TWIKE Operator’s Manual

Chapter 1 Welcome

Want a shortcut?  Look on the last page of  the manual!
 

Notes of Assurance and Caution

The TWIKE is a sophisticated, lightweight, extremely efficient electric vehicle with supplemental (and optional) human power input. The construction is state of the art and appropriate for its intended street use and performance parameters. The framework and chassis have undergone rigorous and continuous stress tests by the TUV Bavaria Saxonia in Munich and have been certified for common road conditions.

The TWIKE may be used only with a valid drivers license (in Switzerland, Cat. A1 or B, in Germany/Austria, it is treated as a car and requires the appropriate documentation) together with the proper registration and liability insurance when operated on public roads.

The TWIKE’s operation may seem unusual at first but it is easy to learn. If you have no prior experience we suggest you practice on side streets or parking lots or in low traffic conditions. Thus you can concentrate on your steering and control skills without the distraction of other vehicles--and then gradually venture out onto “real” roads.

Responsibility for safe, sensible operation and handling of this vehicle is with the driver. We recommend a restrained style of driving in order to minimize the risk of accidents. On streets with pedestrian traffic take care to drive slowly (less than 30km/h) because the TWIKE is barely audible to others--in contrast to internal combustion vehicles.
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The operating voltage of the battery module is  336 V DC.  High voltage!  Thus, the battery enclosure should only be serviced by specially trained Twike personnel. There are no battery related user-serviceable components.

The vehicle charges from a 230 V AC service outlet.  Outlets and connectors should not be exposed to dampness and should be GFCI protected.

Charging cord should not be strained, driven over or subjected to any other conditions that may damage it.  If it is damaged then it must be replaced as soon as possible by trained Twike personnel.

Equipment

Standard equipment supplied:

- Two keys each for canopy and steering tiller locks (fastened to the left seat pin)
- 5mm Allen key with a ball-end
- Operator’s Manual

Depending on application, the following accessories are useful and/or recommended:

- Road hazard triangle (in the event of breakdown)
- Sunscreen
- Long extension cord
- Plug Adaptor (for foreign plug types)
- Phase Checker(?) screwdrivers
- Flashlight
- Tire puncture seal
- Cleaning rags
- Windshield cleaning fluid, compatible with Plexi-glas
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- Twike polish for the Luran plastic body
- Mild cleaning spray
- Lubrication spray

Optional Accessories:

- Two point seatbelts
- Cabrio-Verdeck (vinyl top)
- Alantara covered seats (leather imitation)
- Black padded seats
- Custom colored seat covers
- Radio, compact disc player
- Supplemental windshield vent (?)
- Third stop light
- Interior lighting

Documentation:

- On request, a Twike prospectus for your information
- Twike News
- A3-Infoposter (set with 3 different Posters)
- Photo poster on request
 

The vehicle identification plate of the TWIKE is on the center console under the front plastic cover.  The frame number is stamped on the front right chassis tube.

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Chapter 2 Boarding and Exiting

Press on the button, the latch will pop out.

The hood is disengaged by raising the latch. Afterwards press the latch back to its closed position. Remember to do this or the hood may open while driving!

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The inclination of the seat can be adjusted to four levels. By tilting the seat forward and turning the black plastic cube different inclinations can be achieved. Each face of the rotating cube permits a different position.

When entering the vehicle set your foot on the transverse bar, not on the carpet.

When you pull down the canopy with the hand grasp it should latch automatically.  Make sure that the catch is always centered as it comes into the guide.  If the canopy should become twisted or distorted through inappropriate handling or accident, we ask that you have a frame straightener correct it.  Do not apply excessive force to the frame of the canopy or the tension may break the plastic (or the glass in glass versions).

Opening the canopy: the lever inside, underneath the left control handle, unlocks the canopy with only light pressure forward. (See page 20.)

Do not drive with the canopy open!

Never leave the TWIKE with the canopy open outdoors. In direct sun the open arc of the windshield may have a lens effect, which can cause interior damage to the upholstery, perhaps even a fire.

The side windows, or the Cabrio cabrio-Verdeck (vinyl top), are removable. We recommend this only in warm, dry weather. The side windows can be cleaned with the cloth supplied under the seats.(?)

To latch the canopy from the outside:  From above press on the center of the canopy framework (not on the side windows) in order to get the latch to seat properly.
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The canopy lock cannot be broken open without a tool.  Nevertheless, never leave valuable articles in the parked vehicle.

Seat Adjustment

The distance between the pedals and seat is crucial for safe and comfortable operation of the TWIKE.  To adjust to the correct distance pull up on the seat lever to allow the seat to shift freely forward and rearward on its track.

When fully extended the legs should not quite be in the foremost position. Press the lever down to lock the position.

Seat inclination is adjusted by flipping the black plastic block that rides on the seat track. (See earlier instructions.)

