IQ2 Power Meter

So… they showing off some results from probably a handpicked unit that got factory calibrated to the max is not saying anything…
Would trust the results of a media unit to be reproducible either for the same reason.
Hopefully @dcrainmaker will buy one instead :smiley:

It is saying something - that this design can be calibrated to operate correctly in a reasonably wide range of power and cadence, in a controlled indoor environment. That’s already one step ahead of the initial design.

The hardest thing is the next step: to bring that design to volume production while keeping repeatable and controlled accuracy. Oh, and of course to demonstrate its performance and reliability in real outdoor conditions as well - preferably before cranking up manufacturing and deliveries.

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Correct me if I my memory fails me here, but didn’t they already get to pretty much exactly this point with the original spacer design? I think only after the first batch of mass produced units they saw that the design couldn’t yield reproducible results :thinking:

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Install videos:

https://www.iqsquare.com/pwrsetup/setup-and-instructions?fbclid=IwAR1Pok5yd42IToloVqVpo0QYThguJgutpSms6saBUHVDHrL6-qrv6mbWSik

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That’s what happens when you ramp up production before you complete validation/qualification. But they didn’t get to the same level of data releases on the old design, and for a good reason - it didn’t work.

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fair enough. Well lets hope the best. I don’t think anyone would mind a cheaper power meter option :smile:

Interesting that they need spindle aligment - that does make the mechanical design and strain gage placement simpler, but it makes the installation more error-prone. The alignment tool and procedure seem simple enough.

As I’ve stated before, at this point I’m not sure what the magic formula that would make their solution inherently cheaper is anymore. They have all the same ingredients as everyone else - a pedal body, a machined spindle, strain gages, and measurement/transmission electronics. I’ll bet that Garmin can get better unit costing, and can spread the marketing, sales channels and customer support costs over a much broader revenue base.

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wasn’t the whole starting point of the project, that they found a way (or at least claimed so) to print the strain gauges onto the device (I bit like PCBs I suppose) and therefore eliminating the need to solder them on by hand. That would be huge cost savings.

IIRC, their “value proposition” from the original design was in the a new strain gauge assembly technique that was more reliable and repeatable so it didn’t need a bunch of calibration steps, cutting out time and cost and I would assume that no spindle, bearings etc also lowered their raw material and machining costs possibly. The new design has changed all of that and unless there really is a significant savings in the manufacturing costs, they will ultimately be in the same general costs as the rest of the market, assuming they make it to market at all.

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Looks like a bit of a faff and accuracy/precision presumably subject to user error (i.e., aligning the logos correctly).

Aligning a relatively long lever with a crank arm is probably quite precise. You will get people who won’t read the instructions and let the pedal align in a random way (never happens, right?), and those who will misread, ending up with the logo underneath, and the pedal 180 deg off. But assuming you do use the alignment tool with the pedal in the correct direction, you will probably have a precise installation. The “probably” part depends on the mechanical design of the back-screw, and how much torque you have to apply to the alignment lever to keep it in place. The higher that torque is, the more imprecise the assembly will be.

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A double threaded tightening system (which I guess is what they refer to as the adaptor in the update) is my concern. I am not sure about not being able to use the outer threads of the spindle to tighten the pedal to the arm and relying on some kind of floating assembly to pull it in tight enough. Torque spec will be crucial here. I guess this one area they can get some savings if they don’t have to account for a random orientation to calibrate against. If installed in the correct position, then they should in theory have a know reference point to base their algorithm on.

It is a double-threaded system, clearly from the install instructions (particularly the “only align by going this way” part). I agree with you on how this can be done well, or bad. They use a double-beam system for the load cell, which by design only measure loads along one axis, making mechanical alignment a requirement, but simplifying the load cell design and production.

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If I’m reading that right, they cut cost on the production, by shifting some responsibility to the rider in the form of very particular setup requirements. Sounds a bit like the older Favero BePro pod alignment, but that is likely an under-informed guess on my part.

And as with anything, that leads to more potential for poor data if the end user doesn’t follow or apply the correct install processes. Gains and losses I guess and the “price you pay” to get a lower cost product.

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The install process is similar to that of the Look/SRM Exakt (and probably for the same reasons), but appears to be simpler to execute than the “align the blue dot while looking at your phone screen” process from SRM (which requires more hands than most of us have been born with).

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Any riders in the Netherlands who want to test a power meter pedal, asking for a friend :thinking: :laughing: Cycling Power Meter at a Breakthrough Price by Keesjan Klant » Outdoor Data and Test Cyclists Wanted — Kickstarter

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Dutch :white_check_mark:
Keo cleets :white_check_mark:
Near Hillegom :no_entry_sign:
Backer :no_entry_sign:

Sorry :stuck_out_tongue:

Not near Hillegom is all relative and made me smile. Given the relative size of our countries. I’m Canadian, so I would consider everywhere in The Netherlands is “near” :grin:

On a different note, maybe having a few backers put their hands on them will help in their public relations. They have really drawn the wrath of backers.

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Unprecedented! Another update in the same month. Is this a sign? Update + usual internet outrage comments… Cycling Power Meter at a Breakthrough Price by Keesjan Klant » Testing Days, MTB and Install Videos — Kickstarter

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