Ask Bob Wilson to represent you in Washington

[efusco]

Originally Posted by ericbecky

Bob,
I know Linda W, one of the partners of Hybridfest has decibel data regarding road noise and hybrids. I'll have to make sure to get you that info.

Any thoughts about having a table at Hybridfest for signatures of people opposed to the hybrid noise bill Eric??

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by ericbecky

Bob,
I know Linda W, one of the partners of Hybridfest has decibel data regarding road noise and hybrids. I'll have to make sure to get you that info.

What I really need is a reading of the inverter coolant pump at any given distance. The reason is this would be the cheapest solution to a noise maker IF we are forced to make our Prius 'noisy.'

The simple solution is to mount the inverter pump on rubber mounts on the front of the frame that holds the radiator. A pair of plates are mounted so the one closest to the vehicle frame serves to block and echo out the pump noise -- a hemisphere or parabolic shape would be perfect. The other is an open-air diaphragm to the front via the radiator air inlet grill to help couple pump noise to the air. The advantages:

1. no extra cr*p on the car - we are relocating a part that already makes noise when the car is running
2. minimal cost - electrical and two tubing extensions along with mounting hardware and optional sound plates and reflector
3. easy owner access - when the pump fails, the Prius soon suffers heating problems and the new location can be a lot easier to reach.
4. improved coolant bleeding - current coolant change is a SOB due to the lame 'bleeding' process. Having the pump as "our friend" makes this bi- or tri-annual maintenance much easier

The disadvantage:

1. labor and parts to relocate - it is currently in an SOB location to extract, run the tubing and wire extension. I doubt it can be done in less than 4 hours and typical shop rates means at least $200 not counting the inverter coolant replacement.
2. possible 5 mph hazard - a 5 mph impact _MIGHT_ leave pump damaged, inverter coolant gone and car unable to drive away.
3. the last thing the pedestrian heard was the inverter pump ... because it is such a lame solution

NOTE: I will try to buy (unless someone has one to donate) an invert coolant pump and bring it to the hearings along with batteries to run it. I can cobble up a demo unit and have a little fun with 'em.

Bob Wilson

[tochatihu]

The thing I don't like about it, Bob, is that once installed it would seem very difficult for 'bad boys' to disable.

The Prius would be somewhat less fun if I could not creep around quietly for bird watching, sneaking up on rabbits, etc. I know we are not supposed to be thinking about ever shutting off the noisemaker, but...

[bwilson4web]

I have always hated the inverter pump noise. Relocation to the front frame on rubber mounts and directing the noise away from the car doesn't bother me one bit. If we can also come up with a way to improve inverter coolant change, there would be some slight benefit to the owner. But there is a more fundamental problem:

The eulogy for the first person killed by a faux noise maker hybrid. For that is exactly what will happen. These noise makers only make our hybrids as deadly as the existing cars.

Now if you really want to sneak up on the fauna, install a rear camera and drive backwards. <grins>

Bob Wilson

[bwilson4web]

If you want to help me get in the NHTSA hearing as a presenter or speaker, you need to call or notify:

Debbie Ascone
Office of the Senior Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety
202-366-4383
Debbie.Ascone@dot.gov
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590

Let her know that you would like Bob Wilson of 625k Inc. from Huntsville AL to present his corporate and solutions ideas at the hearing. Feel free to borrow any of the ideas in the letter I am sending or cite any of my earlier postings (there should be about 2.5 years available) via e-mail with follow-up paper copy.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

[ericbecky]

Originally Posted by efusco

Any thoughts about having a table at Hybridfest for signatures of people opposed to the hybrid noise bill Eric??

Bob and I talked. I like the idea, but we need to figure out a way that's effective, but not too intrusive. If you have ideas, let me know.