User`s Manual - General Technologies Corp.
Contents
1. Spark plug wire Spark plug wire Fig 6 Capacitive pick up on spark plug wire Important In order to obtain consistent results when measuring Spark KVolt on spark plug wires the position of the capacitive pick up relative to the spark plug wire should be the same for every measurement An easy way to obtain consistent measurements is to position the capacitive pick up either at 90 or parallel to the spark plug wire Fig 5 and then repeat the same positioning for every spark plug wire Spark burn time and RPM measurements are not sensitive to the exact position of the capacitive pick up relative to the spark plug wire but it has to be placed so the instrument is capable of detecting the signal e When several spark plug wires are routed or bunched close together the Capacitive pick up may receive signals from several wires at the same time which could cause erroneous measurements In these situations it may be necessary to separate the wire under measurement from the others in order to reduce interference and obtain an accurate measurement Page 9 3 5 Additional functions 3 5 1 Minimum and Maximum functions For COP and SPW modes The TA500 maintains a continuous record of the minimum and maximum readings of the function currently selected 1 To display the Minimum and Maximum readings of the main display if not already selected press Secondary Function Capture button momentarily 2 To reset the2. LCD Display Page 3 Function measurement units 3 2 2 Low battery indicator The low battery symbol indicates the battery voltage is below the minimum recommended and it needs to be replaced with a new battery Notes Ifthe battery voltage is low but still allows for the operation of the instrument the low battery indicator will turn and stay on until the battery is replaced with a new one e If the unit turns off immediately after being turned on it indicates that battery voltage is below the absolute minimum and the battery should be replaced to prevent malfunction 3 2 3 Number of Cycles Displays the number of cycles strokes selected 2 4 or DIS 3 2 3 Ignition System Displays the ignition system selected for the measurement SPW for Spark Plug Wire and COP for Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug 3 2 4 Spark Detected A flashing high voltage symbol AN indicates that sparks are being detected in the ignition system 3 2 5 Secondary display A Depending on the setting chosen by pressing the Secondary Function Capture button it displays maximum readings RPM or spark KVolt with measurement units and or function selected 3 2 6 Secondary display B Depending on the setting chosen by pressing the Secondary Function Capture button it displays minimum readings RPM or spark burn time with measurement units and or function selected Note RPM measurements in the secondary displa
3. in each cylinder Comparing spark KVolt between cylinders may be used to diagnose common problems like misfires broken spark plug wires etc However spark KVolt values may vary widely are less consistent and not always indicative of a properly working ignition system 3 4 2 Measuring Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug ignition systems 1 Turn the instrument on Ignition coil under test 2 If not already in COP mode select it by pressing the gnition System button 3 Select the number of cycles for the engine under measurement by pressing the Engine Cycles button repeatedly until the display shows the correct setting Fig 5 Avoiding interference by shielding nearby ignition coils Page 7 Page 8 3 4 2 Spark plug wire ignition systems 1 Turn the instrument on 2 If not already in SPW Spark Plug Wire mode select it by pressing the Ignition System button 3 Select the number of cycles for the engine under measurement by pressing the Engine Cycles button repeatedly until the display shows the correct setting 4 Select the measurement to show in the main display RPM spark burn time or spark KVolt 5 Select the mode for the secondary display Minimum and Maximum of the main display or the complementary measurements 6 Place the capacitive pickup over one of the spark plug wires and proceed to read the measurement on the display Capacitive pick up at 90 Capacitive pick up parallel A
4. of the unit will void the warranty 6 WARRANTY With the exception of the battery this instrument is warranted against defects of material or workmanship which develop within a period of one 1 year following the date of purchase by the original owner For details see our Standard Warranty Information on our web page at www gtc ca or you may request a printed copy Page 14 Part TA500MN1104EN To visit our website scan the QR code below with your smart phone Or type in your browser www gtc ca P LITE General Technologies Corp 121 7350 72nd Street Tel 604 952 6699 Delta BC Fax 604 952 6690 Canada V4G 1H9 email info gtc ca 2010 General Technologies Corp Printed in Canada SmarTach V Ready and GTC are trademarks of General Technologies Corp
