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Tachometer Filter Question

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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 03:31 PM
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Default Tachometer Filter Question

I am hooking up a 75 tachometer to my HEI system. I have read that you need to have a tach filter installed to protect spikes to the tachometer. Can someone tell me what this filter looks like and do I really need it? If I do need it, how do I install it?
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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 06:59 PM
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A tach filter is "installed between the Tachometer and the Ignition Trigger Source (usually the coil) this filter traps, redirects, and dissipates the high voltage spikes and surges that are emitted by any late-model high-energy ignition system. Also modifies the sharp up-and-down spikes into a semi-square wave signal for steady pointer readings and faster pointer response."

Here's what is looks like and where to buy one (among several online stores):

Tach filter at Ecklers

Here's one that looks more like the original and for less $$:

Tach filter at eGauges.com

Check some of the other CF supporting members. I'm sure several carry them.

I've read reports of the tach acting crazy without one.
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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by MN80Vette
A tach filter is "installed between the Tachometer and the Ignition Trigger Source (usually the coil) this filter traps, redirects, and dissipates the high voltage spikes and surges that are emitted by any late-model high-energy ignition system. Also modifies the sharp up-and-down spikes into a semi-square wave signal for steady pointer readings and faster pointer response."

Here's what is looks like and where to buy one (among several online stores):

Tach filter at Ecklers

Here's one that looks more like the original and for less $$:

Tach filter at eGauges.com

Check some of the other CF supporting members. I'm sure several carry them.

I've read reports of the tach acting crazy without one.
I'm sure they are both fine, electrically, neither one is correct in appearance....

and yes without it, you are going to get silly readings...

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Old Feb 16, 2010 | 02:49 PM
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Haven't had a filter on for the last 10 years and tach has operated fine.

Guess I have been lucky.
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Old Feb 16, 2010 | 06:26 PM
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I ran without one for a while because I couldn't find one. (That was about 8 years ago.) I noticed the needle wasn't as steady as tachs on my other vehicles, but that's not why I put one back on. A C3 owner at a local Corvette show thought that not having one could affect the printed circuit board in the dash, but he didn't know for sure. I still don't know if the printed circuit has anything to do with the tach, but I certainly didn't want another problem on top of the hundreds I didn't expect in the first place. I noticed, however, that the tach is very steady with a filter in the circuit.
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Old Feb 16, 2010 | 07:20 PM
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The reproduction tach filter is listed in the forum special section of our site at this link.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=26320

You can run the tach without the filter, but you are also susceptible to interference from HEI and the square signal.

If you want to see an original filter, I just posted a video above and I actually had one sitting on the bench and held it up.. pretty clear view.

Willcox Inc.
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Old Feb 16, 2010 | 07:59 PM
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I replaced the filter on my 1979 works well. I replaced the Ignition system to a MSD. Do not need it any more. It is disconnected and still on the Intake. Send me your address and I will send it to you. If it dose not work you are out nothing. It will just endup in the trash, otherwise. cleonwingard@hotmail.com
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