A little while ago mine started making noise intermittently under heavy load (acceleration or deceleration). After I had worked on it it seemed to go away. I think the motor just needed to be re-seated.
Next time it starts making noise I'll try loosening all 4 large hex screws around the axle and then re-tightening them.
@ashewheeler, very cool project. I am definitely interested to see how it goes.
I spent a while trying to figure out which connectors were used. Looks like like you may have isolated it.
Still, which exact connector do you think it is?
Also, where would be the best place to buy it?
These places would seem likely to carry it:
I don't think I've ordered from any of these places. Anyone have any experience or recommendations?
I used Rule-OLeum LeakSeal. I did also mention it in this post.
For my project I applied a generous layer of this stuff around the seams, then the silicone to fill in gap between the top of the sensor and the foot pad base. Then another layer of LeakSeal all over. I also sprayed it on the bottom, where the wire goes into the base.
None of this seemed to affect the sensitivity of the sensor. I have never experienced a sensor problem.
I am happy with the results; it adheres very well and is fairly flexible. It also fills in space which I would not expect from a spray (it can foam up a little). Once dried it feels like a permanently attached thick rubber skin.
This worked great, but I am not saying there isn't still a better product out there. Forming a thick skin is good in general but I would be ok with something thinner. Being even more flexible would be good too.
The original grip tape comes off easily. Just be careful when pulling it off to not damage the sensor while you're at it.
Adding new grip tape to the back footpad is simple.
Adding to the front pad took a little more creativity.
I used a rubber based spray water sealant to waterproof the sensor.
I then used a silicone fill to bring up the front and taper the sides so that the grip tape could be applied without deforming.
I used a large hole punch to open up the screw holes.
It's really solid: I doesn't feel like it would ever come off the foot pad and there's no movement anywhere. Solid footing.
@8bit, yeah; I am also very curious about the foot sensor on the OW+.
First, I think its great that the top and bottom sensors cover the whole foot pad.
I guess I have more of a concern that on the OW+ you'll be standing on the sensor, instead of standing on the wood and plastic foot pad, part of which included a sensor.
I hope it is still very strong so that it will not weaken or split under shear force, and
does not obscure the feel of the ride; should not be able to feel the sensor give when standing on them.
Those are my concerns for the OW+ footpads, but I am sure FM did work to ensure these are not issues. If these footpads are available for sale I will definitely buy some to see if I could adapt them to my OW v1.
@matto on the topic of footpads..
I bought an extra set (before they went scarce) and reworked both. The first step I took with both was to try to waterproof them.
I think they're supposed to be generally waterproof to begin with but I wanted to really make sure. I liberally sprayed a waterproofing sealer around all edges of the sensor. Specifically, "Rust-Oleum LeakSeal flexible rubber coating." This forms a nice protective seal that is also very flexible so it does not interfere with the sensor. I am really happy with the results.
If someone was going to do any customizing with the footpads, I would recommend the same treatment. In the case of painting, I think this could help prevent the paint from cracking at the seam and it would definitely help in preventing water from getting in and pooling on the edge of the sensor.
@SeeTheInvisible
Great video!
Exactly what I was planning on doing, you already did it. I thought it was very interesting that it showed that the controller was putting off more heat than the motor or the battery. Still not excessive or anything so that's good.
Very informative, thanks.
I think I might still be interested in how much heat it still has over time. My impression from the OW+ video is that the v1 motor would still be putting out heat after it's been off a while.
@fruitygreen, I think painting would be fine but I would suggest not painting over the serial number.
@stymie, it would almost have to. It would have a LOT of energy to absorb somehow. If it didn't put it back into the battery it would probably convert it all to heat. A LOT of heat.
Which reminds me, I keep meaning to take a thermographic video of the OW v1 in use.. The OW+ has a new motor design that improved heat management. Wanted to see what the v1 was doing.
