Best aftermarket range extension methods

14 May 2021, 21:40 UTC

@OneDan I have considered it. Had a few ideas how to do it but I can never settle on BMS on the board and you swap an electronically unprotected pack or BMS in the pack but then you need one per pack (which wouldn't work for later models >:( )

14 May 2021, 21:52 UTC

@Lia Ah, wasn't aware the BMS was actually in the battery area. Thought it was the first thing on the other side of the connector. I've changed my tires on the OW and installed some float plates, but that's about the extent of me messing with it. Still, there could be money to be made!

14 May 2021, 22:13 UTC

@Lia Could you 'simply' containerize the problem with an adaptable BMS configuration? You seem like you've dealt with a few PCB's in your day.

It's beyond my skill set for sure but if you could do it, I'd say throw it up on Indiegogo and see what happens. I'd definitely buy one if they really worked!!! I think everyone would eventually. It's an answer to like every Pint owners dream.

14 May 2021, 22:56 UTC

@NotSure It could be done, the biggest hurdles are doing it well and making sure the connectors are reliable. With the BMS off the battery you'll have 16xbalance wires, 8xthermistor wires and the 2x63v main power wires that need to be connected somehow. I'm sure it could be achieved though with enough thought put into reliability.

What would make it infinitely easier is if the BMS's weren't so crucial to the OW's operation. New boards need them to turn on and the newest won't let you replace them as they're paired to the controller at factory. I wold love if FM reversed this decision, at least the pairing issue since that just bones anyone that wants 3rd party repair for floaters like me that can't afford to ship a board overseas :(

Was recently invited to a Discord group with a few guys that work on the DIY boards contribute to building solutions. I'm currently working on an alternative front footpad but after that I might start work on a swapable pack since everyone seems to really want one. I couldn't manufacture them but as with my other stuff I'll release the designs for free and hopefully a 3rd party picks up the task to manufacture.

Can't promise anything but I can at least try to get the ball rolling.

14 May 2021, 23:46 UTC

@Lia said in Best aftermarket range extension methods:

Was recently invited to a Discord group with a few guys that work on the DIY boards contribute to building solutions.

Yeah seems like FM may have miscalculated. Just curious but have you ever heard about floatwheel? Seems right up your alley.

15 May 2021, 00:00 UTC

@NotSure I did get to take a peak at the Floatwheel Discord group but it was waaaay too busy for me, got overwhelmed D:
This other one seems like a spinoff with less members but seemingly equally capable. Lots of great stuff in those groups and very clever/talented members in both.

Bums me out that this all has to be done under the radar from FM, I'd love to just bounce ideas off them and just work on community solutions. I get as a business it's a lost cause though and goes against their best interests monetarily so I'm not on the anti-FM band wagon I see a lot of people jump on. Just kind of want to see more engagement with us, might just be me being a bit parasocial though.

16 May 2021, 17:18 UTC

@Lia said in Best aftermarket range extension methods:

Just kind of want to see more engagement with us, might just be me being a bit parasocial though.

I just figured forums are a little old school, and they just stick to the platforms now. I never really got into Facebook, so I figured they were simply more active on Instagram or whatever. Maybe they're going out of business? Anyone know if they're healthy?

16 May 2021, 18:10 UTC

@NotSure Obviously they're funding all these races around the country and such, so I "think" they're healthy. But with no new product announcements for quite some time, you have to wonder.

17 May 2021, 03:40 UTC

@Lia, @NotSure
re: Engagement, forums vs. platforms

FWIW, FM sent me a survey last week asking for feedback on their website. I specially mentioned disappointment with their lack of engagement in this Community forum. I suggested it (this Community space) needed some feeding and nurturing ...

I was glad to have received the survey! :)

17 May 2021, 13:52 UTC

@HorsePlay i find it encouraging that you got a survey, too. i hope they start participating more.

18 May 2021, 19:11 UTC

So if any of you would indulge me further, what should I know about VNR? Just got to be sure to match voltages? Are there any automatic, fool-proof connector options? Do I have to charge them separately? Can they be ultracharged? Best threads or youtube vids? Thanks in advance.

18 May 2021, 23:01 UTC

@NotSure -- SonnyWheels has kits and videos.

19 May 2021, 03:45 UTC

@blkwalnutgrwr so would this work? it's bluetooth apparently. Has it's own app lol.

X-Range 60-Volt 5.0 mAh Battery with Bluetooth by Greenworks

19 May 2021, 12:36 UTC

@NotSure -- Yes, as far as I know. Again, look at sonnywheels.com, read the kit descriptions for your model, and watch the installation video.

30 May 2021, 17:26 UTC

@NotSure said in Best aftermarket range extension methods:

So if any of you would indulge me further, what should I know about VNR? Just got to be sure to match voltages? Are there any automatic, fool-proof connector options? Do I have to charge them separately? Can they be ultracharged? Best threads or youtube vids? Thanks in advance.

not sure on the vnr as I don't want extra wires sticking out;, but I just got a carvepower slidecharger that uses ryobi 40v batteries and love it.
alt text
I can fast charge in the truck while driving, strap it to the fender and /or carry extra batts in the a pack, Can boost the xr an extra 10-20% in the time it takes to stop for a smoke break. XR went from 40% to a 95% in under 30 min. Suprisingly light weight.
Haven't tested it on the pint yet, need a gauge to readjust it, may get another one to set one up for each board.

30 May 2021, 17:36 UTC

https://carvepower.com/products/slide-charger
plug and play ease