (MoT) who are very well equipped with test gear, and they wouldn't need more than a couple of minutes to establish the legality of the C5.  :(

Just one last point. Are there other, smaller, displays that have the touchscreen function?

Cheers.  KarlG.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 11, December, 2012 - 13:56:19
Hi Karl,

Quote
I would like to change over to a lighter type of battery, but they are not suitable for the C5's BMS.

What battery are you looking at?  I'm using a pair of 20aH Lifepo4 batteries and I've read about others using them elsewhere on the forum.  They're expensive, but I don't know of any others that can be used that have a comparable weight?

Quote
Going over to 24v would probably cause me a lot of trouble with the Bulls (cops) here

Bulls  ;D ;D

Quote
Just one last point. Are there other, smaller, displays that have the touchscreen function?

Alas no.  Not that are specifically made for Arduino anyway.  There are plenty of smaller displays that can do text and graphics but not touch.

For those interested this is the unit I've been using, made by SainSmart:

http://www.sainsmart.com/home-page-view/sainsmart-mega2560-board-3-5-tft-lcd-module-display-shield-kit-for-atmel-atmega-avr-16au-atmega8u2.html (http://www.sainsmart.com/home-page-view/sainsmart-mega2560-board-3-5-tft-lcd-module-display-shield-kit-for-atmel-atmega-avr-16au-atmega8u2.html)

This is the only one I've seen with touch built in and which is reasonably easy to use.  Though the support/documentation from Sainsmart is shockingly bad. :o

You could use a smaller screen and just have a bunch of buttons to control it?


Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 11, December, 2012 - 19:24:03
Quote
Is that all you need? Or do you need bits to add to it and does the speedo work?

That link is for the screen/controller board only which is the basis for this project, I've used a lot of sensors/wiring etc to make it do what you see in the pictures.  When I've done the component list I'll post it here.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 22, December, 2012 - 19:33:37
Hi Dave,

Sorry, not yet, have been busy with other things recently.  Hope to get back on to this in the new year.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 30, December, 2012 - 16:05:47
Just a quick update on this as I've finally had some time to add some extra features to the display like indicator arrows, a hazard light button, an analog throttle input + motor MOSFET transistor that uses the arduino's PWM ability to give greater control over the motor speed.

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/computers/large/Sinclair_C5_New_Interface.jpg)

Here's the new list of what the box does:
I did a test by connecting both my batteries in series to give the motor 24V and it seems to work okay except the mosfet and it's heatsink gets hot so I'll leave it at 12V for now as I'm still torn between keeping it legal so I can use it on the roads and having a faster C5.

Heres a short video of the screen as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bke5lkLrb-c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bke5lkLrb-c)

A work in progress component list is here:
http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/c5-with-touchscreen-lcd-display.aspx#components (http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/c5-with-touchscreen-lcd-display.aspx#components)

Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 30, December, 2012 - 16:17:25
Well done very good what you have done its way beyond me ..

Chas
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 30, December, 2012 - 16:38:33
Thanks for the comment Chas!

Quote
what you have done its way beyond me

That's frequently what I think when reading your many posts ;)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 30, December, 2012 - 17:02:50
This should be my solution to my not working pod  8) 8)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 30, December, 2012 - 18:21:02
Thanks for the comments guys. 

Quote
This should be my solution to my not working pod

I've never had the pleasure of driving a C5 with a working POD ;) my C5 was missing its POD and all it's electrics when I got it and was just running from a 12V relay between the battery and motor, which whilst minimal, meant I never had to worry about faulty ULA's etc, just an over heating motor :) :)

Quote
I would love one but I would not no were to start

I've probably made this look way more complicated than it actually is.  I think that if you know some basic electronics, can solder and have maybe used an arduino before, then I hope the above will provide some inspiration to others to modernize their C5.  I myself only know basic electronics and this is my first arduino project, I just wanted to see what I could do with the two (C5 and arduino).

Quote
Can you not do phils ula chip ?

I think that would be a bit too much for me at the moment.  If I ever find an original and working C5 in my area I may take a closer look at doing something like that.

Quote
are you planning on selling the lcd setup as a. Kit

I wouldn't want to sell this as a kit, mainly due to it being more than just an LCD display in a box, there is a whole new box at the back with all sorts of wiring going on.  Basically my C5 doesn't have any of the electrics found in a normal C5.  I don't think I'd be comfortable selling it as a product, I'm quite happy to use it on mine knowing if something goes wrong it's okay but if it was on somebody else's C5... I dont think I'd have the time anyway to mass produce it, sorry :)

Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Ton C5 on 30, December, 2012 - 19:51:30
Oke this is no longer a matter of "i want one"

i need to have one  :) this is great.
keep up the good work.

