Speedometers: aka Amazing power upgrade

[Lin]

I just had a massive power upgrade.  Since my speedometer needle tended to jump around and was not accurate above 45 mph, I decided to clean the sensor and tape up cracks in the coax coming up from the left front wheel.  Well, when I test drove it after that, not only was the needle steady, but it said I was going at least 50% faster in every gear; 25mph in first, 45 or so in second, fourth topped out my 80 mph speedometer with power to spare.  I was wondering though, just in case this is because my speedometer is now reading ridiculously high, it there a way to fix it.  It has a Kode Key 7201 sensor box.

[belfert]

I got tired of trying to fix my speedometer driven off the left front wheel as I had the same problem with it reading way high.  I replaced my speedometer with a GPS speedometer.  It cost $350 from Nordskog Performance.  The local bus garage would only replace the regular speedometer for $250 plus $95 an hour labor.

The only issue with the GPS speedometer is it won't keep up with the speed changes under full acceleration.  It also lost satellite lock a few times in 2,500 miles, but only because the antenna was loosely laying on the dash and the antenna would fall over on its side.  Ineed to get the antenna mounted on the roof.

[Lin]

I guess a GPS speedometer is one solution.  At least it would be accurate regardless of tires etc.  Do they have an odometer built in  too?

[belfert]

Yes, they have an odometer built-in with trip odometer too.  See http://www.nordskogperformance.net/products/auto/speedos/index.htm

I would not get the $500 GPS speedometer.  They have a $200 GPS sending unit that hooks up to either the analog style or the digital speedometer head.  I got the digital speedometer head.  Knowing the exact speed is nice, but with fuel prices so high I'm going under the speed limit anyhow.

To get the GPS sending unit you have to call them.  It is not on the web yet.  I called them with a question before ordering and they told me about it.

[donnreeves]

My RTS had the same problems. I found the air gap between the sensor and the drum to be critical. I started with 1/8" and slowly moved it out to 3/8" where it works perfect.  Donn

[Lin]

That could be the problem since a may have changed the gap.  Initially, since the nut holding the sensor was complete covered with grease, I did not realize it had a lock nut.  Therefore, I turned the whole bolt a bunch of times.  Would that have possibly changed the spacing?  I am going to be away for a bit, but will experiment when I get back.

I also was looking into GPS type speedometers as suggested.  There is one by a company called Globaltop that costs about $75. and gives a HUD (heads up display) on the windshield.  Is does not have an odometer though.  Thanks

[belfert]

There are lots of options for determining speed via GPS if you don't want to replace the actual round speedometer in your bus.

Pretty much any handheld GPS unit has a trip odometer plus speed.  I had a Garmin Etrex with dash mount for a while.  You can probably get the basic Etrex unit cheap on Ebay or Craigslist from someone who has upgraded.  Even the $200 handheld navigation units should be able to show speed and track mileage.  You can also get plug in GPS receivers for your laptop and programs that will display speed and mileage.

I looked at replacements for the round speedometer for a while and most either had no odometer or they were very expensive.  The Nordskog one for me was the best bang for the buck.  A lot of the GPS speedometers are for marine use where nobody cares about miles traveled.

[Lin]

The Nordstog looks pretty nice and remains an option.  I may try to get away a bit more cheaply for the moment though.  Since I like analog displays, it brings it pretty close to $500.  Maybe I could enter the century and get used to digital displays.

[Reddog]

An inexpensive speedo with a hub-o-meter might be an option.
Doug

[rv_safetyman]

I use the front wheel type speedo, and it works great.

I also use the "speedometer" information from the DDEC.  It is very accurate.  Also use the "fuel used" function for my fuel gauge (also very accurate).  I do all of this with my Silverleaf VMSpc (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com).  I set my PC up to have the engine data on the left 1/3 of screen and Delorme Street Atlas GPS on the other 2/3.  I have 4 odometers that cover total miles, miles on the trip, miles (and fuel used) since last fuel fill and daily miles. 

I have a screen capture jpg of my dash and a bit more information at:  http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/busproject6.htm

Jim

[rv_safetyman]

One of the problems of using non descriptive subject titles is that some folks miss some good content. 

An example is the thread titled  "Amazing power upgrade" (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=6757.0). 

This thread is really about speedometers and it contains some good information.  I tried to change the subject name, but apparently, only the originator can make that change.

Jim

[ladyEagle]

rv_safetyman      I find the search feature of this board hard to use because of the very reason you stated

[DrivingMissLazy]

One of the problems of using non descriptive subject titles is that some folks miss some good content. 

An example is the thread titled  "Amazing power upgrade" (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=6757.0). 

This thread is really about speedometers and it contains some good information.  I tried to change the subject name, but apparently, only the originator can make that change.

Jim

Jim, unfortunately some people try and be funny or cute and then resent it if a moderator tries to correct it. I got my butt chewed by Cat and BK once for correcting their typographical errors, so I just quit trying.

Richard

[Dreamscape]

Richard,

Changing a thread title should be allowed by moderators at all times. Suggestion, leave the original title then in parentheses add your own. I do agree that bad titles are very misleading to those trying to search for certain topics without reading every one. 

Paul

[Lin]

Sorry if my attempt at humor was not appreciated.  I do not mind changing the title.  If the moderator feels it appropriate, it would probably be best to just suggest changing it to the originator.  I am sure most everyone will be happy to cooperate.  Modifying it the way it was done in this case is also fine with me.  Thanks, Lin