volvo tachometer and hours meter - not the usual!

wotayottie

wotayottie

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I have the usual problem on my MD 2030 in that the hours meter lcd is not working. No problem hours wise - I have replaced it with a separate meter to record the hours. However I do have a problem now that I want to replace the standard 60 amp alternator with a 90 amp one.

The problem is that the 90 amp alternator has more poles in it than the standard 60 amp one and will send a different pulse signal to the tacho and thus give duff engine speed readings. The 2030 instrument panel allows you to reset the tacho for the different alternator but you can only do this if you can read the little lcd screen.

So, does anyone still have a working lcd screen and if so can they tell me the precise sequence of key presses to change the tacho reading from the standard 6 pole 60 amp alternator to a 12 pole 90 amp one and back again to standard. I will then do the change on my boat "blind".

P.S. Anybody got a phone number to contact Volvo Penta in the UK - they try to refer all calls to their dealers who dont know the answers to questions such as the above.
 
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I don't think it's a simple key press operation - I believe you do have to see the readout in order to select the appropriate option.
 
what I'm thinking, pvd, is that there will be a number of standard key presses to go for any given option - bit like chosing an option on the sky box where its easier if you can read the screen but it could be done blind if you just follow a list of keystrokes that someone has checked out beforehand.
 
wotayottie said:
what I'm thinking, pvd, is that there will be a number of standard key presses to go for any given option - bit like chosing an option on the sky box where its easier if you can read the screen but it could be done blind if you just follow a list of keystrokes that someone has checked out beforehand.
Click to expand...

I think VP tachos are made by VDO. If you look at the VDO website, you can download installation instructions for a tacho with digital display. You'll see that the adjustment instructions for "Pulse" are somewhat complex, which is why I said I think you'll need to be able to see the display to do it.
 
pvb said:
I think VP tachos are made by VDO. If you look at the VDO website, you can download installation instructions for a tacho with digital display. You'll see that the adjustment instructions for "Pulse" are somewhat complex, which is why I said I think you'll need to be able to see the display to do it.
Click to expand...

I see what you mean! :)
 
Thanks.

Does anyone know off hand what diameter the Volvo tacho is? It might be easier for me simply to fit another alternative tacho.
 
wotayottie said:
I have the usual problem on my MD 2030 in that the hours meter lcd is not working. No problem hours wise - I have replaced it with a separate meter to record the hours. However I do have a problem now that I want to replace the standard 60 amp alternator with a 90 amp one.

The problem is that the 90 amp alternator has more poles in it than the standard 60 amp one and will send a different pulse signal to the tacho and thus give duff engine speed readings. The 2030 instrument panel allows you to reset the tacho for the different alternator but you can only do this if you can read the little lcd screen.

So, does anyone still have a working lcd screen and if so can they tell me the precise sequence of key presses to change the tacho reading from the standard 6 pole 60 amp alternator to a 12 pole 90 amp one and back again to standard. I will then do the change on my boat "blind".

P.S. Anybody got a phone number to contact Volvo Penta in the UK - they try to refer all calls to their dealers who dont know the answers to questions such as the above.
Click to expand...
Do as I did and fit an internal LCD that runs off the 12v, no need for pulses
Stu
 
skipper_stu said:
Do as I did and fit an internal LCD that runs off the 12v, no need for pulses
Stu
Click to expand...
Its the tacho itself that runs off a signal ( AC from one of the stator coils ) from the alternator.
It has to be set for the number of poles in the alternator

The hour counter runs from the 12 volts DC. The OP has fitted one externally.

I did not know that the LCD display was used to set up the tacho for different alternators.
 
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Mine was suitable for an 85mm hole. I bought one of these, which was a lot cheaper than the Volvo alternative:

http://www.asap-supplies.com/search/FAR32842/faria-tachometer-euro-black-32842

from asap supplies. Works a treat, but I haven't changed my alternator.

The Manual's here:

http://faria-instruments.com/site_m...r_and_switching_diesel_tachometer-tach-hr.pdf

I needed to borrow a friend's hand-held tachometer to calibrate the new device. It was pretty straightforward and (touch wood) the tacho's been operating well for the last two years.
 
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nigelmercier said:
I also need to recalibrate my tachometer, without a LCD. I think it might be possible to wing it, but if not I'll probably make a gizmo to change the pulse frequency. If enough people wanted one, I could make one anyway.
Click to expand...

I'd be in for one - let me know if you decide to go ahead.

Since most alternative alternators are 12 pole, it would need to be a simple 2:1
 
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