User’s Handbook
T A10 0
SmarTach+
Tachometer and Ignition Analyzer
Table of contents.
1. Safety Rules Page 1
2. Technical Specications Page 2
2.1 General specications Page 2
2.2 Electrical specications Page 2
3. Operation Page 3
3.1 Instrument description Page 3
3.2 LCD Display Page 3
3.3 Buttons description and operation Page 4
3.4 Measurement procedures Page 5
3.5 Additional functions Page 6
4. Application information Page 7
4.1 Single cylinder RPM measurement Page 7
4.2 Wireless RPM measurement Page 8
4.3 Spark plug wire peak voltage measurement Page 8
5. Maintenance Page 10
5.1 Battery replacement Page 10
5.2 Cleaning Page 10
6. Warranty Page 10
2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 General Specications
Display: LCD 4½ digit main measurement, 2 x 3½ digit for maximum and
minimum measurements, indicators for low battery, number of
cycles, number of cylinders, functions and units.
Update rate: 3 per second (for LCD).
Ignition system comp.: Conventional, magneto or DIS.
Engine cycles: 2 and 4 cycles and DIS.
Number of cylinders: 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10 and 12.
Spark plug wire: Up to 9 mm diameter.
Power: 9 Volt battery, type MN1604.
Auto power off: Automatically powers off after 1 minute of no operation.
Battery life: Approximately 25 hours (with alkaline battery).
Probe length: 8” (20 cm) including capacitive pickup.
Dimensions: 6” x 4” x 1.5” (158 x 100 x 37 mm) excluding probe.
Weight: Approximately. 14 Oz. or 406 g. (Including battery).
Included accessories: Padded hard carrying case, user’s manual, rubber holster and
1 x 9 Volt alkaline battery.
1. SAFETY RULES
This instrument is designed for indoor use at temperatures between 32° and 104° F
•
(0°C and 40°C) and altitudes up to 6500 ft. (2,000 meters).
To ensure that the instrument is used safely, follow all safety and operating instructions
•
in this operation manual. If the instrument is not used as described in this operation
manual, the safety features of this instrument may be impaired.
Do not use the instrument if the instrument, the capacitive pickup or the exible probe
•
looks damaged, or if you suspect that the instrument is not operating properly.
When using the instrument, keep away from moving parts (fan, drive belts, etc) and
•
hot objects (exhaust pipes, mufer , catalytic converter, etc), to avoid personal injuries
and damage to the instrument, the capacitive pickup or the exible probe.
Do not connect or apply more than 42 VDC or any AC current directly to the capacitive
•
pickup or the exible probe.
At all times, to avoid electrical shock, use CAUTION when working with electrical
•
circuits above 60V DC or 25V AC rms. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
Do not operate this instrument without the holster or the battery cover off.
•
To avoid electrical shock or damage to the instrument, do not exceed the specied
•
input limits.
Exceeding the limits listed above when using this apparatus, or not observing
the precautions listed above can expose you to physical injury and permanently
damage your instrument and/or parts and components of the vehicle under test.
“SmarTach+”, “V Ready” and “GTC” are registered trademarks of General Technologies Corp.
2.2 Electrical Specications
The specications below are typical at 23° C, and will vary slightly from device to device,
•
and with temperature. The input voltage should not exceed the indicated maximum
values, to prevent personal injury or damage to the instrument.
3. OPERATION
Function Measurement
Tachometer
Spark plug wire
peak voltage
KV Adjust
Range
200 to 19999 RPM
2 and 4 cycles and DIS
1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10 and 12
cylinders
0 to 50 kVot Repetitivity: 3% ± 1 LSD
KV scale adjustable
between 20 and 200%
Accuracy/Repetitivity Input
Characteristics
Accuracy: 0.1% ± 1 LSD
Input Impedance:
2 MΩ minimum +
1.6 nF (Max).
Input Protection:
± 42 VDC Max.
Default value: 100%
Page 2
3.1 Instrument Description
1) Capacitive pickup
2) Flexible probe
3) Protective rubber holster
4) LCD Display
5) Power ON/OFF / Reset button
6) Cylinders Increase button
7) Engine Cycles / KV Adjust select button
8) Cylinders Decrease button
9) Function select button
Fig. 1 - Instrument description
1
3
Cycles
Cylinders
MAX
MIN
Peak
5
7
9
3.2 LCD Display
3.2.1 LCD Display description
Number of cycles
Low battery indicator
Spark detected
Measurement reading
Cycles
MAX
MIN
Cylinders
Peak
Fig. 2 - LCD Display
Low battery indicator
• This message warns the battery voltage is below the minimum recommended and it
needs to be replaced with a new battery.
• If the battery voltage is low, but still allows for the operation of the instrument, the low
battery indicator will turn and stay on until the battery is replaced with a new one.
Note: If the unit turns off immediately after being turned on, it indicates the battery
voltage is below the absolute minimum, and the battery should be replaced to prevent
malfunction.
MAX - Maximum reading
• Hold and displays the maximum value of the measurements, with the last digit rounded to ‘0’.
The maximum measurement is automatically reset when turning the unit off or manually by
momentarily pressing the ‘Power On/Off / Reset’ button.
Number of cylinders
Maximum reading
Minimum reading
Function with
measurement units
MIN - Minimum reading
• Hold and displays the minimum value of the measurements, with the last digit rounded
to ‘0’. The minimum value is automatically reset when turning the unit off or manually
by momentarily pressing the ‘Power On/Off / Reset’ button.
Spark Detected
2
• A ashing high voltage symbol ‘ ‘ indicates that sparks are being detected in the ignition
system.
Number of Cycles
• Displays the selected number of cycles: 2, 4 or DIS (Distributor-less or waste spark
ignition system)
Number of Cylinders
4
• Displays the selected number of cylinders: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12
Function with measurement units
6
8
• The selected function with the measurement unit are displayed as follows:
Display Function Measurement units
RPM Tachometer RPM (Revolutions per minute)
Peak KVolt Spark plug wire peak voltage KVolt ( 1000 x Volt)
Measurement reading
• Displays the measurement of the selected function.
3.3 Buttons description and operation
3.3.1 Power ON/OFF and Reset
• When the instrument is OFF, to turn it ON press the ‘Power ON/OFF / Reset’
button until the unit turns on (in approximately 1 second).
• When the instrument is ON, to turn it OFF press and hold the ‘Power ON/OFF
/ Reset’ button until the display turns off (in approximately 3 seconds).
• When the instrument is ON, press momentarily the ‘Power ON/OFF / Reset’
button to reset the maximum and minimum values.
Note: To extend battery life, the TA100 will automatically turn off after 1 minute of being
idle (i.e. no button pressed and no input signal). Turning the unit off manually,
when not in use will prolong battery life.
3.3.2 Number of cycles / KV Adjust
• Press the ‘Engine Cycles / KV Adjust’ button to select the number of cycles for
the engine under measurement. Each time the button is pressed the number
of cycles will change between 2 cycles, 4 cycles, and DIS settings. The
selected setting will show on the display.
• Press and hold the ‘Engine Cycles / KV Adjust’ button for a few seconds to
switch the instrument to KV Adjust mode.
3.3.3 Function Select
• Press the ‘Function Select’ button to select the measurement function. Each
time the button is pressed the measurement function will change between RPM
(Tachometer) and Peak KVolt (Spark plug wire peak voltage). The selected
setting will be shown on the display.
Page 4Page 3
3.3.4 Cylinders Increase and Decrease buttons
• Each time the ‘Cylinder Increase’ button is pressed, the number of cylinders
will be increased, and the selected number of cylinders will be shown on the
display.
• When the KV Adjust mode is activated, this button is used to increase the
Peak KVolt scale setting.
• Each time the ‘Cylinder Decrease’ button is pressed, the number of cylinders
will be decreased, and the selected number of cylinders will be shown on the
display.
• When the KV Adjust mode is activated, this button is used to decrease the
Peak KVolt scale setting.
3.4.1.2 Wireless RPM measurement
1- Turn the instrument on.
2- Select the number of cycles for the engine under measurement by pressing the
(Engine Cycles) button repeatedly until the display shows the correct setting.
3- Set the number of cylinders for the engine under measurement by repeatedly
pressing the (Cylinder Increase) or (Cylinder Decrease) buttons until the correct number of cylinders is displayed.
4- Select the tachometer function by repeatedly pressing the (Function Select) button
until the display shows RPM.
5- Position the capacitive pickup / exible probe over the distributor, coil pack or a place
where all the spark plug wires run together (in order to receive signals from all the of
them at once).
3.4 Measurement Procedures
CAUTION
To avoid personal injuries and damage to the instrument carefully inspect the spark
plug wires, distributor cap, ignition coil and all other ignition system parts for damage
or leaks, and avoid using this instrument in case any damage or leaks are found. Never
touch the capacitive pickup or exible probe during a test. Wear insulating gloves when
working around high voltage, and hot parts, and keep away from moving parts (fan, drive
belts, etc) and hot objects (exhaust manifold and pipes, mufer, catalytic converter, etc.)
3.4.1 Tachometer function
3.4.1.1 Single cylinder RPM measurement
1- Turn the instrument on.
2- Select the number of cycles for the engine under measurement by pressing the
(Engine Cycles) button repeatedly until the display shows the correct setting.
3- Set the number of cylinders to “1”, by pressing the (Cylinder Increase) or
(Cylinder Decrease) buttons repeatedly until the display shows “1 Cylinder”.
4- If not already selected, press the (Function Select) button until the display shows
RPM.
5- Place the capacitive pickup over one of the spark plug wires (See Fig 3).
6- Read the RPM on the display.
Spark plug wire
6- Adjust the distance between the capacitive pickup/exible antenna and distributor,
coil pack or the spark plug wires until display shows RPM reading.
Note: The optimal distance between the capacitive pickup/exible probe and distributor,
coil pack or spark plug wires, will vary with each ignition system, spark plug wire
type and condition, etc., but in general a distance between 2” to 10” will produce
reliable readings.
3.4.2 Spark Plug Wire Peak Voltage Measurement
1- Turn the instrument on.
2- If not already selected, press the (Function Select) button to select the spark plug
wire peak voltage function (the display scale will shows “Peak KVolt”).
3- Place the capacitive pickup over one of the spark plug wires (as shown in Fig. 3).
4- Read the spark plug wire peak voltage on the display.
3.5 Additional functions
3.5.1 Maximum and Minimum functions
The TA100 holds the maximum and minimum values of the measurements for the function
currently selected.
• The maximum and minimum values are reset upon turning the TA100 power on,
changing function or by momentarily pressing the (Power On/Off and Reset)
button.
• For both, the tachometer (RPM) and spark plug wire peak voltage (Peak KVolt) functions,
the maximum and minimum values will be shown with the last digit rounded to 0.
3.5.2 KV Adjust function
Capacitive pickup
Fig. 3 - Capacitive pickup on spark plug wire for single cylinder
RPM and spark plug wire peak voltage measurement.
The TA100 allows the user to adjust the scale used for spark plug wire peak voltage
measurements in order to match readings with other instruments (i.e. Ignition Scope).
To use the KV Adjust function:
1- Turn the instrument on.
2- To perform adjustments of the KV scale while performing actual measurements,
select the Peak KVolt function as described in ‘3.4.2 Spark Plug Wire Peak Voltage
Measurement’.
Page 6Page 5
3- Press and hold the (Engine Cycles / KV Adjust) button until the minimum reading
in the display is replaced by ‘KV Scale” and then a number followed by a ‘%’ sign, as
shown in Fig. 4 below.
4- While holding the (Engine Cycles / KV Adjust) button pressed, use the (Cylinder
Increase) or (Cylinders Decrease) buttons to adjust the scale value.
Cycles
KV Scale
Cylinders
%
Peak
Fig. 4 - Example of display when in KV Adjust mode
Notes:
• By adjusting the Peak KVolt scale while performing spark plug wire peak voltage
measurements, it is simpler and easier to evaluate the changes and/or matching
other instruments readings.
• The scale can be adjusted between 20% and 200% of the factory calibration value
(i.e. 100% factory value).
• For example, if KV Adjust is set to 50%, the spark plug wire peak voltage shown will
be half (or 50%) of the value shown when using the factory default setting.
• The values set by using the KV Adjust function are stored in a permanent internal
memory, and will be retained even if the instrument is powered off, the battery is
depleted or is removed.
4. APPLICATION INFORMATION
4.1 Single cylinder RPM measurement
This function allows to measure RPM by using the capacitive pick up in a single spark plug
wire, in cases when it is difcult or not possible to position the TA100’s antenna in a place
where it can receive signals simultaneously from all the spark plug wires.
A few examples of where to use single cylinder RPM measurement are:
• Single cylinder engines.
• Engines with two banks of cylinders using one distributor and ignition coil for each bank.
• Spark plug wires, distributor, and ignition coil partially or totally shielded by metal parts.
Note:
• In order to obtain the correct RPM reading, insure the number of cycles is set to match
the cycles of the engine under measurement, and the number of cylinders is set to
‘1’ (for details on how to enter these setting see section ‘3.4.1.1 Single cylinder RPM
measurement’).
4.2 Wireless RPM measurement
This function allows to measure RPM without contact with any spark plug wire or any
other part of the engine, allowing quick and safe RPM measurement from a convenient
location.
1- Follow the procedure described in section ‘3.4.1.2 Wireless RPM measurement’,
and hold the SmarTach+ by its rubber holster. Do not touch the capacitive pickup or
exible probe .
2- Place the exible probe near (but without touching) a place were the spark plug wires
are grouped together, like a distributor cap, coil packs, etc. After a brief moment the
display should start showing the RPM of the engine.
3- If a different position of the instrument is required, move the exible probe slowly away
from its position, while insuring the instrument is providing an steady RPM reading. If
you do move the exible probe too quickly, the instrument will be unable to adjust to
the rapid changes, and it may not provide steady readings if any at all.
4- After obtaining the rst reading, you may want to continue to move the exible probe
further away, in order to locate the SmarTach+ in a more comfortable position or to a
convenient resting place (e.g. air lter, etc.). If while doing it, the display starts to show
“0”, then you have moved the exible probe to a distance or place in which the signal
has become too weak to be detected by the instrument. Try moving the exible probe
closer to the ignition system or rotating the SmarTach+, until the RPM reading
is reestablish.
Notes:
• In special cases where the ignition system is partially shielded by metal parts, the
working range of the SmarTach+ will diminish, and it may be necessary to move the
SmarTach+ exible probe closer to the spark plug wires to obtain a reading.
• If the exible probe is placed too close to the one of the spark plug wires, this individual
single spark plug wire signal may overtake (in strength) the signals form the other spark
plug wires, and the SmarTach+ will show the RPM divided by the number of cylinders
selected. This situation can be easily rectied by moving the exible probe to another
location or setting the number of cylinders to ‘1’ in the SmarTach+.
• If you decide to lay the SmarTach+ down on a nearby resting place to have both hands
free to make adjustments, make sure that the capacitive pickup and exible probe is
not touching any metal part and that engine vibrations cannot cause the SmarTach+
to move or fall.
4.3 Spark Plug Wire Peak Voltage Measurement
In addition to its primary function as a tachometer, the SmarTach+, has the capability to
indicate the relative strength of the spark plug wires peak voltage.
Checking the ignition system
1- Select the spark plug wire peak voltage function by following the procedures in ‘3.4.2
Spark Plug Wire Peak Voltage Measurement’.
2- The end of the exible probe is provided with a special capacitive pickup with a groove,
designed so the spark plug wire is placed inside it. This capacitive pickup can be rotated
on the exible probe to easily adjust to a convenient position. Place this capacitive
pickup over the spark plug wire, as near as possible to the spark plug, pressing gently
on the spark plug wire, while maintaining a right angle between the capacitive pickup
and the spark plug wire
Page 8Page 7
3- Observe the ignition peak voltage reading of the display. Some jumping of the readings
2
is normal and reects actual changes in the peak voltages of the ignition system.
