Great Snow Giding in DC Today

[wwhopper]

We got some snow today - wet messy type

And of course it ended up being the day that I was using the Segway and the Metro to get from place to place.

So this morning as it was coming down, it was great fun to get out there and glide, the "easy button" (bottom front of the LSF) on the I2 was full of snow, as was I, my helmet and everything else.

As the day wore on the snow got wetter and more slushy, so the seg was really soaking wet.

Final part of the day, real slush I took a load of packages over to the Post Office to mail, one little old lady who was having trouble in the snow, said "I got to get me one of those."

The only thing was the cars were driving like nuts, so I had to stay clear of the spray.

No problems in even the packed (still slushy) snow. I thought somewhere along the way I would have spin out or something, even up and down the hills it went fine.

The only problem was the cold and the reduced performance of the batteries in the cold, especially climbing the hills. I got lots of the triangle and it topped out at 10.1 mph.

Now the poor thing is sitting in my kitchen, I have to wipe it down as it is dripping from the melting snow.

I wish I had an area where I could have really pushed it to get it to spin out but there never was a place (that was private) that I could do it in.

[SEGsby]

If you guys use salt to keep the roads clear, I would gently hose off the machine to keep the bolts from getting corroded...

SEGsby

[wwhopper]

If you guys use salt to keep the roads clear, I would gently hose off the machine to keep the bolts from getting corroded...

SEGsby

I stayed off the salted streets, only one that I did go on, but then found some good puddles to splash through after that.

[nickyboy]

We got some snow today - wet messy type

And of course it ended up being the day that I was using the Segway and the Metro to get from place to place.

So this morning as it was coming down, it was great fun to get out there and glide, the "easy button" (bottom front of the LSF) on the I2 was full of snow, as was I, my helmet and everything else.

As the day wore on the snow got wetter and more slushy, so the seg was really soaking wet.

Final part of the day, real slush I took a load of packages over to the Post Office to mail, one little old lady who was having trouble in the snow, said "I got to get me one of those."

The only thing was the cars were driving like nuts, so I had to stay clear of the spray.

No problems in even the packed (still slushy) snow. I thought somewhere along the way I would have spin out or something, even up and down the hills it went fine.

The only problem was the cold and the reduced performance of the batteries in the cold, especially climbing the hills. I got lots of the triangle and it topped out at 10.1 mph.

Now the poor thing is sitting in my kitchen, I have to wipe it down as it is dripping from the melting snow.

I wish I had an area where I could have really pushed it to get it to spin out but there never was a place (that was private) that I could do it in.

Be carefull what you wish for Will!

We did an event at a very large Scouts winter camp over the weekend after a week of virtually solid rain. Our pitch was originally on the grass. We unloaded a couple of machines and thought it looked a bit slippery, so thought we would "try it out". 1st instructor got on an i2, lasted about 8 seconds, got complete wheelspin and did a face plant. obviously we were all very concerned for his welbeing (after we finished splitting our sides laughing :D). Funnier still was when the TV crew arrived and asked for some footage. We got Miranda to go in front of the camera ( as she is a complete poseur). She did the "training" shot, stepped onto her i2 and promptly fell off. Luckily the cameras were not rolling!

We spoke to the organisers and changed location to a harder area, but it was still a bit of a nightmare!
We took some photos of the mud plastered machines (3 x i2, and 3 x X2) and wanted to post them on here. I just think that they are so filthy, that it would make some of the "pimpers" squirm to see Segways in that condition (Someone commented it would be like Segway Porn!). Trouble is I cannot/don't know how to, re size the photos, sorry.

[SegWayne]

[/COLOR][/COLOR]Trouble is I cannot/don't know how to, re size the photos, sorry.

Generally, what ever you are viewing the photos in, if you "save as" and select .jpg (even if it is already in that format) you will get a "quality bar". Pick pretty close the the lowest quality and even though it is not "resized" the file size is dropped enough to satisfy the 96kb requirements.

[nickyboy]

Many thanks to SegWayne for the advice, rep points on the way to you sir!

Unfortunately, even going through that exercise the file is still at 860kb odd and the software says it has to be 97.6kb so don't know what to do now. It's an old camera, only 3.2 megapixel and I guess its limited software (Camedia, Olympus). Never mind, I'm sure I'll sort it somehow!

[Isidore]

[/color][/color]

Be carefull what you wish for Will!

We did an event at a very large Scouts winter camp over the weekend after a week of virtually solid rain. Our pitch was originally on the grass. We unloaded a couple of machines and thought it looked a bit slippery, so thought we would "try it out". 1st instructor got on an i2, lasted about 8 seconds, got complete wheelspin and did a face plant. obviously we were all very concerned for his welbeing (after we finished splitting our sides laughing :D). Funnier still was when the TV crew arrived and asked for some footage. We got Miranda to go in front of the camera ( as she is a complete poseur). She did the "training" shot, stepped onto her i2 and promptly fell off. Luckily the cameras were not rolling!

