Content provided in partnership with

Manufacturing Industry

New heavy-duty gauges, switches and sensors from Datcon

Diesel Progress North American Edition, March, 1997

Datcon Instrument Co., Lancaster, Pa., recently introduced several new products including a line of 12/24 V, heavy-duty 2 in. (52 mm) tachometers and speedometers, heavy-duty pressure switches and a new liquid measuring system (LMS).

The new tachometers and speedometers are designed for applications with space limitations. The gauges are suitable for use with gasoline engines with battery, electronic or magneto ignition, diesel engines with alternator, magnetic pick-up or pulse generator type signals, and marine outboard engines with direct crankshaft driven alternators. The speedometers are compatible with any input source, the company said.

Most Popular Articles in Business: Research and Markets : Tesco Plc - SWOT Framework Analysis; Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerry's Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors; eBay made easy: ready to start an eBay business? These 5 simple steps will ...; Katrina's lawsuit surge: a legal battle to force insurers to pay for flood ...; Wal-Mart's newest distribution center opened last month near the southwest ...; More »

Both gauges feature surface mount technology, circuit board design intended to provide increased sensitivity and flexibility for accommodating different signal inputs and dual voltage capability, according to the company. The units are rated at [+ or -] 2 percent full-scale accuracy over the full sweep of the dial and both comply with SAE J1399 and SAE J1226 standards. Both also utilize Datcon's Magna-Torque aircore movement with heavier-wound, sealed bobbins designed for accuracy, response and stability. Black or polished chrome SAE step bezels are available.

The new line of heavy-duty pressure switches are rated at 4 psi and 14 psi and feature a zinc-plated, two-part steel body, zinc-plated and yellow chromate-coated steel parts, a reinforced molded top, a direct action blade contact in silver alloy, nickel-plated brass terminals and stainless steel screws. The mounting thread size is 1/8-27 dryseal NPTF.

While the switches are rated and factory set, they may also be set in the range of 4 to 7 psi or 14 to 20 psi, in either normally opened or closed configurations. Switch set point adjusting screws are factory sealed and the contacts open or close on ascending pressure, depending on type. The electrical circuits are isolated from their steel bases and switch current is rated at 8 amps (12 Vd.c. non-inductive).

Maximum operating pressure is 150 psi and proof pressure is 500 psi. The switches are designed for a temperature range of -40 [degrees] F to 250 [degrees] F. Accuracy ranges from [+ or -] 0.8 psi at 4 psi to [+ or -] 2.5 psi at 14 psi, according to the company.

The new IntelliSensor LMS is designed to accurately measure a tank's liquid level, regardless of tank shape. The unit measures the level of the liquid medium and produces an output signal to drive either an analog gauge or a digital display. The design is such that the unit need only be calibrated to empty and full, all intermediate readings are matched for an infinite number of measurements, the company said. The unit is rated to an accuracy level per SAE J1810 for primary and secondary calibration points.

The unit uses an extruded aluminum housing and the design is engineered to eliminate moving parts, electro-mechanical connections and resistance coils. The electronic assembly is completely potted and hermetically sealed for protection from environmental extremes. The LMS is designed to measure hydrocarbon-based liquids and operate in a temperature range of -40 [degrees] C to 85 [degrees] C or in applications prone to severe shock and vibration in accordance with SAE J 1810, according to the company. It will also provide a stable fuel level signal even with heavy fuel slosh, Datcon said.

There are 18 standard models available in nine sizes ranging from 16.5 in. to 26 in. long, with custom sizes for narrower or deeper tanks available. Options include an electronic low fuel level switch and a 3/8 in. pick-up and return tube installed in the mounting flange through a molded-in channel.

No additional power or wiring is needed to operate the unit which utilizes only the current drawn from the gauge and the same signal and ground leads as conventional fuel level senders. The LMS mounts in the SAE standard opening with a glass-reinforced plastic five-hole flange for easy installation or replacement.

Manufacturing Industry

New heavy-duty gauges, switches and sensors from Datcon

Diesel Progress North American Edition, March, 1997

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Autos

Most Popular Articles in Business

Most Popular Publications in Business