5. plastic enclosure by pulling from the bottom of the holster as shown in the illustration Fig 9 2 Push the rubber holster forward until the battery compartment cover is exposed 3 Slide open battery cover located at the back of the unit 4 Connect the new battery observing the polarity of the battery connectors 5 Replace battery cover and rubber holster 4 Press the Power On Off Reset button on the TA500 until the display turns on If the display does not turn on check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary To turn the unit off press and hold the Power On Off Reset button again until the display turn off 5 2 Cleaning Keep the instrument in its carrying case when not in use and do not subject itto dampness or severe heat or cold Do not use the instrument in the rain if it should accidentally get wet dry it off with a clean paper towel before storing it away Protect the unit from contact with any solvents Never clean with a solvent or petroleum based medium such as gasoline as these chemicals may attack the plastic parts and cause permanent damage Never use an abrasive cleaner Cleaning should be limited to wiping with a clean damp paper towel and a small amount of soap if required Dry the unit thoroughly after any cleaning The unit is a sealed instrument and contains no user serviceable parts other than the battery which can be replaced by opening the drawer on the back of the unit Opening other parts
6. wires distributor cap ignition coil ignition module and all other 6 Place the capacitive pick up yellow tip of the probe as shown in Fig 4 below over ignition system parts for damage or leaks and avoid using this instrument in one of the ignition modules searching for the position that produces a stable RPM or case any damage or leaks are found Never touch the capacitive pick up or spark burn time reading flexible probe during a test Wear insulating gloves when working around high voltage and hot parts and keep away from moving parts fan drive belts etc and hot objects exhaust manifold and pipes muffler catalytic converter etc 7 If this is the first measurement taken in the engine then proceed to calibrate the spark KVolt measurement first following the procedure in 3 3 4 Main Function Calibrate button as this calibration value will be used as a reference value to compare the 3 4 1 TA500 measuring functions spark KVolt reading between all the coil on plug or coil near plug modules The TA500 has specially dedicated modes for use in the diagnostics and 8 Place the capacitive pick up over the ignition modules and read the measurements troubleshooting of Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug ignition technology and for systems in the display using spark plug wires These special modes compensates for differences in signal strength and waveform patterns between ignition systems Capacitive pickup The TA500 can meas
7. 3 seconds Calibration is disable when in SPW mode Page 5 3 3 5 Secondary Function Capture button Press this button momentarily to change what is displayed in the two secondary displays The are two possible choices the two measurements not shown in the main display or the Maximum and Minimum readings of the main display e Pressing and holding this button for three seconds enables Capture mode which measures and holds the maximum readings To exit this mode press the Secondary Function Capture button momentarily again 3 3 6 Main and Secondary Functions display combinations 4 Cycles CaP t Cycles OP Peak Voltage IN MAX 9 AN 96 KVolt um i60 130 one ID lou OU Main Function Calibrate 4 Cycles CoP 4 Cycles CoP 9380 130 IN g n are A Burn Time 1 n MIN gun Capture 8 mS nn gt N Du Du Main Function Calibrate 4 Cycles CoP t Cycles OP IN MAX q 5 A 95 D KVolt u 690 fave id 110 130 Fig 3 Examples of Main and Secondary Functions combinations Page 6 3 4 Measurement Procedures 4 Select the measurement to show in the main display RPM spark burn time or spark KVolt CAUTION 5 Select the mode for the secondary display Minimum and Maximum of the main display To avoid personal injuries and damage to the instrument carefully inspect the or the complementary measurements spark plug
