DynoHubSolarPowerCombo

Introduction

As a bike tourist and commuter over the decade(s), the combination of a solar panel on the back bike trailer or paniers, and a dynohub generator on the front wheel sounds like an optimal synergy...

Bicycles are also the main transportation option for poor, in many countries, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th world...

It is good for the environment, and health of kids and adults, given safe riding practices and well designed roads, or even off road with mountain bikes...

Power generation options are not available with G1G1 program, though the XO machine is low power in design and spawned the netbook generation.

The XO's screen that works in direct sunlight is optimal for outdoor applications and considering how to fasten to the front of the bike (bar ends suggested) for a computer controlled next generation MicroShip Winnabiko type Linnabiko to be called XOBikePowered?...

Applying to Contributor Program

User:DancesWithCars will be applying with this idea to the Contributor program (and possibly elsewhere like dynohub, solar panel and component manufacturers) for hardware and support.

Most people would not want someone taking apart a loaner XO machine, and the power experiments could fry stuff, so probably left over or broken parts, able to test what happens. The power output on the dynohub may be unsteady depending on speed and wide ranging. Taking an XO on a bike is somewhat hazardous for testing, as like a cell phone, can't be distracted in traffic, etc... It would however be a good testing environment to try daily in different situations.

Comparison to Bike Computers

Your average bike computer (mileage, speed, etc) without GPS features is in the $20+ range and when I was a kid we didn't know how far we had gone, and frequently tried to race cars, against each other, etc...

XO Design Benefits

The XO's low power design of 2 Watts is not a lot for a laptop usually in the 10 Watt range, but will see if can generate that biking and with occasional solar assist...

Types of Donations

Donations of hardware, broken would be accepted, as may be able to kludge together the remaining components and learn some hardware by exemplars in the process.

Future XO Versions

Power and form factors for the 1.5 machine is said to stay the same.

Gen 2.0 machines are likely to be different, so would like at least one of those to convert/ test compatibility/ develop in new environment.

Sun Light and Other Limitations/ Issues

Given the occasional/ usual lack of sun in thus part if the NorthEast USA and necessary power requirements while bike touring (sometimes stopped at a paid campsite just for the power (and showering)), instead of a national parks like C&O Canal Hiker Biker camp sites...

Batteries are heavy

Weight to power ratio to consider

12V Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) motorcycle battery? Same Voltage as the car adapter? Amperage? Capacity?

Try recharging with solar panel(s) and dynohub?

Add options to charge standard batteries as well, likes packs of NiMH AA/AAA or other size standard cells?

Direct to bike running lights? Store excess? Or charge later?

Power management necessary...

Making Waterproof/ Resistant

Electronics don't want to get wet, as they stop being fun after that... Looking for a food storage box to put electronics in. Maybe a hard mil surplus ammo case? If trailer goes rolls over, then not likely to break, but high metal weight (though batteries are heavy too) and conductive, so must line it somehow?...

Some people have suggested plastic bags, and I've looked into cereal box storage container options, and some other stuff. Some HackerSpace people were kind enough to have a nice discussion on the matter...