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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

343.0. "CATEYE MICRO" by AMUN::CRITZ (Ya know what I mean, Vern) Mon Jun 15 1987 13:07






     Having just received a new cateye  micro,  I  thought  I'd  mention  a

     couple of things about it.



     For one thing, it's pretty small; large enough  to  read  easily,  but

     relatively small compared to the original solar.



     The cadence and speedo pickup wires are one  piece  until  they  split

     around  the  area  of  the  chain  stay.  BTW, if you didn't know, the

     standard speedo pickup is to  the  rear  wheel.   I  assume  8*)  they

     decided  it  was easier for everyone to just have all the pickups done

     from the rear.



     Oh, yea.  You have cadence or speed.  You have to push a button on the

     backside of the unit to toggle from one to the other.



     No other real impressions yet.  If I find any problems (knock on wood)

     or anything else about the micro, I'll let you know.





     Scott

T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
343.1Two weeks and happy so far.SRFSUP::GOLDSMITHI salute Kernel Mode!Mon Jun 15 1987 18:3910
    119 miles on my Micro, works like a champ. It fits into my pocket
    easily when I lock up my bike. As for cadence, I would like to see
    cadence and speed at the same time, but this has not proven to be
    a problem.
    
    Also, the batteries don't cost $12 a set! And I can keep it in the
    dark. :-)
    
    						--- Neal
    
343.2Eyes on the CatULTRA::SEIDENKen SeidenMon Jun 15 1987 20:012
    Where did you find the micro, and how much did it cost?
    Nashbar doesn't seem to have them available yet.
343.3Did your Micro come in, Vern?AMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernMon Jun 15 1987 20:046
    	It cost $39.90 at Nashbar. They said it would not be in
    	until the 20th of June. I got it on the 10th. Go ahead
    	and order the thing; it'll probably get there before
    	they say it will.
    
    	Scott
343.4A slave to my CateyeULTRA::SEIDEN2 outs, 2 strikes, 2 run lead...Mon Jun 29 1987 19:0112
    Well, I just logged my first 50 miles on my new Cateye micro.
    This thing is really terrific.  
    The only problem I've had is in the operation of the cadence.
    The unit works fine while I'm seated.  But if I stand and attack
    a hill, the cadence goes to zero, indicating the unit is not
    picking up the magnetic relay.  All other functions work fine.
    And in fact once I'm back in the saddle, the cadence begins
    to read properly again.  While I'm usually more interested in
    wind than rpms up steep hills, I want the unit to function
    properly at all times.  Have the other micro riders experienced
    this?
343.5Sounds strange to meAMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernMon Jun 29 1987 19:4013
    	Well, I'm always seated 8-)>, so I can't comment on
    	this aberration.
    
    	I have about 150 miles on mine. Haven't had an ounce
    	of trouble with it.
    
    	I should be riding in tomorrow, so I'll attack a few
    	hills and see what happens.
    
    	Sounds like a strange thing to happen. Is there something
    	or someone in there who knows when you stand up?  8*)>
    
    	Scott
343.6Never noticed it beforeCSC32::S_SIMONScott SimonTue Jun 30 1987 13:296
I have about 200 miles on mine so far and can't say I've ever noticed the
problem.  I have to admit I don't stand too often, but no problems thus far.

I'll check it out tonite, if the rain ever stops and I can avoid flat tires!

-scott
343.7Did you have problems, Vern?AMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernTue Jun 30 1987 16:056
    	I rode in today. No problem with the Micro no matter what
    	I did.
    
    	I know that's no help, but I promised to respond.
    
    	Scott
343.8Need help on installing microKOALA::WISOTZKETue Jun 30 1987 16:575
    Does anyone have any suggestions on getting the micro clips to fit
    on a Cannondale bicycle?  I can get one on but the other doesn't
    quite reach.  
    
