ATI Technologies SmartTachSmartTach User manual

CONTENTS
SmartTach Operating Manual Page i
SmartTach
SmartTachSmartTach
SmartTach
Universal Speed
Universal SpeedUniversal Speed
Universal Speed
Measurement Tool
Measurement ToolMeasurement Tool
Measurement Tool
USER MANUAL
47199 Cartier Drive
Wixom,Michigan 48393 U.S.A.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

CONTENTS
Page ii SmartTach Operating Manual
Documentation Revision 1.3
Copyright 1992-1998 by Accurate Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the
part of Accurate Technologies Inc. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage or retrieval systems, for
any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the express written permission of Accurate
Technologies Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While
every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Accurate Technologies Inc. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.

CONTENTS
SmartTach Operating Manual Page iii
INTRODUCTION
Introduction............................................................................................................... 1-2
About this Manual..................................................................................................... 1-4
Technical Support..................................................................................................... 1-4
Get to Know SmartTach ........................................................................................... 1-5
SmartTach Connections ....................................................................................... 1-5
Important Safety Warnings....................................................................................... 1-6
INSTALLATION
General Information.................................................................................................. 2-2
Placement of the SmartTach Unit............................................................................. 2-2
Selecting the DC Power Source ............................................................................... 2-2
Pulse Input Connection ............................................................................................ 2-3
TachSensor Connection ........................................................................................... 2-4
Installation of Wiring Cables..................................................................................... 2-4
Power Supply Connection ........................................................................................ 2-4
Other Connections.................................................................................................... 2-4
Analog Output Connection.................................................................................... 2-5
COM Port Connection........................................................................................... 2-5
I/O Port Connection .............................................................................................. 2-6
CONFIGURATION
General Information.................................................................................................. 3-2
Operating Modes ...................................................................................................... 3-2
Measure ................................................................................................................ 3-2
Configure .............................................................................................................. 3-3
Default Configuration Values.................................................................................... 3-3
Configuration Controls.............................................................................................. 3-3
Using the Pushbutton Switches................................................................................ 3-4
Pushbutton Switch Functions ................................................................................... 3-4
Changing Parameters............................................................................................... 3-5
Configuration Examples ........................................................................................... 3-7
Configuration Example 1....................................................................................... 3-7
Configuration Example 2....................................................................................... 3-7
Configuration Example 3, 4................................................................................... 3-8
PARAMETERS
00 - Measurement Parameter................................................................................... 4-2
01 - Displayed Engineering Units ............................................................................. 4-3
02 - Patterns/Pulses per Cam/Dyno Revolution ....................................................... 4-4
03 - Pulses per Pattern............................................................................................. 4-5

