General Technologies TD101 SmarTach + D: Gas and Diesel Tachometer with Ignition Voltage Tester - Manual (Page 8)

SmarTach+ in a more comfortable position or to a conve
nient resting place (i.e. air filter, etc.). If while doing it, the
display start to shows “0000”, then you have moved the
antenna to a distance or place in which the signal has
become too weak to be detected by the instrument. Try to
move the antenna closer to the ignition system or
try rotating the SmarTach+, until the RPM reading is
reestablish.
Note:
In a few cases where the ignition system is partially shielded
by metal parts, the working range of the SmarTach+ will be
more restrictive. it also may be necessary to move the SmarT-
ach+ closer to the spark-plug wires to get a reading.
If the antenna is placed too close to the spark system, the sig-
nals may overload the instruments and the display will switch
to “0000”. Just move the antenna further away to resume
readings. If you decide to lay the SmarTach+ down on a
nearby resting place to have both hands free to make adjust-
ments, please make sure that the antenna is not touching any
metal part and that motor vibrations cannot cause the SmarT-
ach+ to move or fall.
Because the instrument’s microprocessor is making continuous
mathematical averages, the display will be interrupted during
rapid acceleration or deceleration. The display will resume
when a fairly steady speed is re-established. The SmarTach+
has the capability of reading motor speeds up to 19,999 RPM,
which cover all possible needs in piston engines.
SPARK ANALYZER FUNCTION
In addition to its primary function as a tachometer, the SmarT-
ach+ has the ability to indicate the relative strength of the
ignition pulses in spark-plug wires.
SAFETY NOTE! Secondary ignition systems are capable of
generating very high voltages which are potentially dangerous.
Many automotive technicians will have experienced electrical
shocks from ignition systems and most of these experiences
may have been no more than unpleasant “jolts”. However,
under certain conditions, shocks from ignition systems can be
dangerous and even lethal.
The degree of severity of ignition shocks can vary depending
on several factors including how well the person is grounded
and the person’s health condition.
It is always advisable to take all available precautions to avoid
electrical shocks when working around ignition systems. The
best way to ensure safety is to wear clean undamaged electri-
cally insulating gloves. We strongly recommend this procedure
at all times when using the SmarTach+ in its Spark Analyzer
mode. BE SAFE.. NOT SORRY !
Taking IP Readings
To check the balance of the spark system proceed as follows:
1. Put on a pair of clean undamaged insulating rubber gloves.
2. Extend the antenna of the SmarTach+ and hold the
instrument only by its plastic box. Do not hold or touch the
antenna during the test.
3. Press the PEAK button. The display will show IP (for
Ignition Peak) and “0.0”
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