Electric Motrcycle Sound FX Generator
 

Hi Guys,

A while back, I played with some audio for my electric motorcycle. Add Sound Effects to your Electric Motorcycle

I was thinking about it again the other day, and know an audio engineer through the Milwaukee Makerspace. I discussed the idea with him of an audio playback device that would be able to alter the speed and/or pitch of a sound file based on input from an electronic throttle.

The idea is to have a small, electronic playback device which would play a looped audio file. The file could increase in speed, pitch, or loudness as the motorcycle throttle increases.

The device would come with a custom sound built-in. It would be a DISTINCT audio file, which would repeat, and give the impression of a cyclic movement, but NOT be an engine sound. Instead, because it IS different, it would be noted by, say, pedestrians in parking lots who are texting while walking instead of watching where they are going. The unusual (but very cool sounding) audio would alert the pedestrian to the fact that there is a moving electric motorcycle behind them trying to get through.

Ideally, the device would also allow you to load your own looping audio file onto it, just in case you WOULD like to make your cycle sound like a Harley, a Kawasaki, or a George Jetson flying car. You would also be able to turn it on and off as desired.

I envision making this as a small weatherproof device, which would run from 12V DC, and would feature 1/4" spade connectors for throttle input and a 1/8th" stereo mini pin output connector for universal connectivity out to your audio amp, recycled computer speakers, or whatever you decide to use for a sound system.

I would have to be able to build one of these myself, try it out, tweak it, and then sell it as a kit, or as an affordable finished product.

What do you think? Would you use one? Would DIYer's buy one for their project cycle? How about folks who already have a commercially made electric cycle, would they want to add one? (ARE there any commercial cycles that already have something similar? I don't know of any, but we have SO FEW EV Cycles in my area....) How about a start-up electric motorcycle company adding this to their product for market differentiation? What might be a fair price for one of these devices? What other features might you want while keeping it simple and affordable?

Please let me know your thoughts and comments!

Hi Ben,
Well, I don't have an electric bike and if I wanted sound effects I could build it my self - I'm not your target audience. But - the sound effect I would have is the sound of a playing card in the spokes.
-mort

Run over because of texting while walking? Too bad.

Yes, but it would ding up from front fender, and they have good lawyers.

*Note to self: add playing cards in spokes sound effect.

This uses the voltage from your alternator (via 12v jack) to determine your engine speed, and broadcasts a V8 or v12 engine sound through the speakers. I am sure this could be used in your application. Make your electric motto cycle sound like an American V8.

Hilarious video of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9XAC...e_gdata_player