If necessary, the passenger seat can be taken out easily by removing cotter pin and pulling out seat pin.

When re-installing the seat make sure the seat adjustment lever is in the raised position. This loosens the mechanical parts so that the seat pin can be refitted easily again.

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Steering Lock

The steering arm (tiller) can be locked into a position with the keyed lock near the base of the arm. By turning slightly the steering arm and applying light pressure on the key you can lock the steering arm.  It can be locked only when turned slightly to the left or right, not in the straight-on position.

Caution:  Never rely entirely on the steering lock.

Park the TWIKE on a grade always in such a way that the vehicle cannot roll into the street if the parking brake should fail.

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Chapter 3 Starting, Driving and Stopping

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1  Left Control Handle      pages 19, 22
2  Front Disc Brakes      page 23
3  Gear Shift for Pedals      page 19
4  Latch for the Vehicle Canopy    page 20
5  Seat Adjustment Levers    page 12
6  Steering Arm Lock     page 13
7  Forward/Reverse Shifter    page 21
8  Disconnect Button     page 20
9  Right Control Handle     pages 18, 23
10  Rear Brakes (back-pedal activated)   page 22
11  Brake Fluid Reservoir     pages of 22, 50
12  Steering Damper     page 51
13  Instrumentation/Indicator Panel   page 16
14  Computer Input and Display    pages 31ff.

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Instrumentation/Indicator Panel

1.  Main switch:  When the main switch is off the battery warning lamp is lit so that you can find the switch in the dark. The main switch turns on the electronics. Do not switch it off while the vehicle is moving.  When switching on, if there is no reaction make sure the red disconnect button  is not in the off position (down). It is easy to forget to re-engage the disconnect. Within about 10 seconds of pressing the main switch the display will read “Welcome to TWIKE” and a brief test of the electronics will be run. If you have programmed a security code you will get the display “Enter Code” and you must now type in the code. (See page 31.)

2.  Battery warning lamp (red):  The battery lamp lights up when the batteries need to be recharged.  It reacts directly to the battery voltage and is therefore generally reliable. However, after repeated partial charges or long periods of non-use it may cease to be a reliable indicator of  remaining range or battery capacity.

It is normal for the light to blink on hard acceleration especially if the motor is momentarily lugged.
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If the light stays on for a longer period you should recharge the batteries as soon as possible. At this point you may have only 2-5 km left of range. How this light functions can be programmed by the operator.  (See parameter PROG 55, page 42.)

3. Defroster indicator light (yellow):  Press this button  to activate  the windshield defroster  (variants: embedded heating element type or heat blower).  It switches off automatically after 1-2 minutes in order to save energy.  The windshield with the built-in heating filaments  requires several minutes to reach defrosting temperature. The  defrosters are adequate for light mist or fog  but for heavy moisture use a rag or squeegee to remove the bulk of the moisture. The defrosters will clear the rest. You may repeatedly press the defroster button for additional cycles as needed.  Each cycle consumes about .04 AH (@ 1-2 amps).

Note:  The defroster is a high voltage accessory!  Never tamper with or attempt to repair. Refer problems to an authorized TWIKE service dealer.

4.  Hazard Blinkers (red) and Turn Signal indicator lamps (green).

5.  Fog tail light (optional) indicator light (yellow).

6.  High beam indicator light (blue):  These are switched off with the main switch, leaving only parking lights. (?)  The high beams are activated with the left control handle. (See below.)

7.  Speed bar (over the indicator lights):  This indicates present speed.  Below 50 km/hr it is green, orange at higher speeds.
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Right Control Handle/ Steering Arm

The right handle has several functions:

1.  Steering arm:  By moving the handle to the left or right the vehicle can be maneuvered in the same direction.  Since the steering mechanism  is very direct, an adjustable steering damper helps absorb road forces. (See page 51.)

2.  Turn signals:  The turn signals do not automatically cancel!

3.  Acceleration button:  The vehicle acceleration and speed is controlled by the upper button of the two on the forward side of the handle. This acceleration button permits two levels of motor performance:  Partially depressing it results in a moderate level of performance; depressing it all the way results in a higher level.  When up to a desired speed you may coast easily (consuming no energy, as on a bicycle) to a stop or you may tap the button lightly and the vehicle will hold that speed (cruise control).  While accelerating downhill the motor will switch off completely,  but resume on demand by depressing this button.  The cruise control mode is very energy efficient... (?)
Be aware that the cruise control works in reverse too!
The performance level of each of the two acceleration stages can be individually customized (see Parameter PROG 61 and PROG 62, page 42).

