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Back to In the (LED) light >>Thanks to our Technology Editor, Steve Bush, for spotting this one - SpokePOV, or "persistence of vision for your bike". It's a way to have a bit of fun, driving LED lights to improve your bike's visibility.
According to the website, "Spoke POV is an easy-to-make electronic kit toy that turns your bicycle wheel into a customized display!"
"The project includes a free schematic design, open software for uploading and editing stored bitmap images, and a high-quality kit with all the parts necessary to build your own."
It promises, with one spoke, total persistence at 15mph. Two spokes, 10mph. Three spokes, 7mph. (Assuming a mountain bike wheel).
Details of the specification include:
- Can be used with road, mountain or BMX wheels
- 30 LEDs on each side (22 for BMX) x 256 radial pixels
- Runs on 2-3 AA batteries for 10 hours or more, assuming 3000mAh alkalines and 50% image coverage.
- Can run on rechargable NiMH AA's
- Comes with high-brightness red, yellow, green or blue LEDs
- Automatically shuts off after 3 minutes
At its heart, it seems to be built around an Atmel ATTINY MCU (firmware is provided for buyers of the kit).
More on SpikePOV...
Comments (3)
Looks like it could be another advertising platform - you could get paid for riding your bike!
Posted by Raymond Eaton | January 23, 2009 1:59 PM
Posted on January 23, 2009 13:59
Excellent! You could be on to something there... Just imagine. A wireless connection to download the firmware, a large group of people signed up, and today's advertisement round the streets of London could be IBM, each getting their cut of the profits!
AW
Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com
|
January 23, 2009 4:35 PM
Posted on January 23, 2009 16:35
Personally, I think this is a 'brilliant' idea! Cyclists are particulary less visible side-on at night.. Even stationary, the leds would provide improved visibility?
Posted by Graham Drinkell | February 5, 2009 6:31 PM
Posted on February 5, 2009 18:31