Tachometer for a domestic motorcycle: how and why to connect?

• What is a tachometer used for?
• Tachometer selection
• Tachometer on a motorcycle: steps on how to connect

Motorcycle owners always strive to make their motorcycles better and more interesting.
A large number of devices are used for this. One of them is the tachometer. This device is installed on both domestic and foreign motorcycles. The tachometer has an attractive appearance and makes the dashboard more functional. As you know, on motorcycles there is usually not such a wide variety of instruments on the dashboard for monitoring the main indicators of the equipment. This is why many motorcyclists are developing new methods to increase the functionality of their bike.

Connecting a tachometer with your own hands: pros and cons

A tachometer is a device for measuring the rotation speed of engines, shafts, and other mechanisms.
The tachometer has been used in transportation technology for more than a hundred years. As a rule, it is installed on the dashboard. The device indicates the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine during operation. In modern cars equipped with electronic engine control systems, it is not always installed. However, the tachometer readings allow you to select the most suitable driving mode. In some cases, this allows you to save fuel or, conversely, switch to a more aggressive driving style. Therefore, experienced car enthusiasts and professional drivers often install dashboards with tachometers on their own. Let's look at how to independently connect a tachometer.

Tachometer

Connecting a tachometer to a domestic motorcycle

The most suitable device for this purpose is the TX-193 tachometer, which is included in the basic package of the VAZ-2106 car. Convenient, accurate, small-sized and economical, the device can withstand shaking, vibration and other features of movement on our roads. No less advantageous is its low cost relative to specialized motorcycle options.

Connecting a tachometer to a motorcycle begins with installing the device in a pre-attached slot on the dashboard from a non-working or unnecessary speedometer. If it is not available, available materials such as a neatly cut coffee can, etc. are used. In this case, the tachometer should sit level, so that the wires pass freely through the dashboard and are not crushed by the device itself.

Installing the part involves appropriate cutting of the device body and transferring the backlight indicator lights, however, most owners of domestic equipment prefer to replace standard light bulbs with LEDs. These light sources have the following advantages over conventional incandescent lamps:

1. High brightness.
2. Large scattering angle.
3. Small sizes.
4. Long service life.
5. Low cost.

To install them, holes should be drilled in the bottom of the tachometer housing (one under each of the 8 divisions of the instrument scale). The diodes are then inserted into the drilled holes and connected to the central wiring. Disassembly of the measuring device should be done with extreme care.

The principle of operation of the tachometer

Currently, tachometers are distinguished:

• Mechanical. A mechanical tachometer receives information about engine speed using a rotating cable mechanically connected to the engine crankshaft. Nowadays such devices are practically no longer used in cars;
• Electromechanical. The operating principle of electromechanical tachometers is based on the conversion of electrical impulses from sensors installed on the engine or from other electronic devices. These signals are converted into magnetic pulses that deflect the needle of the measuring device like a pointer voltmeter;
• Digital. Digital tachometers are used as part of modern computerized panels and are controlled by software and hardware. Self-installation of this type of tachometer is almost impossible.

What is a tachometer on a motorcycle

A rev meter is an integral part of most modern motorcycles. The device allows you to monitor the load on the engine, which is very important when choosing speed and gear on a particular section of the road.

Installing a tachometer on models whose basic equipment does not provide for its presence is a very real and often practiced action among owners of domestic motorcycles.

Ways to turn on the tachometer

Information about the rotational speed of an internal combustion engine can be read from:

• generator;
• crankshaft speed sensor;
• camshaft speed sensor;
• ignition coil control pulse.

The generators of some cars (for example, Volkswagen T4) have an additional alternating voltage output, the frequency of which depends on the engine speed. In these cars, the signal to the tachometer is supplied from this point.

It is irrational to change the generator just to install a tachometer.

