Beyond this Box

I just received the bicycle computer for my mountain bike which I bought from ebay, albeit 2 weeks later, sigh Malaysian postal service!

This is the package that contain the much awaited Cateye Strada wireless, model CC-RD300W. My first impression? It look much much smaller that I first imagined. Anyway I was so excited that I rip through the package to get to it only to find that I had to go through a whole bunch of instruction, in the matter of fact, there are about nearly a dozen other language.

When I finally found the English section for the instruction to my cyclocomputer toy, I some how obediently followed the step by step installation, very unlike me. I guess its a sign of maturing after going through a few bad experience skipping steps during DIY projects. hehe

It doesn't take long to set the unit up, its straight forward but when the final step was done, I took a spin at the wheel and the most dread thing happened... Nothing! The computer didn't respond, i.e it didn't work. I went through the step again, for 3 times and it still lifeless. The speedo meter still showing "00000"

I goggle for solution and apparently I am not the only one having the problem. Many suggested to change both batteries, one for the sensor and the other on the main unit. So I did and purchased 2x CR2032 and it they went. But still it did not help.

Even after consulting the troubleshooting page on the official Cateye website, it didn't solve my problem either. Here is the excerpt from the site

"How do I get my computer head unit to register a signal with the sensor?

User Opinions (85 votes)

83% 16%

---

How would you rate this answer?

Helpful

Not helpful Help us improve. Why was this unhelpful?

Thank you for rating this answer.

If you computer head unit does not pick up a signal or does not seem to "communicate" with the sensor - check the following:

First, make sure the "AT" icon or "AUTO" is displayed on the screen (computer is in auto-timer mode, not manual stop/start mode).

Second, make sure the magnet is passing within 2-3 mm of the mark on the sensor (on the fork blade or chainstay, depending on model).

If neither help restore a consistent signal, then it could be either a low battery or a damaged wiring (Bracket/Sensor) kit.

Even if the LCD display is clear and bright, the battery may be too low to transmit a signal from the sensor to the computer head unit.

Next, with a fresh battery installed, try performing a manual restart operation to bring the LCD display back to life. Do this by either 1. pressing both buttons (Mode and Set on back) OR 2. all three buttons (Mode, Start/Stop, and small Set button on back) at once and then releasing all three OR 3. by pressing the AC (all-clear) button if your computer has one. This should bring the display back to life, and the unit can now be re-calibrated for your bike. See if consistent signal is re-established.

Finally, If that does not help, take a paper clip and bridge the 2 diagonally opposed metal contacts on the back of the computer head unit. If random information appears in the current speed display (upper portion of screen) while bridging the contacts, then the computer head unit is fine and the problem lies with the bracket/sensor kit. It may be stretched or damaged just enough to interrupt the signal transmission, even if not visibly so. If that is the case, please visit our small parts site to purchase the appropriate replacement sensor kit. "

After rereading the instruction several times, and a little tinkering with the setup. I finally got it to work. The solution or rather the problem lies in the sensor unit. One have to set it up VERY near to the magnet which is attached to the fork. If you have the same problem of the unit not responding or sending signal. Try this: take off the magnet and rub it or wave it in front of the sensor. If the main unit pick up any signal, it will show the ")))" sign on the bottom left corner of the screen.

From there, you know that the unit is not faulty and you need to readjust the position of the bottom sensor bracket so that its nearer or as near as possible to the magnet bracket. If signal is still weak then you need change the batteries.

Hope this how to solve section will help and save you the heartache and some money from buying new batteries before knowing that its not a battery problem. hehe

Labels: DIY, MTB

Today is my birthday.

Anybody who says I am old will get it from me!

Strangely, I always look forward to my Birthday as I want people to wish me happy birthday, yeah I know, I am full of myself, haha! and most importantly I want presents.

And for those that have forgotten or develop sudden dementia on this great day of mine, below is the list to remind you people of what I want for my birthday, (even though I have repeated it thousand of times through out the year)

1. A new top of the line full suspension mountain bike
2. A BMW M3 coupe, if not X6 will do
3. A round of golf at pebble beach, with supermodels as my caddies
4. A holiday in Bahamas will all of the above?
5. A new laptop, Dell Inspiron 13 to be exact
Realistically, if you guys can't chip in to get any of my top 4 treat list, at least get me the Dell Inspiron 13 as my HP2800 died on me last week after serving me for a good 10 years!