CONTENTS
Page iv SmartTach Operating Manual
04 - Engineering Unit Conversion Factor ................................................................. 4-6
05 - Engineering Conversion Units........................................................................... 4-7
06 - Input Signal Conditioning Select ....................................................................... 4-8
07 - Low-Pass Filter Count....................................................................................... 4-9
08 - Multi-Strike Filter ............................................................................................. 4-10
09 - Pulses per Measurement ................................................................................ 4-11
10 - Spark Input Threshold Level ........................................................................... 4-12
11 - Spark Input Delay Window.............................................................................. 4-13
20 - Trigger Input Level .......................................................................................... 4-14
21 - Trigger Input Polarity....................................................................................... 4-15
22 - Trigger Input Attenuator .................................................................................. 4-16
23 - Trigger Input 5V Pull-Up.................................................................................. 4-17
24 - Trigger Input Threshold Level ......................................................................... 4-18
25 - Trigger Input Hysterisis Level.......................................................................... 4-19
30 - Analog Output Mode ....................................................................................... 4-20
31 - Analog Output Scaling .................................................................................... 4-21
32 - Analog Output Offset ...................................................................................... 4-22
33 - Analog Output Maximum Voltage Limit........................................................... 4-23
34 - Analog Output Minimum Voltage Limit............................................................ 4-24
35 - Analog Output Test Voltage............................................................................ 4-25
36 - Analog Output Update Period ......................................................................... 4-26
40, 50, 60 - Range Output Function....................................................................... 4-27
41, 51, 61 - Range Output Measurement Condition............................................... 4-29
42, 52, 62 - Range Output Voltage Condition ........................................................ 4-30
43, 53, 63 - Range Output “A” Value...................................................................... 4-31
44, 54, 64 - Range Output “B” Value...................................................................... 4-32
45, 55, 65 - Range Output “C” Value...................................................................... 4-33
46, 56, 66 - Range Output “D” Value...................................................................... 4-34
47, 57, 67 - Range Output Test State .................................................................... 4-35
70 - Analog Input Update Period............................................................................ 4-36
71 - Analog Input Filter........................................................................................... 4-37
80 - Display Brightness .......................................................................................... 4-38
81 - Display Update Period .................................................................................... 4-39
90 - RS-232 Baud Rate.......................................................................................... 4-40
91 - RS-232 DTR/DSR Handshake........................................................................ 4-41
A0 - Trigger Input High Peak Voltage..................................................................... 4-42
A1 - Trigger Input Low Peak Voltage ..................................................................... 4-43
A2 - Power Supply Input Voltage ........................................................................... 4-44
A3 - Auxiliary Input Voltage .................................................................................... 4-45
F0 - Load Parameters from Memory ...................................................................... 4-46
F1 - Save Current Parameters to Memory ............................................................. 4-47
F2 - Reset Current Parameters .............................................................................. 4-48
OPERATION
General Information ................................................................................................. 5-2
Measure Mode ......................................................................................................... 5-2

CONTENTS
SmartTach Operating Manual Page v
Display Maximum/Minimum Attained Values ........................................................ 5-2
Pushbutton Switch Functions ................................................................................... 5-3
Measure Mode...................................................................................................... 5-3
Using other Instruments with the Analog Output Signal ........................................... 5-4
Using Range Outputs ............................................................................................... 5-4
Range Output Example 1...................................................................................... 5-5
Range Output Example 2...................................................................................... 5-6
TROUBLESHOOTING
General Information.................................................................................................. 6-2
Common Problems................................................................................................... 6-2
Display does Not Light .......................................................................................... 6-2
Display is Always 0 or Erratic................................................................................ 6-4
Incorrect Value Displayed ..................................................................................... 6-4
Incorrect Analog Output Voltage........................................................................... 6-4
Erratic Analog Output Voltage .............................................................................. 6-5
Common Faults and Configuration Errors ................................................................ 6-6
Improper Setting of Input Conditioning Select (06) ............................................... 6-6
Improper Setting of Spark Input Threshold Level (10) .......................................... 6-6
Improper Input Polarity Setting (21) ...................................................................... 6-6
Incorrect Setting of Patterns/Pulses Per Cam Rev (02)........................................ 6-6
Cables Routed near Spark Plug Wires or Coils .................................................... 6-6
Bad Connections in Wiring Cables ....................................................................... 6-6
WARRANTY
Warranty................................................................................................................... 7-2
Limitation of Remedy................................................................................................ 7-2
Product Changes...................................................................................................... 7-2
APPENDICES
Parameter Groups and Default Values.....................................................................A-2
Connectors and Pin-Outs .........................................................................................A-4
Rear Panel............................................................................................................A-4
Analog Output .......................................................................................................A-4
Pulse Input............................................................................................................A-4
COM Port ..............................................................................................................A-4
TachSensor - I/O Connector .................................................................................A-5
Power Supply Input...............................................................................................A-5
SmartTach Accessories............................................................................................A-5
TS1 TachSensor ...................................................................................................A-6
IP1 Inductive pickup..............................................................................................A-6
INDEX

