Motorcycle speedometers - Digital GPS speedometer from the USA

The purpose and principle of operation of a scooter speedometer

The standard scooter speedometer is designed to display:

• the speed at which the vehicle is moving;
• the amount of gasoline in his gas tank.

However, such devices often show inflated speed indicators, that is, instead of the real 60 - 70 km/h, the scale will show 80 - 90 km/h. Perhaps, in this way, the creators of scooters wanted to make their technical characteristics more attractive to buyers. And, perhaps, this will protect dashing riders from speeds that are excessively high for mopeds. After all, everyone knows that the higher the speed, the worse the stability and controllability of the scooter on the road.

A standard scooter speedometer consists of:

The operating principle of the speed measurement system is to transmit torque from the front wheel to the speedometer magnet. To do this, a speedometer cable drive machine is installed on the front wheel, inside which gears are located. They then rotate the cable, the end of which rotates the magnet inside the cylinder to create a strong magnetic field.

Under its influence, the cylinder begins to rotate, while compressing the spring (moreover, the higher the speed of the scooter, the stronger it will be compressed). The spring, in turn, acts on the speedometer needle, which deviates to a specific indicator on the scale. This number is the speed at which the scooter is moving at a given time. If the wheel stops rotating, then the influence of the system parts on the spring stops. It unwinds, trying to take its original position, and the arrow returns to zero.

Why do you need to replace your scooter speedometer?

The first and most important reason for disassembling the speed control system and replacing the speedometer is its breakdown. If other components and parts of the system are in working order, and the arrow on the scale does not deviate, it means that the speedometer is not working for some reason (damaged or broken). In this case, it is necessary to remove it and replace it with a new one.

Another common reason for replacing a speed gauge is if it reads incorrectly. Therefore, lovers of accurate data often replace the standard scooter device with an electronic bicycle speedometer. This device allows you to:

• obtain the most accurate scooter speed data;
• determine the exact time;
• record the daily mileage of the vehicle;
• receive data on the total mileage of the scooter.

Advantages and disadvantages

A GPS speedometer, like any electronic device, has a lot of advantages, without which its use would make neither technical nor economic sense. At the same time, these devices are not without drawbacks, which it is better for owners of motorcycles, boats, and cars to know about before rather than after purchase.

Pros of GPS speedometer:

• not related to the mechanics of the car;
• the operation of the device is based on satellite navigation;
• compact and characterized by high performance and accuracy of readings;
• can be installed both on cars and on any other transport - bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, scooters, boats, boats, aircraft, etc.

Flaws:

• in cold weather it may give incorrect readings or fail altogether; it is not recommended to turn on the GPS speedometer until the car warms up;
• may lose contact with the satellite - this often happens when driving across bridges, tunnels, overpasses, at these moments the device does not count the kilometers traveled;
• if the electronic part of the device fails, the speedometer data will be lost forever;
• the device produces readings with a delay, which is inconvenient for the driver; moreover, they can change sharply without any connection with the gas pedal;
• There are always measurement errors, and on the larger side.

Photo report: Repair of speedometer gearbox gear of a moped, scooter

It is impossible to predict fate, let alone avoid it, but to deceive it is quite possible! Fate: the gear drives of the speedometer gearbox, which is usually located in the front wheel support (in most small-capacity Chinese garbage dumps equipped with drum brakes, the speedometer drive gearbox is located there) - at one time some “figure” broke off.

“Activists” break this part very often: they farm their garbage dumps and instead of checking whether the gear drives are in the grooves on the wheel, they put the wheel on at random, clamp the axle and then think for a long time about why the speedometer stopped working. How will it work if the gear drive leads did not fall into the mating grooves during wheel assembly and became bent or broken off?

For example, the drive pins of this gear are bent

Let's tighten the leashes slightly and the speedometer will begin its vigorous activity again. We bend it carefully: the metal is hot, if you bend it a little, it will break.

