How do I use GPS on my Bicycle ?

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 5 Mar 2008, 10:20pm

Hi everyone, I'm Jim and I am 43 this year, 2008, and I love Cycling around Britain with my fully GPS laden Bicycle. see it all here:

http://allelectrix.bravehost.com

So ,what do you think of that ??.

I have Ordnance Survey's Landranger 1:50000 mapping tucked into a dinky 1Gb SDIO Card inside the GPS Computer on the right hand side of the handlebars covering 1/3 rd of the whole UK. I could put the entire 201 OS Sheets into a 4Gb SDIO Card if need be, as I own an Anquet Maps OS Landranger full UK DVD.

Routes are plotted on the Laptop, then uploaded via USB to the GPS. The GPS Computer then overlays this on the top of the Landranger mapping.
The last time I toured, I took 10 OS Landranger paper maps with me, it was SO laborious, I have now rid myself of them, and have never looked back since !

In August 2007, I completed Reading, Berkshire to Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 4 days of bliss, I cut up diagonally heading North West through the british lanes up to Uttoxter, Staffordshire, then onto Ashbourne in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District National Park, finally to reach Sheffield on the 4th day. It was a super tour, and I would do it again in an instant!
This was entirely assisted by the 2 GPS Computers on my Bicycle.

There are many places I love in the UK, and I am happy to share them with you. I am from the Chiltern Hills and River Thames esturary in the South East.

In May I am planning to take the Train to Sheffield, stop overnight in the country nearby there, then potter on off to Whitby in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. After Whitby I want to head due West to the Lake District National Park via the Yorkshire Dales National Park. In the Lake District, I am doing a full Cycle tour of all that area taking in all the great Lakes there.

I am planning to take in some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, including sampling the awesome Settle to Carlisle Railway which is arguably one of Europe's most scenic railway lines.

I am a keen, very confident UK Cyclist, and I never Cycle alongside main roads or busy roads, and always avoid large Towns. I always travel on Country lanes all the way up the Country - These give you the best of Britains views and countryside whilst taking in the delights of cycling down quiet lanes and absorbing England's beautiful Villages to the full.

When I am not Cycling, I build, design, and program PC Computer Peripherals at the Electronic level.

I dont enjoy cycling alone, and so,
I would like as many people as possible to join me on this 14 day B&B tour in early May, to show that not only we love our only Planet Earth, but also love all it has to offer too.

You dont need Maps or GPS, because you only need a GPS setup, and as you have seen on my web page, above, I already have all that is needed for this tour.

I hope to hear something from any of you all, all the very best to you all, Jim Delaney, Buckinghamshire.

will you all please feel free to contact me at : allelectrix2@yahoo.co.uk
thanks again.

Jeckyll_n_Snyde · Post by **Jeckyll_n_Snyde** » 6 Mar 2008, 5:30am

allelectrix wrote:So ,what do you think of that ??.

Nice sales pitch on your site, i wish you all the best and good luck.
BFWIW this can be done easier/cheaper/lighter/with less items and no rats-nest 'o' wires.
Daz.

Cunobelin · Post by **Cunobelin** » 6 Mar 2008, 7:48am

SatNav is fine, but not "the answer"

I use GPS as a guide, but they cannot guide you around a blockege, cannot deviate of route for a church or a pub.

There is also the problem of losing signal, batteries fading, and others.

For me - I am afraid that GPS will never replace the maps and the ability to explore, deviate from route and simply enjoy the touring!

ianr1950 · Post by **ianr1950** » 6 Mar 2008, 8:55am

Why would I want to drag a 12volt SLA and charger around with me and have my handlebars full of so much stuff?

I have never got lost yet whilst touring UK and Europe, I may have gone a slightly different route than I was intending but I have never been lost.

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 6 Mar 2008, 2:42pm

Is this a leg pull?
If offered the use of that awesome bike for a cycle tour, I would trade in all of the electronics for a pair of awesome mudguards before starting out. :wink:

ianr1950 · Post by **ianr1950** » 6 Mar 2008, 2:59pm

It really needs a flashing light fitted to your helmet. :wink:

morzov · Post by **morzov** » 6 Mar 2008, 4:26pm

Are you serious? You'd have to remove all that stuff every time you stopped at a pub!

I'd be interested to know why you need all that equipment. Surely you can just download your route onto a GPS device like a Garmin Geko and this points to the next waypoint at every junction.

If you really need to know precisely where you are , yes you can take a PDA with the maps on but I've found them impossible to read in bright light so may as well keep in pocket or bar bag.

