November 21st 2009: after seven years and two months (!) the V8 bike stood on its wheels and the electronics were ready for a test run. The picture shows the current state ;-) |
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Niels took his flight case stuffed with a laptop, multimeters, crocodile clamps, fuses and an oscilloscope. On the left top you see a brand new computer* he built 'from scratch' and fully dedicated for this project. * The first computer did not survive the first intensive test. Cause: due to lack of space a big connector had to be removed and placed elsewhere. The multilayer print did not like that, as Niels feared. All part of the game. |
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Niels (on the left) and Frans prepared for ignition: schemes were consulted ... | ||||
... small modifications were made. |
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With his hand on the throttle and fully concentrated he checked the throttle position sensor for giving the right signal to the computer. A very important part, this TPS. |
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Shortly before starting Niels put on a respirator. Aim at the picture with your mouse: he looked like the movie character called Hellboy ... |
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... which was no coincidence as the first start was accompanied by many bangs, flames and smoke. The computer-controlled ignition and injection wasn't fully optimized yet which caused ignition in the exhaust. |
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These vibrations required certain items to be re-inforced. | ||||
Ignite - adjust - ignite - adjust. The eight meters are fed by sensors which are located all over the bike. |
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The engine management software is very advanced. |
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Initially the engine run on four, then six and finally eight cylinders. More and more meters came within acceptable range. |
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The exhaust manifold colored red and heated up to over 600 degrees. | ||||
We were quite excited about the outcome. What a thrill to hear the engine running for the first time. |
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Eventually we opened a bottle of Russian champagne: the red color symbolized the blood, the sweat and the tears.
September 5th 2010: read the continuing story on this bike build here. |