Speedometer installation

[Dango]

I have an '87 Yamaha Pro 50 on a Whaler. I want to install a speedometer. I have figured out all of the wiring except for the lead wire that goes from the speedometer to the ignition (ign) post on my ignition switch. My switch is completely sealed and I cannot get at the post. Where can I find the appropriate ignition wire to finish the job?

 

[DJ]

Re: Speedometer installation

I'm having difficulty understanding why you would want to hook a speedo to the ignition? <br /><br />Are you sure the terminal you mentioned is not for the back lighting? If so, just hook it to the back light terminal on another guage.

 

[Dango]

Re: Speedometer installation

I don't have any other gauges I can hook up to. If you could, checl out the wiring diagram on this pdf and this will explain what I need to do. Like I said, I have all other wires figured out except the lead to the ign. Thanks!<br /><br /> http://www.tflx.com/PDF/99363.pdf

 

[DJ]

Re: Speedometer installation

Dango,<br /><br />Aha! Now I see, that's a paddle wheel type of speedo. It needs electrical power.<br /><br />I don't know how involved you want to get with this.<br /><br />I assume you have a self contained control box (shift/throttle/choke-primer/key switch, etc)?<br /><br />If you have a seperate ignition switch, it's easy, just identify a pole that is energized with the key on. I'll bet you already knew that.<br /><br />If your ignition switch is in the control box, you have two choices.<br /><br />1. Split the box and find a lead that is only hot with the switch on. Attach there.<br /><br />2. Run a wire back to the motor and attach a lead to the "switched" side of the starter solonoid. That lead will only be hot with the key on-not start.

 

[Dango]

Re: Speedometer installation

Thanks for your input. I was going to try your option #1, however, there is no room whatsoever to do any splicing inside the control box and there is a maze of wires coming out (with multiple splices/incorrect wire color match-ups etc. from the previous owner- major fisherman- major gadgets.) Maybe I'll call on an electrician

 

[DJ]

Re: Speedometer installation

DAngo,<br /><br />Use option number two or,<br /><br />Install a switch and terminal block on the dash with leads going directly to the battery. Then you can run anything you want. You'll just need to remember to turn the switch off when you put the boat away.

 

[Dango]

Re: Speedometer installation

Thanks for another good idea. The only problem with another switch is that there is one already for the duel speed on the meter- troll and cruise - and this 13 foot Whaler doesn't have any room for another switch!!

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: Speedometer installation

There should also be a switched B+ on the Tacho head as well????<br /><br />peter

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Speedometer installation

I wanted to read my paddlewheel speed while I was trolling or in the hog line, so I put the gauge in the false transom ahead of the motors (I wanted to read trolling speed while looking at the back of the boat). There's no switch for the speedo, of course.<br />Hooked mine up to the same wires leading to the bait well pump. It gets turned on & off automatically when I turn the battery switch, and works off of which ever battery is on at the time. <br />These paddlewheel speedometers draw so little power you can hook it up to almost any hot wire (I would recommend against any running light leads for safety purposes), and any device will also have a ground wire as well.

 

[Dango]

Re: Speedometer installation

Thank you. There is a switch for this speedo. It is a dual speedo- troll and cruise. I need to run a light for night cruises so I ran a lead. Capn Mike, what is the safety concern with this?<br /><br />I found the ignition line with the help of a marine electrician. We soldered the ign lead to it and this speedo is up and functioning perfectly.<br /><br />Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Speedometer installation

I should have been more clear; I'm saying don't hook up any other appliance or device to the same circuit that controls your running lights. You don't want to take the chance of blowing that fuse while you're out at night. If you ran the light for your speedo to the running light circuit, that would usually be fine, but it wouldn't hurt to double check that circuit's fuse capacity.<br />Sounds like you did it correctly; the ignition line is fine and depending upon which side of the switch, is regulated by a circuit breaker or hefty fuse. And if you ran the speedo light to the same circuit, it's OK....mine stays on whenever there's power to the speedo and in 2 years, the bulb hasn't worn out.

 

[Dango]

Re: Speedometer installation

Gotcha. Thanks again.