Build a Personal Power Plant

Construction of the Platform	back to the start! parts list frame, wheel, and crank generator platform mount everything! display board
	Step 4 of 6

This base is designed to ease transport of the bike. If the bike will be stationary, this step might not be necessary.

Note that the platform is constructed as two separate parts. This was done so that the P3 could be broken down for transport. If the P3 will not be transported frequently, or for a more permanent installation, the platform can be constructed in one piece. Below you see the underside of the completed assembly). In the upper left corner you can see the slots for the generator, which are discussed in the mounting section.

The sizes of the two pieces are as follows:

• The larger piece is 56.3" x 24.0"
• The smaller piece is 19.8" x 21.0"

Begin by cutting the necessary lengths of 2x4 and sections of 1/2" plywood to create these two pieces. Fasten the 2X4's and plywood together with 1^1/4" drywall screws spaced approximately 1 foot apart.

Close-ups of the smaller section:

The two slots located on the end of the platform (for the generator) are best made after assembling the platform so that the 2x4 is notched out at the same time the slots are cut. A circular saw works well for the straight cuts parallel to the longer edge of the platform and then clean up with a reciprocating saw.

Once the end slots are finished, attach the two wheels using four drywall screws.

After drilling holes, drywall screws can also be used to mount the steel angles used to adjust the chair, and the threaded pipe flanges (these will support the display board). Note that the dimension between the steel angles depends on the chair you are using, and should be centered with respect to the large piece of platform. Take the distance across the front legs of the chair to be the distance between the steel angles.

The mounting holes for the bicycle frame (shown in the picture above), and frame supports are best drilled later when the appropriate parts can be used as templates for marking the exact hole locations. Do not drill them now.