Cunobelin · Post by **Cunobelin** » 6 Mar 2008, 6:15pm

Of course you could do things "properly"....

Steve Roberts BEHEMOTH from the eighties.

(Big Electronic Human-Energized Machine... Only Too Heavy)

Specs:

Console

* Macintosh 68K (control GUI and primary workspace)
* Bicycle Control Processor (FORTH 68HC11)
* Ampro 286 DOS platform for CAD system
* Toshiba 1000 repackaged laptop for scrolling FAQ
* 80 MB hard disk space
* Audapter speech synthesizer
* Speech recognition board
* Trimble GPS satellite navigation receiver
* Audio and serial crosspoint switch networks (homebrew)
* PacComm packet TNC (VHF datacomm)
* MFJ 1278 for AMTOR (HF datacomm)
* Diagnostic tools (LED matrix, DPM, etc)
* Handlebar keyboard processor
* Ultrasonic head mouse controller
* Icom 2-meter transceiver; dedicated Larsen half-wave antenna on seat
* Radiation monitor
* Cordless phone and answering machine on RJ-11 bus
* Folding 6-segment aluminum console
* Fiberglass fairing

RUMP (white enclosure behind seat)

* Stereo System (Blaupunkt speakers, Yamaha 18W amp)
* 10 GHz Microwave motion sensor (security)
* UNGO physical motion sensor (security)
* Rump Control Processor (FORTH 68HC11)
* Audio crosspoint network, bussed to console
* Ampro DOS core module for heads-up display
* LED taillight switch-mode controller (including turn signal logic)
* Single LED taillight cluster
* Motorola 9600-baud packet modem for backpack link
* 7-liter helmet-cooling tank and pump
* Personal accessory storage
* Air compressor for pneumatic system
* 15 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery (1 of 3)

Brain-Interface Unit (Helmet)

* Reflection Technology Private Eye display
* Ultrasonic head-mouse sensors
* Helmet lights (2)
* Life Support Systems heat exchanger for head cooling
* Setcom headset with boom microphone
* Rear-view mirror on gimbaled mount
* Jacks for stereo ear-insert headphones

SPARCpack (aluminum case atop RUMP)

* Sun SPARCstation IPC with 12MB RAM and 424 MB disk
* Sharp Color active-matrix display
* Motorola 9600-baud packet modem
* 10-watt solar panel

Trailer

* 72-watt Solarex photovoltaic array (4.8 Amps at 12V)
* Qualcomm OmniTRACS satellite terminal
* Ham Radio station:
o Icom 725 for HF
o Yaesu 290/790 for VHF and UHF
o AEA Television transceiver
o Audio filtration and Magic Notch
o Antenna management and SWR/power meters
o Automatic CW keyer
o Outbacker folding dipole antenna on fiberglass mast
o Dual-band VHF/UHF antenna
* Oki cellular phone, repackaged and integrated
* Telebit CellBlazer high-speed modem
* Telular Celjack RJ-11 interface
* Credit card verifier for on-the-road sales
* Trailer Control Processor (FORTH 68HC11)
* Audio crosspoint network, bussed to console
* Bike power management hardware
* Two 15 amp-hour sealed lead-acid batteries
* Security system pager
* Canon BubbleJet printer
* Fluke digital multimeter
* Mobile R&D lab, tools, parts, etc.
* Makita battery charger (for drill and flashlight)
* Microfiche documentation and CD library
* Camping, video, camera, personal gear
* Fiberglass-over-cardboard composite structure
* High-brightness LED taillight clusters

Bike- and Frame-Mounted Components

* Custom recumbent bicycle
* 105-speed transmission (7.9 - 122 gear inches)
* Pneumatically-deployed landing gear
* Pneumatic controls, pressure tank, air horn
* Hydraulic disk brake
* Under-seat steering
* Handlebar Chord Keyboard
* CD player

Biscuit · Post by **Biscuit** » 6 Mar 2008, 6:41pm

Wow! I dont know whether to be impressed or not (as regards both 'machines').

Each to their own, hope 'Allelectrix' does not have a '4/2 wheel unplanned deceleration instigated interface with concommitant leg removal by handbar mounted directional anomaly correctors' shortly followed by a slap in the back of the head with a 12v lead/acid battery.

Take care Allelectrix..................

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 12:02am

Nice sales pitch on your site, i wish you all the best and good luck.
BFWIW this can be done easier/cheaper/lighter/with less items and no rats-nest 'o' wires.
Daz

Hi Daz,

Thanks for taking a peak. I thought I'd offer a service to install it for people, because I have had a lot verbal interest in it.

