LS POWER METER

Power meter is a most important training tool for triathletes and road racers. This device provides direct indication of fitness and performance. Measurement of the power produced during cycling helps not only monitor workout, but to optimise transmission, cadence and position on bike making riding more effcient or simply to track your calories burned.

 

Laser Spoke (LS) is a novel technology for power monitoring produced by human-powered transport. Our laser-based technology (patents pending) provides an accurate and affordable method to monitor power produced by cyclists during riding. The technology allows our system to work on any bicycle, enabling their use on racing and recreational bicycles as well as on BMXs, MTB, fixed bikes and tandems.

Our universal power-monitoring sensor is also distinct in that it is inexpensive and delivers a level of accuracy similar to that obtained with most expensive systems available on market.

 

Laser Spoke is a power meter based on entirely new technology (patent pending). Idea of Laser Spoke is simple: we use a flexibility of real wheel, available on any bike, to monitor power. Our optical sensor can be easily installed on any wheel and provides excellent accuracy. It is light, inexpensive and universal. Potentially, our method can be used in full automatic transmission for bikes. Equipped with our inexpensive and accurate torque monitoring technology algorithm for automatic transmission will be straightforward and user-friendly.

Simply put, Laser Spoke is a technology that enables using the wheel, installed on your bike, as a torsional spring to measure power output.

Dynamic method of calibration integrated in our power meter is our most powerful secret weapon (patent pending). This allows real-time calibration by user on the go. Don't send your power meter back to us! Calibrate your wheel yourself! Check how stiff it is. Check wheel condition, spokes tension and wear.

With LS calibration the art of wheel building becomes a science.

 

Where's development at?

We built prototypes, tested technology, and came up with ideas on how to make power monitoring accurate and affordable.

The body of this research model is made of lightweight aluminium alloy. Redesigned and much more compact body of Laser Spoke Pro will be produced from plastic by injection moulding.

 

Optical module assembly, used in first model, will be replaced with integrated optical system manufactured from polycarbonate.

PCB with two acceleration sensors to monitor speed. No magnets anymore! Redesigned modular PCB of Laser Spoke Pro will be four times smaller. A custom LCD for user interface to be used during initial calibration and also for instant feedback on performance at the end of training.

 

SD Card to store workout upload your data onto your computer. In new modular design of Laser Spoke Pro flash memory will be integrated into removable module with USB interface. This module will also include communications, battery and LCD. You will be able to connect it to your computer to upload data, charge battery and update software.

 

What We Need

First of all we need your feedback about LS power meter. We need to incorporate further design elements to get it to a production ready status to a place where everyone can use it. This involves construction of beta version in quantities that will allow testers to assure the source code and ANT+ communication ready for prime time. Completing the design will require:

• Detailed design of optical system.
• Detailed design of electronic system.
• Acquire the right to use and develop ANT+ compatible communication system.
• Detailed design of mechanical system.
• Detailed design of universal mounting and assembling methods and components.
• Produce the product manuals and documentation.

Calibration and ANT+ communication protocol integration are very important milestones that provide high accuracy level and make LS devices to be compatible with a wide range of user interfaces available on market. Then we'll setup our manufacturing, produce systems and distribute them to you.

Target Technical Features of LS Pro

• The overall mass should not exceed 150g.
• ANT+ compatibility.
• Accuracy level in range 1-2% (as tested on a turbo trainer with resistance control).
• Dynamic calibration.