Infrared footpad experiment

[Lemur]

Fun infrared footpad experiment for vesc I had this cheap Aliexpress infrared sensor to build a better mousetrap from a couple of years ago, project never got started.
After seeing Tech rails project with electronic sensors, I ran a simple experiment to check the feasibility with this sensor as a footpad sensor, either single or dual zone. This could work as some vesc would have 12v aux to power the sensor and triggering a simple small relay, either mechanical or electronic.
This is for personal use and not for sale, just fyi.
Video in on FB Onewheel Vesc Builders

[Lia]

@lemur I love the idea. Wouldn't direct sunlight be an issue for these though?

[Lemur]

@lia I just tried a powerful led flashlight about 2cm away from the infrared module and it didn't affect the sensor, maybe full spectrum sunlight may, I have to test it when we get some sun.
Certainly mud or snow will affect it, I'm going to make a mount, source a relay today and test as a single zone as I only have one of the sensors for now, super cheap on Aliexpress.

[Lia]

@lemur I hope it works out!

[Lemur]

@lia The infrared footpad sensor exceeded all my expectations!
I set it up as an one zone, goofy foot sensor. Heel lift, hop off and quick stop worked flawlessly, all in bright sunlight too.
I can see snow, mud or other debris will create a ghosting problem, so I'm trying to engineer some kind of fail safe .

[Lia]

@lemur Amazing work!
I'm so happy it worked out fine. Any thoughts so far on how to stop those? Maybe a hydrophobic layer on the sensor or something.

[Lemur]

@lia Maybe I can figure out how to wire two in series so both have to be activated to turn on the footpad, if one is obsured (activated) , the other is deactivated the circuit will be broken.
Not a 100% solution, but a redundant system, side by side sensors.
Or tiny windscreen wipers. Hahaha

[NotSure]

@lemur lol

[Lemur]

@lemur Figured out a getto solution to keep the sensor clean. Haha

[Sirgu]

@Lemur it's awesome how your experiment progression (or part of what has been shared publicly) is step ahead of Tech-Rails idea.

Outstanding video footage on FB 'DIY Squad' group! Guessing with such heel proximity no hard debris does not accumulate on sensor sight. Mud & moisture do leave some hesitations. I'll be following with excitement on your fail safe ideas on that experiment.

[Lemur]

@sirgu I have a few ideas that need tweaking.
What I realized that this sensor system is super cheap and works for deep concave footpads like the Kush where a stick on pressure sensor has problems.
A friend is going to help me design and print a fender or half fender to incorporate this type of sensor.
FYI, I won't be selling any kits as liability is too high, I will post the whole procedure for those that want to diy after more testing.

[Sirgu]

@Lemur said :

... FYI, I won't be selling any kits as liability is too high, ...

This is evidently understood. Likewise all of your one-off projects.
It is still admirable that you share all this know-hows and experiences.

[cheppy44]

@Lemur that's so cool!