The connectivity module (also known as an IoT module) is responsible for integrating the bike with the CAKE Connect mobile app. It's a device by Comodule with built-in battery, GSM, and GPS. The device is connected to the controller of the bike and collects information such as battery level, bike diagnostics, location, etc. and it sends this information to Comodule to process and make available to the CAKE app. This is (was) a subscription CAKE pays for. Additionally, the connectivity module is responsible for configuring the custom ride and brake modes, remote-unlocking of the bike, and displaying bike diagnostics.
¶ Mobile app
- The CAKE Connect app is available on iOS and Android app stores
- Walker73 is an open source Android app for bikes equipped with a Comodule device. It's intended to be used as a privacy-respecting alternative to the Comdule subscription, operating via bluetooth only.
In May 2024, CAKE riders noticed their CAKE app was no longer fully functional. It is assumed that CAKE are no longer paying the subscription for this service from Comodule, and therefore users of the app are no longer receiving the benefits. And since Display v2 uses the GPS location from the connectivity module to set the time, riders are reporting incorrect clocks on their bike displays.
¶ Technical info
- See https://fccid.io/2AQHSPTV090002/Internal-Photos/Internal-Photos-3993896 for internals of a similar device from Comodule
- Uses a SARA-U201 HPSA module (source)
- Comodule's bluetooth SDK:
¶ Resources
See these links from Comodule’s website for some additional information:
- Comodule Case Study: CAKE
- Comodule blog: CAKE and Comodule re-invented a totally new type of vehicle and user experience
¶ Guides
¶ Removal
- The connectivity module can be removed by following the steps in the guides above. When tested on Osa, the bike still operates as normal except the custom ride and brake modes are missing (and CAKE app connectivity is obviously no longer possible).
- Because the connectivity module has it's own power supply, it's possible that GPS data (and therefore location, speed, etc.) is still sent to Comodule even when the device is disconnected. If you’re disconnecting the device for privacy reasons, it’s recommended to remove the device from the bike entirely. (Do reinstall its bolts under the controller box though, to prevent any water ingress.)