Stupid question: USB Powered Gloves?

[chadwick404]

Ok, my first post and I am sure it will look plenty weird to more than a few of you: but here goes.

I am looking for heated gloves on the very, very cheap. I do not have the money right now (well, my wife controls it all, anyway)...but seriously, I love to ride in the cold but what I have for gloves is not cutting it.

I tried the chemical packs but last Monday in the Smokies the temps hit about 26 or so, and they just could not generate enough heat in my gloves - I think not enough air got to them (any thoughts about this, please share). In any event, my fingers froze.

I have been "downsized" and seek new professional employment, so until then my budget is nil.

So, trying to brainstorm, I came up with a couple of ideas:

1. Using a Joe-e handwarmer I already own, I though about rigging up a forced air systems with hoses. When driving, air would enter a funnel system, be throttled into a chamber where the joe-e (or chemical warmers) resides, heat up, then be directed via hoses to my gloves (the system would be under my coat, of course, but for the air intake). I could rig something up with spare parts from around the house, plus a walmart part or two.

Just how stupid is this idea? I think the Joe-e generates enough heat, and only a small amount of heated air would need to get to the gloves to make a difference. Throttling the air into the chamber would ensure no "blasts"...???

2. Second idea: USB powered mits. Look at the links below (forget my budget for a moment). If I ripped out the heater elements and installed them how I want them in my existing gloves (I actually own several types, so I am lucky in that regard), would they provide enough heat (in well insulated gloves, anyway)?

The battery packs all feature USB powered ports. Just a little heat is all that is really needed if the gloves are insulated well enough; heat loss rate due to convection, in a Thinsulate lined glove, should be compensated enough by milliamps...I think...thoughts?

Anyway, just thinking...I can find those types of battery packs at a variety of places...and the wiring from the USB mitts/gloves is worth the cost...

http://www.kleargear.com/2178.html?gclid=CPOr99Tu3JACFSJ1sgod13dxWw

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTDHVU/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=IDUAKQ0O1NCWL&colid=T1LIOIXO8A99

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E6JI7Q/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2WQL3TF90OGHM&colid=T1LIOIXO8A99

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S0VFRE/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I341XVXJOXTNPM&colid=T1LIOIXO8A99

[Blue STreak]

I think you underestimate the amount of heat required when temps are in the low 30s and below. The air moving over the gloves (even with a fairing), sucks the heat right out of them. I've tried a couple of different inexpensive heated gloves powered by C or D cells, and the generate so little heat they're useless.

Gerbing now makes heated gloves with built-in rechargeable batteries. They're not at all cheap, but even so Gerbing still recommends the 12 volt, plug-in variety for motorcycle use.

I think the best low-cost option might be grip heaters. The Symtec heaters go under the grips and sell for about $25-$30 dollars. They won't be as effective as good heated gloves, but at least they generate real heat, unlike the cheap gloves out there.

[STindy05]

Why not just install Symtec hand warmers under the grips. Here (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=SYMT) they are for around $30.

[ShinySideUpAZ]

USB does not supply enought current. Also for motorcyle application you need a minimum of about 114 degrees F on low and no more than 165 degrees F on high. All of the various aftermarket heat grips pull the same amount of current on low as on high. For the low setting current is shunted through a resistor. Average current demand for heated gloves is 3.5 amps to 5 amps depending on make. The USB specification only provides for 500 mAmps maximum.

If you are concerned about the installation of the grips, get with the ST owners in your area, that's what the regional forums are good for, ask for help, or setup a grip party. We are having one here in Phoenix this month. We did a tech day last year in Tucson where I walked through the installation on my bike for those who were interested.

Good first post, and there are no dumb questions. We all learn as a community. Given the number of members we have world wide and the varying levels of technical abilty, every question needs to be asked at least once. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and search for other posts. There are scores of threads on heated grip installs. Here are just a few.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7576&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17566&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33000&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19401&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7950&highlight=heated+grip+install

[DAS]

Chadwick, I hear ya. I'm on a pretty tight budget and usually refuse to buy something I think I can make myself. I made some elec. heated gloves using 26ga stainless wire, taped to the back of light weight gloves that fit snuggly, and pull leather work gloves (an extra size larger than I usually wear) over the top of those. Power is from a light weight wire that I string through the sleeves of my coat and use 2 pole SAE flat plugs at the cuff. connecting the stainless wire to copper wire is difficult. I used the gloves for a 400 mile ride in 40 degree weather a month ago and had to turn them off frequently because they are too warm Each glove has bout 5 ft of wire and are 15 watts each. I have lots of wire that I'll give you if you want to give it a go.

[hojo in sc]

Chadwick, I hear ya. I'm on a pretty tight budget and usually refuse to buy something I think I can make myself. I made some elec. heated gloves using 26ga stainless wire, taped to the back of light weight gloves that fit snuggly, and pull leather work gloves (an extra size larger than I usually wear) over the top of those. Power is from a light weight wire that I string through the sleeves of my coat and use 2 pole SAE flat plugs at the cuff. connecting the stainless wire to copper wire is difficult. I used the gloves for a 400 mile ride in 40 degree weather a month ago and had to turn them off frequently because they are too warm Each glove has bout 5 ft of wire and are 15 watts each. I have lots of wire that I'll give you if you want to give it a go.

Just to explain further, I assume the 2 pole SAE plug you are talking about is one that can be purchased at any Radio Shack for a minimal fee, works well, and I have used on several occasions. I like your write up.

[chadwick404]

Interesting posts; perhaps I have underestimated heat loss. I think I was focused on my particular situation. My gloves seem fine for an hour or better in 40 degree weather; at the 30 point they seemed to work for about 30 minutes. I was guesstimating that a little bit of strategically placed heat would extend that back to the hour point or so.

Has anyone made those chemical packs work in gloves (I happened to have a few left over from previous exploits whilst employed)?

DAS: thanks for that post. Do you have pictures? Do you connect directly to the battery? Sounds very interesting. I might even have that wire in the house somewhere...how did you calculate wattage? I have a '91 ST: I've owned it since last spring and have read the alternator generally doesn't handle extra loads.

[chadwick404]

Thanks for these links. I certainly intend to get some of these grips some day!! They look pretty neat...but can't do it right now or near future. Bills and savings come first, but for gas for the bike :-)




Good first post, and there are no dumb questions. We all learn as a community. Given the number of members we have world wide and the varying levels of technical abilty, every question needs to be asked at least once. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and search for other posts. There are scores of threads on heated grip installs. Here are just a few.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7576&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17566&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33000&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19401&highlight=heated+grip+install
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7950&highlight=heated+grip+install[/QUOTE]

[jaster]

Here's some info on building your own heated gear. I haven't tried any of it so I can't comment on good or bad.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113134