Ton
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: baselpat on 30, December, 2012 - 20:03:53
Brilliant! Just Brilliant.  8)

Please post as much information you wish about the project - Some of us will never be bored with too much information  :)

I'd found and explored you website previously and was already envious of what you were doing with the arduino and the C5.   Makes my feeble arduino efforts so far look a little simplistic now. 

Pat


Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 30, December, 2012 - 21:19:49
Many thanks for the comments and encouragement, I'll continue to post as much as I can here first for those interested in this project and are familiar with an arduino.

This tutorial here (http://bildr.org/2012/03/rfp30n06le-arduino/ (http://bildr.org/2012/03/rfp30n06le-arduino/)) covers the use of a MOSFET transistor to control a light or a motor and is the circuit I use for controlling:

Front/Back Light
Left Indicator
Right Indicator
Cooling Fan
The main Motor

I basically use the same circuit * 5.  If you're able to build the circuit on an arduino uno for example, as a test, you've done most of the hard work!  It's important to note I've replaced the original bulbs in the lights and indicators on my C5 with low power LED bulbs to keep the power usage down.

This circuit:

http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Pushbutton (http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Pushbutton)

I'm using to read the left and right indicator button and also the handlebar switch input.  Again this is a very simple circuit to implement.

Measuring the temperature is simple too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fNto4JOu4E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fNto4JOu4E)

The main problem's I've had is soldering all the above onto the circuit board at the rear of the C5 and all the wiring that then goes back to the front where the display is, and trying to keep it all as compact as possible.

The circuits above are really simple to do, and with a minimal amount of coding you can see them working.  It's the arduino that does all the hard work.

As mentioned earlier in the thread I will make the source code available soon (there's a few bugs still to iron out) and if anyone wants to build their own variant of this project, and maybe add features to it such as pedelec (and maybe sell it on themselves), I have absolutely no problem with that and will help where I can.

I'll follow up later on with pictures of the LCD section and the changes I've done to that with some pictures and also pictures of the rear circuit board and wiring.

Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 30, December, 2012 - 21:56:44
Hi Dan,

a very nice piece of work in many ways. You can be very proud of yourself, it's OK go ahead I give permission.  8) 8)

Pity it wont be available as a complete unit, there will be many, including myself, who would love to have one of these units fitted to their C5, but it's beyond their means.  :( :-\ :( :-\  I can complete the construction, wiring, and installation, but I have never been involved with programming and at my age I don't have the time to start.

Once again, great work and all the best in the up and coming year.

Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 31, December, 2012 - 10:35:16
Quote
a very nice piece of work in many ways.

Thanks Karl for the comments.

Quote
I can complete the construction, wiring, and installation, but I have never been involved with programming and at my age I don't have the time to start.

I understand the programming may be a stretch too far for some.  If built using the same LCD component and all the gubbins at the back is attached to the Arduino using the same pins as I have used, there will be no programming changes, it's only if you wanted to do something differently to the way I've done it would changes to the program be necessary.  Though testing the circuits as you build them will require a bit of coding knowledge :(

Back to the subject of providing some sort of guidance on how this was created, rather than copy/paste and reformat a lot of text I will just link to the article on my site that gives some basic instructions for how I made it.

http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/building-the-lcd-touchscreen.aspx (http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/building-the-lcd-touchscreen.aspx)

Any questions about it I'll answer here as the forum on my site isn't much use :(

Here's some pictures of the unit disassembled:

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_1.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_5.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_9.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_6.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_10.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_13.jpg)

(http://www.dansretropod.com/documents/images/c5/touch-how-to/large/touch_18.jpg)

Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 31, December, 2012 - 11:10:39

Quote
Can you not do phils ula chip ?

I think that would be a bit too much for me at the moment.  If I ever find an original and working C5 in my area I may take a closer look at doing something like that.

Quote
are you planning on selling the lcd setup as a. Kit

I wouldn't want to sell this as a kit, mainly due to it being more than just an LCD display in a box, there is a whole new box at the back with all sorts of wiring going on.  Basically my C5 doesn't have any of the electrics found in a normal C5.  I don't think I'd be comfortable selling it as a product, I'm quite happy to use it on mine knowing if something goes wrong it's okay but if it was on somebody else's C5... I dont think I'd have the time anyway to mass produce it, sorry :)

Thanks!