At first glance, the fate of this gear is quite predictable: replacement with a new one so the leads are broken off.

Types of GPS speedometers

Speedometers that determine speed based on satellite data can be either a separate specialized device or an application installed on a mobile phone.

GPS speedometer as a separate device

All GPS speedometers sold on the market as separate devices are devices that perform only one function - measuring speed. They are enclosed in a separate housing and may differ in appearance, power supply, and receiver sensitivity.

Navigation speedometers may differ in protection class and antenna features. There are models with built-in and remote antennas, as well as the ability to connect them.

GPS speedometer in smartphone

An alternative to a GPS speedometer is an application that can be downloaded to most Android smartphones. You can get them from Google Play Market or F-Droid.

Functions of GPS speedometers for Android:

• informing the driver about various driving parameters;
• mileage recording;
• control of time, distance traveled, average and maximum speed, fuel consumption;
• location tracking;
• notification of speeding by sound or light alarm.

These are convenient programs that work primarily with Android or iOS. They allow you to record the speed of movement of any object - a person, a car, a boat, a bicycle, etc. The program you like is installed on a smartphone, launched and connected to the GPS system.

Models on the market

To get an idea of ​​the models of GPS speedometers common on trading platforms in 2022, let’s summarize the top lines of top sales into a single table:

Criteria for selecting individual GPS speedometers

The GPS speedometer market is quite diverse and offers motorists, as well as owners of other vehicles, a large selection of models. To decide on the device that is optimally suited for your tasks, pay attention to the features that determine the quality and functionality of the speedometer.

Indication

The most familiar and convenient option for the driver is GPS speedometers with digital indicators on an LCD display.

Along with digital display, navigation speedometers can use other methods of displaying information:

• segment panels;
• classic analog arrow.

For a better viewing experience, manufacturers can install backlighting on the screen. One of the interesting solutions is the projection of readings directly onto the windshield of the car.

The speedometer, in addition to the main parameter, can also show additional values ​​- the speed of a car, motorcycle, boat above the ground, course, engine temperature, power supply parameters.

When choosing a GPS speedometer, pay attention to the units of measurement. There are devices on the market that display speed not in the usual kilometers per hour, but in miles, knots and other units of distance per unit of time. But most speedometers are universal; the units of measurement can be changed at the touch of a button.

Receiver sensitivity

The sensitivity of the receiver determines the number of satellites that can be connected to the device, which determines the speed in real time. A device with poor sensitivity is not able to provide accurate positioning.

What to pay attention to:

• does the device have an external antenna?
• if the speedometer is not equipped with an external antenna, pay attention to whether there is a connector for it;
• if the device does not even have a connector, this means that the measurements in it will be based only on the operation of the built-in antenna, and will not be accurate enough.

Powerful and sensitive receivers work better with radio signals, regardless of obstacles - car body, buildings or other communication barriers. An external antenna can increase the sensitivity of the device - it is often attached to the GPS speedometer.

Power and ODB-2

Most GPS speedometers are designed for 12 V or 24 V power supply. Any of the listed voltages is suitable for universal devices. You should definitely pay attention to this characteristic - there must be compliance with the vehicle's on-board network.

If the power supply is inappropriate – too little or too much – the device will quickly break down. A good option is to supplement the GPS speedometer with built-in batteries. They store energy when the engine is running, and when idle they give it to the measuring device.

If a GPS speedometer is purchased for a vehicle that does not have a generator, an individual power source is needed. This applies, for example, to a bicycle, yacht, glider.

ODBII (ODB-2) is an interface aimed at vehicle diagnostics. With its help, the GPS speedometer is combined with the car’s internal networks through a special connector. This is not mandatory, but a useful system that will come in handy if, for example, the on-board computer has a navigator.

Housing and protection class

The case affects not only the appearance of a separate GPS speedometer, but also the strength of the device, the level of protection of its electronic “filling” from mechanical and other types of influences. The best option is a body made of non-magnetic metal and indicator glass (if available) made of quartz.