    Nancy
343.9Tape?TSG::HATCHERTue Jun 30 1987 17:015
    re .8, the plastic pieces aren't big enough.  I used black tape.
    You might try those twist-tie closure things for plastic bags.
    
    Use your imagination.
    
343.10twist ties rustTALLIS::EBARTHWed Jul 01 1987 13:562
    
    	I tried twist ties and they rusted.
343.11Plastic tiesTASMAN::EKOKERNAKWed Jul 01 1987 14:116
    re: .10
    
    My Avocet cyclometer came with those one-way plastic ties.  They're
    black.  I can forward the extras if you think you can use them.
    
    Elaine
343.12AMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernWed Jul 01 1987 16:145
    	I know it probably looks awful, but tape seems to be the
    	answer here. Unless, of course, you can find some long
    	one-way plastic ties.
    
    	Scott
343.13SHR001::DEHAHNWed Jul 01 1987 19:437
    
    one way plastic ties....as in tie-wraps....
    
    hook two together to make it as long as you want
    
    CdH
    
343.14MICASA::LINDQUISTWed Jul 01 1987 20:1820
    Tie-wraps are available at Radio Shack.  They come in
    different lengths, so you should be able to find one which is
    long enough.  You might be able to get one from your local
    field servant as well. 
    
    As an aside, I have an AVOCET on one bike and a CATEYE MICRO
    on another.  I much prefer the AVOCET.  The AVOCET has three
    magnets on the wheel instead of one like the CATEYE.  This
    makes it much more responsive to acceleration. e.g. when the
    bike speed changes, the display shows it sooner.  I was also
    disappointed that I can't display speed and cadence together.
    (The CATEYE can display two functions (speed or cadence) and
    something else.  The two I would like most are speed AND
    cadence.  Also, the CATEYE pieces are made of very slippery
    plastic.  I put the AVOCET on and never touched it again.
    The CATEYE is always sliding around and needing little
    adjustments to keep working.  Either is probably 'good
    enough', though... 
    
    	- Lee
343.15Hey, Vern, what's acceleration anyway?AMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernThu Jul 02 1987 12:279
    	RE: -1
    
    	Regarding "responsive to acceleration"
    
    	Maybe that's why my Micro works so well, because I have no
    	acceleration. 8-)>
    
    	Slowly yours,
    	Scott
343.16Got me and Vern befuddledAMUN::CRITZYa know what I mean, VernThu Jul 02 1987 14:0619
    	RE: 343.4
    
    	I just read your reply again.
    
    	The first time I rode using the new micro, I had trouble with
    	the speedo/distance pick up. Maybe the pick up for the cadence
    	needs to be adjusted a little more closely to the magnet. After
    	a short amount of fine tuning, I've had no problems.
    
    	You mentioned that the cadence drops to zero. Mine does that,
    	too, when I QUICKLY change cadence. But, it almost immediately
    	comes back, reflecting whatever change has taken place.
    
    	I think I would fine tune it, and see what happens.
    
    	Could there be enough flexing going on when you hop on it to
    	affect the readout?
    
    	Scott
343.17Cranky solutionRICKS::SPEARThe Culture PenguinTue Jul 21 1987 15:4913
>    The unit works fine while I'm seated.  But if I stand and attack
>    a hill, the cadence goes to zero, indicating the unit is not
>    picking up the magnetic relay.  

When you stand up, you are putting greater stress on your bike, causing the 
frame to flex more.  Any smoothness in your stoke has given way to two mashes 
per cycle.  This stress may be enough to cause your frame to bend away from 
the crank arm.  The Cateye pickups are sensitive to both distance and 
alignment, so if your crank sensor gap is marginal to start with, the added 
flex may put the magnet too far from the sensor.  Realign and put the sensor 
as close as possible without hitting.

cbs
343.18EUREKA::REG_BN_ew E_ngland C_onservatory disks ?Tue Jul 21 1987 18:554
    
    	...and of course you can minimize any gap variation by moving
    the magnet and pick_up closer to the bottom bracket...
    
