Tested out my new speedometer

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Tested out my new speedometer
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Garnet on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 07:55 pm:

First let me warn the purists .... this is a modern electronic speedometer. Anyone who may be offended should maybe skip reading this.

I can't afford to pay the big dollars for a rebuilt vintage speedo (as much as I'd sure like to have one), so I bought a new one. Reading a car magazine recently I came across an advert for a GPS powered speedo. They come in different flavors with different features and speed ranges. I settled for a 3-3/8" 0-80 mph unit since this car will run at 60 mph.

Since I'm dogged by bad luck I was sure this was going to end bad but I was surprised today on a highway run when it worked perfectly. It's quite impervious to electrical noise that T's are famous for.

It's biggest drawback is that it certainly does not fit in well with the Model T atmosphere. I picked quite plain options when ordering it but I did atleast get a Ford logo on it. It has the typical sweep speedometer but at the bottom there is a secondary LCD display that is used for the different features it has. One such feature is a timed quarter mile run. Park yourself at the start line, press the button at the bottom face of the speed to stage yourself, and it starts timing the run as soon as the GPS senses movement. After the unit determines you've gone a quarter mile it displays the time to 100th of as second and the speed. There is also a 0-60 mph timed function. The LCD display will also give you the usual GPS time of day, elevation and compass direction. The odometer and trip odometer are also displayed on the LCD. It comes with backlighting for night driving and I'm quite pleased with it.

I thought this would be a handy way of checking before and after times when I get around to installing my E-Timer - no fumbling around with my wristwatch or a stop watch while driving. It also very easy to install since all it needs is 12 volt connection and away you go. The separate GPS module has more than enough wire to mount it anywhere you want ... but I just had it all sitting on the seat beside me.

If anyone is looking for something similar check out the various gauges at www.speedhut.com. They're not cheap, but to only have to hook up two power wires to get an accurate speedometer it was just too easy of a decision. There are other company's that sell GPS powered speedos so look around if you don't find anything you like at one place or another.

Regards,
Garnet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 08:23 pm:

OK, but Mr. Thrifty will stick the the $20 bicycle speedo.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 09:02 pm:

Wonder how well they will work on 6 volts?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shawn Hayward on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 09:56 pm:

check this out
this may work if the load is light

http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/6-12conv.asp

just an idea


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Garnet on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 10:04 pm:

It can be powered by a 12 volt gel cell if you want Dave. I ran it off a cordless drill battery while trying it out in my regular vehicle when it first arrived. I just threw it all up on the dash. The speedo is nothing more than a stepper motor and takes little current to run. It isn't for everyone, but it works great for my needs and I still hoping to get a brass and glass one someday.

The obvious downside is that it probably isn't going to work during a large solar flare!

Garnet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky, Lytle TX on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 10:14 pm:

I like it! Did you get the optional antenna? On the dash is a lot different than IN the dash for GPS reception. Options for the sweep hand would be even more ideal.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 10:37 pm:

Hmmm .. do magnets mess it up ... can it run in an internal/charged battery? (sorry .. I didn't go look it up ...) .... If the answers are 'no' and 'yes' ... I'd put a mag mount on the back and stick it on the dash when I wanted it, and tuck it away when not. Heads up display on the inside of your classes would be kewl .. then you could hide it in your period cap! :-) Nice clean looking unit. I'm afraid my budget is along the lines of Steve though ... but your would actually look a lot better than mine!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 03:25 am:

An ultralight airspeed indicator can be another easy installed alternative: http://www.hallwindmeter.com/gliders.php
I've bought one - it's quite accurate on average - depending on wind direction :-)
Not really windy in my area, so I think it works well.
airspeed indicator


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Doolittle on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 07:09 am:

The EZ 6-12 Converter should run the speedometer with no problem.

It's a nice unit that can be moved from car to car.
http://ez612.sdimaps.com/


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Cascisa - Poulsbo, Washington on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 02:50 pm:

Here is the wind speed indicator on my T. The most commonly asked question is :

"Why is there a rain gauge on your car"?

Be_Zero_Be


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 11:04 pm:

Being a gadget freak, I was hot to trot on that speedometer for my 3 T's.

I contacted the company and inquired about power requirements. Unfortunately they will NOT work off the 6 volt systems, so that put the cabosh on obtaining one.