8. Minimum and Maximum readings press the Power On Off Reset button momentarily These values are also reset when turning the unit on Note For the tachometer function RPM all Minimum and Maximum readings on the secondary displays are shown with the last digit rounded to 0 3 5 2 Spark KVolt calibration function For COP mode only The TA500 requires the user to calibrate the instrument in order to measure spark KVolt in Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug ignition systems This calibration uses the measurement values obtained during the procedure to find the optimal measuring parameters or a particular type of ignition module and compensates for differences in waveform and signal strength Once the TA500 has been calibrated on one of the ignition modules of the engine being diagnosed all the subsequent measurement of spark KVolt will be relative to the calibration value To calibrate the TA500 follow the procedure as described in 3 4 2 Measuring Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug ignition systems 4 Cycles OP m AN Burn Time RPM mS Flashing letters LAL Fig 7 Display during calibration Notes Immediately after calibration the TA500 will display a baseline value of 10 0 Spark KVolt by default All the spark KVolt measurements obtained thereafter would be relatives to the value module used for calibration Calibration does not have any effect on spark burn time or RPM mea
9. Most likely due to leaking fuel injector or faulty oxygen sensor Low cylinder compression pressure Could be caused by leaking valves worn piston rings blown cylinder head gasket etc Page 12 4 4 Common causes of short burn time readings e Spark plug worn or gap too wide Spark plug connector damaged loose or disconnected Excessive resistance in the ignition coil primary circuit e Lean mixture 4 5 Common causes of low spark KVolt readings e Shorted dirty or too small spark plug gap e Dirty or damaged spark plug insulator boot allowing spark tracking across insulator Broken core in spark plug wire Break is located between the distributor or DIS coil and the test point e Short circuit disconnection or partial disconnection between the distributor or DIS coil and spark plug wire e Rich mixture Most likely due to leaking fuel injector or faulty oxygen sensor e Low cylinder compression pressure Could be caused by leaking valves worn piston rings blown cylinder head gasket etc 4 6 Common causes of high spark KVolt readings Spark plug worn or gap too wide e Spark plug connector damaged loose or disconnected Broken core in spark plug wire Break is located between the spark plug and the test point Lean mixture Page 13 5 MAINTENANCE 2 1 Battery replacement lt lt Fig 9 Battery replacement To replace the internal battery 1 Release the rubber holster from
10. User s Handbook IA500 SmarTach COP Multisystem Ignition Analyzer Table of contents 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2 1 General Specifications 1 Safety Rules Page 1 2 Technical Specifications Page 2 Display LCD 4 digits main display 2 x 3 digits for secondary displays eee indicators for low battery number of cycles ignition system 2 1 General specifications Page 2 3 PEN functions and measurement units 2 2 Electrical specifications Page 2 3 Operation Page 3 Update rate 3 per second for LCD 3 1 Instrument description Page 3 Ignition system comp Coil on plug coil near plug DIS conventional and magneto 3 2 LCD Display Page 3 Engine cycles 2 and 4 cycles and DIS 3 3 Buttons description and operation Page 5 p Volt batt t MN1604 3 4 Measurement procedures Page 7 ek ca bit 3 5 Additional functions Page 10 Auto power off Automatically powers off after 3 min of no operation 4 Application information Page 12 Battery life Approximately 20 hours w alkaline battery 4 1 Taking measurements Page 12 Probe length 13 5 34 cm Including capacitive pick up 4 2 Diagnostic using spark KV and burn time Page 12 Dimensions 6 x 4 x 1 5 158 x 100 x 37 mm without antenna 4 3 Common causes of long burn time or low spark KV Page 12 4 i 4 4 Common causes of short burn time or high spark KV Page 13 Weight Approximately 14 Oz or 406 g Including battery 5 Maintenance Page 14 Included accessories Padded hard carry
11. e pick up or the flexible probe Spark bum f Do not connect or apply more than 42 VDC or any AC current directly to the capacitive time Accuracy EoI ms pick up or the flexible probe e Atall times to avoid electrical shock use CAUTION when working with electrical circuits above 60V DC or 25V AC rms Such voltages pose a shock hazard Do not operate this instrument with the battery cover off e To avoid electrical shock or damage to the instrument do not exceed the specified input limits Exceeding the limits listed above when using this apparatus or not observing the precautions listed above can expose you to physical injury and permanently damage your instrument and or parts and components of the vehicle under test Page 2 3 OPERATION 3 1 Instrument Description Capacitive pick up N Flexible probe oO Protective rubber holster LCD Display Power ON OFF Reset button on A Secondary Function Capture button Ignition System button 0 Main Function Calibrate button 9 Engine Cycles button Fig 1 Instrument description 3 2 LCD Display 3 2 1 LCD Display description Number of cycles Low battery indicator ES t Cycles OP AN 1399 Spark detected fM RPM U Ignition System Secondary display A n Eu SEN Se 4 ogg Secondary display B function n m n Main display LI LJ L Fig 2