Tachometer connection diagram

The crankshaft and camshaft speed sensors operate on the electromagnetic principle. Earlier cars had sensors using the Hall effect. In any case, the electrical pulse generated by these devices has an amplitude of no more than 5V, and their internal resistance is at least 200 Ohms. In order to connect the tachometer to these sensors, an additional amplifier is required. It is most effective to use a more powerful impulse coming to the ignition coil.

Connecting the device

The operating principle of an electronic tachometer is based on reading electrical impulses. In gasoline units, pulses are read and supplied in a certain amount to the ignition coil. As for the diesel engine, reading is carried out from a special terminal located in the generator housing.

To connect the tachometer to a diesel engine, it is advisable to carry out work on a lift or use an inspection pit. At the initial stage, it is necessary to remove the protection from the generator, avoiding dirt getting inside the device. The next step is a visual inspection of the generator coil, which has several terminals. The tachometer contact (input wire) should be connected to the terminal that is usually marked with the letter “W”.

Ignition system for gasoline engines

Control of engine ignition processes can be organized by several methods:

• Distributor with one ignition coil;
• Distributorless with a dual (triple, quadruple depending on the number of cylinders divided by 2) ignition coil;
• Individual (for each spark plug).

In all cases, the coil receives a powerful pulse with an amplitude of 12V from a breaker (for cars before the 90s), a transistor switch, or directly from the engine control unit. It is from this point that the signal to the tachometer should be taken.

Models, manufacturers and prices

The range of tachometers intended for installation on motorcycles, mopeds and scooters is very diverse both in price, design, execution (with an arrow or digital display), and in the number of manufacturers producing products for this purpose.

A universal electronic tachometer (from Chinese or “Kkmoon”) with LED backlight in a stainless steel case (Ø=56 mm, case height - 60 mm) costs only 540÷650 rubles.

For the same 500÷700 rubles you can purchase products with a digital indication of the number of revolutions per minute from Ironwalls or FCD.

Owners of expensive and prestigious brands of motorcycles (however, those not equipped with a standard tachometer) can purchase and install products from the world-famous and well-established Baron, Koso, J&P Cycles or Sunpro. However, the cost of these products will already range from 3,000 to 12,000 rubles.

Technical solution

Before connecting the tachometer, it is necessary to draw up an electrical connection diagram in order to mentally determine the starting and ending switching points and trace the conductor. Any ignition coil has a terminal (terminal) +15 (ignition on), to which battery voltage is supplied when the key is turned to the first (for some cars, second) position. Under no circumstances should you connect the tachometer to this point; the first time you turn it on, it may fail. High-voltage wires also pose a danger, even to humans. The signal input to which the tachometer should be connected must be precisely determined. In older coils it is designated by the letter "K", it is better to find the exact circuit diagram of the car.

The next, more difficult task is the electrical connection of the nodes. As a conductor, you should take a stranded copper wire with a cross-section of at least 2 sq. mm. with polyvinyl chloride insulation.

The connection points of the wire to the ignition coil are cleaned, mechanically twisted, soldered and carefully insulated. Lay the wire along any electrical harnesses, using plastic clamps, towards the engine compartment bulkhead near the dashboard. You can insert the conductor into the passenger compartment next to any electrical wiring harness. To do this, it is easier to use an elastic string. Finally, connect the conductor to the tachometer signal terminal. In some cars that include modifications with or without a tachometer, you can simply change the dashboard, find the stock wire and connect it to the ignition coil.

What is a tachometer used for?

Before you figure out how to connect a tachometer to a motorcycle, you need to decide whether you need this device or not. It is worth noting that in order to install the tachometer correctly so that it works properly, you need to be patient and be prepared for the fact that you will have to spend a lot of time.

There is no device on the motorcycle dashboard to detect engine operation. A tachometer can be installed for this purpose.

It shows the number of engine revolutions. Thanks to this, every motorcyclist can see at certain moments of riding how powerful the engine of his bike is. In addition, using a tachometer, you can regulate the power of your engine so that it does not fail in a short time.

