V1 – Visual Alert set-up (round 1)

BruceLaQuinta · 09-10-2006, 07:26 PM

For the past 18 months or so, I had a GS Adventure that shared the garage with my S. I’ve been using a V1, Ipod and an Autocom that is contained in a Big Mak tank bag. Switching from one bike to the other was pretty simple, pull the power from the accessory plug, pull the power cord from the V1, move the bag and the V1 to the other bike and reattach the power cords. The system worked pretty well for most situations but had several drawbacks. First, I much prefer riding without a tankbag, I do not like the earbud speaker wire hanging out in front of me, (and unplugging / plugging everytime I got on / off the bike), and finally, the Ipod had a tendency to skip in certain riding conditions.

Once I sold the GS I wanted to come up with a more simplistic set-up that had a stealth look to it, and would not require “plugging in” very often. I still wanted to be able to use the V1 and the Ipod, but how to do both without the autocom? The Ipod fits nicely in the smaller front pocket of my Savanah II jacket, and kept the earplug cord hidden as well. A small Air Click remote in my breast pocket is easy to use, even with gloves. That just left the V1. So I ordered one of Marc Parnes’ visual alert units and went to work.

First was a trip to the hardware store for some supplies. The goal was to use the fairing bracket as a mounting point for the V1 remote audio unit. These ½” clamps and a piece of flat aluminum stock looked promising.

After several attempts I was able to mount the platform so there was no contact when moving the bars full left / right. I used a Powerlet power plug and an additional SAE end to make a quick disconnect for the V1 power unit.

Then it was just a bit of trial and error to mount all the pieces to the platform. I found that positioning the remote audio unit sideways allowed easiest access to all the plugs.
The final step was mounting the visual alert. I opted for the top of the guage cluster with a small piece of velcro

Now to test it out. I set out on a standard loop through the mountains, and home via slab in hopes of finding some radar. (did I really just type that?) The route has several nuisance radar spots that I thought would be a good test as well. The alert was easy to see in town as I passed the mall, so far so good. Coming down the mountain on a twisty road, with the sun in my eyes I never saw the second nuisance radar. I had my Ipod turned off and actually heard the V1 beep twice, but never noticed the alert flash. On the slab home with the sun directly behind me and my body casting a shadow on the LEDs I was able to see nuisance flashes as I passed the casino. Without my body casting shadows and the alert in direct sun, I was able to see real radar (CHP traveling opposite direction) but I know I missed the first couple of beeps. Once I got a little closer the alert was hard to miss. I was almost home when the alert started up again, and once again the unit was in direct sun. Again, I’m sure I missed the first couple of beeps, but as I got closer to the source the alert is hard not to notice.

Conclusion? I liked the lack of tankbag, and the Ipod secure in my jacket (NO skipping). I’m also happy with the way the V1 power / remote audio are hidden. But I’m not 100% confident with the visual alert. In lower light situations it would be perfect. I am going to reposition the unit so that the lights will flash more directly into my line of site. I might also try to move it closer / higher into my peripheral vision, maybe on the V1 itself? On the highway with a steady radar source it works just fine. The problem will be back roads and instant on. I guess more testing is required before I am comfortable with it.

nosmo_king · 09-11-2006, 09:01 AM

Damn but that's a nice set-up, and "how to"!

Complete w/ great pics, too!

Thanks!

-Nos

PS The flash memory iPod's (nano)- while smaller memory, don't skip (but- you probably know that...)

850dunstall · 09-11-2006, 09:23 AM

okay i like the visual alert,... but where is the stealth v1 located?

i need to figure somthing out as well for mine and some of the space you used is already taken for my HID ballast unit...

repoe3 · 09-11-2006, 10:15 AM

how waterproof is that setup?

repoe3

tm1100s · 09-11-2006, 10:59 AM

How's about wiring the leds into the helmet in a place where you can see them in peripheral vision, like the H.A.R.D display?

John Lyon · 09-11-2006, 11:04 AM

For daylight use, can you find a way to mount the LEDs at the top (inside) of the windshield? The wire might be untidy hanging down, but perhaps you could run it either forward down to the edge of the dash, or maybe even along the edge of the windshield under some of that fancy wind-buffeting tubing?

Flatbutt1 · 09-11-2006, 11:30 AM

where is the V1 itself?

John Lyon · 09-11-2006, 11:48 AM

I think I see it on the right handlebar (lower picture).

BruceLaQuinta · 09-11-2006, 01:07 PM

Yeah, I guess stealth is a bit of a misnomer.

The V1 itself is on a Technik stem mount, and sits right above the brake reservoir. Not too stealthy. All the electronics are mounted out of site, so when the V1 is removed (via quick dis-connect plate) you'd only see the alert.

Repoe brings up a good question about withstanding water. The electronics are hopefully high enough to prevent water from underneath, but in a downpour / stop and go it will be a problem. Since it rains here maybe four times a year I wasn't too concerned. If I'm out touring I would probably be using the tankbag set-up anyway, if not I could just quickly pull it, and stick it back into the tankbag. Or maybe get the smallest pelican case and mount everything in it with a couple access holes for the wires?

My goal was to eliminate any wires going from me to the bike, but in theory I could add an extension to bring the alert up to my helmet. Probably too close due to the brightness of the lights. And I did consider locating the alert on the windshield itself, mounted just under the top lip. I didn't like to look so I'm trying other options first.

Playing around last night I'm now thinking of putting it on top of the V1 itself with a small piece of velcro. I can angle the lights almost directly at my face shield, but I could also angle it at night to keep from blinding myself. I'm hoping to give it a quick test this evening.

Thanks everyone for your replies / suggestions.

SergioK · 09-11-2006, 02:17 PM

I've got my V1 wired to my helmet piping audio via a mixer (GPS signal in there too). I once worried about being 'plugged' but the mini DIN connector at the base of the helmet proved no match for me. I once forgot I was wired and walked away from the bike. I was surprised my crappy soldering job didn't breakaway before the DIN connection did.

Clean setup... I don't dare post pics of my sloppy handywork (but at least it works).

Also, not to hijack your thread, but do you have the POP upgrade? I've found it isn't as much as upgrade as a downgrade. Lots of false bogeys.

John Diakonis · 09-11-2006, 06:28 PM

When I bought my S it didn't have a tankbag so I had to come up with a way to run all my items as well. I'm using a RAM 2"x6" plate attatched to the top of the triple tree, Escort on top left, mp3 on top right, Marc Parnes mixer ( which he needs to continue making, listening Marc? )on bottom left and garage door opener on bottom right all attatched with vercro. Very neat setup down low on the triple tree. Yes, not waterproof but I could put plastic over them if need be.