At least the offer is there if anyone wants it installed.

I expect some critisim, praise, slagging off, etc, that's the norm when things are new.

New things are sometimes accepted, and sometimes they are not. New things get patented, then again some not. It reeally depends on what pleases people in the long run.

Anyway, thanks for looking, Jim

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 12:13am

Cunobelin Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:48 am Post subject: SatNav is fine, but not "the answer"

I use GPS as a guide, but they cannot guide you around a blockege, cannot deviate of route for a church or a pub.

Hi Cunobelin,

Thanks for taking a look. I think the kind of Sat-Nav you refer to is an app like Destinator, or Tom Tom perhaps ? My equipment can run these Apps if I want them to, but, I only enable that Software in Big Towns. You dont need those programs for Long Distance touring.

My Sat-Nav GPS uses OS 1:50000 Landranger mapping. If you have not seen this mapping, in paper form or Digital form, I would consider this kind mapping to be the defacto standard in Bicycling guidiance for the whole UK. To be able to have it in Digital format really is a blessing for me. I love it, and it appers in full colour on the GPS Computers display, just like as if you were reading the paper version.

thanks for your feedback, Jim

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 12:38am

Ron PostPosted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:42 pm Is this a leg pull?
If offered the use of that awesome bike for a cycle tour, I would trade in all of the electronics for a pair of awesome mudguards before starting out. Wink Very Happy

Hi Ron,

Nope, definitely not a leg pull old bean.

Yes, I would agree, while Lead Acid Technology can weigh a lot, there are its benefits:

You get powerful, ruddy great sized legs doing training, and a Cardiovascular System to match: I'm doin' 56 bpm restin' ;-)

and I'm 43 Years old !

and Cycling around with that kit, and Countryside walking is all I do for excersise.

The System can be operated on a 1500mAh 12v Photovoltaic Cell that would cover your back during the day (use the Sun's power to run them), and then in the Night, a 3A 12v NiMi pack (very lightweigth) could be used for night time use for up to 5 hours.

I have worked out that the Photovoltaic Cell will fit nicely on the back of a large Adult Male.

I am an Inventor, and so, the usual format is, a good slagging off or some praise. Peoples opinions vary considerably, some think your out of it totally and should be put in a Mental Institute, others think completely opposite and love it totally, others, like paper maps and won't touch a computer either in the home or on a Bicycle.

each to their own then.

I have listed the idea on the Internet, because of the interest I have had shown by people I meet, and that is the only reason I listed it there.

Never liked Mudguards.

cheers, Jim

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 12:51am

morzov

Are you serious?

Yep. I absolutely love it.

You'd have to remove all that stuff every time you stopped at a pub!

Dont use Pubs. The Bike never leaves my side.

I'd be interested to know why you need all that equipment.

All that equipment ? - It just 2 PDA's and a power source.

Surely you can just download your route onto a GPS device like a Garmin Geko and this points to the next waypoint at every junction.

Yes, I would use that if I was not in the UK, and had not OS Landranger Digital mapping to play about with. But I love that mapping, and have used it all my life, paper too, so, why stop now when your onto a good thing :lol:

If you really need to know precisely where you are , yes you can take a PDA with the maps on but I've found them impossible to read in bright light so may as well keep in pocket or bar bag.

A good point. Some PDA displays are not so great in bright Sun, and these loose a little integrity in bright Sun, but, my eyesight is 20/20 and they have good LCD panel bulbs in that can bring the LCD detail out quiet well, though, some people might find them hard to read in these conditions.

Thanks for your feedback, Jim

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 12:55am

Cunobelin,

That machine really is AWESOME! :lol:

VERY cool

Thanks for showing it to us all !

You've certainly beat my little setup on that one man!

Al the very best, Jim

allelectrix · Post by **allelectrix** » 7 Mar 2008, 1:00am

Hi Biscuit, you wrote:

Hope you don't get a '4/2 wheel unplanned deceleration instigated interface with concommitant leg removal by handbar mounted directional anomaly correctors'

LOL! thats a real good Road Kill description

Thanks for that Man! say hello to the Vale of Pewsey for me ! LOVE it there!
Stayed in the little B&B in Wilcot on a long distance tour down the West Country when I was 18, with TWELVE OS Landranger paper maps stuffed in my Cycling Jacket at the back... Ahhhh, those were the days ;-)

Many thanks, Jim

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How do I use GPS on my Bicycle ?

How do I use GPS on my Bicycle ?

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