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Messages - pehayes

#1
RadMini / Re: Rad Mini Battery Charger Problems
December 08, 2023, 12:53:37 PM
Leaving it plugged in all the time can lead to the rare spontaneous fire ignition.  I use a simple 'timer' in my plug circuit.  I select charging time based on my level of use and drain status of the battery.  It charges for that time period and fully disconnects.  Been working fine for four years.  $12 at Amazon:
https://amzn.to/424mOTU

Patrick
CA
#2
RadMini / Re: Starting from scratch - odometer
February 19, 2022, 09:09:01 PM
Quote from: RayStDenis on February 19, 2022, 08:24:07 PM
I've read somewhere that if you turn the power off the battery with your key while the controller display is still on, that it can cause the odometer to zero out.

School me if I'm wrong.  AFAIK there are only two ways to blank (turn off) the display.  One is to wait a period of time for it to clock out at idle and the other is to turn off the key.  Is there another?  I always turn off by key when I go in  a store or when I arrive home after a ride.  I haven't tried, but can you even remove the key while it remains in the ON position?  I thought I had to have the key in place to operate the bike.  Maybe that is wrong.  If that is an error procedure I never heard about it and it hasn't been an issue since day one.  Also, the RAD technician never questioned my procedures, just offered a replacement controller.

Patrick
Fremont CA
#3
RadMini / Starting from scratch - odometer
February 18, 2022, 05:37:12 PM
I bought a Mini in August.  I've been monitoring monthly usage since then.  Yesterday I went for a short ride and noticed that when I turned it on my odometer display was 000.0  What?  I called RAD and they are quickly sending a replacement LCD display.  No idea what may have happened to erase the usage.  No possible way to recover the data.

Patrick
Fremont CA
#4
RadMini / Re: Saddle Bags
December 19, 2021, 11:49:51 AM
I purchased the ToPeak rear bag with folded paniers.  Very pleased.  I had to do some custom mount construction work to get the quick-remove receiver attached to my RadMini rear rack.  Nice to have a quick detach rear bag to take into the store.  And then the sides fold out in seconds to carry huge amounts of cargo.

Patrick
#5
RadMini / Lag is a Drag
October 16, 2021, 03:41:18 PM
I've never ridden another RadMini.  Mine has a serious power lag.  I don't know if this is normal or if there is some glitch in my controller.
When I start pedaling I may have more than one full turn of the crank before the power assist jumps in.  Perhaps almost 2 seconds delay.  When I stop pedaling to coast, the power assist continues delivering for perhaps another 2 seconds.  Not an issue along the road, but it can be a nuisance and risk when navigating a parking lot.

What say  you?  Normal controller reaction?  Or does yours add and cutoff the power near instantly?

Patrick
#6
RadMini / Re: Bag For Mini Rear Rack
October 16, 2021, 03:37:09 PM
I'm handy and I was able to fabricate some extra mounting to put the ToPeak receiver onto my RadMini rack.  The ToPeak bag is very handy to have the side panniers fold out as necessary.

Patrick
#7
RadMini / Re: New Rad Mini 4 Owner
October 03, 2021, 09:16:58 AM
Sorry about the screw head damage.  It is a common manufacturing issue and apparently a repetitive issue for RAD.
Firstly, some holes in the frame are threaded to precise dimension.  Then the frame is powder coated which partially plugs up the threaded holes.  Bad juju.  Proper process would be to plug the holes while the powder coating is taking place.
Second, bulk screws are generally of weak metal and the Allen hex  heads can easily be damaged. 
Third, the precise fit of Allen tools into the hex holes is all over the map.  Use a loose one and you are destined to strip out the  hex hole.
Fourth, RAD installs some screws that don't do anything unless you buy an accessory.  Four for the front rack.  Otherwise, the screws are just cosmetic.  So, with no load involved, why use blue LocTite on otherwise useless screws that are highly likely to be removed by the consumer.  Either don't use the LocTite, or leave the screws out in an accessories package for later installation.

Patrick
#8
RadMini / Re: New Rad Mini 4 Owner
October 01, 2021, 12:25:36 PM
Did you buy any accessories for it?  Be very careful as most screws  have blue LocTite on them.  Make sure to use a well-fitting, quality Allen wrench for any screws and bolts.  I installed a rear rack and had to clean out hole threads with a threading tap to make bolts work.  You may have seen videos to increase top speed through changes in the controller programming.  That is old inventory.  Changes have no effect on the version  you will receive.  Robust and quick bike regardless.

Patrick
#9
RadMini / Battery Cap
August 23, 2021, 06:07:11 PM
I took my RadMini 4 on a trip.  Hung it on a traditional  bicycle rack.  Removed the battery for better access and less weight.

Is there any sort of plug or cap for the contacts in the bottom of battery rack?  The battery itself is dry inside my vehicle.  I can't guarantee I won't be driving in some rain.  The contacts in the bike frame are not only directly exposed, but they sit inside a tub-shaped area just ripe for collecting and storing water.  Rad should have supplied a protective cover for such.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
#10
RadMini / Re: Radmin 4 controller wheel sie
August 14, 2021, 09:21:15 AM
Just received a new RadMini 4 early August.  It came pre-set at 21.  There is no 22 option.  The actual OD of the inflated tire is close to 22.  The closest controller option is 21.  I've experimented to see if I could trick more speed.  Seems best at the default 21.  Used a GPS app for speed verification.  Seemed to peg out max speed the same regardless of my wheel choices.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
#11
RadMini / Re: Radmini clacking noise.
August 11, 2021, 09:10:51 AM
Do you roll the bike backwards just before riding?  Such as to roll it out of the garage?  If so, the chain will easily move to a 'wrong' cassette sprocket.  As soon as you start pedaling, the chain quickly aligns and drops to the proper sprocket and may be noisy.  See if you can lift the bike or move it without rolling backwards and then see if the clacking still persists.  Report back.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
#12
RadMini / Re: Bike Rack
August 06, 2021, 02:48:12 PM
So, you are not looking for a bike rack, just a front fork clamp for a truck bed.
I can't see how this product would disassemble, but surely the center portion can be removed from the two side clamps.  It would be simple for anyone with a lathe to duplicate that center portion in whatever length you wish.  The limiting factor is going to be the sideways inertial torque load as  you round corners.  Those are wimpy brackets and I'm not sure they would handle the side loading of the heavier Rad bike.  Still, a good machinist would simply build thicker, more-stout bracketry.  Know anyone who has the original so that it could be disassembled for study?

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA