Speedway Instruments - Development Blog

No more microSpeed Speedometers

2010-02-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am completely out of microSpeed Speedometers. I will not be making any more until I get the redesign complete. I am working on it; but it is going to take a while to get new screens made which will eliminate all of the problems.

The website still needs to be updated to remove the ordering; but I hope todo that soon.

Regards,

Justin

Digital version microTach may stops after 5000 rpm

2009-08-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have resolved an issue with the digital version of microTach's produced before July 2009. The issue occurs on Harley bikes model 2007 or later.

Harley changed the coding on the digital bus signal in 2007. The result is that the microTach will operate normally in range 0-5000 rpm. At greater than 5000 rpm the microTach will only display the last reading of 5000 rpm, ignoring messages above 5000 rpm. (5500 on sportsters)

MicroTach's produced after July have resolved the issue and operate normally across the full range.

If you have the issue on your bike, I will replace the unit with an updated version. The simpliest method for replacement is for you to order a new digital version online at my website www.speedwayinstruments.com. Please indicate in the transaction or via email that this purchase is for replacement issue. I will ship out a new unit ASAP. Once you have the new unit; pull the old one off and replace with the new unit. Mail the old unit back to me and I will refund the full cost of the previously ordered unit. The old unit must be returned within 60 days of ordering the replacement unit in order for me to process the refund.

If you have any questions or issue please email me.

Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience.

Justin

microSpeed production on hold

2009-08-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

A couple month ago, I put a hold on all microSpeed production. Primarily it was due to 3 factors.

1. Touchscreen sensitivity was not consistant in all environments
The touch screen temporarily stops working, if there is excessive moisture on display or user; if casing is touching other metal. This was causing alot of customer issues and I wanted to solve the root problem before exposing more customers.

2. I had at least one field failure of unknown cause. I suspect there was a data corruption in the internal memory. This could potentially happen if the bike was turned off while still moving.

3. I had difficulty manufacturing the units. Because the 3 digits of the display are seperate components I would sometimes get epoxy leaking in between the digits and it would look bad.

I still have some units left which I plan to use to support the ~40 customers out there using the microSpeed Speedometer in cause they have issue.

I am working on resolving these issues and moving back into production again; however I don't know exactly when that will happen.

Stay tuned if your interested

Ironheads and old style distributor

2009-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

If your wondering if the microTach will work on your older distributor style motorcycle. The answer is YES. But you need to request a special tachAdapter with more filtering than the standard tach adapter that ships.

Order the standard adapter direct from www.speedwayinstruments.com then send me an email at info@speedwayinstruments.com and request a distributor version of the Speedway Instruments tachAdapter.

New Instructable!

2009-06-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to try Instructables! It is a great DIY project sharing site.

So I made an instructable about how to install the microTach+TM tachometer on any 2004 or Later Harley-Davidson motorcycleClick here to goto their website.

Or check out the Embedded Instructable below

Install Speedway Instruments microTach tachometer on 2004-later Harley-Davidson Motorcycle - More DIY How To Projects

Make sure to leave your feedback!

Thank you,

Justin
www.speedwayinstruments.com

Updated FAQ

2009-05-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

So I seem to be doing a really poor job of keeping this blog updated regularly. I will try todo better. A couple things to update everyone about.

1. I updated the FAQ to include info about the microSpeed speedometer. Especially of interest is about the touchscreen interface.

2. Last month seemed like a really bad month for folks with standard version microTach and tachAdapters. I talked to a few guys having trouble with the tach jumping around (ie. from 10 - 25 at idle). So I modified the tachAdapters to do more filtering and sent them out new ones. That seemed todo the trick. So if anyone else has an issue with their microTach jumping around please let me know and I will send out a new tachAdapter.

3. All new shipments of tachAdapters will have increased filtering.

Thanks everyone for their feedback and support

Justin

microSpeed videos now on YouTube

2009-02-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

I am slowly making progress getting the microSpeed Speedometer published. I made 4 video's for the microSpeed speedometer.
1. On the Road
2. Normal Operating mode
3. odometer Pre-set
4. Calibration and Configuration

I am also working on getting the product page up on www.speedwayinstruments.com. I expect to have something by next week.

Check out the videos on the Speedway Instruments Channel of YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeedwayInstruments

New Speedway Instruments microSpeed Speedometer and Bike

2009-01-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

In order to help promote our New microSpeed Speedometer I decided to re-make my 1200XL into a cool barhopper/bobber style bike.

Gone are the stock bars and instruments, seat, pipes, air cleaner, fender and paint.
Replace with 16" Burly narrow Apes, Mustand Tripper Solo, Vance & Hines Short shots, Kuryakyn Air Cleaner, and custom Speedway Instruments paint.

Premiering on the bike is the NEW ultra small Speedway Instruments microSpeed Speedometer. What you see is the entire unit, no seperate control box. It is plug and play into any Harley Davidson motorcycle with electronic speed sensor or directly into the late-model 2004 and later Harley Davidson with the J1850 digital bus. Additionally it will work on any metric bike as well if it has an electronic speed sensor.

The microSpeed Speedometer will be available in Febuary from Speedway Instruments or the 2009 Kuryakyn catalog and Kuryakyn Dealers.

Kuryakyn now carrying Speedway Instruments!

2008-07-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Premier motorcycle accessory manufacturer and distributor Kuryakyn is now carrying the Speedway Instruments microTach+ tachometer.

Check it out on there website at www.kuryakyn.com or direct link microTach+ Tachometer

See us at Republic of Texas Rally (ROT)

2008-06-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Speedway Instruments will have a table setup at Cowboy Harley Davidson in south Austin during their Pre-ROT party on June 7th and also during the ROT on June 14th.

Come by and see us at http://www.cowboyharley.com

We will have a demo bar and my sportster for you to checkout. Also, we will have some tachometers which you can buy as well.

See you there!

Also, we will be on display at both Kuryakyn Trailers at all of the shows they attend around the US. Check us out there.

Front Page of V-Twin News!

2008-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

My name is Roger and I have been helping Justin with Speedway for the last few months. We have been busy to try and get the word out about the microTach+! We just got on the front cover of the May issue of V-Twin News!

We are happy with the article and we are really happy with the response. We are looking for dealers and this definitely helped. Stay tuned as we get the dealer network set up.

Later -Roger

microTach on a Hyosung GV650

2008-04-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

When we say ANY V-Twin we mean it!

Here is some info on microTach+ Tachometer running on a Korean made Hyosung GV650.

http://www.alternativecruisers.com/index.php?topic=3527.40

Thanks to Ron for posting this!

Justin

New Email Newsletter signup

2008-04-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

This has been a great start to the year. We have a new website and along with that we have been enhancing alot of features such as the new gallery where you can now post your own images. And now we have an improved newsletter signup.

So to hear the latest news from Speedway Instruments signup.

Thanks!

Justin

Gallery is now Live!

2008-03-27T11:56:00.001-07:00

Well the new gallery is up. And now you can post your own pictures of the microTach+ tachometer on your bike to our website.

Share your bike and style with other microTach owners and potential customers!

Just register at the gallery and you can upload your pictures.

Thanks,

Justin

New Website going live!

2008-03-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Speedway Instruments is proud to preview our new website. The new site is currently held only on www.speedwayinstruments.com. The old site is still operating at www.speedwayinstrument.com.

Check it out, let us know how you like it at info@speedwayinstruments.com

Regards,

Justin

Daytona Bike Week!

2008-02-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Come see the microTach+ Tachometer at Daytona bike week!

Through a test marketing arrangement with Kuryakyn they will be displaying a demo display of the microTach+ Tachometer in their Trailer at Daytona H-D on Beach Street in Daytona.

There will also be a limited number of microTach+ Tachometers that they can sell directly there.

Check out our Demo Display.

Updated microTach Assembly drawing

2008-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have updated the mechanical drawing for the microTach+ Tachometer. It now has the digits displayed.

It's actual size so print it out, Cut it out and see how it looks on your bike!

Assembly Drawing

Justin

microTach install on Ducati Monster

2008-01-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

While it may have seemed slow on the blog; Things have been rolling strong at Speedway Instruments. I have to admit I have neglected the blog a bit. I have been steadily working on the business side of Speedway Instruments.

So here is something truly worthy of a blog submission. A very ingenious and daring install of the Speedway Instrument microTach installed into a Ducati Monster motorcycle. The install was done my a Australian student with a custom microTach+ tachometer with Redline flash feature removed.

Here is the video

M900 Tachometer
Uploaded by HowleyFilms

Here is his very detailed installation write-up on the Ducati Monster Forum

http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=4317.0

Great Job! and it really makes Speedway Instruments microTach+ tachometer look good.

Calling All Dealers!

2007-11-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

If your interested in becoming a dealer for Speedway Instruments send an email to info@speedwayinstrument.com.

Dealers should have a shop in which todo installations, and agree to sell only at MSRP.

Initial purchase is required.

Single-Fire tachAdapter Available

2007-11-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

So by popular request, I have made the Single-Fire tachAdapter available without the purchase of a microTach+ tachometer.

This will enable you to use other standard aftermarket Tachometers available on your 2004+ Harley Davidson motorcycle. Including Sportsters, Roadkings, Softails, and Dyna.

See www.speedwayinstrument.com for details.

new video on YouTube

2007-10-27T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a new video showing the microTach+ tachometer in action hitting the redline while cruising down a nice road.

Moving to Blogger

2007-10-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have decided to try and use Blogger for the Speedway Instruments - Development Blog. Primarily because I am hoping it will be easier to maintain and update. Over the next weeks I will be moving all the old stuff over to this site.

Speedo/Tach in development

2007-10-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

So I've been working on a Speedo/Tach combo design. Like the microTach it will be very small but contain everything you need including indicator lights, and odometer. I am targeting custom applications and people who don't want the speedo to be a primary attraction on your handlebars. It will be the smallest speedo/tach available. Stay tuned for more details, and sign up for our newsletter to get automatic updates.

Comic Life Installation Instructions

2007-09-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am trying a new thing. I used ComicLife by plaq to redo the nightster installation instructions in a comicbook style. I think its cool. Let me know what you think. I may do this for all the instructions. Click Here

Tach adapters are Here

2007-09-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

The tach adapters are now available with installation instructions for Single and Dual Fire ignition systems. They attach directly to the coil inputs and filter the signal suitable for connection to a microTach+ tachometer.

Don't worry about size as you can see from the photo, the adapter is not much bigger than the wires and will hide easily away.

Update

2007-08-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I would post some of the latest developments. I have PCB's now for the tach adapter and hope to build have them on a bike tomorrow. After at least a week of riding then I will start shipping. The adapters are just noise filters to make the signal acceptable to the microTach+ Tachometer. The actual microTach+ model is the same as the one for 1999-2004 Twin Cams. Also, I have started on the All-in-one Speedometer. This is going to follow the same Small is Better approach and expect it to be smaller than 2" x 1" But still have all the features you need like Speed, odometer, trip meter, and indicators. I will try to keep you posted on developments.

Tach adapters delayed

2007-07-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Due to some difficulties during testing the tach adapters are being redesigned. This will result in delay of the coil take off models which would support all bikes Big Twin's older than 1999 and sportsters older than 2004. I am sorry for the delay.

Chrome is Here

2007-06-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Due to higher cost of finishing in chrome the cost of chrome finished is increased.

Mechanical Drawing and update

2007-05-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Now I have tinted lens over LED display. Provides better contrast and looks better. Chrome is ordered, and so are electronics with 36" leads. Delivery is expected within 3-4 weeks. I will be at Republic of Texas Rally May 31-June 2.

Mechanical drawing of case is available

Anodized Case

2007-05-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

New improved Case! In about 2-3 weeks I will stop selling the molded microTach and start shipping an improved version which has an aluminum case. This will be available as black anodized or Chrome plated. Here are some pictures of raw prototypes. Finish quality will be much better in final product, but as you can see the overall look will be more uniform and smooth. The size is actually slightly smaller than original.

New Aluminum Cases!

2007-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

I wasn't satisfied with the molded microTach. So I finally did a 3D case design and got it machined by
REF Machining.

Diag Port Connector

2007-04-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Today I tested the microTach on a Softail Deluxe. It worked great. Therefore it is confirmed that the microTach will work on all TwinCam's with the J1850 serial bus. Which are all models 2004 or later. Also, all HD 2004 and later use the DT-04 connector, so if you want to use as a temporary install for diagnotics or tuning. Just add the connector and plug into diag port. There is a link on product page to a vendor.

Pin Name	Pin Number
Power	4
GND	2
Serial Data Bus	3

Initial molded parts

2007-03-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Molding begins

2007-03-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

I will begin selling the microTach molded in this black resin form. I hand formed the shape, and created a silicon mold. I will be molding each part personally. The devices will have wires exiting out the bottom. If you are mounting in an alternative method and need the wires out the top, please let me know. I am also working with a machinist to get polished stainless steel covers made. These can be bonded to this unit using an adhesive such as what is used for grips, or super glue.

I will be leaving the face as-is "grey". I used spray on tint which looks good, but I am concerned about pealing and durability. Therefore, I will leave it up to you to "customize" the front. Feel free to email me with questions about it.

Order entry should be open within a couple weeks.

2007-03-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Problems with the molding company may cause some additional delays.

I am currently exploring 3 types of packaging.

1. Stainless steel shell with epoxy encapsulation: This will be a polished/paintable surface which I hope will enable a chrome-like appearance or black.

2. Black molded resin or epoxy: This is a light weight rugged solution that could be made easily and adapted to many different form factors. This could also be used as a basis and add the stainless steel shell on top.

3. Silver or aluminum bonded resin/epoxy: May provide chrome like finish with flexibility of low cost molding. This enables more variety in form factors and placement options.

Additionally, I am investigating a spray-on tint which give a darker appearance when not lit, yet still allows the LED display to show through. This has a better appearance than the light grey face of the LED display comes with. Although with chrome the grey might look better.
2/25/07 : Molded parts are back! However, I am not quite satisfied with the quality of appearance. Also, there was only 1 out of 4 that had a flush LED display in the mold. I am working with the molding company to rectify the issues. Also, I am talking to a machinist to get casings made. So final product may be delayed. In the mean time I have posted the Installation instructions on the product page. Feel free to review them, and ask questions or comment as needed. Thanks for your continue support.

Injection Molding

2007-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Well, the tooling for the mold is in development. The guys at TEMS are expediting as best they can. Hopefully, I will have some mechanical drawings next week. And if things go according to plan, some prototype molded parts by mid-February. And soon after product to sell. I have looked into the payment options and Paypal seems the easiest to get going and cost is lower as well.

First prototypes

2006-12-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I have 2 working units and the latest one I took to Central Texas Harley Toy Run. It was raining and cold. It held up and worked great even though the only environmental protection was some electrical tape. I have updated the PCB to improve noise suppression from the Ignition system and preparing for my first build of 50 units. These will go in for molding.