4.  Regenerative braking:  This is controlled by the lower of the two buttons on the forward side of the handle.  Regenerative braking also has two performance levels.  Again, partially depressing the lower button provides a moderate level of regenerative braking; depressing further achieves the maximum level.  When this button is released  the TWIKE will coast  without energy consumption.  Depressing this button also turns off cruise control automatically, as does tapping either the pedal or the mechanical brake.
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The regenerative brake performance levels can be individually customized by you (see Parameters PROG 63 and PROG 64, pages 42/43).  Also, see the information on the mechanical brakes (pages 22/23).

Left Control Handle

1.  High beam and headlight flasher (the light switch is on the operating panel).

2.  Windshield wiper (once/on? / impulse):  use only when necessary and when windshield is wet to reduce damage to the scratch sensitive  Plexi-glas.

3.  Horn

4. 5-Speed gear shifter for the pedals:  Pushing the lever forward selects a lower gear. The pedal hub is common for both driver and passenger side pedals.  Both pedalers must let off on pedaling for the shifter to operate.  These gears only effect the pedals; they do not effect the motor which directly drives the rear axles.

5.  Front wheel brake:  Pull in the brake lever to operate (see page 23).

6.  Parking brake application:  Fold the whole left control handle down and forward (see
page 22).

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7.  Vehicle canopy latch handle:  This is the red handle under the left control handle. Push it forward to disengage the canopy latch and release the canopy.  (You may need to momentarily release the tension on the latching mechanism by pulling downward with the right hand on the canopy interior roof handle.)  Depending on the temperature and the canopy variant (Plexiglas or glass) the canopy should immediately pop up or require minimal upward pressure.

Caution:  Take care in low overhead clearance situations that the canopy does not damage itself  when opening.  The opening arc can be restricted by tying a limiting leash.  Watch out especially for low hanging light fixtures.
 

Disconnect Button

 The Disconnect button (red) is in the center of the vehicle under the steering arm.  By depressing it you can immediately shut down the vehicle.  Only use this button while driving in an emergency (or when wishing to totally disable the vehicle).  Take care that the passenger does not inadvertently press it.
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If the TWIKE remains unused for more than a hour, it is advisable to press the Disconnect button so no unnecessary power is consumed.

A turn in the direction of the arrow, followed by a  pull upwards, resets the button in the normal operating position.

Forward and Reverse

Forward (FWD) and reverse (REV) indicator lights are found on the computer keypad. (See page 32.)  The shift lever for the forward/reverse change-over is on the console between the seats.

It has three possible engaging positions:

1. In the most forward position:  Forward with pedal drive assist (indicator light FWD shines).
2. Center:  Forward with pedal drive uncoupled (FWD indicator light shines).
3. Rearward position:  Reverse with pedal drive uncoupled (indicator light REV shines). The motor reversal  takes place purely electrically.  Reverse driving speed is limited to 15 km/h max.

Most low speed maneuvering is done in the two non-pedal-assist positions. At these low speeds regenerative braking is too abrupt; stopping is best accomplished using the mechanical brakes.

To prevent damage and injury if reverse is engaged while moving forward a electronic circuit locks out reverse in this situation.
 
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Parking brake

The Left Control Handle is pushed forward to lock the rear wheels and prevent a roll away. Braking pressure will be distributed evenly to the rear wheels. Push the control handle forward easily, without excessive force.

To undo the parking brake raise the handle upright. The wheels will now turn freely.

At very cold temperatures it is possible the parking brake may freeze.  In these conditions use a wheel wedge to prevent rolling instead.
 
Rear Wheel Brakes

The rear wheel brakes are hydraulically activated by back-pedaling. So it is imperative that the driver keep his or her feet on the pedals (and in a comfortable position to back-pedal) even if not actively pedaling. The back pedal brake activators are distributed over the whole pedal revolution, making it easy for the activator to hang in any position.

Wear shoes that do not easily slip off pedals.

75% of the vehicle weight rests on the rear wheels, so the rear brakes can be quite aggressive and fast-acting. Use the brake on slippery ground cautiously.  If the wheels lock the tail can slip away laterally. Pumping on the brake should bring the TWIKE back under control. Be ready to brake near playing children, crosswalks, rounding blind corners, etc. Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is always correctly filled with brake fluid.
(DOT 4)

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Front Brake

On the Left Control Handle is the lever for the front mechanical disc brake (Germany: drum brake).  Always brake with both front and rear brakes together. Braking  with the front wheel only, especially on slippery surfaces (? or snow), will lock the wheel, making steering impossible!

Regenerative Braking

The traction motor can be operated as an efficient electrical brake and the energy recovered can be restored to the battery. (Its operation is explained on page 18.)  The activation of either the mechanical (front) or the hydraulic (rear) brakes switches on a stop-light circuit which is connected to the regenerative brakes, so it is possible to activate "regen" braking automatically with the application of the standard brakes. (See parameter PROG 65, page 43.)  The level of regen can be adjusted to your style of driving.

Regenerative braking not only extends range by recovering energy from the braking process but saves on wear on the standard friction brakes.