The tachometer plays an important role for any motorcycle equipment. It will help your motorcycle last for a long time. Most engines become unusable if you give them the wrong amount of load. The tachometer will not allow it to be overloaded and will ensure that it does not fail prematurely. The rider will control the load on the engine to prolong its life.

Testing, tachometer adjustment

If the car is equipped with a distributorless or individual ignition system, the tachometer can be connected to any coil. In this case, the readings of the engine rotation speed (rpm) will be inadequate, since an impulse is supplied to the trammel ignition every stroke, while the individual ignition is four times less likely. However, it is possible to calibrate the measuring scale in a new way.

At the first stage of testing, start the engine and check the performance of the system (arrow deflection at idle speed). As a rule, the speed in this mode is in the range of 800 – 1000 rpm.

Next, adjust the reading level. If the tachometer needle deviates slightly, you can connect an additional capacitor with a capacity of about 1 μF between the signal wire and the vehicle ground. On the contrary, if the arrow goes off scale, connect a variable resistance of about 1 kOhm to the open signal circuit and scale the signal.

The next stage is sea trials. With the engine running, the maximum speed is reached. The tachometer needle should not go into the red zone. Otherwise, the adjustment is carried out again. Before starting operation, check the reliability of connections and insulation again. And remember, additional equipment means new problems.

Tachometer. Types and device. Application and troubleshooting

A tachometer is a measuring device used to determine the rotation speed of moving parts in mechanisms and assemblies. Typically, the results of its measurements are calculated by the number of revolutions per minute. The device is used in cars, motorcycles, tractors, combines, sea and river vessels, airplanes, helicopters and other equipment with an internal combustion engine. Its presence allows you to control the load limits in the operation of the motor, to increase its service life.

Why do you need a tachometer in a car?

The device can be found on the dashboard of almost every car with rare exceptions. It is used by the driver to monitor engine operation. The fact is that operating the engine at high speeds carries the risk of damaging it. By monitoring the tachometer, you can adjust the gas pedal pressure so that the crankshaft rotates in a safe mode.

The presence of a tachometer in a car provides:

• Extending the life of the motor.
• Optimization of fuel consumption.
• Selecting the correct driving mode depending on the load.
• Elimination of impact on the transmission when changing gears.

Car tachometers have a digital scale, the last numbers and divisions on which are marked in red. This is how the device highlights the critical speed for a given engine. When this operating level is reached, the crankshaft rotates at the maximum speed for the engine. This is accompanied by accelerated heating and increased vibration, which can damage the piston group, valves, timing belt, etc. By looking at the tachometer , the driver can prevent such a load and change to a higher gear in time, while releasing the gas pedal.

After a certain speed limit, different for each engine, it begins to burn fuel more intensively. By monitoring the rotation of the crankshaft using the tachometer, you can prevent an operating mode in which the car begins to consume more fuel.

Using a tachometer, the optimal engine speed is selected to start moving or climb downhill. The best moment to switch between gears depends on this data.

The tachometer reading is especially important when driving a vehicle with a trailer. In the technical documentation for the car you can see information of this kind “120 horsepower at 3500 rpm”. By achieving just such a rotation of the crankshaft, the highest traction force can be achieved from the engine. That is, by moving downhill at 3500 rpm, and not more, it is safe for the engine to pull out the load.

In cars without a tachometer, you have to monitor the load on the engine by ear, which is difficult if the interior is sufficiently soundproofed. The driver needs to determine the gain by the roar of the engine and only at this moment shift to a higher gear.

How to connect an hour meter to a pit bike

To figure out how to connect an hour meter to a pit bike, you need to decide which meter is best to choose? Most motorcycle owners choose the first type, since vibration-activated meters, according to user reviews, leave much to be desired. If the running engine does not vibrate much, the meter may not work. But meters that are activated by power have less accuracy than other types.

Once you have decided which type of meter is right for you, we will figure out how to install an hour meter on a pit bike and begin to connect it.

We have a kit that includes the meter itself, a wire and two self-tapping screws with which we will mount it. You can order such a meter on the website PITBIKER.RU, as well as other accessories and spare parts. How to connect an hour meter to a pit bike? In fact, everything is very simple, even for a beginner. You need to take the meter, on it you will see a slot into which you need to insert the wire. We fix the meter itself in any place convenient for you; the most convenient way would be to fix it on the steering wheel. You can secure it with special adhesive tape on both sides or with super glue.

Making your own tachometer

The most common option for making a tachometer for a motorcycle with your own hands is to use the standard TX-193-38130 device from a VAZ-2106 (or VAZ-2103, or Niva-2121) car as a basis for a homemade measuring device.

• We carefully disassemble the TX-193 car tachometer.
• We unsolder the capacitor (capacity 0.22 µF) installed in the ammeter circuit and install a new one (capacity 0.47 µF). Otherwise, the device readings will be underestimated by 2 times.

How to install an hour meter

The hour meter itself is the size of a matchbox. And it is easy to install in any place suitable for you. The meter housing is waterproof. The battery is built-in and cannot be replaced. This means that the service life of this device depends on how long the battery lasts. Typically, the service life of an engine is five years.

When at rest, the device will show the engine hours that the engine has worked over the entire period of use, and the battery will not be consumed. When the engine is running, the crankshaft rotation speed will appear on the clock screen.

There are two buttons on the case, with their help you can set the number of cycles, turn off the tachometer, reset the operating hours, and set the time until the next service.

You need to set the operating mode of the engine hour meter as follows:

• Set the tachometer operating mode: Hold the left button for a couple of seconds until the values ​​(1,2,3,4) appear on the screen. The first value is for working with engines in which the impulse is transmitted to the spark plug once per operating cycle. The second, accordingly, shows the value for two clock cycles. The third value shows the pulse that is applied to the spark plug once every four cycles. The fourth turns off the tachometer.
• We set the time until the next service, press the right button, as well as holding it. After the inscription “Service” appears on the display, hold down the left button until a number appears on the display indicating 1/10 hundreds, tens, units, thousands of hours until service.

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How to connect an hour meter to a motorcycle

Let's consider another option for mounting an hour meter on a pit bike or motorcycle. You can make fastenings using zip ties. In these cases, we don’t need the screws that come with the kit, and I think there’s no need to drill extra holes, because there are a lot of options for how to connect the hour meter. Then we stretch the wire from the coil that goes to the spark plug. And then you need to wind from three to five turns of wire (some wind more). It all depends on the length of the wire itself. You can also secure the wire with ties so that it does not dangle.

And so we figured out how to connect an hour sensor to a pit bike. If you have a question about how to connect an hour meter to a motorcycle , then the circuit is exactly the same, we attach it to an armored wire that goes from the coil to the spark plug. I hope you found this article useful.

Buy a tachometer for a motorcycle

Nowadays, it is not at all difficult to acquire a speed meter for further installation on a bike.
As a tachometer on the Izh Jupiter 5 and other Izhmoto models, as mentioned above, the speed meter that is equipped with the VAZ 2106 car (simply popularly called the “Zhiguli Six”) can be safely used. This product can fit well into the standard panel of these Russian Soviet motorcycles In this case, connecting the tachometer to the Izh involves cutting its body to half. All connectors that are connected to the light devices (indicators) of the dashboard must be lowered to the lower limit. After installation, the tachometer on the motorcycle must not sit unevenly, resting against wires and other elements standard design of the bike. We will also tell you how to connect a tachometer to an Izh. In the instrument panel itself (in the lower part) we drill a couple of holes for the standard mounting of this device that measures revolutions.

The option for connecting a tachometer to a motorcycle of the above type involves cutting off the cover with the warning lights of the motorcycle. You need to make approximately the same circle as the one that the factory designers created for the speedometer.

How to connect the engine hour sensor

The engine hour sensor can be connected to any wire where there is voltage while the engine is running. Connection options will be as follows:

• Connecting the sensor to the ignition
• Connecting the engine hour sensor to the emergency pressure sensor

If the engine hour sensor is connected to the ignition, the readings will be slightly inaccurate. Because the ignition can be turned on when the engine is not running.

You can also connect the engine hour sensor to the emergency oil pressure sensor. The disadvantage of this connection method is that the pressure is low at idle. The device will not take into account time.

Tachometer selection

Tachometers are used primarily in cars. They are installed to control engine operation.

In order for the determination of engine operation to be as accurate as possible, it is necessary to take care of how to choose the right tachometer.

Many experienced motorcyclists who have extensive experience in tuning motorcycles suggest using domestic tachometers. This is due to the fact that they cause virtually no difficulties during installation. In addition, an important factor in favor of choosing a domestic tachometer is cost. It is very low and acceptable.

Many motorcyclists believe that it is best to choose an imported tachometer. It is believed to have more accurate readings. In addition, it is perfect for imported motorcycles.

How to install a tachometer yourself

Connection via ECU
The process of installing a tachometer on a car with a gasoline engine differs from installing this instrument on a car with a diesel engine. Based on this, the article will discuss both installation methods.

Installation of a tachometer on a vehicle with a gasoline internal combustion engine

With a contactless ignition system
If a tachometer connection diagram is attached to the device, it is strongly recommended that you study it in detail and make the connection in accordance with the accompanying documentation. If there is no diagram, installation of the device is carried out in several stages:

1. The device, depending on the type, is fixed either to the appropriate seat on the dashboard or on its surface.
2. The black wire is connected to the body (ground) of the vehicle.
3. The red wire connects to the ignition switch terminal, which will supply 12V when the ignition is on.
4. The third wire of the device can be painted in any color. It must be connected taking into account what ignition system is installed on the car. If the system is contact, the tachometer must be connected to the distributor breaker. With a contactless ignition system, the device is connected to a voltage switch.
5. To provide backlighting for the display, if provided by the manufacturer, the device should be connected to the terminal provided for this purpose on the ignition switch.

How to connect with a contact ignition system

Installation of a tachometer on a vehicle with a diesel engine

The device should be connected to a generator, so it is best to install the tachometer on an inspection pit or overpass.
Before starting work, the generator protection is dismantled. Next, on the generator you need to find the terminal with the Latin letter “w” and connect the tachometer output wire to it. Tachometer rear panel diagram
The next step is to close the contact that comes from the oil pump.
This action is performed to ensure that the tachometer gives reliable readings. Diesel
It should be noted that sometimes it is not possible to find the generator terminal with the Latin letter “w”.
In this case, you need to disassemble the generator, connect one of the three wires that connect the winding and the rectifier to the tachometer cable and insulate the connection well. After this, the generator is assembled in the reverse order. Scheme for connecting a tachometer from Volga
In conclusion, it should be noted that installing a tachometer is not a very difficult job, however, it is strictly not recommended to start doing it without theoretical knowledge and some practical experience related to car repairs. Without firm confidence in your own capabilities, it is best to leave the car at the disposal of qualified workers at a specialized station who will be able to install a tachometer on your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

Installation and connection

Installation of tachometers additionally installed on a motorcycle is quite simple. A bracket attached to the body of the product allows you to easily install the device on one of the bolts securing the steering wheel to the fork.

Installing the products on the steering wheel in the most convenient place for viewing will allow the use of a special fastening coupling for installing additional equipment. It can be easily purchased for 200–300 rubles at any motorcycle accessories store. Some tachometer models have such fastening devices already included in the delivery kit.

Some manufacturers supply a complete set of a wide variety of fasteners and wires for connection along with the measuring device itself.