343.19Micro on CannondaleBLURB::GRIGLACKThu Aug 06 1987 15:3112
I just got my Cateye Micro on my Cannondale.  I bought some old water
bottle bracket mounts - the kind you use if your bike doesn't have braze-on
bracket mounts.  Then I cut the magnet off the strap with a hack
saw - on both magnets.  I taped the black rubber pieces that come
with the unit onto my frame and then screwed the magnets on using
the water-bottle bracket mounts.  It has worked fine - good thing,
since I wouldn't have been able to return it if it hadn't.

I'd like cadence and mph at the same time too, but cadence and average
speed is good too.

Lisa
343.20Police radar or cateye micro?ULTRA::SEIDEN_2 outs, 2 strikes, 2 run lead...Mon Aug 31 1987 20:067
    Has anyone else noticed a "bug" in the maximum speed function?  
    Occasionally the readout is wildly inaccurate (it's happened
    twice in 800 miles).  For instance, after a recent 50 mile ride
    the maximum speed revealed was 59 mph.  The first time it happened
    the readout was 79.  While I like to think I've improved my speed
    somewhat, interval training can only go so far!
    
343.21same problem, different symptomsHIT::WHALENAccidentally left blankTue Sep 01 1987 00:367
    The only "bug" that I've noticed with mine is that it likes to
    record a maximum speed of 0 unless I run it in mph/mxs display.
    (I usually keep it in rpm/tim.)  A friend postulated that the battery
    may be getting old.  I haven't replaced it yet because everything
    else seems to be working correctly.
    
    Rich
343.22Next they'll want a help utilityMEMORY::GOODWINI can finish if I don't drownTue Sep 01 1987 01:348
    RE: -1	
    
    R.T.F.M.	On page 6 of the manual it says:
    
    	"Note: When cadence is displayed on the upper line of the display,
    	the MXS mode is skipped and the mamimum speed is not displayed"
    
    It is also repeated in french, german and chicken scratches.
343.23ARMORY::MIKELISJJust browsing through time...Tue Sep 01 1987 11:5410
343.24HIT::WHALENAccidentally left blankTue Sep 01 1987 12:147
    re .22
    
    Yes, I read that part of the manual, but that's not what I was talking
    about.  The maximum speed is still supposed to be recorded when
    you are displaying cadence, just not displayed.
    
    Rich
343.25MEMORY::GOODWINI can finish if I don't drownTue Sep 01 1987 14:0015
    re: .24
    
    I don't think that the MPH is calculated when the in the RPM mode.
    I tried to have it displayed by setting the unit for MPH and MXS
    (max speed) and then switching to RPM. The unit stays in MXS but
    never changes. 
    
    I always keep it in the RPM mode - thinking of the speed that I
    can attain on a bike reminds me of why I sold my motorcycle. If
    you want a close approximation of your max speed while in the RPM
    mode you can figure out how fast you going by how fast you are
    pedaling. I think you will find that it will be about 3.5RPM/MPH.
    
    
    Paul
343.26(220 - 60% of age) ?MENTOR::REGTue Sep 01 1987 15:1320
    re .25	I think you need a factor for gearing ?
    
    	Something like:-
    
    		Gear Inches  *  Cadence  /  360    =    MPH
    					     ^
		I'm not sure about this value, it may be 330.

    	Anyway, you need the factor for gearing, unless you ride a single
    gear and have already included it.  Accuracy isn't very important
    here, since by the time the mental arithmetic is done the cadence
    has usually changed.
    
    re. Generic Micros;  They ususally implement some subset of the
    architecture in hardware and escape to an emulation mode for the
    rest.  You may have to contribute some mental arithmetic if you
    use a Cateye Micro.

