While working on some non-open source software for cycle training it occured to me that power meters are expensive. They also have limitations. But mainly they are expensive. I mean really really expensive.
ANT+, I love it, it's genius. I have a watch that records my run workouts. The HRM is hacked so my cycling software can interface - (I'll eventually pay the licence fee, don't worry -- I'm a masters student, it's not like I have money). I have an ANT+ bike sensor I'm going to be putting on my bike for this software. So guess what I want, an open source ANT+ power meter that isn't 1500 dollars!
How is this Open Source when there is an aspirational "Order" button. Think Ardunio. Ardunio is open source but a commercial product. If someone clones my work fine. If someone buys it, reprograms the microcontroller and adds a sensor and tells everyone - AWESOME... and if they tell nobody, that's okay too!
Goals
Instrument the crank arms - Yes, less deformation thus harder to read BUT only point available to get an individual reading and use OFF THE SHELF. SRM and Quarq modify heavily and instrument the spiders. No machining, only hand working of the existing crank
ANT+ - compatibility with other sensors and head units. Someone start an open soure head unit too please. Get some alt, accel, pressure, and pitot tube sensors to come up with power estimates based on drag. ibike might have something patented but I'm sure Newtons 3rd law can't be. Then it's the ultimate head unit. Also SD card logging.
Gyro - Seriously, why are we still using reed switches... not even hall sensors. How about solid state gyro. They are cheap (okay, many times more expensive than a reed switch and a magnet)
Ardunio - If possible and if enough processing power to get the readings, calculate power, feed them to the ANT+ transciever, and transmit both cadence and power. Also want a high frequency torque/power transmission that gives individual pedal analysis. If room left over how about SD card logger? (I already have SD card logging from an Ardunio working for another project, just need to have the room)