4- Record or memorize the maximum, minimum and average reading. Repeat the
test for each of the spark plug wires of the engine and note any readings that are
signicantly higher or lower than the average.
5- Ignition problems may sometimes appear at higher engine RPM, but not at low
or idle speed. We recommend that measurements be made at idle speed and
normal engine operating temperature, and then at increasing RPM, and up to
equivalent of highway speeds, typically about 2000 to 2500 RPM. Do not exceed maximum
permissible (“red-line”) engine speeds. Make all measurements at about the same
engine speeds, using the TA100 tachometer function to check the RPM..
5. MAINTENANCE
2.1 Battery replacement
1
3
4.3.1 Diagnostic using the spark plug wire peak voltage
Small variations of up to 25% in the spark plug wire peak voltage from cylinder to cylinder
are normal, and do not necessarily indicate any problem. The placement of the pickup along
the spark plug wire will also cause some difference in the readings, due to the internal
resistance (or impedance) of the spark plug wire. For example, if the pickup is placed on
the spark wire near the distributor or DIS coil, voltage readings will be higher than if the
pickup is placed near the spark plug.
For diagnostic purposes, the attention should be focused on SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES
in readings caused by problems in the engine or the ignition system itself.
Common Causes of Low Voltage Readings
• Shorted, dirty or too small spark plug gap.
• Dirty or damaged spark plug insulator boot allowing spark “tracking” across insulator.
• Broken core in spark plug wire. Break is located between the distributor (or DIS coil) and
the test point.
• Short circuit, disconnection or partial disconnection between the distributor (or DIS coil)
and spark plug wire.
• Rich mixture. Most likely due to leaking fuel injector, or faulty oxygen sensor.
• Low cylinder compression pressure. Could be caused by leaking valve(s), worn piston
rings, blown cylinder head gasket, etc.
Common Causes of High Voltage Readings
• Spark plug gap too wide.
• Spark plug wire connector damaged, loose or disconnected.
• Broken core in spark plug wire. Break is located between the spark plug and the test
point.
• Lean mixture.
Fig 5 - Battery replacement
1- Release the rubber holster from plastic enclosure by pulling from the bottom of the
holster as shown in the illustration (Fig. 5)
2- Push the rubber holster forward until the battery compartment cover is exposed
3- Slide open battery cover located at the back of the unit.
4- Connect the new battery observing the polarity of the battery connectors.
5- Replace battery cover and rubber holster.
4- Press the Power On/Off / Reset button on the TA100 until the display turns on. If
the display does not turn on, check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary.
To turn the unit off, press and hold the Power On/Off / Reset button again until the
display turns off.
5.2 Cleaning
Keep the instrument in its carrying case when not in use and do not subject it to dampness
or severe heat or cold. Do not use the instrument in the rain, if it should accidentally get
wet, dry it off with a clean paper towel before storing it away.
Protect the unit from contact with any solvents. Never clean with a solvent or petroleum
based medium such as gasoline, as these chemicals may attack the plastic parts and
cause permanent damage. Never use an abrasive cleaner. Cleaning should be limited to
wiping with a clean damp paper towel and a small amount of soap if required. Dry the unit
thoroughly after any cleaning.
The unit is a sealed instrument and contains no user serviceable parts other than the
battery, which can be replaced by opening the drawer on the back of the unit. Opening
other parts of the unit will void the warranty.
6. WARRANTY
With the exception of the battery, this instrument is warranted against defects of material
and workmanship which develop within a period of one (1) year following the date of purchase by the original owner. For details see Standard Warranty Information on our web
page at www.gtc.ca or you may request a printed copy.
Page 9 Page 10
Part # TA100MN1201EN
To visit our website, scan the QR code below with your smart phone
Or type in your browser:
www.gtc.ca
General Technologies Corp.
#121 - 7350 72nd Street Tel.: (604) 952-6699
Delta, BC Fax: (604) 952-6690
Canada V4G 1H9 email: info@gtc.ca
© 2010 General Technologies Corp.
Printed in Canada
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