    	Reg
    
343.27Noisy?SRFSUP::GOLDSMITHAny major dude would tell ya...Tue Sep 01 1987 20:395
    I've had this problem also, check sensor spacing and ALIGNMENT.
    A misaligned sensor will sometimes "bounce" the signal and give
    a very large speed figure.
    
    							--- Neal
343.28HIT::WHALENAccidentally left blankTue Sep 01 1987 23:5112
    From page 8 of my instruction manual:
    
    "When cadence is displayed, the maximum speed (MXS) is no longer
    displayed.  But the maximum speed (MXS) data is stored to memory."
    
    So, I'm not wrongly expecting it to store maximum speed when displaying
    cadence.  When I first got it, it did this quite well.  It stopped
    doing it recently, so I expect that the problem is the battery.
    I'm waiting until it stops functioning completely or the end of
    the season before I replace the battery though.
    
    Rich
343.29How much can you put in a Micro?RGB::SCOTTWed Sep 30 1987 10:5529
re -.1

>    "When cadence is displayed, the maximum speed (MXS) is no longer
>    displayed.  But the maximum speed (MXS) data is stored to memory."
>    
>    So, I'm not wrongly expecting it to store maximum speed when displaying
>    cadence.  When I first got it, it did this quite well. 
    
     When I first started using the Cateye, I would switch between the
     two modes, and noted that maximum speed data was retained. But the
     first time I used only cadence mode for an entire ride, the max speed
     remained at zero. My thought is that it can calculate a limited amount
     of displays, so during cadence mode the maximum speed calc is not done, 
     and the maximum speed display data is never changed. Otherwise, the 
     restriction in the manual wouldn't be needed. I hope I'm wrong, since
     max speed is a useful thing to know! Maybe someone else could shed
     some light on this...

>    It stopped
>    doing it recently, so I expect that the problem is the battery.
>    I'm waiting until it stops functioning completely or the end of
>    the season before I replace the battery though.

     The battery going low would affect more than this mode, I'd think. 
     I'd expect the display to start behaving erratically, or die entirely.
     (And my unit did the above behavior within weeks of installation.)
    

							Rob
343.30Stored but not UpdatedRAINBO::WASSERJohn A. WasserWed Sep 30 1987 12:3712
>>    "When cadence is displayed, the maximum speed (MXS) is no longer
>>    displayed.  But the maximum speed (MXS) data is stored to memory."
    
>    first time I used only cadence mode for an entire ride, the max speed
>    remained at zero. 

	Both statements would indicate that although the maximum speed 
	value is not reset when cadence is displayed, neither is it 
	updated. You can test this by getting up to a known maximum speed, 
	for example 5MPH and then switch to cadence.  Run the bike up to 
	a higher speed (say 10 or 15 MPH) and stop.  When you switch back 
	to the Max Speed display, it should still show 5MPH.
343.31SMAUG::LINDQUISTTue Feb 06 1990 12:4923
    I have a dead-battery question on the Cateye Micro.

    My micro exhibited the following symptoms when I recently
    dusted it off -- first it wouldn't switch from speed to
    cadence.  So I did a 'hard reset'.  It properly turns on
    all liquid crystal elements.  It toggles between mph and
    km/hr.  However, when I proceed to entering the wheel
    circumference information, it just freezes.  216 is displayed
    forever.

    I assumed it was just a low battery, so I replaced it with a
    new one.  No difference.

    Has anyone seen these same symptoms from a low battery --
    perhaps I just got a second low battery.

    Also, any ideas on how to get the thing repaired?  I looked
    through the instructions, and the only address listed is the
    manufacturer in Japan.  Not very convenient.

    Thanks.

    	- Lee
343.32RWASTWAV14::DELORIEAWork starts Jan 8thTue Feb 06 1990 14:2014
343.33VIRUSFRAGLE::RICHARDDaveTue Feb 06 1990 15:188
343.34Maybe procedure for battery change?MOSAIC::WASSERJohn A. WasserTue Feb 06 1990 19:1810
343.35Any resolution on mxs problemTALLIS::MARTINAGEThu Jun 21 1990 19:127
    I just bought the Cateye, and I've noticed the same problem with it
    monitoring max speed while in cadence mode.  Has anyone got
    a definite answer on whether this is a "feature" or not.  I was
    going to take it back to try another one...
    