Besides, I had to spend $350 or so for a new cheap front tire for the motor home. Oh well....

I dug out my Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS. It will do most of what the dash mount unit will, It runs several hours on internal battery or off a mini USB plug hooked to the 6 volt car battery. And, at around $150 at Sam's Club, its relatively cheap. It has two trip counters, a large speedometer, altitude and several other screen functions besides the normal GPS navigation displays. When you leave the car just put it in your pocket.

For what it's worth this is my opinion.

Tony


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Matthew David Maiers on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 11:12 pm:

if you have a smart phone like a droid or iphone, or any phone that can get "apps"

there is an app for a speedometer, operates off gps, its free, doesnt modify the car, and totally rechargeable. it also has a tripometer, and average speed calculation


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Garnet on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 09:08 am:

Just checked the current draw: about 150 ma. with the backlighting, and about 135 ma without backlighting. Even a small sealed lead acid battery would give about 30 hours use between charges.

Garnet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Robinson on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 12:56 pm:

Mahlon - Do you charge your Nuvi 1350 from your Model T 6 volt? John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 01:20 pm:

John, yes I do.

USB ports supply a limited current at 5 volts. All GPS units I am familiar with operate at less than 5 volts, probably around 3 volts internally. Just be sure to pick up the 6 volts directly from the battery, not up near the engine, coils and magneto, so as to minimize noise pickup. A reverse polarity protection diode in series would not hurt either.

I also have a .1 Mfd and a 20 Mfd capacitor across the 6 volt leads to minimize noise pickup. I haven't tried it without them, however.

Tony

BTW, the internal battery lasts several hours, so just plugging in the power at stops is more than adequate for quick charges.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Robinson on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 03:24 pm:

Tony, I talked to tech service at Garmin and they could only tell me that the connection cable to a standard cigarette lighter was rated at 10-30VDC,1.3A with output of 4.75-5.25VAC,2A. None of the techs would offer an opinion as to using a 6VAC supply. I'm glad you tried it first! I've gone ahead and ordered the 1350 and plan to wire it up as you described. One question, what polarity did you connect at?
.........John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 03:38 pm:

Whoa there John! The technical spec on the lighter plug may be quoted as AC but all automobiles are DC!

The center pin of the plug is positive. If you cut the plug off be sure you identify the positive wire.

But why do all that? Go to Pep Boys or equivalent and get some power extensions that have a cigar lighter end. Use that as a convenient extension/disconnect from your battery. Let it stick out from under your seat somewhere and just plug in the GPS cigarette socket cable. Inconspicuous and handy.

Tony K3PCC


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Robinson on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 04:23 pm:

Tony, You're right, my mistake, I mistyped VAC when should have been VDC. But still another question, do you connect thru the cigarette socket cable (which is the one the Tech gave me the specs for) or connect direct to 6V after determining the connection polarity of the cigarette socket cable supplied? ...John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 08:32 pm:

Something else....

I quoted NUVI 1350. Taking off the mounting bracket for the one in hand it says nuvi 2555???

I also have an older 1350 somewhere, but this new/latest one has a 5" screen and all the latest goodies, including 3D views and lane assist, for $200 at Sams Club.

Look around and select a model that you like.

Tony


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Friday, August 31, 2012 - 09:43 pm:

John, all modern cars are negative ground. That makes the cigar lighter center pin positive. Any extensions you get will maintain the center pin polarity.

If you get an extension cord and cut off the plug so you can attach the wires direct to your battery posts, be sure to check the 6 volts out to make sure the polarity is not reversed. If it is just swap the terminals on the battery and double check things before applying power to the GPS.

Tony


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Stewart -Calif. on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 03:02 am:

I had a wind speed indicator on my sting ray bicycle in 1965. I now have a correct Stewart speedometer on my 1914 T Runabout. What a flashback!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 12:01 pm:

Mahlon Hawker:

I have original speedometers in all my Ts BUT I also have a Garmin Nuvie 500 that is what I really watch. There is so much more information. The battery in the Nuvie 500 will only last about 3 hours at the most so I have a VERY SMALL battery pack (about an inch & 1/2" long). This battery hooks to the back of the GPS by a cable about 3 inches long. the battery pack also come with a cable about 3 feet long and I already had a cable about 8 feet long so I can put the battery pack where ever I want. The 500 also comes with a cigarette lighter cable. This small battery last me all day long and then some. The battery hooks into a very small charger that hooks into a wall outlet. When I get back home I will send a picture of the battery pack. I don't know if I will ever install another original speedometer even though I have 50 or so of them.