Mountain driving caution: If the battery is fully charged it cannot accept more charge current without damage. When starting downhill with a full charge and regen in operation you must dissipate that excess energy through either turning on accessories (defrosters, headlights, etc.), or restricting speed to 30 km/h downhill, or driving back uphill a short distance, or or some combination of these options. In general, avoid fully charging the battery at the top of a steep, extended grade when the next use of the vehicle is downhill.

As a rule of thumb, for every 100m elevation drop, the vehicle gains approximately 3-4 km of range free of net battery discharge.

However, the friction brakes should be used in those relatively uncommon situations when there is some danger of over-charging the battery.

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Starting on Grades

Procedure:
- Apply mechanical/hydraulic brakes
- Disengage pedal drive: select either forward (center position) or reverse (back position)
- Disengage parking brake (left control handle up)
- Press acceleration trigger button completely
- 1 second later release both foot (rear) and hand (front) brakes completely

If the vehicle lurches uncomfortably forward, release the acceleration trigger and brake and try again, being careful not to release the brake too early, thus causing the vehicle to roll downhill.

Normally, application of the brake switches the motor off immediately. Below approximately 3 km/h, however, acceleration has higher priority in order to allow starting on grades with the brake applied. Once moving forward, release the brake completely so that the vehicle can exceed 3 km/h!

Driving Tips

Before driving off:
- Place pedals in a position for ready stopping
- Check control panel keys to make certain lamps indicate the correct direction of departure (FWD or REV)

While driving:
- Drive only as fast as your visibility permits
- On damp or wet roads braking distance is substantially longer, reduce speed

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Parking:
- Secure the parking brake or use a wheel wedge
- If within the next hour the vehicle will not be driven or charged press the Disconnect button.

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Chapter 4  Charging the Battery

The TWIKE can be charged with a normal household socket (in Europe). There are two different charging modes which differ only in their charge input/output and charging time. During both the Normal Charge mode and the Quick Charge mode all phases of the charging  procedure will be executed. These are Pre-Charge, I-Charge, U-Charge, Post-Charge, Symmetry (Equalizing) Charge, and Float (Preservation) Charge.

Charging begins when the charge cable in the TWIKE (behind the seats) is plugged in. The computer takes control of the charging procedure when it senses current available in the charge cable. (For problems, see pages 63-64.)

The charge routine can be interrupted at any time without damage to the battery. (This is referred to as a "partial charge".)

Take care that the charging cord is never caught under the seat inclination adjuster and thus damaged. The cord can be wound around the box behind the seat for storage.

The energy consumed by a full charge amounts to approximately 2.7 kwh (2 battery block version) or 4.0 kwh (3 battery block version)--[or about 12-16 cents at Northwest electricity rates]. This may be important especially if you charge away from home and wish to reimburse the owner of the outlet. Asking permission and offering to pay will be appreciated even if no one will be greatly enriched thereby!

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Normal Charge

When the TWIKE will sit unused for at least 7 hours (e.g., overnight) a normal charge routine can be carried out.  In this mode the charging electronics will ensure that the battery blocks will reach a maximal state of charge.

As soon as the charge cord is plugged in a small current will flow to the cooling fans which will prepare the batteries to receive a charge.  During the normal charge (approx. 1000 watts) the lamp of the JOG key on the computer panel will flash (see page 32). The FWD lamp also remains lit as long as the charge cord is plugged in.

Typical charging procedure for a 2 battery block: 

1  The first phase begins with battery cooling. When the temperature drops below 30 C (86 F) the Pre-charge phase begins. After, at the latest, 2 hours the I-Charging phase begins, even if the temperature is still higher than 30 C (86 F). If the battery temperature does not drop or drops very slowly during this time, you should check the operation of the battery fans.  They should be audible when functioning. This cooling phase can be bridged (curtailed) if the battery is not warmer than 40 C (104 F) by switching briefly to the quick charge mode and then back again to the normal mode. Do this by pressing the JOG key twice.

2  The I-Charge phase lasts until the maximum battery voltage is reached. This full charge voltage depends on battery temperature but should be between
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410 and 440 V. It is normal for the electrical coils to vibrate and hum; it indicates charging is taking place.

3  The U-Charge phase lasts until the temperature has risen more than 7 C.

4   In the Post-Charge phase as soon as a battery block has reached a full charge it is switched off but other blocks continue to charge as needed. After this phase is completed, the display indicates "ALL BATTERY FULL", the trip odometer is set to zero, and the battery capacity display is set to 5.60 Ah (or 8.40 Ah in the 3 battery block version).

5  When all battery blocks are full  the charging electronics switches to a  Symmetry (Equalizing)  phase.  Now the batteries continue to charge at a current rate of 1/20th of their capacity in order to balance capacity differences within battery blocks.  This phase should be completed if one wants to utilize the maximum battery capacity.

