Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling unit

Given the recommendations here I got an Acewell speedometer and tach to replace my speedo that went crazy.


I'll post some pictures as soon as I get my custom mount. I do have some questions though. I currently still have the old tach installed but will be removing it one my mount is done and I was wondering what people did to plug the hole where the tachometer cable connects to the engine. Could I simply get a bolt with the proper thread size?

My next question is on the turn signal canceling mechanism. It stopped working when I installed the new speedometer. I figured out through the great members on this site that the canceling mechanism is controlled partly by a sensor in the stock speedometer. Has anyone figured out a way to get the canceling unit working with an after market speedometer.

 

SweeeT.. link to where you got it from?

 

Re: Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling un

http://www.electrosport.com/street/spee ... 0-2800.php

There are several other posts talking about them. It quite nice. It will be a lot nicer once I get the mount.

 

Gurgie, if Chacal doesnt have them, you can get the tach blockoff cover over at www.mikesxs.com I just saw them.

I cant wait to see you pic, Im thinking of getting on of those too...maybe....down the road.... :smile:

 

I put one on my ride and love it! Yeah, there's a few mods I had to make to get it working properly but what a difference! I don't know what you mean about the hole in the engine. I don't have the cancellation cct anymore either, but I've gotten used to checking my signal lights manually...like my first bike years ago! Now if I could just find a gas sensor that would replace mine so the fuel indicator could work, I'd be real happy.

 

Re: Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling un

Thanks for the tip deadulus. I can't believe I didn't think of checking mikes XS.

I have run across 2 more problems. For the first one I am pleading to all of the electrical systems experts here. I need to splice into the main power line that is always on for the clock that is to stay on all the time. Right now I am just shoving the end of the wire in the back of the ignition connector and holding it in place with electrical tape. It seems to be jiggling loose and was wondering the best way to splice into a wire like that.

The other issue I am dealing with is the tachometer being a little jumpy. The manual said to add a 1MOh resistor in-line to take care of the issue. I did so yesterday and it only made it worse. Wondering if anyone has tips to resolve this issue. I currently have the lead to the tach wrapped around the spark plug cable. I would like to get it plugged into the ignition coil but I ran into the same issue as state above. The cord keeps coming loose and I don't really know how to splice the line.

Thanks again for all your help. This site is an amazing resource to anyone not just XJ owners.

 

Gurgietrueshot:

Do you know how to solder? If so, then you need to solder those connections to keep them permanently in place. If you don't solder, your local automotive centre should have those connectors that just squeeze your wire on one side, and the wire you want it connected to on the other side. Then you squeeze the plastic cap onto the assembly and it makes the connection. I have tried those in the past and have not liked the results. If you have a friend who can solder the wires, that's the way to go.
As far as the tach jumping, I have mine connected to the coil wiring and it wasn't too bad. I've also run the ground wire from the gauge right to the negative terminal on the battery and for some reason, the jumping stopped...likely some interference from grounding it anywhere else causes the jumpiness. Take care.

 

Looks like a fantastic looking unit, im seriously considering one myself. The only question i have is did you go with a cable to the unit or the magnetic pickup for the speedo?

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Oh btw definitely solder those wires, or at least use crimp terminals.

Best of luck and keep us notified.

 

Re: Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling un

Flash, I got the S4 cable pickup and it works great. I followed the directions for setting the circumference of the tire and found that I had to half the value. I'm still not certain if the speed is exactly right but I am sure I am within 1 or 2 miles per hour. Does anyone have the the setting for this? I think mine is at 768.

Johno I do know how to solder. I actually soldered the wires an extra connector for the console lights so I did not have to cut anything on the wiring harness and used shrink wrap. I'll have to post pictures of those. What I am not sure about is where to solder the wire in. I would love to get down inside the connector for the ignition but those connectors are plastic. How do I solder it in with out melting the plastic? Can I pull the wire out of the connector and plug it back in? If so do you have any tips on doing so?

Thanks for all of your help so far.

On a side note after breaking my electric soldering iron I pickup up a refillable butane soldering kit from Walmart of all places. I love it. It heats up faster than the cheap electric ones, gets hotter. I'm not sure on how long the fuel lasts. I have only used it once but I would suggest for people to check it out. http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS/KIT ... fault.aspx

 

Gurgie, the connector pins are removable with the right tools or a small jewelers screwdriver if you are careful. You will notice a slot in the connector body that corresponds to a retaining tab on the connector pin. Depress the tab and gently pull out the pin.
I would avoid using a butane around the bike if you have fuel in it and any leaks...

 

Re: Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling un

Robert is right on getting the pins out, but they are a bear to do...then if you haven't got the wires lined up right or too much solder, the pin will not go back into the plug. The best thing to do is to remove the plastic off of the wire, then solder the new wire to the stripped area on the harness. Then seal it up good with electrical tape.
Funny you should mention the speedometer setting...I had the same problem and using a buddy driving at a certain speed, I kept adding or subtracting until I got it right. Not sure why the numbers are so far off, but at least it's accurate now. I'll look up my setting to see where it is compared to mine.

 

Im not sure what you guys call it over there but in Aus we have "heat shrink". Its a plastic/rubbery tube that when heat is applied to it it literally shrinks tight over your joins. So you just cut the wire, slip a small length of heat shrink on, bare the ends, twist those ends together along with the wire your joining in to the loom, solder it, then slide the heat shrink over the top. After that i just use a cigarette lighter to carefully shirk the "heat shrink" down. But your new butane soldering iron would do it great, just don't burn it you can buy it from any electrical wholesaler for $2 a metre.

 

Re: Acewell Digital Speedo/Tack and turn signal canceling un

Sounds easy enough. I think I'll shoot for pulling the wire out first. I want to use as little electrical tape as possible.

Johno, I think th specifications in the instructions are for the magnetic pickup and not the cable pickup. I fix computer not motorcycles so i don't know for sure but i wouldn't be surprised if ther eis a 2-1 ratios between the wheel size and speedometer. I plan to take my gps out with me some day here soon. I'll let you know what I come up with.