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How does a rev counter work? what input?

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Old 24-06-2007, 08:55 PM
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lucasdemoley
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Default How does a rev counter work? what input?

Right, as above really. I need to know what the input into the rev counter is on my fiesta 2.0 zetec (mk3)si. I have an idea for a rev counter accessorie but dont know if the input it a pulse, i.e 6k per min pulses at 6krpm, or like 6v for 6k rpm, or if its done on resistance or what. if someone could enlighten me, and give me a few rough numbers that would be awsome.

cheers
Old 24-06-2007, 11:32 PM
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SafeChav
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the signal is a switched earth, usually on the LT side of the coil
Old 25-06-2007, 12:55 AM
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Erm....? Basicly im getting a mate to make the thing up for me, as im crap with electrics, so have no idea what you just said! I get its done by like a missing tooth type thing on the flywheel sending a slat spot in a wave thing, but does this go through something else before being sent to the rev counter?
Old 25-06-2007, 11:04 AM
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no its controlled by the LT signals which also fire the ignition coil.
Old 25-06-2007, 12:06 PM
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lucasdemoley
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Ah ok, right. Do you have any idea what this signla looks like? I know which wire it is, im just wondering what the signal looks like as it will be going through a basic processor that a mate of mine will write some code for, but i need to tell him what signal he will be getting so he can write the code for the desired effect.

cheers dude
Old 25-06-2007, 03:08 PM
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being as its just switched its a square wave
Old 25-06-2007, 04:05 PM
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So its a square wave that goes straight to the rev counter, so 6krpm would be 6k...... im forgetting its over a min, so it'd be like 100hz(3krpm 50hz)? would it be a 12v signal? or as its got 4 spark plugs would this have to be multiplied by 4?
Old 25-06-2007, 04:07 PM
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cheers btw
Old 25-06-2007, 07:56 PM
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Well no not necessarily, different rev counters are calibrated accordingly, if the car is running coil packs then it could be running wasted spark or a coil for each plug!!

How could it be a 12v signal i said above it switches earth
Old 26-06-2007, 11:18 AM
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Soz, im crap with electrics, dont get what you mean by it switches earth???
Old 26-06-2007, 11:26 AM
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Switches the negative side of the coil, so 0v.
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