Dashboard instrument cluster information

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Casey
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Casey »

All good information James :thumbup:

Odd about the buzzers. There are 2 sound generating devices on the back of the cluster. One is a huge "horn" like device for over-rev warning, the other is a much smaller sounder, which operates on low coolant level (maybe low oil level too). But both operate and sound correct when 12 volt DC is applied, so the presence of that oscillator is weird.

The circuit diagram for US spec cars shows an external oscillator driving a buzzer in the cluster, but as the buzzers I have operate from 12v DC, I had assumed it was one of the many differences between US and UK spec electrical.

I can't say I have spotted that oscillator down there, will take a look when I get back home. Can anyone else confirm they have an oscillator tucked away on the panel in front of the battery location? James' one clearly has "Oscillator" marked on the box, looks a bit like a relay.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Casey »

The low fluid levels warning buzzer on the back of the cluster looks like this:
20240423_111851.jpg
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20240423_111951.jpg
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20240423_112004.jpg
20240423_112004.jpg (123.25 KiB) Viewed 11281 times
It appears there is some sort of electronic circuitry on the PCB in this sounder. I'm presuming this is an oscillator circuit, as application of 12v DC creates the correct sound that I have heard for low coolant level in my S3.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Hobbawobba »

I definitely had an oscillator when I stripped my loom. I can only find a picture of the plug end though. I believe it was located at the passenger side headlight. Next to the horn(?) relay. I'm trying to remember what was where now haha

Image

I don't seem to remember my low coolant or oil level buzzer ever going off. I don't even think my low oil light came on when my rear plate cracked and left 500ml in my sump :shock:
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by gt_james »

My low coolant light definitely works, and I think low oil light works, will check by unplugging the sender wire. For me its just the buzzer that doesn't seem to work. Jesse do you still have your oscillator?

That's the same plug yes.
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Casey »

I'd really love to know where those oscillators fit into the UK model spec electrics. They appear to be unnecessary, given there is an oscillator and sounder on the back of the dash.

The UK spec and US spec cluster PCB's are very different. I'm guessing the US spec "low level" sound emitting component is situated in the large silver "box" to the right of the picture?
UK Spec FB cluster PCB.jpg
UK Spec FB cluster PCB.jpg (126.87 KiB) Viewed 11258 times
US Spec FB cluster PCB.JPG
US Spec FB cluster PCB.JPG (146.79 KiB) Viewed 11258 times
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Casey »

DKWW2000 wrote: Sat Apr 20, 2024 4:07 pm That is most useful, did you come across the trigger for the Over Rev Buzzer, mine has never worked despite checking pins etc?
Another thought on this Pete, but not the most likely cause of no over-rev buzzer. The trigger point is adjustable via a variable resistor, situated on the tacho PCB. With acknowledgement to "Iceman" on the rx7club.com forum:
...The over rev buzzer is adjustable by a pot on the back of the tach.

If you look at the circuit board on the back of the tach (not the gauges, but the actual tach itself- 4 screws and remove it from the gauge assembly to get to the circuit board).

Anyway on the circuit board there is two (yep that is 2) adjustment pots. You want the metal one. Each half turn is worth about 500 RPM.

But do not touch the plastic pot as that adjusts the calibration for the tach itself. Only the metal pot adjusts the calibration of the over rev...
The "metal" pot is VR2 to the left in this pic, just in view. VR1, the "plastic" pot is on the right.
FB Tacho PCB 2.jpg
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KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by Hobbawobba »

gt_james wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:03 am My low coolant light definitely works, and I think low oil light works, will check by unplugging the sender wire. For me its just the buzzer that doesn't seem to work. Jesse do you still have your oscillator?

That's the same plug yes.
It's probably in the RX-7 footwell if you end up at the unit and want to have a look aye. Feel free to take it and send it to Malcolm if he wants :lol: . I don't know if I'll end up reinstalling it or not


Casey wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 2:26 pm I'd really love to know where those oscillators fit into the UK model spec electrics. They appear to be unnecessary, given there is an oscillator and sounder on the back of the dash.
I'm sure I looked in to the wiring when I stripped my loom. But it has been a few years now, I have forgotten everything about it :lol:
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Re: Dashboard instrument cluster information

Post by DKWW2000 »

Thanks Malcolm :clap: , I will have a Fettle, shame it cannot be accessed while in situ.
RX7 FB S3 - RX7 FC TII Vert
Rotaries Previously Owned:-
2 x NSU Ro 80s - 2 x S2 RX7s - Suzuki RE 5 - DKW(Hercules) W2000 - Norton (Krauser) Commander
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