Do It Youself : Gear Switch Indicator

[Buzzz]

Hi there,

I'm quite new here. Till now, I've been only reading your topics and found many interesting ideas.
One of those ideas was regarding a gear switch indicator,. Unfortunately, but it never seemed to turn into a final solution.

I would like to share with you what I have done :




1) The idea
After seeking for a turnkey solution on the net, I have come to the conclusion that the Acumen, Datatool or Starlane products don't fit my needs.
Of course, they have the advantage of being quite easy to install, but beside they have a few drawbacks :
They are
- expensive : £80 for a simple display is too much IMHO
- laggy : 1/2s response time in general
- imprecise at low engine revs
- ugly : who want à 1" cube on his instrument cluster.
- expensive : oups already in the list

Why not try to use what already exixts on R1150RT ou GS?
I have chosen this way.

a)First thing to find is a R1150RT or GS gear switch.
It is referenced as 23142333154 and you can find it on the Bay. The price may vary.
It is totally compatible with the R1100S gearbox. It just has more wires.

b)You'll need a few electronic components :
- 1x BCD decoder type CD4511
- 1x DIP16 support (not mandatory)
- 1x 7 segment display with common cathod (I recommend displays from kingbright type SC39 or SC52)
- 3x 47k Ohm 1/2W resistors
- 7x 470 Ohm 1/2W resistors
- 1,5 in² of electronic test board or better a specific circuit board
- wires, solder, solder tin, ...

As you can see, the budget won't go very high. All in all, much lower than the Acumen's £80...


2) Theory and practice
Next thing to sort out is how to wire the gear switch to the display.
The solution is partly here : BMWBMW • View topic - Rider Information Display Pin Out
The gear switch is a simple 3 bits binary encoder.
The only trick is that the binary code is negative.

In consequence, we will use the following theoretical circuit :


Which translates into the following assembly :


And here is the circuit board layout I have chosen :


Finally, if you have very basic soldering skills, you should be able to get this


You'll need to find a power source for the module. For this pourpose, you can use the power supply to the tachometer.

Next steps to come.

[hellfishtat]

why do you need this? After riding my R1100s for 19 months, I can figure it out based on RPM vs MPH. I try to NEVER lug the engine and I reserve 6th gear for +70mph freeway driving.

[R1100S2000]

I don't see the need either, but I would do it just because its interesting.

[MaineRoads]

You guys are a Buzzz kill.

[Flying Dutchie]

Hi Buzzz,

Is there a french equivalent R1100S forum??

[CoffeeGuy]

Very cool. A solution to a problem I don't have, but might build one anyway just cause.

[AZ-Twin]

That's cool.

[1100s nut]

I like the idea and wish I had it.....for red light heavy traffic driving. Yes I enjoy without but I wish it was there. On my 1150rt I glance at it frequently in traffic but never at speed.....don't need there as much.

Be safe,
Lane

[Nitro]

Why bother but cool if that's your cup of tea.

First gear is a given.

Sixth gear is a given as the lever has slack if you try to upshift.

Fourth gear is a given because the speedometer and tachometer needles are aligned.

Fifth and third can be determined by knowing that in fourth gear the needles are aligned.

Second gear I guess is the only non-given one.

I just never understood the need of a gear indicator, same for the speedometer!

[flatbutt]

We have speedometers?

[GotRoad?]

Here comes a new guy who instead of asking dopey questions lays out a brand new project...never mind whether or not you like it... and it's all piss and vinegar from the peanut gallery. I think this guy's idea (and execution!) are cool and in case you haven't noticed, most new bikes have an gear indicator, so this project brings a new dash function to an aging bike. Good job & welcome Monsieur Buzzz. I hope you'll continue to post your interesting ideas.

[throttlemeister]

Jeez, somebody new does something interesting AND technical and figures out the details for themselves, instead of asking the same question about bolt-on 'performance' mods that have been asked a million times, or treat this forums like a private chat room for their circle of friends and of course half the forum falls over each other to piss on the parade and explain how useless it is.

Jeez. Talk about condescending. Great way to get rid of new blood on the forums too.

You really think it is more interesting to discuss which exhaust to buy, which tires to use, or heaven forbid, oil?

Buzzz, please don't let the piss and vinegar put you off and provide more details. Regardless of whether people want it or not, it is an interesting project.

[throttlemeister]

GR, you beat me to it.

[ckcarr]

It didn't bother me not having on the r1100s, but now that I have them on the r1200s and the f800gs - I like the feature. Seeing at a glance what gear I'm in.

[PFFOG]

Best idea since sliced bread.....................................now do you have a place in the mountains I can stay cheap, when I come over to play on two wheels.

Any way, welcome aboard. Even if some do not have or see a need, this is the R11S technical forum, so post away. I have Rube Goldberged a few projects myself, just because I wanted to see if I could.

[Noblehops]

+1 Buzzz, ignore the cranks and please continue.

N.

[RBMann]

Good project, ten years ago I would have been all over this but now I am content just keeping it running. I do like the feature when I ride then F650. Temperature and altitude are also things I like to know.

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by RBMann

Good project, ten years ago I would have been all over this but now I am content just keeping it running. I do like the feature when I ride then F650. Temperature and altitude are also things I like to know.

Temperature is my favorite. Does your bike show altitude? I have my GPS mounted and it shows that.

[SeabeckS]

Great idea, and excellent write up...

Back in the 80's I rode a variety of Suzuki's with gear indicators...and really liked that feature. And once in awhile I think I'd like to have it on my S. But not enough interest (or build it yourself talent!!!) to actually do anything about it. I can barely change a light bulb (in the house...lol).

Welcome to the funny farm, and don't take the critics too seriously...

Cheers...!

[RBMann]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Temperature is my favorite. Does your bike show altitude? I have my GPS mounted and it shows that.

My old bicycle watch will show altitude when I remember to put it on the handlebar.