The protection class is not particularly important if the device is purchased for use inside a car. For outdoor installation - on motorcycles, mopeds and other open vehicles, this parameter is important. You can find out about the protection class by the marking - it is indicated on the case, on the packaging or in the technical documentation.

The parameter is denoted by the abbreviation IP and numbers, the first of which is the ability of the case to resist the penetration of dust, the second - moisture. The higher the numbers, the better the protection. If the device says IP69, this means that it is sealed and can work both in a dust storm and under thick water.

How does a motorcycle speedometer work?

For its operation, the speedometer is integrated with a speed sensor, which plays a major role. Therefore, the operation changes depending on the position of the speed sensors. The latter are actually located either at the level of the wheels or at the level of the gearbox.

Sensors located at the wheels

When the sensors are located on the wheels, the speedometer works using the rotation speed of the tires. Indeed, the speedometer directly calculates the speed of the motorcycle with each rotation of its tires. Speed ​​sensors located on the anti-lock brake system transmit a signal to the speedometer, converting speed into information. It is this information that the driver can read on his speedometer.

Sensors located on the gearbox

The sensors located on the transmission also include an electrical sensor that converts engine speed into electrical information. This information is then transmitted to the main dashboard unit. Thanks to the information received, the box will rotate the needle on the meter to display the speed of the moving car on the digital screen.

TOP 4 individual GPS speedometers

Having looked through the GPS speedometer market, we can state that the choice of devices is small. These are specific devices that have their own narrow target audience. They differ not only in the method of indication, but also in appearance, price, accuracy, purpose, and other features.

Vjoycar C60

Autonomous GPS speedometer with LED indicator, which displays readings in the form of numbers. The device, in addition to speed, informs the driver about travel time and distance, and connects to the network through the cigarette lighter. There is a microUSB connector.

Main characteristics:

• current consumption: 450 mA;
• input voltage: 5-12 V;
• indicator type: segment;
• speed range: from 0 to 250 km/h;
• size: 110x55x15 mm.
• weight: 230 g.

Pros:

• speed is displayed not only on the screen, but also on the windshield;
• compatible with all cars;
• speed measurement in miles or kilometers per hour - your choice;
• There is a light sensor, thanks to which the brightness is automatically adjusted;
• green indication is favorable for the eyes and is easy for them to perceive;
• Exceeding the speed limit is accompanied by a sound signal.

Minuses:

• some users have difficulty setting up;
• there are complaints about the error within 10 km/h.

Price: from 3,500 rubles.

Dynamite Passport GPS Speed ​​Meter 2.0

A universal GPS speedometer that not only measures speed, but also tracks the location of a moving object. The device has a built-in LCD display and a waterproof plastic case. The screen displays speed - current, average and maximum, distance traveled and coordinates.

Main characteristics:

• operating voltage: 5 V;
• measurement range: from 0 to 900 km/h;
• dimensions: 65x40x20 mm;
• weight: 45 g.

Pros:

• compactness;
• light weight;
• can work anywhere in the world;
• quickly responds to changes;
• there is a switching of measurement systems;
• records the routes taken;
• there is a built-in antenna;
• charging via USB.

Minuses:

• short continuous operation time – up to 4 hours;
• relatively high cost.

Price: from 9,000 rubles.

KUS K-Y08011

This is an analog device with a dial and a needle. There is a splash-proof housing, allowing the speedometer to be used on boats and boats. There is a digital compass next to the analogue speedometer scale. The readings are controlled by GPS signals.

Main characteristics:

• operating voltage: 12 V;
• measurement range: from 0 to 110 km/h;
• bore diameter: 85 mm.

Pros:

• high measurement accuracy;
• reliable housing with a high protection class;
• versatility - the device can be used in both water and land transport.

Minuses:

• high price;
• there is a risk of losing the satellite signal;
• small measurement range.

Price: from 12,000 rubles.

