G'day Aussies - may need a bit of help....

barbagris

Mad Scientist
Joined
Aug 1, 2010
Messages
12,988
Location
On the verge of insanity
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1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
Anybody near to this address?

Unit 6, 24 Shearwater Drive
Taylors Beach
NSW 2316

Here's why. I'm working on a wee project to design M/C specific cornering lights. And may need a bit of help obtaining parts.

The objective is to design a system that lights up ahead of the bike when banked over. So it'll light to the right of centre when you lean right and left when you lean left.

It's something that I've had amongst the ever reducing brain cells for a while - but was catalysed when I found this university paper. I'd not be making a mechanically moved light - rather have fixed beams that activate at certain electronically triggered angles. The paper has however cleared up the maths for me.
 
you can mount a mercury switch then mount lights to focus high and out so they come on when you lean into corners.
 
you can mount a mercury switch then mount lights to focus high and out so they come on when you lean into corners.

I tried to read the report after 5 minutes I wondered where my brain was located
your solution, a mercury switch is so simple,why make things simple when they can be complicated
 
That address is about 6 hours north of here it is near Port Stephens just north of Newcastle
 
I used to be fairly close to that address. Many happy memories from around there. I just wish I could remember their names. Does that help?
 

Awesome paper, Gray Beard! I have added it to my library.
I note it is a 2002 paper. Wonder what has happened since?
Thanks for posting,
1olbull
 
Mer
you can mount a mercury switch then mount lights to focus high and out so they come on when you lean into corners.
Won't Mercury switch remain neutral when bike leaned at speed? Same reason a pillion isn't flung off.....
 
Mercury - like inertial ball/ramp switches are no use - As you corner the mercury is forced away from the contacts you need it to short out (close). Centripetal (sometimes mistakenly called centrifugal) force. Makes it very hit and miss - I've tried. I already use an inertial switch for something else so I have some feeling for what affects things.

I'd use twin axis gyroscopic or magnetic field tilt sensors. going up/downhill during banking might affect the trigger values. This type of sensor is used in dead reckoning GPS devices to control SatNav's when satellites are not receivable. I've toyed with dead reckoning too - it has many other advantages - but u-Blox kits are a bit beyond my needs.

I've mailed Hummingbird in OZ at above address - I already use their GPS sensors. See what they can offer.

The idea is to use fog-type lights or Low Beams mounted at approx 25º from horizontal and triggered at leans of above 15-16º. This should give a nice flat no dazzle beam. THE MATHS JUST HELPS SET THE ANGLES.
 
I used to be fairly close to that address. Many happy memories from around there. I just wish I could remember their names. Does that help?

Where you a gypsy or a tent-boxer in a previous life ??? .. I've moved around the place but you seem to have spent time just about everywhere. Good onya mate.
 


Now I understand! It was the, "twin axis gyroscopic or magnetic field tilt sensors" that caused me to dump!
My physics prof at A&M says there is NO centrifugal force. The force generated by turning/leaning into a curve is centripetal (directed toward the center). The resistant force is lateral and not centrifugal (directed from the center). Just sayin'