£5.00 heated jumper - That works

[onesea]

Well now I have your attention.... I am not joking as you can see by the picture:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u654/onesea/Bike/20160308_183100_zpsz8mwh8sw.jpg

Worn with another jumper over the top so no one can see does it work? tested it today and my result is yes.

I was riding in the rain with T Shirt, Electric Jumper, second light jumper and light weight leather jacket. Ambient air temperature approx 7 deg C

My body was warm....

I fitted 3 pairs of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B011 ... ge_o02_s00

in the black pouches and with my best wiring skills (and insulating tape) I wired them all into 1 USB socket that plugs into my newly installed 2amp USB socket.

Initial thoughts:

It crinkles a little bit when you move and looks could do with refining but I will wear again...

It was a bit too warm particularly at speed, when it was pushed against my chest (will add another layer between it and me it next time).

The only way to turn it off is to unplug it.

USB is not the most waterproof connection.

It would be desirable to have some pads warmer/ colder than others.

I will keep testing and developing.

Following the success of the MKI

I am now looking for:

1) Better design (waterproof?) low cost heat pads?

2) Waterproof Quick Connectors,

3) Variable Temperature Control (pulsed timer type thingy? or variable resistor?)

4) A way to control the temperature to pads (more heat on arms less on chest),

5) Other USB heated options.

6) Magnets to hold fly lead from jacket to tank.

Mk II

The plan:

Either buy a thin light weight lined jacket:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-MENS-TEEN ... 1760273415

Or a pair of long sleeved t shirts

http://www.buytshirtsonline.co.uk/super ... oCQuTw_wcB

Then stitch in pockets for the pads and make a little more presentable (whilst still removable for washing) using better quick connectors to a 5v 2 amp feed from under my seat.

I would like to do similar with a pair of trousers/ Leggings adding these for my feet:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/15198534 ... noapp=true

All comments suggestions appreciated, but please remember this is a budget project!

Would I recommend the MK1? for £5 if you ride for more than 30 minutes in this weather then yes....

[onesea]

It defiantly works, used it 3 times now and now I have confidence in it slightest chill and I know what I am wearing....

Could any electronics type people help a bit here?

Would this work as basic temperature control?

http://www.lightinthebox.com/mini-dimme ... 50771.html

How much current is this drawing? what size wire should I use?

[onesea]

Well an update for you on this (if any one is interested, if not I know what I have ordered)...

A little rough handling and I pulled the wire of the Right arm pad so Sunday morning I had 1 arm warmer than the other .

I can make temporary repair ... It did prove it works and I enjoyed a ride on a chilly morning with jacket vents open where I may not of previously bothered riding... I am also enjoying being able to wear less layers and remain comfortable.

I have now ordered the parts for the MK 2...

I cannot decide if it will be a base layer so it can be used even on warm days in case of cool evenings or jacket and trousers. A bit more experience with the MK1 will help. The thing I have learned put the pads too close to outer layer and you do not feel the heat to close to the skin and its to hot although a control circuit may help here...

So what have I ordered?

Heat pads larger that should not crinkle £6

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221951516462?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Heated boot liners £2.50

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281893009338?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=580869254268&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Getting to hot? I think I have sorted the Control circuit

remote control no less! £3 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361430786792?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

As a back up I also ought £2 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262076460413?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I had started to worry about pulling too much power through USB Connections so I went crazy with my budget and bought these...

Separate power supply £4 : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231734961054?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Waterproof connectors £4 : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221355422362?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=520228694476&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

To make the set complete I will also add in a relay as you would want one of those as well £5 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Auto-DC-12V-Volt-30-40A-Automotive-4-Pin-4-Wire-Relay-Socket-30amp-40amp-/301873808458?hash=item464914c44a:g:s7cAAOSw3ydVyh1-

By my maths that's the critical parts of the body warmed for £25

Complete with controls and wired into the bike with the option of USB power to charge phone for pennies more...

Lets just compare that with whats on the market.... Gerbing trousers £170 Jacket £170 Controller £60... £400

I will let you know how I get on but the weather maybe to warm to be conclusive by the time it all arrives I will be wanting cold weather

[onesea]

Well all the parts arrived a couple of weeks back but had not got round to strippong wires soldering etc. Finally finished by putting the wiring on the bike...

Hopefully the present cold weather will be the last chance I get to use it for a whilst.

I was out tonight to a local bike night. Does it work oh hell yes, a few niggles to sort out (pad positioning) but I was out with 2 thin base layers (heat pads sandwiched between the 2 and a thin jumper)... Even on dual carriageway doing 70mph I was warm enough, including my feet.

I have not done a wet test yet on a pad thought I would try it before destroying components... The larger pads do not get as warm as the smaller ones so I have not installed a controller, trying to keep it simple.

If people are interested I will post pics and what I have learned so far in the making...