Jacket Heater

[lawbadman]

Hello all,
Winter is around the corner and I really HATE the cold , so I was wondering if there was any way to heat my jacket.
I was thinking if resistance wire (not sure if that is the correct name for it), and I would somehow loop it on the inner layer of my jacket.
I would buy a rechargable SLA 12v battery, and use a LM317 to control the heat by adjusting the voltage.
I will use it for about 15 - 30 min at a time so a small SLA battery should do, I think .


My biggest issue is finding a good heating element, and at the same time not setting myself on fire . I really dont mind walking around with some batteries in my pockets.


What do you guys think, is this possible?


Thanks
Lawrence

 

[Nordic]

I think there are commercial products like this, I would not do this one DIY, unless you are familiar with burn wounds on a first hand basis and like them... just too many too flamable materials out there...

 

[wes-ninja250]

Plenty of commercial offerings. You need to check out motorcycle forums. Gerbring and Widder are two big makers. You can probably a cheap heated vest at your local moto store for $70.

As for using resistance wire to do this -- it HAS been done. The problem is making something that will *last* and not burn the hell out of you.

 

[maxro]

Here's some info. Haven't tried it myself, so don't blame me if you electricute yourself.

http://www.shadowriders.org/faq/electricvests.html

Max

 

[DSP_Geek]

I know this is DIY-land, and we're all supposed to be Rugged Technological Individualists, but how is wiring yourself up like a Christmas tree better than just getting a good parka? I come from the coldest part of Canada, and we never needed batteries to keep us warm, even at -40.


Francois.

 

[wes-ninja250]

Hey Francois --

You may have missed the point, which is essentially to be able to wear very little in the way of clothing, even at extreme temperatures.

Let me tell you, you need a LOT of clothing to ride a motorcycle at -25 even for a few minutes. It would definately be easier to ride without some of it!

Wes