I'm using an indoor spinning bike that has a display powered by 4 AAA batteries, but it drains them incredibly fast, even when the bike is just sitting there. I'm looking for a way to convert the display so that it turns on and gets power when I'm pedaling. The goal is to stop constantly having to replace the batteries every few days. Any suggestions on how to set this up?
3 Answers
Have you thought about using a bicycle dynamo that outputs 5V? It could generate power while you ride and maybe pair it with a small battery for steady output. Here's a link to a potential option: https://a.co/d/5hxdcFA.
One option is to use a current-limiting 6V power supply. You just need to wire it correctly to ensure the display only turns on when you're pedaling. It's a simple solution that should reduce battery waste significantly.
You might want to consider adding a switch that disconnects the battery power from the circuit when the bike isn't in use. I did this with a kitchen scale that used up batteries too quickly, and it worked well for me.