Alan B
100 GW
I see a lot of folks mentioning using an Arduino on their ebikes. I haven't seen many actually do it, but I'm sure they are out there.
Some folks are wondering, what is an Arduino? Why is it interesting for the ebike?
Arduino is an open-source small microprocessor hardware and software system for hobbyists and prototyping small systems. There are many vendors making low cost hardware and free software for this system. It is designed to make it simple to program and use. The development tools are cross platform and run on Windows, Linux and MacOs.
So what would one do with Arduino on an ebike? A typical Arduino (the Uno) has a half dozen Analog Inputs and 14 binary input/output pins of which 6 can output PWM. The analog inputs have 10 bit resolution (0..1023). Most projects involve reading some sensors or other inputs and generating some outputs, or logging information for later review. Measuring voltage, current, temperature, tilt, multi-axis acceleration, compass heading, GPS position, speed, time, hall sensors, switch, button or rotary encoder inputs, throttle input, RFID tag readout, etc. can enable various functionality to be implemented. Numeric, Alphanumeric or even Graphical displays can be interfaced. The excellent Cycle Analyst is one example of what one could do with Arduino. While there is no reason to merely duplicate the CA, one can imagine a customized version that has other features and functions. Another use is to capture the output of the CA via the serial stream and implement other functionality while using the CA.
The processors generally run at 16 mhz and have various amounts of reloadable flash memory for program storage from about 16K to 256K. There are smaller boards and larger boards to fit various project needs.
The programming environment is simple to install and use. There are lots of examples and help files and helpful forums on line to answer the inevitable questions that arise. The programming language is C with a little C++ if creating libraries. They have boiled it down and given lots of examples to look at that makes it a lot easier to get started.
The programs load into the board over a serial link which is a USB connector on most of the newer boards. But you don't worry about the details, just click on the download board button and the programming is automatically compiled and loaded into the board. The tools use the Gnu C compiler which generates very good, fast and small code for these microprocessors. So you can fit a lot of code in there if you need to.
There are many plug-in boards that have additional functionality to tailor the Arduino for your project. These are called Arduino "shields". Some are mostly solder pads for user customization while others have various displays, buttons, small motor drivers, sensor inputs and more. Some are designed to be sewn into clothing. Search ebay or the internet for Arduino to see more examples.
The Arduino project has generated some new terminology that is not instantly familar to most, but the ideas are simple and the implementation clean. Once a few terms are understood their documentation makes a lot more sense. For example a program is called a "sketch". They probably are trying to make it simpler, but it adds a little confusion when you first read about it.
Links
www.arduino.cc
www.sparkfun.com
www.adafruit.com
www.ebay.com
www.amazon.com
many more...
Thread Table of Contents
to go here later...
So, what are folks already doing with Arduino on their ebikes? Might be nice to see some photos of Arduinos on Ebikes.
What are folks planning to do??
Some folks are wondering, what is an Arduino? Why is it interesting for the ebike?
Arduino is an open-source small microprocessor hardware and software system for hobbyists and prototyping small systems. There are many vendors making low cost hardware and free software for this system. It is designed to make it simple to program and use. The development tools are cross platform and run on Windows, Linux and MacOs.
So what would one do with Arduino on an ebike? A typical Arduino (the Uno) has a half dozen Analog Inputs and 14 binary input/output pins of which 6 can output PWM. The analog inputs have 10 bit resolution (0..1023). Most projects involve reading some sensors or other inputs and generating some outputs, or logging information for later review. Measuring voltage, current, temperature, tilt, multi-axis acceleration, compass heading, GPS position, speed, time, hall sensors, switch, button or rotary encoder inputs, throttle input, RFID tag readout, etc. can enable various functionality to be implemented. Numeric, Alphanumeric or even Graphical displays can be interfaced. The excellent Cycle Analyst is one example of what one could do with Arduino. While there is no reason to merely duplicate the CA, one can imagine a customized version that has other features and functions. Another use is to capture the output of the CA via the serial stream and implement other functionality while using the CA.
The processors generally run at 16 mhz and have various amounts of reloadable flash memory for program storage from about 16K to 256K. There are smaller boards and larger boards to fit various project needs.
The programming environment is simple to install and use. There are lots of examples and help files and helpful forums on line to answer the inevitable questions that arise. The programming language is C with a little C++ if creating libraries. They have boiled it down and given lots of examples to look at that makes it a lot easier to get started.
The programs load into the board over a serial link which is a USB connector on most of the newer boards. But you don't worry about the details, just click on the download board button and the programming is automatically compiled and loaded into the board. The tools use the Gnu C compiler which generates very good, fast and small code for these microprocessors. So you can fit a lot of code in there if you need to.
There are many plug-in boards that have additional functionality to tailor the Arduino for your project. These are called Arduino "shields". Some are mostly solder pads for user customization while others have various displays, buttons, small motor drivers, sensor inputs and more. Some are designed to be sewn into clothing. Search ebay or the internet for Arduino to see more examples.
The Arduino project has generated some new terminology that is not instantly familar to most, but the ideas are simple and the implementation clean. Once a few terms are understood their documentation makes a lot more sense. For example a program is called a "sketch". They probably are trying to make it simpler, but it adds a little confusion when you first read about it.
Links
www.arduino.cc
www.sparkfun.com
www.adafruit.com
www.ebay.com
www.amazon.com
many more...
Thread Table of Contents
to go here later...
So, what are folks already doing with Arduino on their ebikes? Might be nice to see some photos of Arduinos on Ebikes.
What are folks planning to do??