    -Ed
    
343.36RTFMDEBUG::SCHULDTI'm Occupant!Thu Jun 21 1990 19:343
    re .-1
    	The manual says that maximum speed function doesn't work when you
    are monitoring cadence.....
343.37Double your speed and impress your friends...HERON::ROWLANDSRob Rowlands, TPSG VBO 828-5480Wed Feb 19 1992 13:1919
    Had an interesting experience with my Cateye yesterday, it started
    registering astronomical speeds... when I was doing my usual 5km/h
    trundling around Sophia at lunchtime. Robin confirmed that my counter
    was recording about 2 times the real speed.
    
    Ohno thought I, another gadget to replace (having just replaced 3/4 of
    my bike). I squiggled the counter on it's mounting but it obstinately
    refused to behave correctly, though sometimes going to zero (I have had
    problems with the contacts in the past).
    
    Back at home in the evening I found that indeed I could hear a defintie
    'click-click' as I spun the front wheel, instead of the usual 'click'.
    The problem appeared to be the sensor being mounted (having remounted
    it the day before on my shiny new frame) in parallel to the direction
    of the magnet on the spokes, a sufficiently strong current was being
    generated as the magnet was arriving _and_ when departing.
    Re-setting the sensor to be vertical to the magnet cured the problem.
    
    Did wonders for my average speed yesterday though...
343.38Just have to make do with that old Cateye...NOVA::FISHERRdb/VMS DinosaurWed Feb 19 1992 14:047
    We would have been willing to confirm for you that the Cateye was
    defective and needed replacing.  But, since you have solved the
    problem, you can not now justify buying a new one.
    
    Sorry,  :-)
    
    ed
343.39Cat Eye Address/Telephone?GOLF::OSBORNSally's VAXNotes Vanity PlateSat May 30 1992 14:2311
What's the address and / or 800 telephone number for Cateye?

I've got the Cateye  Micro Cyclometer CC-6000, severla years old 
but working!  The wires connecting the magnetic pickups to the
handlebar mouinting bracket are broken ... I'd like to get
another set of brackets and wries without buying the computer
again. 

Thanks,

Sally
343.40available through mail orderSHALOT::ELLISJohn Lee Ellis - assembly requiredSat May 30 1992 18:3012
    Sally, the mounting unit (wires & brackets) for the Cateye Micro
    are sold separately by mail order firms, among others.  Example:
    
       Performance Bicycle Shop:  Micro               $36.95
                                  Mounting Unit Only  $24.95
    
    (Usually the Micro is only special at Performance or Nashbas for
    under $30, but I don't know if the mounting-unit-only is discounted.)
    
    So at least it shouldn't be hard to get just the wires... just not
    rock bottom inexpensive!
                                                           -john
343.41:-)NOVA::FISHERRdb/VMS DinosaurMon Jun 01 1992 11:464
    or you can refer to notes 2.339 or 2.632 where Tom Deloriea
    and I are selling brand new Cateye Micros....
    
    ed
343.42Setup mode on cateye microROWLET::AINSLEYLess than 150 kts. is TOO slow!Mon Jan 11 1993 14:325
What's the magic incantation to get the cateye micro into setup mode?

Thanks,

Bob
343.43SOLVIT::ALLEN_RFace it Dad, the season is overMon Jan 11 1993 14:411
    I believe it's to push all three buttons at the same time.
343.44Total Reset vs. Change Wheel SettingXANADU::DAHLCustomers do not buy architecturesMon Jan 11 1993 15:099
RE: <<< Note 343.43 by SOLVIT::ALLEN_R "Face it Dad, the season is over" >>>

>    I believe it's to push all three buttons at the same time.