CONTENTS
Page vi SmartTach Operating Manual
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - 1: Front and Rear Panels ............................................................................ 1-5
Figure 2 - 1: Spark Input Examples ............................................................................. 2-3
Figure 2 - 2: Trigger Input Examples ........................................................................... 2-3
Figure 3 - 1: Parameter Group Display ........................................................................ 3-3
Figure 3 - 2: Parameter List Display ............................................................................ 3-3
Figure 3 - 3: Pushbutton Functions.............................................................................. 3-5
Figure 3 - 4: Parameter Edit Navigation....................................................................... 3-6
Figure 4 - 1: Parameter 2 Pulse Examples .................................................................. 4-4
Figure 4 - 2: Parameter 3 Pulse Examples .................................................................. 4-5
Figure 5 - 1: Normal Measurement Display ................................................................. 5-3
Figure 5 - 2: Maximum Value Display .......................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5 - 3: Minimum Value Display ........................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5 - 4: Range Output Overspeed........................................................................ 5-5
Figure 5 - 5: Range Output Overspeed/Low Oil Pressure ........................................... 5-6
Figure 6 - 1: Erratic Analog Output .............................................................................. 6-5
Figure 6 - 2: Normal Analog Output ............................................................................. 6-5
Figure A - 1: Connector Placement.............................................................................. A-4
Figure A - 2: SmartTach Accessories .......................................................................... A-6

Chapter 1
Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction

INTRODUCTION
Page 1-2 SmartTach Operating Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on the acquisition of your new SmartTach Universal
Speed Measurement Tool!
The SmartTach is a precision speed measurement instrument designed
specifically for the development and testing environment. Among its
many innovations is the capability to continuously measure speed form
virtually any type of signal.
The applications for SmartTach are widespread. Engine RPM, Vehicle
Speed and Dynamometer Speed are just a few applications for
SmartTach. Along with measured speed being continuously displayed, a
precision analog voltage output representing measured speed is
available on the Analog output connector. This signal can be connected
to any test-cell computer, data acquisition system, or strip-chart recorder.
This can allow the inclusion of speed measurements among other data
used for transient testing analysis. Three user configurable Range Outputs
are available on the SmartTach. These can be used as warnings to the
dynamometer technician or test cell computer that an engine or test
malfunction may have occurred.
SmartTach is ideally suited as an accessory to any data acquisition or
dynamometer system. It can act as an interface unit allowing engine
RPM or Dyno Speed to be treated exactly the same as any other
measured analog signal. This alleviates the data acquisition system from
difficult high-voltage signal conditioning and high-speed synchronous
pulse processing. It also provides a universal interface for measuring
speed, regardless of the engine specifics.
Installation of the SmartTach is intended to be practical and
straightforward. The compact aluminum enclosure can easily be
mounted in a test cell or vehicle. Microprocessor controlled Intelligent
Signal Conditioning can automatically identify the input signal levels. For
most automotive applications, SmartTach can be connected easily with
the optional TachSensor or Inductive Pickup. This allows unintrusive speed
measurements.
We hope that the SmartTach will provide many helpful solutions for your
engine development and testing needs. Our goal is to provide our
customers with practical solutions that make sense, not simply to sell
products. We want to be on your side when it comes to solving problems.
If at any time you have any comments, questions, or suggestions
regarding SmartTach, we strongly encourage you to call us and discuss

INTRODUCTION
SmartTach Operating Manual Page 1-3
them. We feel that customer participation is the ultimate way to providing
the best possible products.