12. eck the RPM 4 2 Diagnostic using spark burn time and spark KVolt readings Small variations in spark burn time and spark KVolt readings from cylinder to cylinder are normal and do not indicate any problem For diagnostic purposes the attention should be focused on SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES in readings most likely caused by problems in the engine or the ignition system itself Important The RPM and spark burn time displayed by the TA500 are absolute measurements Spark KVolt is a relative measurement and should be used only to compare between ignition modules or spark plug wires in the same engine In COP mode always perform a calibration of the spark KVolt in one of the ignition modules as described in 3 4 2 Measuring Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug ignition systems before proceeding to measure and compare results between cylinders When measuring on spark plug wires SPW mode the placement of the capacitive pick up along the spark plug wire will also cause some variation due to the internal resistance or impedance of the spark plug wire For example if the capacitive pick up is placed on the spark wire near the distributor or the DIS coil voltage reading will be higher than if placed near the spark plug 4 3 Common causes of long burn time readings Shorted dirty or too small spark plug gap Dirty or damaged spark plug insulator or boot allowing spark tracking across insulator e Rich mixture
13. ing case user s manual rubber holster and 1 x 9 Volt alkaline battery 5 1 Battery replacement Page 14 5 2 Cleaning Page 14 2 2 Electrical Specifications 6 Warranty Page 14 e The specifications below are typical at 23 C and will vary slightly from device to device and with temperature The input voltage should not exceed the indicated maximum 1 SAFETY RULES values to prevent personal injury or damage to the instrument e This instrument is designed for indoor use at temperatures between 32 and 104 F 0 C Function Measurement Accuracy Repetitivity Input and 40 C and altitudes up to 6500 ft 2 000 meters Range Characteristics To ensure that the instrument is used safely follow all safety and operating instructions in this operation manual If the instrument is not used as described in this operation 200 to 19999 RPM A 05 1 LSD manual the safety features of this instrument may be impaired 2 and 4 cycles and DIS ER 0 f Input Impedance Do not use the instrument if the instrument the capacitive pick up or the flexible probe 100KQ 1 5 nF looks damaged or if you suspect that the instrument is not operating properly Minimum e When using the instrument keep away from moving parts fan drive belts etc and hot Repeatability 3 1 LSD pee T Atn nput Protection objects exhaust pipes muffler catalytic converter etc to avoid personal injuries and 42 VDC Max damage to the instrument the capacitiv
14. selected setting will be shown on the display e SPW Spark Plug Wire Use this setting for all ignition systems equipped with high voltage spark plug wires e g Conventional distributor magneto distributorless or waste spark ignition systems e COP Coil On Plug Use this setting for ignition systems in which the ignition coil is mounted near or directly on top of the spark plug 3 3 3 Engine Cycles button e Press the Engine Cycles button to select the number of cycles for the engine under measurement Each time the button is pressed the number of cycles will change between 2 cycles 4 cycles and DIS settings The selected setting will show on the display For SPW Spark Plug Wire measurements mode it can be set to 2 or 4 cycles or DIS Distributorless or waste spark ignition system For COP Coil on Plug measurement mode it can be set to 2 or 4 cycles 3 3 4 Main Function Calibrate button Press this button to change which measurement is shown in the main large display There are three measurements to choose from RPM spark burn time and spark KVolt Every time this button is pressed momentarily the measurement changes from one function to the next Press and hold this button for three seconds to start the automatic calibration of the unit to the COP module type being measured While calibrating the display will flash CAL and will return to normal after the procedure is completed in about
15. sured values these are absolute If the TA500 is calibrated again the Spark KVolt values obtained before and after calibration may not be comparable If not calibrated the TA500 may show a false 0 0 Spark KVolt reading when measuring spark KVolt on Coil on Plug and Coil near Plug systems Page 10 3 5 2 Capture function For COP and SPW modes The capture function is used to measure and hold maximum spark KVolt and spark burn time readings This function is most useful when performing a no start test or when measuring ignition modules in places in which it is difficult to position the capacitive pick up over the module and read the display at the same time To use the capture mode 1 Follow the directions in 3 4 Measurement Procedures to setup the TA500 2 Press and hold the Secondary Function Capture button for approximately 3 seconds until a flashing CAP appears in the secondary display A 3 To exit the capture mode press the Secondary Function Capture button momentarily again t Cycles COP iN LAP L3 Flashing letters g TR Fig 8 Typical display in capture mode Notes The capture function holds the maximum spark KVolt and spark burn time displayed measured values The values held while in capture mode can be reset by pressing the Power ON OFF Reset button momentarily When in capture mode only the Power ON OFF Reset and Secondar
