{"id":31229,"date":"2017-10-20T12:05:48","date_gmt":"2017-10-20T16:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=31229"},"modified":"2017-10-20T12:08:40","modified_gmt":"2017-10-20T16:08:40","slug":"smarthalo-making-your-bike-smarter-than-a-fifth-grader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/smarthalo-making-your-bike-smarter-than-a-fifth-grader\/","title":{"rendered":"SmartHalo \u2013 making your bike smarter than a fifth grader"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here\u2019s one device you could add to your bike to make your cycling safer, more fun and more efficient. SmartHalo is a \u2018mount it\u2019 and \u2018leave it\u2019 gadget for your bike that acts as a GPS, a headlamp, a phone call alert, and a security system.<\/p>\n

\"Smart<\/p>\n

This fist-sized gadget is made to be permanently mounted to your bike. It\u2019s theft-proof, so leave it mounted. It\u2019s rain, dirt and mud proof.\u00a0 A special key enables it to be removed should you need to bring it inside, like once every three weeks to recharge it.<\/p>\n

Mounting the SmartHalo<\/strong><\/p>\n

The special mounting system for the SmartHalo positions it high enough to mount directly over the center post on your handlebars.\u00a0 It comes with a variety of spacers to fit any size standard handlebars.<\/p>\n

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Since I wanted to mount mine off-center, I was glad it came with the assortment of spacers.\u00a0 My handlebar tapers from center to end and l needed a larger spacer near the handle grip. No problem \u2013 the ones I needed were both included.\u00a0 Now I\u2019ve got my Phone holder\/Bluetooth speaker mounted on the left and my SmartHalo mounted on the right.<\/p>\n

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Downloading the SmartHalo app for either iOS or Android, you simply follow along with the instructions on the app for mounting.\u00a0 Actually, the installation instructions are the very best I\u2019ve ever seen in an app\u2026. with one main caveat.\u00a0 After you see the screen that tells you to tighten the screws, then on the next screen, it warns you to not over-tighten. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what I did \u2013 cracking the lower mounting bracket before I flipped to that next screen.\u00a0 Despite the crack – it still seems solid and works fine.<\/p>\n

Built-in burglar alarm<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the beauties of not having to remove it is that each time you dismount, you don\u2019t have to worry about someone lifting it off your bike.\u00a0 The other reason is that you can program it to sound a rather loud alarm any time someone tries to move your bike.<\/p>\n

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At first, I didn\u2019t think this feature was working, but came to find out, the alarm automatically disengages if it senses my cellphone in near proximity.\u00a0 Now I can leave the alarm set all the time, knowing it will only alarm if I\u2019m not nearby.\u00a0 Superb!<\/p>\n

Fire up the app<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you load the app, it will help you pair your phone with the SmartHalo.\u00a0 Now, you can input your destination \u2013 either by place or by address, A GPS map will appear, showing you the safest route to bike there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I was really impressed here, with the route it showed me to my local Panera.\u00a0 Most GPS units take you onto a major thoroughfare a.s.a.p., but this one actually routed me through a little-known access road and through a parking lot as the actual fastest route to Panera. Kudos SmartHalo!!!<\/p>\n

Smart navigation<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the route ready, merely press Start and you can then put your phone in your pocket or bag.\u00a0 A string of lights on the SmartHalo will change as you get close to your next turn, and then flash, showing the direction at each intersection.<\/p>\n

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A string of green lights from 11 o clock to 1 o clock, would indicate to go straight, while a string of green lights from 2 o clock to 4 o clock would denote a turn to the right. Conversely, a string of red flashing lights from 5 o clock to 7 o clock would indicate you\u2019d past your turn and you need to turn around.<\/p>\n

Do pay attention to the map before you go however.\u00a0 The only problem I encountered was with a small traffic circle.\u00a0 The map made it clear which way to go, but if I had only relied on the flashing lights, I would have continued too far around the circle. That’s more a fault of GPS technology than SmartHalo.\u00a0 Consumer accessible GPS accuracy is limited to 30′ maximum I believe, and this circle was probably only about 25 feet in diameter.<\/p>\n

More features<\/strong><\/p>\n

A visual speedometer can be displayed as well as progress along the exercise goals you set, once you enable \u201clocation aware\u201d and fill out your profile.<\/p>\n