Close

eBox Stage

A project log for imPulse

Energy harvesting alternative for bikes including data logging, smart lighting system and power distribution board for power banks

javier-betancorJavier Betancor 07/15/2018 at 23:210 Comments

I am creating this entry in order to show you how all different stages are being merged into a main system, the eBox. The eBox is the brain of the bike, a box that gathers, process and stores all data. It also has the ability to process commands from sensors, like a car ECU (lets call it bECU)!

Hence, let me start with the diagram of the system:

Please bear in mind that this schematic may change (a lot) as I am currently creating a Prototyping Board with all modules embedded.

I would like to clarify a few things before going mad:

Q&A Section

How many controllers are being used on this project?

At the moment only one. However, I could appreciate some lag when testing the light system. I will merge all the code and see how it goes but I believe one MCU will be for data logging an another one for the system management.

Why a diode in the Vin pin?

From previous experiences I have observed that Vin also provides 5V. This will avoid any possible issue.

A box in a bike like in the pictures?

Well, yes and no. I need a waterproof container to install all the electronics. This eBox needs to be compact, modular, small and also needs to use a common fixation point that all bikes have. The bottle cage mounting point is my first choice.

I know, it is still a box but I have some nice designs in mind, and you should be able to still use the mounting point for its original purpose.

UPDATE - 6/10/18

I have made lots of changes regarding the electronics and I would like to explain all of them in a new log entry as I am leaving this one for reference. It is always nice to see a 'before' and 'after' picture.

Please, find the new and updated log entry here: eBox Stage 2.0 

Discussions