16. ure the following Coil on Plug module Engine RPM Spark burn time and Spark KVolt relative measurement 3 4 1 1 Engine RPM Fig 4 Capacitive pickup on coil on plug module Measures engine RPM in 2 4 cycles and DIS engines and it can be used in Important combination with spark bum time and spark KVoltmeasurements to evaluate the ignition system p en performance at different engine speeds In some engines the ignition modules are located very close together and this may cause the TA500 s capacitive pick up to receive signals from nearby modules which 3 4 1 2 Spark burn firing time may cause false readings To reduce interference from others ignition modules cover completely the nearby ignitions modules with pieces of aluminum foil making sure the aluminum foil is connected to a good electrical ground in the engine e g valves cover mounting The spark burn time also called firing time is the measurement of the time period from the moment that a spark is initiated up to the point when it is extinguished and is the most indicative measurement of performance of the ignition system Abnormally long or short burn times may indicate some problem in the ignition module spark plug fuel mixture bolts cylinder compression etc Nearby ignition coils shielded 3 4 1 2 Spark KVolt with aluminum foil Spark KVolt values are relative measurements useful to compare the performance of the ignition system
17. y Function Capture buttons will remain operative in order to prevent accidental changes in the setup of the TA500 e Upon exiting the capture mode the held values are reset 3 5 3 Auto power off To help prolong battery life the TA500 will automatically turn off after a period of approximately 3 minutes of inactivity A period of inactivity means e No buttons are pressed No measurements are taken Page 11 4 APPLICATION INFORMATION 4 1 Taking measurements 1 Select the ignition system to measure following the instructions in in 3 4 Measurement Procedures 2 Observe the spark burn time and spark KVolt reading of the display Some variations of the readings are normal and reflects actual changes in the spark voltage and burn time in the ignition system 3 Record or memorize the maximum minimum and average reading Repeat the test for each of the spark plug wires or ignition modules of the engine and note any readings that are significantly higher or lower than the average 4 Ignition problems may sometimes appear at higher engine RPM but not at low or idle speed We recommend that measurements be made at idle speed and normal engine operating temperature and then at increasing RPM and up to equivalent of highway speeds typically about 2000 to 2500 RPM Do not exceed maximum permissible red line engine speeds Make all measurements at about the same engine speeds using the TA500 tachometer function to ch
18. ys are shown with the last digit rounded to 0 3 2 7 Main display It is the main display and it can be set to show engine RPM spark KVolt or spark burn time by pressing the Main Function Calibrate button 3 2 8 Functions and measurement units Displays the measurement units and or function of the main display The selected function with measurement units are displayed as follows Spark plug burn time mS Milliseconds Spark KVolt Spark plug peak voltage KVolt 1000 x Volt Page 4 3 3 Buttons description and operation 3 3 1 Power ON OFF and Reset button When the instrument is OFF to turn it ON press and hold the Power ON OFF Reset button until the unit turns on in approximately 1 second When the instrument is ON to turn it OFF press and hold the Power ON OFF Reset button until the display turns OFF in approximately 3 seconds When the instrument is ON press momentarily the Power ON OFF Reset button to reset the Maximum and Minimum and capture values Note To extend battery life the TA500 will automatically turn OFF after 3 minutes of being idle i e no button pressed and no input signal Turning the unit off manually when not in use will prolong battery life 3 3 2 Ignition System button e Press the Ignition System button to select the ignition system measuring mode that matches the ignition system used in the engine being diagnosed as explained below The
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