That will re-set ALL stored data to zero, and the wheel circumference to the
default. There is a way to change the wheel setting, while leaving all the
stored data untouched, but I can't recall what it is. It could be to put the
unit into the ODO mode, and then press both top buttons.
						-- Tom
343.45While in ODO modeMORO::SEYMOUR_DOMORE WIND!Mon Jan 11 1993 15:466
    To change the wheel circumference setting while leaving all the stored
    data untouched, press the little white RPM/MPH underneath button and
    the mode button at the same time.  The wheel circumference will flash
    and you can adjust with the start/stop button.
    
    Don
343.46ROWLET::AINSLEYLess than 150 kts. is TOO slow!Mon Jan 11 1993 17:159
Thanks.  I want to replace the battery and reset the mileage to zero.

So, I'll need to push the rpm/mode buttons to get my current wheel setting.

Replace the battery which I assume will cause a reset to the factory defaults.

Repeat step 1 and use start/stop to enter the correct wheel setting.

Bob
343.47HELP!WMOIS::GIROUARD_CTue Dec 27 1994 10:3912
    Help... I've had this Micro II for, say a million years. Anyway, I
    pulled it off my beater to change the battery (was working fine, but
    the display was weak).
    
    So I put the new batteries in and what do I get for a display? Stuff
    that looks like cuneiform. Is it toast?
    
    Any help would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
             Chip
343.48NOVA::FISHERnow |a|n|a|l|o|g|Wed Dec 28 1994 05:436
    that was the kind of writing that was used when it was new -- a million
    years ago, that is.
    
    :-)
    
    ed
343.49WMOIS::GIROUARD_CWed Dec 28 1994 09:009
    <- thanks Ed :-)... I think it's toasted. I hate to go out and get
       another one, but it looks like I'll have to do just that.
    
       At least I got a gift certificate for the shop that'll defray the 
       expense.
    
       Happy Trails...
    
       Chip
343.50NOVA::FISHERnow |a|n|a|l|o|g|Wed Dec 28 1994 09:164
    yeah a ten dollar gift certificate to a bike shop is the
    most expensive thing I could ever own. :-)
    
    ed
343.51SMURF::LARRYWed Dec 28 1994 13:042
Did you try tightening the screws that hold the Micro together?
-Larry
343.52WMOIS::GIROUARD_CWed Dec 28 1994 14:393
    Nope... I'll check that tonight --- Thanks.
    
    Chip
343.53ODIXIE::CIAROCHIOne Less DogThu Dec 29 1994 14:487
    I dropped my A(mumble) computer, and it did garbage too.
    
    All set to purchase a brand spanking new whatsis computer, I popped out
    the battery and bent in the copper prongs so they would make better
    contact.
    
    It works perfectly now.  Rats.
343.54WMOIS::MALLETTE_PThu Dec 29 1994 15:115
    
    
     Hey Chip...why don't you tell 'em how you got it working  %^0
    
    
343.55WMOIS::GIROUARD_CThu Dec 29 1994 15:186
    .-1 Shaddup... BTW gang, this guy works for me and he's no idea just
        how filmy thin that ice is he's stomping on.
    
        Just kiddin'... Basically, I read the instructions. 
    
        Chip
343.56NOVA::FISHERnow |a|n|a|l|o|g|Fri Dec 30 1994 08:165
    oh, RTFM works almost every time :-)
    
    Didja put the battery in right side up this time?
    
    ed
343.57:-)WMOIS::GIROUARD_CTue Jan 03 1995 09:159
    Oh ya... I had the battery in right (only because of the little diagram
                                         inside the battery well) :-)
    
    Okay, I wasn't pushing all 3 buttons at the same time to clear the
    readout. Happy, everyone happy now? 
    
    Have a wonderful new year (in spite of crushing my cookies).
    
    Chip