We spoke to the organisers and changed location to a harder area, but it was still a bit of a nightmare!
We took some photos of the mud plastered machines (3 x i2, and 3 x X2) and wanted to post them on here. I just think that they are so filthy, that it would make some of the "pimpers" squirm to see Segways in that condition (Someone commented it would be like Segway Porn!). Trouble is I cannot/don't know how to, re size the photos, sorry.

Had a very similar experience when they closed the park gates early while I was crossing it on my commute home. Had to go 'cross country' to get to the last open gate.
Mud + wet grass + i2 = mud rooster tails + near face plant experience

Stepped off without too much lose of dignity. As compared to ice, the problem with mud is that it is almost as slippery AND has much more drag so you can't just be very gentle and get away with it. It's the first time I wished I had an X2! Not sure which had more mud on it, the i2 or me.

Do post your images, if you want me to have a try at cutting them down, send them to my private email and I'll have a try....

[nickyboy]

Found the problem. My software won't save the changes I'm making! I have selected jpeg and low quality, click save but when I go back and reopen it's back to it's starting point!
I think I may take up Isidore's offer just for two or three images.

[SegWayne]

Found the problem. My software won't save the changes I'm making! I have selected jpeg and low quality, click save but when I go back and reopen it's back to it's starting point!
I think I may take up Isidore's offer just for two or three images.

2 things come to mind. 1) you are opening the wrong file. be sure to note where your save-as file is save-asing to. and 2) change the name when you are saving so you don't open the wrong file..... oh, yeah, if you are using the same name, the software may/should ask if you want to overwrite the original file, if you say no, then of course won't make the changes to the file.... another reason to do #2...... cheers

[nickyboy]

2 things come to mind. 1) you are opening the wrong file. be sure to note where your save-as file is save-asing to. and 2) change the name when you are saving so you don't open the wrong file..... oh, yeah, if you are using the same name, the software may/should ask if you want to overwrite the original file, if you say no, then of course won't make the changes to the file.... another reason to do #2...... cheers

Thanks wayne. Have checked the saved as & re named them etc, but sadly to no avail. I think I'll invest in a simple photo shop software package, I've been meaning to do something for a while now.

I've sent a couple of pic's to Isidore, so hopefully you'll soon be able to see some dirty pict, er sorry, Segways :D

[bentbiker]

Generally, what ever you are viewing the photos in, if you "save as" and select .jpg (even if it is already in that format) you will get a "quality bar". Pick pretty close the the lowest quality and even though it is not "resized" the file size is dropped enough to satisfy the 96kb requirements.
Sometimes, if the picture is sized too big, even the greatest compression (lowest quality) jpg will leave you with a file size over the limit. In such cases, I have had to either resize or crop the image. I just tried it again to verify I was remembering correctly, and I couldn't upload until I cropped.

[dumkopf]

I stayed off the salted streets, only one that I did go on, but then found some good puddles to splash through after that.
I am surprised (in light of the discussions elsewhere about "cold weather" gliding that you could do 25-30 degree weather when anything below 40 degrees was problematic for others elsewhere on the forum discussions. Did you experience any slow downs due to the cold?

[terryp]

I am surprised (in light of the discussions elsewhere about "cold weather" gliding that you could do 25-30 degree weather when anything below 40 degrees was problematic for others elsewhere on the forum discussions. Did you experience any slow downs due to the cold?
I don't remember hearing of anyone having problems running when cold, just starting.

[wwhopper]

And yes I did experience that.

A hill near my home that I zip up on a summer day with no problems, no triangle on the info key, but on a cold day like this week I pushed it and topped maybe 10 mph with the triangle boldy displayed.

The Seg was great, though I did not have any cold weather start issues, because we always started out from a warm parking location, or when I did stop and park, I put it into lock mode, which kept the machine running.

[bentbiker]

. . . or when I did stop and park, I put it into lock mode, which kept the machine running.Will,

Do you have experience saying that eliminates the problem, or are you just assuming? If it does, that is a much better cure than the alternative -- a partial-fix via software update, at a $200 charge.

Have you New Englanders tried this? I could easily see where this would keep the circuits energized and solve everything more easily than carrying a UPS in the handlebar bag.

[wwhopper]

Will,
Do you have experience saying that eliminates the problem, or are you just assuming? If it does, that is a much better cure than the alternative -- a partial-fix via software update, at a $200 charge.

From the first start up, if you store the machine in an unheated space. This is not the answer But for general gliding, and a stop off for a short time, it surely is a way to make sure you aren't stuck at a remote location with a no-start. Plus it does protect the machine as it engages the alarm. And the power usage is very low, so it is a viable option.

I am not even sure that there is a way to eliminate the problem, as I have not tried out the post 11/07 delivered machines in cold weather. I have heard the upgrade cures the problem, and I have heard that it does nothing. I just find it interesting with the large number of machines that were delivered in the fall of 06 that this problem did not seem to show up until the cold weather starting in the winter of 07. Though I did experience it last year on the machine I was using at the time, but it did not seem to be an issue, once I learned all you had to do was plug it in for a few seconds and then start it. Just make sure there was a power source near the initial starting point.