6   After 2 hours the batteries enter a Float (preservation) charge mode.  In this phase periods of small current input alternate with long breaks.  This compensates for the self-discharge of the battery and ensures that the TWIKE remains fully charged and ready for use.

We do not recommend leaving the vehicle plugged in for longer than 1-2 days since the power consumption of the float charge, which can amount to 100 watts, would be wasted. You can briefly charge to a full charge before the next drive. Normally, the Disconnect button should be pressed during extended periods of disuse.

7  The range indicator on the display panel is reliable only after a charge which has gone through all these phases and after a few kilometers have been driven.

Quick Charge

When time is scarce, a quick charge can be accomplished by pressing the JOG key on the computer panel (see page 32). (A second press will switch back into a normal charge mode.)  The JOG key lamp shines continuously in this mode.  At an input voltage of 220 V, within approximately 2 hours, drawing about 10 amps, the vehicle can be fully charged.

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Note:  If there are other significant loads on the same circuit or if you do not know the current rating of the outlet, use the normal charge mode!

Partial charge (opportunity charge): If you charge briefly or achieve only a partial charge, the trip odometer will not reflect this, i.e., the range indicator will be incorrect (until the next complete charge).  However, the Ah reading will still be useful. Every Ah put back into the battery will increase battery capacity by approximately that amount.  How far that extends your range can be determined (Appendix B, page 57).

Winter and Summer Charging
 
-  Do not allow the TWIKE to sit with discharged batteries.
-  No charging can take place at temperatures below 0C (32F).  Charge the vehicle right after use or warm it up.
-  Between 0 (32F) and 10C (50 F) each battery block will accept only .5 amps.
-  At temperatures under 10C (50 F) always use the quick charge mode (if the main fuse or breaker permits).  In the normal mode, the batteries may cool down during the charging procedure so that a proper full charge cannot occur.  The batteries are particularly suited for fast charging and their life span will not thereby be shortened.
-  Between 10 (50 F) and 30C (86 F)both charge modes are possible.
-  Between 30 (86 F) and 40C (104 F), in normal charge mode, the computer delays charging until the batteries have cooled under 30C (86 F).  In quick charge mode, the charging begins immediately.  If one switches briefly from normal to quick mode and back to normal, then charging begins immediately in normal mode also.
-  At battery temperatures over 40C (104 F)charging is not possible.  Nevertheless, plug in the vehicle because the computer will start the charge automatically as soon as the batteries have cooled down under 40C (104 F).  Power for the fans and electronics during charging is drawn from the grid and does not discharge the batteries.

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The Battery Technology

The maintenance-free NiCd battery of the TWIKE is not only capable of releasing its stored energy rapidly but can be recharged rapidly as well.  The manufacturer suggests a life cycle of 500-1000 discharge cycles to a 20% level of discharge.

The TWIKE battery is comprised of either 2 or 3 battery blocks (manifolds) paralleled.  Each block has 280 single cells and is monitored by its own microprocessor to prevent harmful operating conditions.  Charging and discharging statistics can be downloaded by a TWIKE service station. This helps with troubleshooting malfunctions.

In winter if the battery is very cold its ability to deliver energy is diminished compared to its capacity at moderate temperatures.  However, this effect is not as pronounced as with lead batteries.  The range of the TWIKE is reduced 10 to 20%.

At summer temperatures over 30C (86 F) the battery should not be discharged completely if one plans rapid partial charges during a trip.  This is because near the end of a discharge cycle the temperature markedly rises and the cooling phase of the charge is prolonged.

Recommendation: Maximum battery capacity is preserved if  you occasionally re-charge the battery from about 70-90% discharged to the conclusion of the equalization phase.

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Chapter 5 The TWIKE Computer

The TWIKE has several energy efficient onboard computers.  The central processor controls all driving parameters and procedures.  Additionally, each battery block contains its own microprocessor which continuously supervises the operating conditions.  Over a serial interface the computers communicate among themselves.

The TWIKE computer software is stored in an EPROM.  Future versions of the software can be replaced by a TWIKE service station by swapping out the old EPROM unit with a new one.

An interface box with PC software for connecting a standard computer to the TWIKE for diagnostic purposes is in preparation and will be available. [It is now.]

Computer Keys

The on board computer panel has 10 input keys.  They serve for inputting codes (using digits 0 to 9), for adjusting individual characteristics of the vehicle (parameters) and for changing between various data displays.

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1  FWD: Forward indicator light
2  REV:  Reverse indicator light
3  JOG:  Indicator light for and toggle switch between normal and quick charge options
4  Upward Arrow:  Change of displays and input of number values
5  STOP:  Acknowledgement of error messages, indicator light for motor stop
6  PROG:  Switch to programming mode and back
7  SHIFT:  Change of parameter in programming mode
8  ENTER:  Confirmation of a parameter change
9  Arrow Downward:  Change of displays and input of number values
0  LOC/REM:  No special function

Display

The onboard computer offers a set of different display possibilities. These options can be selected with the arrow keys.

