Electric vests?

[skelstar]

Maybe google "temperature control". Best (but not easiest) solution is something that uses a 555 timer chip, a variable resistor to control temp, and a transistor. It uses PWM if that means anything.

Trouble with the vest is that there is a reasonable amount of current flowing and its hard to get rid of the heat you don't want. I'd say just a switch that you can easily switch whilst riding...and carefully select your temperature.

[xgnr]

Gottit... (I think)

Simple idea will be to get a rocker switch (Hi-lo-off) and use ceramic resistor to reduce the heat. Needs a bit of thought about mounting this on the bike but the Beemer has blank switch plates (which no doubt will be an arse to get something to fit for less than $300.00.) Our friends at Repco will help I am sure.

Have found a few articles that suggest using a hazard type vest and use that iron on sheeting to secure it instead of stitching into your quilted zip-in vest looked a bit dodgy but an option. Maybe an experimental jacket to get the heat right although it appears that PTFE coated 30 gauge wire 7 x 0.1 (10M) will do the job.

Will let you know how i get on, fun little project

Another little project to sort before the cold kiwi eh. They will all want one then

[skelstar]

Another little project to sort before the cold kiwi eh. They will all want one then

You'll look funny standing by your bike all the time though

[xgnr]

hmmmmmm

I know, I will get a real stretchy cord... and a Genny to keep the battery up eh. Long as I can get to the Bar it will be sweet

[pete376403]

Have made a couple of these. Used a sleeveless jackets from some op shop. Wire was from an old "Safasleep" low voltage electric blanket. Got enough wire from that to do the two jackets. Wire was sewn into the jacket on a domestic sewing machine, using the widest zig-zag stitch it could do, and not too much tension on the presser foot. Only broke about half a dozen needles (they are really cheap) usually when the needle hit the wire.
Wires terminated in a plug that went into a socket at the left side of the fairing, so I could plug/unplug on the fly. Not variable heat control, just on/off as required. The plug / sockets are stage speaker items so can take high current and a lot of handling.
Resistance of the jacket is 4 ohms, so at 12 volts, thats 3 amps = 36 watts of heat. Very very nice around my lower back :-)
The pic shows the inside of the jacket. Looks a bit basic but worn over a t-shirt it works extremely well on Brass Monkey rides and I really missed it this year when on a different bike with no power outlet.

[MyGSXF:Me]

heya HDC.. I have a genuine heated vest.. had it for years.. ( 14 to be exact...) wore it to the Brass.. & was toasty warm!!! wore it over my polyprop & under a close fitting lambswool jersey, then another jersey over top, leather jacket & wet weather gear.. (hey, I didn't have the better gear back then that I have now ok.. ) but, yeah.. it sure made one hell of a difference!!!! keeping ya "core" warm, goes a long way to keeping a lot more of ya feeling warm!!

Just dug it out of the wardrobe (to take photo).. haven't tried it on since a wee bit after son #1 came along.. it got me all depressed then, it did.. but.. just did it up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now.. to find the wiring to go with it.. somewhere in the shed..

I wouldn't recommend wearing steel cap gumboots to the Brass however..

Jen

ps: THINK I got it from Eric Woods at the time...

[R1madness]

Lent mine to the misses one year on the way to the Brass Monkey. She had it plugged in all the way. Kept her toasty warm. When she started to complain about the cold later in the evening we just went back to the bike, hooked her up and within 10 minutes she was warm again
It was made in Nelson (of all places) and was good quality. Lasted about 15years so was great value for money. Must but a new one one day

[NiggleC]

Anybody who wants a roll of 30AWG .25mm that is mentioned in some instructions please pm me. 1st in, 1st served. I got it free so i am willing to pass on. will put in a courier bag (don't tell my boss) so no cost to you at all.

[NiggleC]

Delphinus wins!!

[Delphinus]

Wahoo! Cheers mate!

[NiggleC]

Anybody had a look at this regarding making their own?
www.shadowriders.org/faq/electricvests.html

[F5 Dave]

Tried a friends vest a QHT or whatever from Nelson as pictured. Wasn't very impressed. Heated up my kidneys too much & my front not enough to the point that is was pretty uncomfortable to keep it on but not warming me up much.

Just this Brass his stopped working, it had burnt a wire through almost to his skin.

I bought a Widder from the US. They know about cold temperature. It wasn't cheap but it is good. Like about $300 but while our dollar is high might be a good time. I just went for a switch on the dash with a hi & low (through a dirty big low ohm resistor). Low takes the edge off, high is great. Wife wears it on most trips & doesn't come on the ones when it is cold enough for me to use it.

For those making their own I would suggest they increase the amount around the front & the neck is particularly nice & don't go crazy around the kidneys.
Has to be tight fitting. The connectors will make or break the system. Sadly there isn't much decent in your local Tricky Dicky for in-line plugs.

[bungbung]

For connectors try rs: http://www.rsnewzealand.com

For connectors look to Neutrik Speakon style, they are pro PA speaker connectors, they have locking pins and are good for 25A and many many connections/disconnections

[F5 Dave]

They're as big as a garden hose connector! Also having something that doesn't fall out, but does unplug so you don't rip the wires out when you invariably walk away from the bike without unplugging, trust me on this.