[bentbiker]

Does not Eliminate the problem.From the first start up, if you store the machine in an unheated space. This is not the answer
If it is in storage, it is probably plugged in, right . . . ? If not, it should be. Worst case, there is surely a plug that is easily reachable. So that problem is not a problem, as I see it.

If you really have successfully used this technique on numerous occasions, to eliminate the problem (I can't tell from your response how many times you've tried this), as opposed to an assumption and single experience, I think you have the cure.

[BillK]

Until this weekend I had no idea what people were talking about (Seg won't start). We went to Canyon of the Eagles (http://www.canyonoftheeagles.com) for the weekend and had a wonderful time. It was about 33 degrees when we got there and the Segs would not start off the Segvator. I had to bring them indoors.

About 2 hours later they would run after warming up. They simply give you a sad face on the info key and refuse to start if they are cold. This happend on BOTH I2s.

We were going to go out on the boat to see the eagles but were nervous about getting stranded with the I2s not starting when we got back so we drove instead of taking the Segs. (From the lodge to the boat ramp.)

Bill

[wwhopper]

The Segway should always be plugged in. I-180's SHOULD ALWAYS be plugged in when not in use as their handlebars tend to draw power and kill rear batteries when left for long periods of time. I have not heard of this cold weather start problem with Gen One machines. Anyone have issues?

You never know when you will want to glide and how long, so finding a partially charged seg may not be the thing. So keeping it fully charged is always a good idea.

I do this, as well as use the lock mode on the gen two to keep the machine going in the cold. Keeping a power cord with me, use the inverter to produce power if I am in the car or truck, is also what I tend to do. Necessity is the mother of invention.

This is just a way around a problem, it does not eliminate the problem.

I think the I2 will accept a charge while it is running, but gets up set if you try to turn it on while it is charging (or the other way around since I don't try that often) I am sure others have tried this.

[segwaynashville]

Will, have you had experience with a Gen I and studded enhanced traction tires? I own a set (bought from another dealer) and have not taken the opportunity to try on ice. Just curious. Mark

[segwaynashville]

Bill, 33 degrees should not have been a problem. Was the machine charged up in the warm or had they been outside all night? Was the InfoKey cold (inside the cold car all night). I've experienced that with some of my commercial customers. They try the spare key and it works. Just a thought. Mark

[segwaynashville]

Will, have you had experience with a Gen I and studded enhanced traction tires? I own a set (bought from another dealer) and have not taken the opportunity to try on ice. Just curious. Mark

[BillK]

Bill, 33 degrees should not have been a problem. Was the machine charged up in the warm or had they been outside all night? Was the InfoKey cold (inside the cold car all night). I've experienced that with some of my commercial customers. They try the spare key and it works. Just a thought. Mark

1. My I2's were charged in my heated garage (about 70 degrees).
2. I put them on the Segvator and drove about 90 minutes in the cold (about 33 degrees)
3. the infokeys ALWAYS travel inside the car so that they cannot fall off and be lost or stolen easily
4. I could not start the Segs to get them off the Segvator to put them inside the lodge when I got there.
Does that help?
Bill

[bentbiker]

1. My I2's were charged in my heated garage (about 70 degrees).
2. I put them on the Segvator and drove about 90 minutes in the cold (about 33 degrees)
3. the infokeys ALWAYS travel inside the car so that they cannot fall off and be lost or stolen easily
4. I could not start the Segs to get them off the Segvator to put them inside the lodge when I got there.
Does that help?
Bill
Bill,

Are we safe in assuming that the Segs were not plugged into the Segvator's inverter in transit? Assuming that is correct, you must not have been reading all the posts on this subject. Evidently all you would have had to do was plug it into the any outlet (inverter was handy), and immediately start the unit. As soon as it starts, it will begin warning beeps and you can immediately unplug, before it shuts itself down. You just need to wake the unit up, not warm it up.

[nickyboy]

Bill, 33 degrees should not have been a problem. Was the machine charged up in the warm or had they been outside all night? Was the InfoKey cold (inside the cold car all night). I've experienced that with some of my commercial customers. They try the spare key and it works. Just a thought. Mark

I have not come across any problems with cold InfoKey's. This was an early theory with one of my customers, who would leave his Segway (i2) outside during the day whilst at work. experimenting he found no difference between the InfoKey being cold or warm (room temperature). Just plugging the seg in for 2 or 3 minutes would allow it to start.

[KSagal]

THe question was asked of New Englanders about the cold start. I have not experienced the problem, but I usually start warm (From my house) and if I get off the machine, I usually put it into lock, not off, during the glide, so I have not exposed my seg to the conditions...

I have used my studded ETT tires on gen one on ice. Works great! For me, at least.