At low temperatures the display may respond more slowly.  However, its functions remain unaffected.

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Displayed calculations can be classified into three categories:

K1 - Physically measured variables (voltage, current, speed, temperature)
K2 - Cumulative values (energy capacity in amphours, distance covered in kilometers)
K3 - Computed values (charge in %, range)

The reliability of the displayed values decreases from K1 to K3 since the possibility of error increases as the complexity of the variables increases. More detail on the information in this chapter can be found in the Appendix F, pages 74/75.

1a  Standard Display While Driving
 

52 km/h	7.31 A
5.19 Ah	T002.4 km

u.l. (K1) - present speed

u.r. (K1) - discharge current of the battery (for instance, depending on battery voltage, 1.0 A may corresponds to an output of 340W)

l.l. (K2) - capacity of the battery in amphours. As soon as the battery is fully charged, the capacity is automatically reset to 5.60 Ah (or 8.40 Ah with three battery blocks).

Factors such as driving style, temperature and the age of the battery can affect the reliability of this number.  Therefore, always allow a reserve of 15 to 20% (1-2 Ah).  Also, it can only begin to be reliable if it is counting down from a fresh and complete charging session. If the battery has been unused for some time, approximately 0.2 Ah is consumed per day and should be subtracted from the displayed number.

Note that the energy content of  1 Ah is not always equal to the same amount in all situations. Battery voltage affects it: If the battery is full (380 V), with 1 Ah you can drive approximately 20% farther than if it is nearly empty (310 V).

l.r. (K2) - distance in kilometers since the last full battery charge.  The counter resets to 0 km with a full charge.

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[The English translation here of what is on the display may not match that of the TWIKE's software exactly.]

1b Standard Display While Charging
 

I-Charge         05 A	381 V
-4.1 A            39C	1.27 h

u.l. Charge display; indicates charge phase and other messages:
"IDLE": The battery is too hot and must first be cooled to under 40C.
"CHARGE READY": No voltage in the charge cable, i.e., it should be plugged in.
"COOLING": The battery is still too warm for the charging procedure.
"EQUALIZE": The voltage of the individual battery blocks must equalize relative to each other first.
"OPEN B REL", "CLSE B REL": The computer is operating relays between battery blocks.
"I-CHARGE": Charging with maximum current.
"U-CHARGE": Charging at maximum voltage.
"POST-CHARGE": Individual battery blocks continue to charge until they are full.
"SYMM-CHARGE": Battery blocks are being charged at a low current until individual cells are equalized.
"HOLDING CHARGE": The battery blocks are charging at a low current (float charge) to adjust for self-discharge.
"TRIC-BREAK": Pause between cycles in float charge phase.

u.m. (K1) - Current limit (05 A : Normal Charge Mode, 10 A : Quick Charge Mode)

u.r. (K1) - Battery voltage

l.l. (K1) - Charging current of the battery (the negative value indicates the current is flowing into the battery).

l.m. (K1) - Temperature of the warmest battery block.

l.r. (K1) - Charge time in hours.

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2 Range Display
 
 

0 km/h	R     82.1 km
359 V           35 C	28.3 km

u.l. (K1) - Present speed

u.r. (K3) - The estimated range given current state of charge and driving pattern (see also Appendix B, page 58).

Because the battery cannot be discharged to 0 Ah the actual range is approximately 15% less than indicated. Also, the range will be about 20% overestimated at the beginning of a trip. (This is because the distance covered in the consumption of 1 Ah at near full charge is greater than when the batteries are nearly discharged. See remark to Standard Display above.)

The range values displayed are useful only if:
(1) The vehicle has been operated for a few minutes (so that the computer can gather sufficient data from the batteries).
(2) The value remains stable over a few seconds.
(3) The batteries were recently fully charged.
(4) The km display after charging was rest to zero.
(5) The vehicle has already traveled a few kilometers, allowing the computer to recognize the driving pattern and conditions.
(6) The coming driving pattern and conditions are not significantly different from those already recognized (e.g., impending uphill conditions, etc.).