The connection diagram is quite simple and will not cause difficulties even for bikers who are not very “advanced” in electrical engineering (note: the colors of the wires are indicated for tachometers from Chinese manufacturers):

• We connect one short wire (usually black) to the switched “+” of the ignition switch;
• the second short one (green) – to the motorcycle frame (in a convenient place);
• the third short (black and yellow) - to the low-voltage contact of the coil going to the breaker;
• two long thin wires (black and red) - parallel to the speedometer light bulb.

Messages [21 to 40 of 49]

21↑ Reply from Messer_SS 01/27/2011 20:42:55

• Messer_SS
• Moderator
• Inactive

• From: Tambov
• Registered: 05-09-2010
• Messages: 3 670
• Reputation: 278
• Motorcycle: There are many of them.

Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

STURM is the simplest and optimal option. I’ll set it up for myself like

+1

22↑ Reply from Bandit 01/27/2011 20:43:13

• Bandit
• Experienced
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• Name: Bredikhin Evgeniy

• From: St. Kanelovskaya
• Registered: 01-11-2010
• Messages: 383
• Reputation: 9
• Motorcycle: Dnepr Mt-10.36

Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

And most importantly there is an alarm clock and a stopwatch

23↑ Reply from STURM 01/27/2011 22:45:33

• STURM
• Experienced
• Inactive
• Name: Dim

• From: Moscow region.
• Registered: 28-09-2010
• Messages: 128
• Reputation: 15

Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

Bandit-ddddd - The most important thing is there. 1. Measure the engine speed, aka (tachometer) 2. Find out the voltage of the on-board network, aka (voltmeter) And most importantly, there is no need to solder or solder anything.
Well, the rest is lyrics .
+1

24↑ Reply from DMITRY 01/27/2011 22:55:10

• DIMITRY
• Pro
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• Name: DMITRY

• From: RUSSIA MO
• Registered: 17-03-2010
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Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

The main thing is these two points, and the rest is really lyrics.

25↑ Reply from Bandit 01/27/2011 23:14:37

• Bandit
• Experienced
• Inactive
• Name: Bredikhin Evgeniy

• From: St. Kanelovskaya
• Registered: 01-11-2010
• Messages: 383
• Reputation: 9
• Motorcycle: Dnepr Mt-10.36

Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

1. Measure the engine speed, aka (tachometer) 2. Find out the voltage of the on-board network, aka (voltmeter) This is garbage))) alarm clock so as not to fall asleep while driving and measure the stopwatch to 100)). Why do you take everything so seriously, I’m kidding)). And it’s a good thing, so I want to buy it :)

26↑ Reply from STURM 01/27/2011 23:24:48

• STURM
• Experienced
• Inactive
• Name: Dim

• From: Moscow region.
• Registered: 28-09-2010
• Messages: 128
• Reputation: 15

Re: Is it possible to install a tachometer in the Urals

Friends, I was thinking here, if you buy all this separately and install it from VAZ for example 2106: Cost in auto parts (new) : 1. Tachometer, on average 700-780 rubles 2. Voltmeter, on average 400-460 rubles Total : 1100-1240 rubles Damn, it turns out to be curly, and for this money you also need to resolder something. Well, I got this miracle (new) for only 440 of our valiant rubles. I haven’t taken into account yet: 1. Determine the closed state angle of the contacts (UZSK) of a mechanical breaker for classic ignition systems 2. Use it as a watch with digital correction of the accuracy of the movement 3. There is a stopwatch function with an intermediate start 4. There is an alarm function with two shutdown modes 5. It is possible to change the brightness of the indicators 6. It has the function of automatically switching to standby mode (it turns itself off when the engine is off) Well, okay, just additional gadgets, but you must agree, they are still useful. This is how you learn arithmetic.

ps Well, as for the tachometer errors, it’s common for them to make mistakes.

Edited by STURM (27-01-2011 23:27:11)