Dan

Oh well I'll have to keep searching for a pod  :( :(
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 31, December, 2012 - 13:07:29
Hi Dan,

just one small point, how does the screen react to water, e.g. rain etc.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 31, December, 2012 - 13:52:27
Quote
just one small point, how does the screen react to water, e.g. rain etc.

I posed the question of how suitable the screen is for outdoor use, and in particular rain, directly to Sainsart (The screen manufacturers).  The response was the screen will work fine with a bit of rain on it but not the circuit board itself which isn't surprising so I'll be sealing the edges of the screen whist in the box to keep water out.  When I've done this I'll give it a proper test and throw some water over it and see if I can break it!


Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 31, December, 2012 - 14:00:18
Hi Dan,

thanks for the reply.

Quote
When I've done this I'll give it a proper test and throw some water over it and see if I can break it!
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Isn't this like throwing money out of the window? I've got a much better idea, throw the unit at me and see if it survives.   ::) ;D ;D :P

Cheers.   KarlG.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 31, December, 2012 - 14:19:47
Quote
just one small point, how does the screen react to water, e.g. rain etc.

I posed the question of how suitable the screen is for outdoor use, and in particular rain, directly to Sainsart (The screen manufacturers).  The response was the screen will work fine with a bit of rain on it but not the circuit board itself which isn't surprising so I'll be sealing the edges of the screen whist in the box to keep water out.  When I've done this I'll give it a proper test and throw some water over it and see if I can break it!


Thanks!

Dan

A high presure washer  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 31, December, 2012 - 14:46:44
Well maybe I won't throw a bucket of water over it or a high pressure washer either for that matter.  Instead I'll give it a more realistic test and take it out for a decent ride in the (ahem) rain.  Which isn't a particularly difficult test to perform in the UK at the moment ;)

Quote
Isn't this like throwing money out of the window?

Nope, I have confidence it will work just fine.  I'll either come back in a working C5 with a smile on my face or I'll be pedalling/dragging it back, we'll see ;D
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 20, January, 2013 - 17:55:30
Hi Dave,

Sorry for the delay, I've been distracted with none-C5 related stuff recently and the whole thing hasn't really moved on from my last update.  I have however posted the source code as it stands here:

http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/building-the-lcd-touchscreen.aspx#download (http://www.dansretropod.com/sinclair-c5/building-the-lcd-touchscreen.aspx#download)

It works and may be of use to other Arduino/C5 enthusiasts out there, though I haven't had time to comment it but it should be fairly easy to follow.

Please note, the code is provided "AS IS," without express or implied warranty of any kind.;)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: pso-buzz on 20, January, 2013 - 18:05:35
This completely and totally awesome!
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 20, January, 2013 - 18:20:04
Thanks pso-buzz, any questions I'll try to help.

Now I've finished the hardware side of this I have a spare LCD shield board I'm offering up for free to anyone who wants it.  This is just the shield, you will still need the Arduino Mega and LCD board but if anyone wants it email me;)
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 20, January, 2013 - 18:46:11
The Shield is now taken  ;)

Quote
This is so cool

Many thanks Dave.  I'll get the shield posted tomorrow.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Lancealot on 20, January, 2013 - 19:20:24
Very nice job mate and the the link and documentation is brilliant as well.

Lance
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Luke S on 20, January, 2013 - 19:34:36


It works and may be of use to other Arduino/C5 enthusiasts out there, though I haven't had time to comment it but it should be fairly easy to follow.

Please note, the code is provided "AS IS," without express or implied warranty of any kind.;)

I was thinking of using one on my C5
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: pso-buzz on 20, January, 2013 - 19:35:58
Quote
Would love to know the cost, and if you have thought about releasing instructions and the software (or selling it).

Ditto.

Ditto, it's like dangling a carrot!  Amazing though
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 20, January, 2013 - 20:20:41
@ Dan,

 IIRC you were talking about going 24v, is this thought still ratteling around between you ears. ::) If yes I'll be keeping a close watch for your future project.

All in all both the project and the link are a first class pieces of work.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Karl on 20, January, 2013 - 20:31:45
I've set this topic as a sticky so it will be easier to find for future ref.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: Pep on 21, January, 2013 - 23:13:23
Very very impressed, excellent work!!!
I bought the UNO starter kit to teach myself the basics and I was planning to use a 4 line display showing temp, speed distance and trip etc, I was ok downloading sketches and making small changes, but found it was a slow learning process, even though I can happily program plc's.
Would the screen work with the UNO board? this project has inspired me to dig the kit back out of the box and play again.
The video was a great explanation, one thing that came to mind was the ability to dim the display for night riding, not that I would be riding at night,
Keep up the fabulous work, I will be following your progress with this project, excellent!

Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: pso-buzz on 21, January, 2013 - 23:19:27
Does this negate the use of the ULA chip I am hearing so much about?
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 22, January, 2013 - 09:11:04
Hi all,

Thanks for your comments on this! I'll try to answer what I can:

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Ditto, it's like dangling a carrot!

Sorry, it wasn't my intention to create this and then sell it on, I just don't have the time/resources to do that hence this is why the thread is in the C5 Gallery section rather than the C5 Marketplace.  I suspect many don't realise this isn't a replacement for the POD, it is rather a replacement for the whole C5 electrical system that wouldn't be suitable for most C5 owners as it would be too big a job.

My intention was however to create this display exactly how I wanted it and then make the information available to others so they could perhaps be inspired to create something themselves ;)

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IIRC you were talking about going 24v, is this thought still ratteling around between you ears.
It was Karl, but have since decided to stick to 12V and remove the throttle and put it back to using the handlebar switch/relay as is normally used.  Maybe in the future...

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Would the screen work with the UNO board?
Sorry Pep, this particular screen will only work with the MEGA board as it uses lots of digital pins.  I have been looking at other screens and there's nothing to stop you using one of them, you just have to come up with some other form of input as you wouldn't have the touchscreen.

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but found it was a slow learning process
I agree it took me a while too to get my head around a lot of things and I found the Arduino code editor to be rather cumbersome and primitive.  Coming from a background of using MS Visual Studio it was a bit like going back in time and programming 10 years ago ;)

But do give the Uno another go, it's amazing what you can achieve with them.

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Does this negate the use of the ULA chip I am hearing so much about?
It does as it's a complete replacement for the C5 electrical system. No POD.  No Control Box. Which may put most people off...

Maybe when time permits in the future I'll have a look at using the Arduino nano to build something that simply replaces the POD and uses all the existing C5 stuff, but that may be a while yet.

Thanks!

Dan
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: danny7147 on 22, January, 2013 - 10:55:32
I'm completely non-electrically minded so forgive me if this is a stupid question. If you stripped a Pod, is there nothing that you can buy that you could 'fit' into the shell to at least make it look authentic and complete, and be able to run the C5 like your other systems do?
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 22, January, 2013 - 12:45:08
Hi Danny,

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is there nothing that you can buy that you could 'fit' into the shell to at least make it look authentic and complete, and be able to run the C5 like your other systems do?

as far as walking into a shop or ordering through the IN then I would say no, maybe there is a unit available somewhere, but as of to date no member has reported finding one. If there was a simple solution no one would be looking for replacements.

The ULA functions are not as simple as you would imagine, even Phil's unit is not perfect, but at least he took the basic criteria and produced a unit to meet this criteria.

I know I'm getting a reputation of being a killjoy, but don't forget I'm in, or hopefully no longer in, the same boat as a lot of you.

EDIT: You can rewire the system so that the C5 will run, but without the POD display.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: mhurt on 22, January, 2013 - 12:52:46
If you want an original-as-far-as-possible solution then someone (or group) needs to produce Phil's ULA replacement or an arduido type setup that uses the existing LED arrangement rather than a screen. Whether that will happen or not is another matter.
Short of that, this arduino project is the next best thing,  and replaces the pod and control box too. Whilst it's not exactly plug and play or original, I'd say that it's probably the best solution out there that I've seen if you don't want to go down the relay/no pod route.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: KarlG on 22, January, 2013 - 13:05:51
There are a couple of things that stop me from jumping in and using this unit, one is the lack of battery management, and I don't like a transistor controlled motor control system with only 12v, i.e. voltage drop through the controller. With a 24v system the voltage drop is irrelivant, plus I'd restrict the throttle to limit the voltage somewhat so as not to overload the motor.

BUT, I just don't have the time to redesign the system, plus lack of programming knowledge.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: scott on 28, February, 2013 - 22:10:28
Looks very space age  like it ;D
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: dansretropod on 13, October, 2013 - 10:43:08
*c5alive is the best*

Don't know what's happend to this post, I edited some links and the post has vanished leaving this text behind.
Title: Re: My C5 with LCD display
Post by: kamztrad on 26, October, 2013 - 13:26:21
Have to say I think your LCD display and what it can do is amazing, afraid I'm not up to speed on this area of expertise and can only admire your ingenuity. I am very much old skool and will have to be content with my relay set up, but I would love to have that type of LCD pod at some stage in the future, hats off to you!!