Aldon Ignitor and Smiths Rev Counter

[Pyoor_Kate]

Hey folks

When I fitted the Aldon ignitor electronic ignition I noted in the fitting documents it said that Smiths Electronic Revcounters with various part numbers didn't work correctly with it - but some of them could be modified.

I've got one of them - the 1003 series rev counter - which they indicated could be modified to work correctly. Anyone know what mods it needs (I didn't get any joy out of them last time I tried mailing).

I did have it connected - and it worked okayish at low revs, but after about 3k rpm the needle liked to drop randomly downwards (well, you have to know whether it really won't work!). It's now disconnected and languishing at 0 in my dash, which doesn't cheer me up.... I like my toys ;)

[mike.perry]

If you can get into the Mini Forum it has some rev counter wiring topics, including diagrams. By Googling Rev Counter Wiring I found my way onto the website and then had to register to find the info. I found out how to wire my Yazaki. You may find the info you are looking for.

[IslipMinor]

Kate,

Speedy Cables will help you on this. They can fit the later electronics into your case. I have one of the universal Smiths rev counters, with the settable red line, from the late 60's and it worked fine with the Ignitor, but it always showed lower revs when 'hot' than 'cold' - either very warm weather, or at night with the lights on. Ah, said Speedy Cables, that's because at night the calibration potentiometer sits immediately under the illumination bulb and gets warmed up by it, the same as on a sunny day! Send it to us and we'll replace the electronics and it will be consistent - I did and still have the same problem!

They also said that they were surprised that I was not having any problems with the old rev counter and the Ignitor.

That was all about 8 years ago, and it still works perfectly, just underreads by about 10% when warm!

Here's their link:

http://www.speedycables.com/

[bmcecosse]

Did you ever 'prove' their point - by disconnecting the illumination bulb ? A change to an LED would maybe sort it out too - if that really IS the reason for the change of reading. Other option would be to have that bulb ON all the time - and calibrate it that way. Then no change warm or cool/ day or night!

[IslipMinor]

Roy,

Hadn't thought about having the rev counter illumination bulb on with ignition - good idea. With the 'new' electronics the potentiometer has been moved, but I am about to order some LED bulbs for the oil/water temp dual gauge, so will try one in the rev counter as well.

[bmcecosse]

Only came to me because I was reading an original road test of a Cooper S - and they commented a rev counter had been fitted - and the light was on all the time the engine was running!