Now now, no excuses, as you can even purchase it online and send it to me :))

Or if you are intending to get one for yourself, even if you are not a regular my blog readers, I am rewarding you guys by giving you a special coupon code 7ZQVQF2RLZRKW3 from Dell that would allow anyone who makes purchase of a Dell Inspiron 13 (S510701MY) with RM100 Instant Cash Redemption!!. This promotion is only available online or by calling dell at 1800-88-0301. This coupon code expires on 10th Nov 2009.

Free $100 wor!!

You see, I am not full of myself after all. :)

Happy Birthday me.

Labels: Advertorial

Recently a friend called me up and asked, you know anything about BMX? I said, of course I do! I am from the BMX era which was popularized by the movie E.T. in the 80's.
During my childhood years, I virtually went everywhere on my bike and took care of it every single moment that I could. I also know every part of my bicycle as I assemble and repair them on my own. And by having a buddy whose dad runs a bicycle shop definitely helps as I get access to all the tools and parts. Looking back, I really relish those moments.

Anyway back to my this friend, he said that he is into BMX and wanted a unit because as a child he never had one! Haha, what a deprived child, I ridicule him. I guess his parents were over protective then.

Interestingly, he told me that he wanted to build up his so call dream bmx bike using old school parts and while searching for info on the net he accidentally stumble upon Eddie's site, who runs a blog site and share the same passion on bmx. He is a Malaysian but now reside in United State.

Coincidentally we met up with Eddie and Fish Fish who is also a blogger and now husband and wife! (Congrats guys.) They were back for their visit / holiday to Malaysia and my friend & I took the opportunity to meet up with them and we went hunting for old bicycle part all over town. That's a first for me after so many years; interesting.

And that episode also gave me the inspiration to start this bike restoring project.

I am lucky this time around to have an assistant to help me out with my project.

The stripping down begins...
It's rather sad that some of the parts can't be re use. Wear & tear stuff
Such as the original Kuwahara two tone color rear tyre! Look at the knobby thread, such a classic look and it seems that it can hang on to all kind of terrain and surface. With the expose tyre you can see how well its made, it even have reinforce side wall during those days, see those protruding mess wires!

Front original Taiwan made tire, butterfly thread. Can't remember what happened to my front kuwahara tire? I must have punctured or blown it during one of my stunt :)

MX Dia compe alloy brake caliper with quick release clamp, one of the novelty and rare component during my days
MX, 2 fingered adjustable alloy brake lever

Sugino handle bar clamp combine with Tange ring to secure my ever lasting Kuwahara Laser, straight bar. Although the bike have been left outside for years, rust have not eaten into the chrome surface. The rust can be easily remove by wiping it with aluminum foil, it comes off even easier if you apply a little bit of oil or wd40.

One of the most sought after pedal crank, the Shimano DX!! Even up until today people are still searching for it. I am selling this if the price is right, ha! Just leave me a message :)MKS PB series plastic pedal. My preference over the spikey metal which causes plenty of damage to my feet each time I sleep. The MKS are lighter too compare the metal counterpart.

Elena Aero Turbo seat
Paired with Tange unique 90 degree reinforced chrome molly seat post
Made in Japan, distinctive white line Ukai alloy rim, 20x1.75. The mounted single gear is also made in Japan, Suntour 4532. paired with Shimano Via hub, which I personally think are one of the best hub around then.

to be continue...

Labels: DIY, Personal

This morning I had a close shave on the road. This lone girl driver probably in her early teens, served into my lane and nearly knock into my car if I didn't use my horn. What irk me, she didn't even wince and kept on driving while talking on the phone!!

I am not trying to be gender bias but I just see too many drivers, especially young girls these days texting or talking on their phone while driving! What's the point of doing this? I find it very irresponsible and if you don't care for your own life, please spare a thought for the people that love you and other road users !!!!

Have look at the video below, please bewarned that it's
18+ Very Graphic - Dangers of texting while driving - UK SMS Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIqO2IBR8aY

This video is designed to show what can happen, but there are more examples of it really happening. SMS is fun, but can be dangerous. Please - always be careful. http://www.calllimiter.com




Please help spread the word and share this info. A little help from everyone, no matter how small you might think it be, will go a long way to make this world a better place. Thank you my dear friends and readers.

Labels: Personal, Uncatergorized