INTRODUCTION
Page 1-4 SmartTach Operating Manual
About This Manual
This manual was written from the perspective of an engine test
engineer/technician. General knowledge of internal combustion engines,
ignition systems, and engine control modules is assumed. No presentation
of engine or ignition system theory is made further than is necessary to
install and operate the SmartTach.
We understand that most people do not have time to read an operating
manual from cover to cover. Therefore, this manual is arranged as a
reference oriented fashion. Our intention was for the person reading the
manual to be able to find the desired information as quickly and
efficiently as possible.
This manual does not present any form of internal description or theory of
operation of SmartTach. This information is proprietary and confidential to
Accurate Technologies Inc.
If you should have any comments regarding the organization of this
manual, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Technical Support
Accurate Technologies Inc. stands behind its products with complete
technical support. We understand engines as well as electronics and can
be a valuable resource when questions arise regarding use of the
SmartTach. We maintain information on a number of domestic and
foreign engines to provide quick answers to your questions.
We can save you time and money by quickly answering your questions
and helping you realize the maximum potential of the SmartTach. In
general, there is no charge for basic questions and technical support via
telephone or fax.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
On-site technical engineering assistance is available at a reasonable cost.
Please contact us to discuss your exact application and support
requirements.

INTRODUCTION
SmartTach Operating Manual Page 1-5
Get to Know SmartTach
Prior to installation or operation of SmartTach, we strongly encourage you
to spend a few minutes and study the diagram below while examining
the unit to get to know its characteristics.
SmartTach
PULSE CONFIG
ENTER MODE
2350rpm
Front Panel
10-30 VDC ∙10W Max SmartTach Universal Speed Measurement Tool
DC
POWER
COM
(RS-232)
TACH SENSOR
(I/O PORT)
ANALOG
OUTPUT
PULSE
INPUT
Figure 1 - 01: Front and Rear Panels
SmartTach Connections
CONNECTION CONNECTOR TYPE
ANALOG OUTPUT BNC Connector (Industry Standard)
PULSE INPUT BNC Connector (Industry Standard)
COM (RS-232 Serial Port) DB-9F Connector (Standard 9 pin female)
TACH SENSOR (I/O Port) HDB-15F Connector (High-Density 15 pin female)
DC POWER Plug-in Terminal Strip Connector

INTRODUCTION
Page 1-6 SmartTach Operating Manual
Important Safety Warnings
!"NEVER WORK ON OR AROUND A RUNNING ENGINE.
!"It is the responsibility of the installer of SmartTach to comply with the National
Electrical Code and any other applicable Federal, State, or local safety
codes.
!"It is always better to spend extra time and care when installing the
SmartTach. This will avoid unnecessary wasted time and money correcting
the installation if the system does not function properly.
!"Always route all wiring cables away from hot, sharp, or moving components
as well as ignition coils and spark plug wires. All cables should be carefully
and neatly fastened.
!"When installing cables and sensors, any possible movement of the engine
should be taken into consideration. Always leave enough extra cable length
to accommodate for this movement.
!"Always wear approved eye protection when working near engines,
machinery, and vehicles.
!"When operating the SmartTach in a moving vehicle, a passenger should
perform all operating and data-taking tasks. The driver should always keep
his eyes on the road.

INTRODUCTION
SmartTach Operating Manual Page 1-7

Chapter 2
Installation
InstallationInstallation
Installation

INSTALLATION
Page 2-2 SmartTach Operating Manual
General Information
The SmartTach is a flexible engineering tool designed to be compatible
with practically all automotive-type engines and ignition systems.
Therefore, the specific installation procedure is largely dependent on the
application. The following general steps are typically involved in the
installation and setup of the SmartTach:
#"Location for SmartTach unit
#"Location of a DC power source to supply power to the SmartTach
#"Installation of the wiring cables for the sensors and power supply
#"Optional connection of the analog output, COM port, and I/O signals
#"Configuration of the SmartTach system parameters
Placement of The SmartTach Unit
In general, a location should be selected which will not expose the
SmartTach to excessive temperatures or harsh environments. The
maximum recommended ambient temperature around the SmartTach is
50°C (122°F). The best rule of thumb is the unit should not be installed
anywhere where the temperature would be unbearable for a human.
The unit can be installed in a dynamometer cell provided that it will not
be exposed to excessively high or low temperatures. The temperature
within a dynamometer cell can vary widely depending on the exact
mounting location. The unit should never be mounted near or above the
engine exhaust system or other hot surface. The unit should never be
mounted directly to an engine.
If the unit is to be used for an in-vehicle application, it should be installed
in the passenger compartment or trunk. The unit should never be installed
in the engine compartment or anywhere where it will be exposed to the
outside environment.
Selecting the DC Power Source
The SmartTach requires 10-30 volts DC, 10 watts maximum, for operating
power. This can normally be supplied by the 12 or 24 volt DC power
system of the engine or vehicle. If the engine does not have a DC power
source, an external DC power supply must be used. Any standard 12 volt
DC power supply with 1 amp output capability will be more than
sufficient.