KUS K-Y08021

A universal device with a built-in GPS receiver, a black dial and an external antenna included (length 5 m). Here the waterproof housing is IP 67/65, and the error is about 3%.

Main characteristics:

• operating voltage: 12/24 V;
• measurement range: from 0 to 999 km/h;
• landing diameter: 85 mm;
• device diameter: 97 mm.

Pros:

• there is a red/yellow backlight;
• high degree of protection;
• sufficiently high measurement accuracy;

Currently, neither users nor experts have found any disadvantages of this speedometer. Just the cost.

Price: from 10,500 rubles.

What is a motorcycle speedometer?

The motorcycle speedometer is made in the form of a dial and is mounted on the handlebars of the motorcycle. Its role is to indicate the speed and provide the car's tachometer . This part allows the driver to be safe, particularly by not exceeding the speed limit.

Depending on the model, the speedometer may also display other information such as time, temperature and fuel gauge. Although it is a road code obligation, when motocross is not equipped, the driver must be able to clearly distinguish the pace in order to be able to adhere to speed limits. This accessory is one of the best selling mechanical parts. There are several shapes and models.

TOP 5 GPS speedometers for smartphones

A variety of smartphone apps have become an excellent alternative to separate GPS speedometers. They can be downloaded from Google Play, and most of them are completely free. The fee is usually charged only for the absence of advertising.

DigiHUD Speedometer

This is a digital projection speedometer for Android that shows the speed of any movement. The application is free. It is suitable for any transport and just for running. Measures current, average and maximum speed.

The application, in addition to speed, records the distance traveled, compass location, time and battery level. There are two operating modes - normal and background. Here you can adjust the brightness and lock the screen rotation.

Pros:

• versatility;
• simple and concise interface;
• can display results on the car windshield;
• you can change the speed units - km/h, mph, knots;
• there is a sound signal that sounds if the car exceeds the speed limit;
• when the speed is exceeded, the numbers on the screen change color - this is convenient for drivers;
• records and exports routes;
• there is a day and night mode;
• creates profiles for different vehicles;
• places marks on the map;
• no advertising.

This free application does not have any specific disadvantages, except that it, like most speedometers - individual or for Android, does not provide 100% accuracy.

GPS Distance Meter

A free speed meter suitable for running and riding any type of transport. The application measures the distance traveled and gives a signal if the speed is exaggerated - vibration or sound.

Pros:

• the ability to change the units of measurement of path and speed;
• setting the acceptable speed value for notifications;
• turning on and off the warning signal;
• two operating modes – day and night;
• the ability to change the interface language;
• allows you to avoid speeding when driving a car.

Minuses:

• there is advertising;
• measurement error cannot be ruled out.

GPS Speedometer and Odometer

This is an extremely accurate and feature-rich application with GPS speedometer and odometer (trip meter). It measures speed, distance, time and other parameters of movement, and tracks the location of a moving object.

There is a paid and free version of GPS Speedometer and Odometer.

Pros:

• versatility - suitable for bicycles, trucks and cars;
• there are notifications about speeding;
• switching from digital to analogue mode;
• profiles for different vehicles;
• changing units of measurement.

Minuses:

• The free version of GPS Speedometer contains advertising;
• measurement error cannot be ruled out.

GPS Speedometer (No Ads)

This is a simple application for which you need to pay from 0.99 to 2.09 USD. – for the lack of advertising. The application shows the speed of an object's movement and has several additional functions.

Pros:

• there is a HUD - dashboard interface;
• there is a compass;
• The application comes with 5 different themes based on popular car brands - Ferrari and Lexus.

Minuses:

• no kilometers traveled per day;
• limited functionality.

How to check the speedometer of a motorcycle?

Not all motorcycle speedometers are effective. Some of them are fake and others provide false information. To do this, it is important to check your speedometer to make sure it is not faulty. You can do the test at home or take your car to a mechanic. Remember that to check the speedometer you need to check the condition of the speed sensor .