November 21st 2009: after seven years and two months (!) the V8 bike stood on its wheels and the electronics were ready for a test run. The picture shows the current state ;-)
Niels took his flight case stuffed with a laptop, multimeters, crocodile clamps, fuses and an oscilloscope. On the left top you see a brand new computer* he built ‘from scratch’ and fully dedicated for this project.
* The first computer did not survive the first intensive test. Cause: due to lack of space a big connector had to be removed and placed elsewhere. The multilayer print did not like that, as Niels feared. All part of the game.
Niels (on the left) and Frans prepared for ignition: schemes were consulted …
… small modifications were made.
With his hand on the throttle and fully concentrated he checked the throttle position sensor for giving the right signal to the computer. A very important part, this TPS.
Shortly before starting Niels put on a respirator.
He looked like the movie character called Hellboy …
… which was no coincidence as the first start was accompanied by many bangs, flames and smoke. The computer-controlled ignition and injection wasn’t fully optimized yet which caused ignition in the exhaust.
The lines in the picture were caused by the massive vibrations disturbing the camera shots.
These vibrations required certain items to be re-inforced.
Ignite – adjust – ignite – adjust. The eight meters are fed by sensors which are located all over the bike.
The engine management software is very advanced.
Initially the engine run on four, then six and finally eight cylinders. More and more meters came within acceptable range.
The exhaust manifold colored red and heated up to over 600 degrees.
We were quite excited about the outcome. What a thrill to hear the engine running for the first time.
Eventually we opened a bottle of Russian champagne: the red color symbolized the blood, the sweat and the tears.
There is much, much, much work to be done before the bike is ready for the road. But this was definitely an important and successful step: It Is Alive!
To compensate for the blurry pictures:
September 5th 2010: read the continuing story on this bike build here.