INSTALLATION
SmartTach Operating Manual Page 2-3
The unit does not have a built-in power switch. To avoid unnecessary
power drain (especially in a vehicle), the power should be disconnected
when the unit is not in use. This can be done easily in a vehicle by using
the Switched-Ignition or Accessory power sources normally available at
the fuse block. These power sources are usually disconnected when the
ignition key is turned off.
Pulse Input Connection
The PULSE INPUT connection on the rear of the SmartTach unit accepts
two types of signals, Spark and Trigger. Signals such as a inductive pickup
on a secondary ignition wire or a direct connection to the ignition coil
primary circuit are Spark type signals. Signals such as a Hall effect sensors,
Magnetic pickups or Encoder pulses are Trigger type signals. In Trigger
mode the input can accept signals up to ±75V, in Spark Mode the input
can accept signals up to ±1KV. The PULSE INPUT connection can be
switched to Trigger or Spark by changing parameter 06 (Input Signal
Conditioning Select).
Spark Type Inputs
IP1 INDUCTIVE PICKUP
SmartTach
Input
IGNITION COIL
(+)
(-)
COIL NEGATIVE TERMINAL
SmartTach
Input
Figure 2 - 1: Spark Input Examples
Coil
Trigger Signal
GM:-EST,REF,1X,2X
FORD:-PIP,SAW/SPOUT
(MAGNETIC / HALL-EFFECT)
OPTICAL SHAFT ENCODER
Trigger Type Inputs
ELECTRONIC IGNITION
SmartTach
Input
TS1 TACHSENSOR
on COIL POWER or
DRIVER SIGNAL
+12VDC POWER to COIL
COIL DRIVER SIGNALS
DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION
SmartTach
Input
SmartTach
Input
ENGINE
CONTROL
MODULE
TOOTH SENSOR
COIL ON PLUG
SmartTach
Input +12VDC POWER to COIL Driver Signal
IGNITION
MODULE
Figure 2 - 2: Trigger Input Examples

INSTALLATION
Page 2-4 SmartTach Operating Manual
TachSensor Connection
This connection is for use with the optional TS1 TachSensor. This
connection also functions as the I/O port for access to other signals (refer
to the I/O Port connection section for details on these functions). When
using the TachSensor make sure that nothing is connected to the PULSE
INPUT connection. Input Signal conditioning (Parameter 06) must be set to
TRG for the TachSensor to function properly.
Installation of Wiring Cables
The wiring cables should be neatly installed in a manner which will avoid
contact with hot engine components and high-voltage spark plug
wires/ignition coils. We strongly recommend spending extra time and
care when installing the wiring cables. This will avoid unnecessary
troubleshooting time for an erratic or non-functional instillation caused by
improper wiring.
The BNC cables at the SmartTach end should be clearly marked with their
purpose to avoid accidental connection to the wrong inputs. The can
easily happen if the unit is removed and replaced. Although the inputs
are protected from damage, unnecessary troubleshooting hassles will be
avoided by taking the proper precautions.
Power Supply Connection
The DC power supply connection is made through the plug-in terminal
strip supplied with the unit. The terminal strip is polarized and will only plug
into the unit in one direction. Care should be taken to insure that the wires
are connected to the terminal strip with the correct polarity. Pin #1 is the
positive terminal, and Pin #2 is the negative (ground) terminal. The unit is
reverse-voltage protected and will not be damaged if the polarity is
reversed (and also will not function). It is recommended that 16 gauge or
heavier wire be used for the power connection. The SmartTach enclosure
is isolated from power ground.
Other Connections
The following connections are optional and provide a means of
interfacing the SmartTach with external electronic equipment such as test
cell computers, data acquisition systems, strip-chart recorders, etc.