I would guess that this battery pack would plug into any of the new Garmin GPS and maybe other GPS.

I really wish I could send some pictures from this computer that I am currently on, but I can't. I will send some pictures when I get home.

You can get information on the minute battery pack from Robert Ducharme who is a sometime poster on this forum. I got the pack from him.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 09:19 pm:

Hi Dave. I'm glad you are a dedicated GPS convert!

I was involved in GPS back when it was called Timation. Needless to say, I have a very fond spot in my heart for GPS! The performance of modern receivers is mind boggling compared with the bulky and expensive first generation units.

The latest units use the common small "B" size USB cables. No more propriety cords like on cell phones!

Just plug the cable into any computer USB port, even laptops, and the internal GPS battery will be charged.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 09:26 pm:

Who did you work for back then, Tony? I was with Collins for 25 years, in Commercial Avionics.

Garmin was an early engineer on GPS at Collins, and went out on his own, seeing the consumer market.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Tuesday, September 04, 2012 - 10:28 pm:

Mahlon Hawker:

I think that Robert Ducharme told that he got the Battery Pack from Radio Shack but I am not sure. Maybe he will chip in and tell us were he got the battery pack. I sure do like the elevation that the NUVI 500 gives. It is really interesting to me when I am in the high country. Also the speed indicater is larger and easier to read.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 12:17 am:

I have found the elevation readout on my Garmin 1490T matches quite closely with signs on mountain roads.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 11:22 am:

Ricks, I was a R&D Physicist for the Corps of Engineers at Ft. Belvoir, south of the District of Corruption. I did a lot of investigations and field tests on Foliage Attenuation. I also did some dog and pony shows at various military installations, mainly with the Texas Instruments receiver.

Due to the geometries involved the mathematical calculations for the Z axis, the elevation axis, are much less robust. You may have noticed that when stationary the elevation readings will slowly drift up and down by 50 feet or more. This is just an inherent weakness in the system as implemented in the consumer hardware. The GPS is capable of resolving all 3 axis to the MM region, alllowing for tide measurements, but this requires specialized (expensive) equipment and post processing of data.

Tony


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 12:34 pm:

Yes, I knew that about the Z-axis, Tony, and was just pleasantly surprised it's as good as this. My 5 year old Garmin didn't even have an elevation display, and I remember other early ones where the elevation could be hundreds of feet off.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Robinson on Thursday, September 06, 2012 - 12:21 pm:

I do not recommend the Garmin nuvi 1350 for use as a speedometer. Speed is shown in a small number in the corner of the screen.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mahlon hawker on Thursday, September 06, 2012 - 03:48 pm:

John, If your 1350 is anything like the 1450 touch the speed readout down in the corner and a secondary screen should appear. This full screen should have speed in large numbers at the top and secondary readings of top and average speeds, accumulated time, etc.

Tony


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Friday, September 07, 2012 - 12:33 am:

John Robinson:

Thats the way the Garmin Nuvi 500 works. You touch the small speed on the right hand bottom cover and a huge speed comes on the screen that a passenger could read from the back seat.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Robinson on Sunday, September 09, 2012 - 11:38 am:

Hate to run this one into the ground but I get thinking... If the GPS device draws roughly 150ma @ 4.5VDC then its resistance must be in the range of 30 ohms. If you connected a 10 ohm resister in series with the device and connected to 6 volts would that not result in roughly 4 volts to the device? I've been out of school a long time but this seems correct.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerome Hoffman, Hays KS on Sunday, September 09, 2012 - 08:21 pm:

John R. might back me up on this but what would be better and not that expensive is a voltage Regulator. I built one from parts at Radio Shack 20 years ago to power my garage door opener on my motorcycle, the battery is 12 volts and was charged by an internal alternator so could spike up to 13.8. The garage opener used a single 9V battery. Works great and on the plus side it works like it has a new battery ALL the time, the range is better than original and have been very happy with it all these years. I believe you can fine the how to on the RS web site, with the variable pot on it you should be able to knock it down to what ever you need.


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