Segway Remote Start System

[dhugger]

I sent this idea to Segway a while back, then completely forgot about it. A receiver could be installed between the cables that connect the control shaft to the base. The receiver could simulate the key port. When it gets a signal from the transmitter, it could send that signal right to the HT's computers, allowing startup without any key touching it. Also, in the unlikely event that a demo got out of hand, it could have a safety shutdown feature, allowing you to power down from a distance. Right now though, I don't have anywhere near the knowledge required to build one. But anyway, here's an idea of what it could look like:

http://segwaychat.com/photos/dhugger/Remote.jpg

-Derek Hugger-

[segwayowner]

that is SO cool? would it press the keys to the reciever?
also, wouldnt the shutdown thing be dangrous if someone is on the segway?




DES: Segway owner....
it has a nice ring to it

[dhugger]

quote:would it press the keys to the reciever?
Nope, just put the buttons on the remote.
quote:also, wouldnt the shutdown thing be dangrous if someone is on the segway?
Nope again, a safety shutdown would slow u down, flash red, beep and vibrate for 10 seconds or so before shutting down.

Keep in mind though that this thing doesn't exist. It's just an idea.

-Derek Hugger-

[Ground Loop]

The easiest way to implement something like this would be to use 'real' keys hidden inside the shaft. No need to emulate the whole Dallas Semi 1-Wire protocol when you can use the real thing.

You could put all three keys in there, with only one contact always connected. The second contact would be 'switched' by remote control.

The remote transmitter could select which key is enabled by momentarily connecting it to the data line.

You could use a 3-channel RF receiver to do all three. DesignTech makes a hobbyist receiver "model #30037" that provides three remote-controlled switches ($83.95 at SmartHomeUSA.com).
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Products/default.asp?sMet=4&Category=DesignTech_Garage_Remotes&CategoryDesc=30037&Product=designtech/30037

So, socket all three keys into something like a DS1402D-DR8, use the remote switch to enable one of them, and you're in business.

Of course, the security of your segway is now only as strong as your receiver, and someone in the know could take it all apart and have your keys in hand.

I doubt the transmitter would look as svelte as your drawing either.. that's great!

[citivolus]

I'd be concerned about such a feature, not only because of the possibility of a button being pressed inadvertently resulting in a shutdown, à la the infamous cell phone pocket dial, but like all wireless things there are security issues. Perhaps I'm overly sensitive and it's not a big issue because the exposure is small but I'd still be interested in some sort of authentication. As far as implementing it, I don't think it would be too difficult. Doing either function alone would be trivial if sending in the clear. The harder part is getting the signal recognized properly as the receiver would need to translate the signal, parse the data and be able to distinguish between an actual call and background noise. It sounds like a great project for the right course.

--
swiftly flying

[Ground Loop]

That's the same thing my garage door opener does twice a day. It has never falsly opened.. not once. I don't think people would appreciate that. :)

Most receivers now use Genie Intellicode.

[KSagal]

I was actually thinking of the same thing today, but from the other end. I took my "I" to the town hall, and had a minor consern for security.

I was thinking of a remote shut down. Kind of like the old westerns, where someone rides off with the hero's horse. One whistle, and the would be theif is tossed over the horses head to the ground.

I could imagine some fool gliding off, and I'd just drop him like last week's leftovers....

Karl Ian Sagal

[Ground Loop]

There's perhaps small comfort in knowing that the thief would only get one charge out of the Segway, since it has to turn off to charge and turning it back on requires the key.. it would be a very heavy paperweight, although the wheels, fenders, shaft, batteries, and mat might fetch a tidy sum on eBay.

How do rental companies handle keys? I remember reading about one owner losing two rental Segways to theft and false ID. Ouch. It wouldn't be that hard (for Segway) to make "timed" keys that only work for some amount of time.

[dhugger]

I saw a really cool little gizmo at BestBuy the other day that could help with theft prevention. It is actually designed for laptops/expensive office equipment, but could definitely be used on the HT. It's a small receiver & transmitter. When turned on, the receiver must be within 15 feet of the transmitter. If the reciver is taken out of range, a very loud alarm will sound. I don't remember what the device was called, but it was with the laptop accessories.

-Derek Hugger-

[GadgetmanKen]

Hey Derek. What benfit would you get by having a remote start up. Just to save a few seconds?

quote:I was thinking of a remote shut down. Kind of like the old westerns, where someone rides off with the hero's horse. One whistle, and the would be theif is tossed over the horses head to the ground.

I could imagine some fool gliding off, and I'd just drop him like last week's leftovers....


I do like the remote shut down idea, as it has been mentioned here before. The two problems with it are obviously, when and if you remotely kill the power the rider could be trying to cross a street and get run over and or toss him or her and end up getting severly injured. Then they would, if surviving, sue the pants off you. It would be hard to prove their intent of stealing it in a court, but installing a device like this knowing it to be used to stop them and possibly getting revenge is considered premeditated endangerment and you will be held accountable for damages. Although someone trying to steal it deserves it..

I think a better version is to have a special demo key with a recorded verbal warning attached to your Segway, that they would be out of demo range shortly and that it will slow to a stop and shut down and ask them to immediately turn around, go back or stop. Telling them about this feature PRIOR to a demo would help. Thus you have given ample warning. If you mention about it being a paperweight without the keys could help or hurt. Then they could come back and try to take the keys from you. Who knows?

I am not sure how you actually shut down your HT, as I have only demo'd a few times and don't own one or haven't seen the proceedure to shut it down. You actually need the key to shut it down, don't you? Or is the shut down a timer thing from the red button balance mode?

I think there are many options to getting the range demo shut down to work by simply switching the power off electronically via a (car alarm remote/ garage door opener/ R/C controllers and recievers) but the hard part is 1. Not knowing which wire is the power wire in the shaft and 2. It would have to be software driven as the need for slowing to a stop and then shutting down would be safest for all involved. The recording part is easy. Even, just having a digital recorder go off via remote might be adequate enough to make them think it will stop on them. That would be easier to make for me anyway.



"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[citivolus]

quote:Originally posted by Ground Loop

That's the same thing my garage door opener does twice a day. It has never falsly opened.. not once. I don't think people would appreciate that. :)

Most receivers now use Genie Intellicode.

Most people I know don't carry their garage door opener in their pocket. I've received several phone calls from cell phones that have been tossed in a handbag or pocket without locking the keypad. I have also set off my car alarm when leaning into the kitchen counter among other things of a height near the CS of a Segway.

--
swiftly flying

[brina]

i agree that a remote start isn't terribly nesesary, but a remote safty shutdown
would be a nice accessary. anyone who has gotton proper training has
probalbly experianced a safty shutdown and knows that there isn't any real
danger, it shakes, slowdown, and beeps. hell if that iant incentive to step off,
and give it back to that owner, i dont know what is except possibly fireing a
couple of warning shot into the air :) if anyone remembers llc trainers had a
specail set up where when a specail key was removed the machine went
into a safty shutdown, and now harm done. its not going to throw someone
off, they might jump off if they are severly panicy, which would indeed pose a
threat to the machines handle bars, ya know a scratch here a scratch there,
but the rogue demo-ee in question would most importantly be off of youy
segway.

and about the remote being hit accidentally, is called a cover people, ya know
a little bit a plastic can really go a long way.

however i dont think that this could be done minus llc coroporation, it would
have to be a programmed in signal or who knows what could happen, well
testing would tell, but it would probably void the warenty...

but its the idea that is the hard part and maybe llc will do something with it,
then again maybe not.

anyway i would definately buy one.