Arduino-based turn signal jacket - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

SVOboy · 06-22-2008, 03:57 PM

For you enterprising individuals out there: http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~buechley...al_jacket.html

If anyone makes one, I want to know about it!

NoCO2 · 06-23-2008, 02:15 AM

Um, I think you posted the wrong link.

Once I see it, I'll check out how much it would be and if it's reasonable, i would definitely look into it.

SVOboy · 06-23-2008, 02:19 AM

Oh snap. Epic copy pasta fail.

NoCO2 · 06-23-2008, 09:43 AM

Ok, just looked at how it's done. It doesn't look like they have any more of the single color "lillypad" LEDs and the Tri-color ones are like $8 each, which, for LEDs, is ridiculous. I'm going to test how I could mount regular LEDs into a shirt when I get home and if I can figure out a feasible way to mount regular LEDs to fabric then I will begin building. I can't wait to see how this comes out, I've always thought having turn signals on my bike would be cool, and on my back would be even cooler. I'm also going to see if there is a way I can make this work with a vest rather then a long sleeve jacket because, when it's 95 degrees out and I'm riding, the LAST thing I want on is a long sleeved jacket, even if it is paper thin.

I'm thinking, if there was some way to connect a switch on the bike to my vest, like, via USB cable or maybe a conductive contact pad on the seat, then that would be really cool to try.

dcb · 06-23-2008, 10:00 AM

It would be easy enough to mount the LEDS and most of the hardware on the back of a bike helmet

suggestions:
Use Bright RED LEDs
Dont wear black if you want to be seen

NoCO2 · 06-23-2008, 11:16 AM

Yea, I'm going to look for red ones most definitely, the problem though is, at least in the past projects I've done with LEDs. Red ones don't seem to be as bright as others. However, I do really like the helmet idea. The only problem with the helmet would be hooking up the controls for it because you would have to run an annoying wire down your neck for the buttons. Maybe I should put them on the top of my riding shorts...that would not only be kind of funny, but it's a decently large area near my seat that could hold lights...

SVOboy · 06-23-2008, 11:22 AM

Red just isn't as bright...