Be aware of the trip odometer and voltage readings.  If the battery voltage drops under 310 V, the battery warning lamp will light up.

l.l. (K2) - Battery voltage (average)

l.m. (K2) - Temperature of warmest battery block

l.r. (K2) - Total kilometers driven (odometer)

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3 Text Display
 

EVERYTHING FINE 000028km   006Ah

The following texts can appear:

"EVERYTHING FINE": No error message available.
"BATTERY RESERVE": The battery warning lamp is lit; the vehicle must be charged soon.
"BATTERIES EMPTY": The vehicle must be charged.
"REDUCED CHARGE": Charging with low current.
"RAPID CHARGE": Charging with maximum current.
"OVER CURRENT": The computer has determined an overcurrent condition in the I-CHARGE phase.
"UNSYMM VOLTAGE": The voltages of the battery blocks are different and must equalize.
"BATTERY 1 FULL", "BATTERY 2 FULL", "BATTERY 3 FULL": The corresponding battery block is fully charged.
"ALL BATTERY FULL": All battery blocks charged.
"MAX BAT TEMP": The charge was paused when the battery blocks achieved their maximum charge temperature.
"TEMP RISE": The charge was paused when the batteries warmed up within a short time.
"TEMP DIFFERENCE": The battery blocks exhibit a high temperature difference.
"COOLING BEFORE SYMM": Before the symmetry charge (equalizing charge) the batteries are being cooled.
"NO NET VOLTAGE": The charge cable is not plugged in and/or the outlet does not have a voltage. Check breaker or fuse.
"CHARGE INTERRUPTED": The charge cable was unplugged during the charge (no problem) or the mains fuse has blown or breaker tripped.
"CHARGE NOT COMPLETE": The charge was interrupted before the batteries were full.

l.l. - Total miles driven on vehicle (odometer)

l.r. - Total amphours through batteries (?)

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"CHARGE TEMP TOO LOW": Warm the battery blocks.
"CHARGE TEMP TOO HIGH": Waiting until the batteries cool down.
"DRIVING TEMP TOO LOW": Warm the battery blocks
"BAT COM MISSING": Communication between the batteries and the TWIKE computer has been interrupted.

4 Current and Temperature
 

0.01	0.02	0.02	A
24.1	24.5	23.9	C

u. (K1) - Individual battery block currents.

l. (K1) - Temperature of individual battery blocks.  Small deviations between the battery blocks are normal (+/- 10%).  In two battery block versions the right column is missing.

5 Voltage and Capacity
 

348	348	349	V
0.63	0.65	0.69	Ah

u. (K1) - Voltage of the individual battery blocks.

l. (K2) - Capacity of the indvidual battery blocks.

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6 Operating Conditions While Driving
 
 

STOP		348
0 Hz	0 V%	0 %

u.l. Operating condition:
    - STOP: Vehicle stopped
    - STARTING: Speed less than 3 km/h
    - ACCELERATION 1: Acceleration stage 1
    - ACCELERATION 2: Acceleration stage 2
    - ROLLING: The motor is not producing torque: coasting
    - TEMPOMAT: cruise control in effect
    - REGEN 1: Regen brake stage 1
    - REGEN 2: Regen brake stage 2
    - BRAKE: Hand or foot brake operating
    - REVERSE: Reverse movement
    - IDLE: The computer is idle

u.r. (K3) Battery voltage: the average voltage over all blocks.  The voltage while driving must lie between 310 and 380V.  It momentarily drops during an increased load, but rises again as the load is reduced.  The voltage will gradually drop as the discharge amount and period is increased. Near the end of a discharge cycle, it drops quickly.

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l.l. (K1) - Static frequency (0 to 350 cycles per second): This values indicates how quickly the motor turns (200 cycles per second corresponds to approximately 55 km/h).

l.m. (K1) - Motor voltage in percentage of maximum voltage

l.r. (K1) - Engine moment in percentage of maximum moment (rate of acceleration)

Setting the Parameters

Several number values in its computer memory control the TWIKE's behavior.  (They remain unaffected when the batteries are removed.)

Thus, you can adapt the driving and charging characteristics of the TWIKE to your needs. The code lock, the charging current, and the response of the different levels of acceleration and regen can all be altered to suit the driving conditions and charging situation of the vehicle.

How to do this is described in what follows.  After changes in the driving parameters (PROG 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65) you should test the behavior of the vehicle on a side street or parking lot.  Changes in these parameters can greatly affect the "character" of the vehicle!

Those values marked with "INSP" are for your information only.  They cannot be changed (message: "NO ACCESS").

Note that you cannot change parameters in the charge mode (in this mode, instead of "PROG",  "INSP" appears everywhere).

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Parameter Value Change Procedure

- Place in drive mode (not in charge mode!)
- Press PROG on the key panel to initiate the Program mode.
 
 

PARAMETER  PROGRAM LEVEL 1

- Press the arrow keys until the correct number of the parameter you wish to change appears (see list below).
 
 

DRIVE LOCK  PROG 25: ----

- Press the SHIFT key: the parameter number flashes.
- With the arrow keys you can set the desired parameter value within certain limits. If you press both arrow keys at once the display is set back to the default value.
- Press the ENTER key: "STORED" appears briefly on the display.
- Pressing again the PROG key will quit the Program mode.
 
