SupaNova HSi integrated tail light

[CairnsDuc]

Not legal for Australia, the distance between the Indicator lights is not enough, I forget the legal distance, but the integrated is way to close to be legal.

Now I know what is going on with Bernard, I will be happy to take a number and wait in line, I didn't understand that this was a side project for him, I thought it was a full time business venture and I grew a bit suspect when Emails didn't get answered and half his website disappears.
Now I understand, I'll pull my head in and wait for new designs to be forth coming! 

God damn that new design is bloody bright! 

[Ohmic]

Thanks for all the great feedback. And special thanks to Tom (trenner) for taking the time to post a great write up and video of this first article product.
From his input and from others whom have seen the SupaNova-HSi in person, all have said... "it is too f**king bright... turn in down man!!!"  

Tom has return his prototype(just the driver box) back to me for "detuning". I will decrease its intensity by a factor of 25% - 35% and return to him for more field tests. I have 1 more going out tomorrow and other early next week. So expect for more reviews/pics soon.

However... I'm sure some of you will want this RAW power as is.

This is what i've been thinking for a long term solution (production units):
1 - Just leave it as is? Keep it turned up to "11"  24/7.  Don't  F with it
2 - Factory programed to preset level per customer request. They pick from number of levels. Will need to return unit to adjust level.
3 - Put a selector switch for user define output brightness?
4 - I'm also debating about integrating a light sensor in a closed loop configuration that will vary the output intensity depending on amount of sunshine or lack of for that matter. So output will be very bright in daylight and less bright at night. This requires a major circuit redesign of the driver. Which = more delays. Another major issue is where will this ugly sensor be located on the Monster?

Personally i can see an input selector switch being the finial solution. BUT one issue will be the need to remove the seat cover to access the driver box each time rider wanted to modify the output light level. I could bring this out on a pigtail so option to mount this switch is customer defined.

Thoughts? Feedback? Maybe we should have a vote?  I want to close on this soon and starting ordering some volume production units.

Thanks,
-Bernard

[alexisonfire]

I like option 3.  Would it be a toggle switch (position 1 - very bright, position 2 - moderately bright, etc.) or an infinitely adjustable knob (pot-style)?


As far as switch accessibility, I don't think people will be adjusting the light output very often and taking the seat off isn't that much of a hassle.  I think placement on the driver box is good.

[trenner]

I like option 3.  As far as switch accessibility, I don't think people will be adjusting the light output very often and taking the seat off isn't that much of a hassle.  I think placement on the driver box is good.

That was my thinking as well.  I'd not change the intensity day by day (or by night), but rather set it and forget it.

[trenner]

Also, this (3) strikes me as better than a factory preset for two reasons:

1) It's hard to know the real brightness, and choose a correct preset, until you see it.  Even having seen the video, you might be surprised.  I'd expect to see returns for adjustment.

2) Everybody likes to show off occasionally.  Being able to change the brightness yourself feeds that need.

All this assumes that adding a selector switch to the design is reasonable from a schedule and cost and design perspective.  There's nothing wrong with a unit that's factory tuned.  A selector switch is just somewhat cooler.

[He Man]

i think a click button would be the best. Havei t click 5 times and it changes in sequential order. Its cheaper and easier. but only let it control the day time running light. cause for the brake light, i like it at 11.

[Slide Panda]

Out of the options, 3 seems best to me.  I like he mans idea.  A simple membrane clicker switch on the box that just lets you cycle through a series of pre sets. Simple, minimal bulk and probably more resilient than a twisty knob

1) - Might be an issue.. In my area, sure I'd like to stun the cagers - but in the evenings/night in the woods it might well blind a trailing rider.

2) - I think you're asking for a lot more work for your self - I'd rather see you spend you time on cool products than running to the post office.

4) - Too much hassle in the short term - maybe for the next iteration

So Bernard, and thoughts on MSRP?

[trenner]

but only let it control the day time running light. cause for the brake light, i like it at 11.

That's the spirit!