INSTALLATION
SmartTach Operating Manual Page 2-5
Analog Output Connection
The SmartTach precision analog output can be used to send real-time
speed information to a test cell computer, data acquisition system, strip-
chart recorder, etc. This output voltage is generated by a precision 12-bit
digital-to-analog converter (output accuracy is ±0.005 volts). The update
rate and low-pass filtering of this output are programmable using the
configuration parameters.
The maximum output voltage range is 0 to +10 volts. Maximum current
draw from the output should be limited to 10 milliamperes. The exact
scaling, offset, and output voltage range limits are programmable
through the configuration parameters. This allows the analog output to be
tailored to the requirements of the device receiving the signal.
A common use for the analog output is for data acquisition or display
measurements at a remote location. This can be easily done by using a
digital voltmeter for the remote display.
COM Port Connection
The SmartTach contains an RS-232 Serial Communications Port. This port
may be used by an external computer system to extract information from
the SmartTach and perform a remote configuration of the unit.
The RS-232 port connection is an industry-standard female 9-pin D-SUB
connector. Cables for connecting this port to a personal computer are
generally available from most computer/electronic component vendors,
or directly from Accurate Technologies Inc. The baud rate of the port is
programmable using the configuration parameters. Optional hardware
handshaking (DTR/DSR) can also be enabled.
Communication protocol information is available from Accurate
Technologies Inc. for customers wishing to write their own software to
communicate with the SmartTach. Please contact us for additional
information.
COM Port Pin Description
1 - DCD Output (Data Carrier Detect)
2 - TXD Output (Transmit Data)
3 - RXD Input (Receive Data)
4 - DTR Input (Data Terminal Ready)
5 - GND (Signal common)
6 - DSR Output (Data Set Ready)
7 - RTS Input (Request to Send)
8 - CTS Output (Clear to Send)

INSTALLATION
Page 2-6 SmartTach Operating Manual
9 - RNG Output (Ring Indicator)
Note: Pins 1, 6, and 8 are internally connected. Pins 7 and 9 are not
used and not connected.
I/O Port Connection
In addition to the TachSensor connection, this port also provides access to
several other SmartTach I/O signals. These signals include: Three Range
Outputs for monitoring/warning signals, Digital pulse output, Pulse input
and a Auxiliary analog voltage input (0-5V).
An optional “Y” adapter is available for the SmartTach unit. This adapter
allows simultaneous use of the TachSensor and other SmartTach I/O
functions.
The I/O port connection is an industry-standard female high-density 15-pin
D-SUB connector. Cables and connectors for this port are available at
most computer/electronic component vendors, or directly from Accurate
Technologies Inc.
The Range Outputs are isolated solid state contact closures and have a
maximum rating of 30 Vdc @ 1 amp.
I/O Port Pin Description
1 - Ground Shield
2 - Digital Pulse Out (0-5V, referenced to Pin 7)
3 - Range Output #1 terminal “B”
4 - Range Output #2 terminal “B”
5 - Range Output #3 terminal “B”
6 - Isolated Ground Shield
7 - Isolated Ground
8 - Range Output #1 terminal “A”
9 - Range Output #2 terminal “A”
10 - Range Output #3 terminal “A”
11 - Reserved, Do not connect to this pin.
12 - Reserved, Do not connect to this pin.
13 - Ground
14 - Aux. Analog Input (0-5V, referenced to Pin 13)
15 - Reserved, Do not connect to this pin.