 

Parameter	Value	Description
MODEL TYPE  VIEW 01:	20050	TWIKE Computer Number
PROGRAM REVISION  VIEW 02:	4.1	Software-Version 5.10
NUMBER OF BATTERIES  VIEW 0B:	2 or 3	Number of inserted battery blocks

 
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INVERTER TEMP  VIEW 17:	°C	Temperature of the static frequency changer (inverter)
TOTAL RUN TIME  VIEW 18:	hours	Hours of operation
LANGUAGE  PROG 23:	Default:  3	Language of the display:  0 = English  1 = Spanish  2 = French  3 = German
DRIVE LOCK  PROG 25:  (Electronic lock)	Default:  ---- (0000)  (No code)  Range:  0000 to 9999	The code lock has four digits which can be set by the operator/owner. This ensures only authorized persons can drive the vehicle. Note this number carefully and mark it in a secret place.  If you forget the code you must call TWIKE AG!  If you change the code you must enter the new code the next time the vehicle is used. The numbers are on the key panel starting in the upper left with 1 and proceeding to the lower right. (See illustration, page 32.)
DAILY KM  PROG 26:  (Trip odometer)	Default:  0.00 km  Range:  0 - 500 km	With each full charge the trip odometer automatically resets to zero. It can, however, manually be set to a certain value.
TOTAL ODOMETER  VIEW 27: (not in version 5.1)	km	Odometer reading.

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LOW BAT VOLTAGE  PROG 55:	Default:  310.00 V  Range:  280 - 400 V	When this light comes on can be influenced by the operator. It reacts to the low voltage condition of the battery near the end of a charge cycle.  You will notice near the end of a charge cycle, especially during heavy acceleration, that the light may flash momentarily as the voltage dips  below this setting.  If you wish to be warned earlier, set the trigger voltage higher--later, set it lower.
ACCELER CURRENT 1  PROG 61:	Default:  8 A  Range:  4 - 12 A	Permits fine tuning the effect of the acceleration key in stage 1. You can raise or lower the value within the range to increase or diminish the rate of acceleration in that stage.
ACCELER CURRENT 2  PROG 62:	Default:  16 A  Range:  6 - 20 A	Permits fine tuning the effect of the acceleration key in stage 2.  (See also PROG 61.)  Note that higher rates of acceleration mean higher energy consumption!
REGEN CURRENT 1  PROG 63:	Default:  2 A  Range:  1 - 10 A	Permits fine tuning the regen brake key performance in stage 1. Increasing the value will increase the brake performance in this stage. Decreasing the value will decrease the performance.

 

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REGEN CURRENT 2  PROG 64:	Default:  9 A  Range:  1 -10 A	Permits fine tuning the regen brake key performance in stage 2. Increasing the value will increase the brake performance in this stage. Decreasing the value will decrease the performance.
REGEN BRAKE  PROG 65: (not in version 5.1)	Default:  0 A  Range:  0 - 20 A	Permits adjusting the mix of regen braking and mechanical braking.  Adjusting to 0 will cancel regen entirely. Larger values gradually increase its participation in the braking process.
TERMINAL STATUS  VIEW 81:	01011000	Tests input signals from input keys and swiches:  01011001: Acceleration 1 pressed  01011011: Acceleration 2 pressed  01011100: Regen 1 pressed  01011110: Regen 2 pressed  01001000: Mechanical brake operating  11011000: Reverse selected
MAX CHARGE CURRENT  PROG 91:	Default:  10.00 A  Range:  4 - 16 A	Limits the current from the outlet during Quick Charge mode.  When the TWIKE is plugged in where only lower currents are possible, adjust this value accordingly.  If you wish to charge at higher currents (e.g., 16 A) make sure the circuit is rated appropriately before plugging in.

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		In other than exceptional circumstances, it is not recommended that a higher voltage than the default be set. It is easy to forget to set it back again when plugging into a lower current socket, resulting in a blown fuse or tripped breaker!
RED CHARGE CURRENT  PROG 92:	Default:  5.00 A  Range:  1 - 10 A	Limits current during normal charge mode.
BAT OUTP POWER  VIEW A9:	Resting output:  ca. (-) 17 W	Battery discharge output (value computed every 4 seconds)
BAT CAPACITY END  PROG 97: (version 5.1)	(to be determined)	(to be determined)
CHARGED CAPACITY  PROG 9C: (version 5.1)	(to be determined)	(to be determined)
DEBUG PROGRAM  PROG F5:	Program number  Default: 0	This utility helps diagnose problems that may arise with the control system or batteries.  Procedure: Press ENTER key, then PROG key to input appropriate program number:  No. 1: All computer parameters are set to the default values.  No. 2: RESET BATTERIES (reset an error condition of the software in the battery).  No. 3: DOWNLOAD BATTERY SOFTWARE (takes approx. 2 minutes to load new software into the battery blocks).  No. 4: Sets the Ah counter of the battery blocks to full (as required by Debug Prog No. 3).

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©TWIKE AG
http://www.twike.ch

Translation Copyright © Victor Muñoz