But seriously, I think that the brake-on mode has to be adjustable, or you've done nothing to address the blinding==dangerous aspect of the unit.  I'm quite serious when I say that a person behind you at a stop light would be suffering pain and accumulating damage to their eyes, and maybe even be forced to look away from the shock of it, if you had that light set at the current intensity.  Now suppose that you're slowing to a stop, with a cager on your tail.  Do you want to force them to avert or close their eyes as they're trying to safely brake behind you?

Overall intensity is too high, not just the running light mode.  You could still set it to 11 if you wanted, but the ability to tone everything down (via clicker or rotary DIP switch or factory preset) is essential for me to be willing to equip it.

[Ohmic]

i think a click button would be the best. Havei t click 5 times and it changes in sequential order. Its cheaper and easier. but only let it control the day time running light. cause for the brake light, i like it at 11.

You know.... that is a good idea! Go big of or home

So here is a solution that will keep both camp happy.:
If I'm adding one selector switch, i can easily add two. But it will not be the toggle/click type, as it would require some sort of a static/flash memory to hold the last configuration when power is removed from the system. Else rider will need to go through the sequence again each time he starts bike etc.   So most likely the switch(es) will be a horizontal slider type. One to select the offset level(running light), and the select the peak (brake light).

The unit will be shipped with all switches set to the lowest settings. The "Safe Mode". All other modes are for "Off Road" usage only    

[He Man]

Honestly i would say make the beast with two backs em. dont ride so close to me. Everyone here seems to want to drive with high beams for some make the beast with two backsign reason even though theres 6 lights on each street at night.

But maybe you can use 1 button for 2 functions. when you click it, it adjust the steady light, when you hold the brake down and click it, it adjusts the brake light.

[Slide Panda]

Honestly i would say make the beast with two backs em. dont ride so close to me. Everyone here seems to want to drive with high beams for some make the beast with two backsign reason even though theres 6 lights on each street at night.

High Beams = Stolen - duh 

I'm for startling the hell out of the soccer mom/texting orange girl behind me with a fusillade of light - But I don't always have to bring up the rear in the pack of bikes for fear of melting someones face shield during a group ride.

The 2 slider solution works for me.  I didn't think about the fact that you'd need a tiny bit of non-volitile memory in there to use a single clicker button - should'a known.

[Adam in TX]

But maybe you can use 1 button for 2 functions. when you click it, it adjust the steady light, when you hold the brake down and click it, it adjusts the brake light.

Same flash memory problem...

Any word as to SRP $?

[Ohmic]

So Bernard, and thoughts on MSRP?

This is a low volume product. As a result when i go to the suppliers to procure the parts, I do not get the price breaks one would expect. All my parts have to be obtained from a middle man (Newark, Digi-Key...etc). We all know about the middle man   The same is true for the shop fabricating the PCB. These blank boards can range from $100's each to $1-$2 for order of 1000 pieces. Again, I can't ship these out overseas to be assembled. Volume is just way to low. The companies in China or Taiwan etc won't even look at this project unless i was willing to order min 1500 pcs. Just the LEDs themselves per unit is ~$100 per tail light. The labour on these is also taxing. Each unit needs to be tested and burnt in and sometimes troubleshoot. Not as simple to reproduce as spinning a piece of Aluminum and charging $100's for it

I really wish i could make these for less.  Believe me. If i did make it for less. I would not want it on my Ducati   If it's not good enough to be on my bike. Then it's just not good enough!

Goal is to keep MSRP to par with the SN490i <was>.

[Slide Panda]

Goal is to keep MSRP to par with the SN490i <was>.

That's about what I figured it would be.  And for far, seems a better value. More functionality (and light) for the same price as the previous generation

[CairnsDuc]

When they do become available, would you mind updating this topic, or making a new one?
just so I know when to get some $$$ together, don't want to miss out this time  

Now that I finish work at night, I wouldn't mind having a really bright tail light, easier for the Idiots drivers up here to see me when they are:
A: Sending a Text message
B: Eating a Burger
C: Reading the Paper
E: Changing CD/Changing song on there iPod
F: Slapping the kids about
G: Doing anything other than paying attention to driving a Car
H: All of the Above (Correct Answer!)