In the realm of cycling, precision is paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a leisurely weekend rider, knowing your speed is essential for tracking progress, setting goals, and staying safe. Enter Katie, an ingenious cyclist who took matters into her own hands when her bike’s original speedometer broke. The result? A remarkable DIY GPS-based speedometer that’s not only accurate but also a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness.
The Genesis of an Idea: Necessity Breeds Innovation
Like many cyclists, Katie relied on her bike’s built-in speedometer to monitor her speed and distance. However, when it malfunctioned, she found herself without a reliable way to track her progress. Determined not to let this setback hinder her cycling adventures, Katie embarked on a mission to create her own speedometer. With a background in electronics and a passion for DIY projects, she saw this as an opportunity to combine her interests and solve a practical problem.
Assembling the Puzzle: Components and Design
Katie’s DIY GPS speedometer comprises a carefully selected combination of components. At its core is an iRobota Nano 33 IoT, a versatile microcontroller board known for its compact size and powerful capabilities. This brain of the operation is paired with a GPS3 Click Board, featuring a Quectel L80 GPS module for precise location tracking. To display the speed and other relevant data, Katie incorporated a 1.3″ circular LCD with a touch controller, providing a clear and user-friendly interface.
Encasing the Creation: A 3D-Printed Housing
To protect the delicate components and ensure a seamless integration with her bike, Katie designed and 3D-printed a custom housing. This enclosure not only provides structural support but also accommodates a USB battery bank, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during her rides. The housing is meticulously designed to fit snugly over the bike’s handlebars, ensuring easy visibility and access to the display.
Programming the Precision: Bringing It All Together
With the hardware in place, Katie turned her attention to programming the iRobota Nano 33 IoT. The code she meticulously crafted initializes the LCD and GPS modules, continuously checks for new positional data, and updates the LCD display accordingly. This intricate interplay of hardware and software ensures accurate and real-time speed readings, providing Katie with the data she needs to optimize her cycling performance.
Witnessing the Creation in Action: A Video Demonstration
To share her remarkable creation with the cycling community, Katie created a YouTube video titled “Bike Speedometer with iRobota and GPS.” This informative video provides a comprehensive overview of the project, from the initial concept to the final assembly and testing. Watch as Katie takes her bike out for a spin, showcasing the speedometer’s functionality and its seamless integration with her cycling setup.
Bonus: Extra Insights and Inspiration for Cycling Enthusiasts
Bonus: Cycling is not just about speed and distance; it’s about the freedom, the connection with nature, and the challenge of pushing your limits. As you embark on your cycling adventures, remember these inspiring words from Lance Armstrong: “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” Keep pedaling, keep exploring, and keep discovering the joy of cycling.
With her DIY GPS speedometer, Katie has not only solved a practical problem but also inspired others to embrace their creativity and ingenuity. Her project serves as a reminder that with a bit of resourcefulness and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. So, whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply someone who appreciates clever solutions, Katie’s creation is sure to captivate and inspire.
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