FAQ motoscope light


In the following you will find a collection of different questions and answers that are asked frequently in regard to the motoscope light.

Why is the instrument called 'motoscope light' ?
Yes, it is very light, but that is not the reason for the term "light". The motoscope light has, does notunlike to the previous version "the motoscope", offer functions such as water temperature, oil temperature and oil pressure. Instead of "the motoscope" now we offer the more inexpensive motoscope light. Nevertheless, sometime in the future we want to develop another instrument with different temperature indications.

How do I know, which kind of ignition my bike has?
Almost all street bikes have transistorized ignition systems, no matter whether they are analog or digital. Such ignition systems are recognizable by the negative terminals of the ignition coils (primary circle), which are switched by the ignition itself, whereas the positive terminals of the coils are connected permanently to the positive terminals of the on-bord electrical system (e.g. via the ignition lock).
Capacitor Discharge Ignitions (CDI) are only used at Motocross bikes, Enduros, Quads, two-strokes engines and smaller bikes. In such cases, the ignition coils are connected permanently with the positive terminal of the vehicle, and the positive input of the ignition coils are connected with the ignition unit.

My manual states something about CDI, but I have a street bike. What does this mean?
Some Japanese manufacturers call their ignitions 'CDI- units' (e.g. Computer Digital Ignition) or something similar. This is often confusing because they mean usually that the bike has a digital igniting system. This is not a real CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) but nevertheless a transistorized ignition system. So be careful with such contractions. We recommend to use the method described above.

Are the LEDs, the LCD, and the housings available also in other colours? And what about specially customzied instruments?
No, they aren't. Sorry, we do not offer such devices. Unfortunately, customizing is not possible We try to design the instruments as universally as possible in order to make them usable for most purposes. But unfortunately, we cannot satisfy all wishes.

Is a temperature or a gear indication possible?
Temperature it isn't possible at that moment. Gear indication is always build in. You just have to activate it and 'teach' the gear ratio once.

Is the instrument available with an integrated clock/real time?
No, it isn't at that moment. Perhaps something like that will be developed later.

How do I mount the motoscope light to my vehicle?
We offer different mounting brackets in appropriate standard colours and designs. The mounting brackets are designed in a way that makes installation on almost any motorcycle/Quad/vehicle very easy. They have to be cut only on one side to a suitable lngth and two holes have to be drilled in order to fasten them to the vehicle.

Are prefabricated mounting brackets or plug connectors available especially for my vehicle?
No, they aren't - the motoscope light is an universally adaptable instrument and therefore, the last mounting steps must be carried out directly on the vehicle. However, this is easy. Otherwise, most motorcycle shops will do this for you.

Do I need a good knowledge of electrics or electronics in order to connect the motoscope light?
No, you don't. Basic knowledge is sufficient. The motoscope light has one connection cable with 6 wires. Two wires are for voltage supply, one for the signal input of the speedometer, one for the signal input of the rev counter and one wire goes to the push button; additionally 2 wires come from the speedo sensor. That's it!. There is also one additional cable of the gear shift light exit.

How do I connect the different cables correctly?
The motoscope light comes with a 6pin plug connector and we offer further sets of plug connectors. Of course, it is also possible to solder all cables and insulate them with heat shrink tubing.

How long are the connection cables?
Have a look at the respective product specification.

What kind of menu button should I use and where should I mount it? Actually, all that matters is that it has to be a non-locking switch. As there is almost no current flow through the switch its size is insignificant. That means miniature buttons can be used. The instrument comes with a push button mini. It is very small but not really water resistant. We recommend to mount the push button on the handlebar in order to be able to operate the device during the ride.

How does the instrument get tuned for the costumers vehicle?
All specific values of the vehicle, such as the wheel circumference, the impulses per wheel turn, the ignition impulses per crankshaft turn, etc. get adjusted in the setup menu by pushing only one button. At the first look, these operations seem to be a little bit complicated, but the process is very straightforward and logical and once it is understood all operations are very simple.

How do I get the wheel circumference (CIRC) for the speedometer calibration?
Some tyre manufacturers give the wheel circumference of their tyres on their web sites or in tyre catalogues. Please see their website or ask your tyre dealer. An easy way of calculating the wheel circumference is to put a string or thin wire around the tyre and measure it. The following method takes more time but is more exact: make a marking on your tyre flank and a congruent marking on the ground. Then move the motorcycle on an strait line until ten marks have touched the ground. Subsequently, mark the last touch on the Ground. Devide the distance covered by 10.

Can I use an original electronic speedo sensor?
Maybe. If your sensor output is between +6V and +12V (positive!) it should work. Usually you will need to use a ballast resistor of 2200 Ohm at your electronic sensor. This is supplied with the instrument. Please see manual for connection.

Do all settings remain in memory after disconnecting the power supply?
Yes, they do. The instrument doesn't need a power supply in order to keep the stored values. It also doesn't need internal batteries. The instrument is turned on/off together with the on board power supply. Therefore, no energy is consumed in the "off"-turned state.

Is it possible to adjust the total odometer setting by myself?
Yes. You can change it in the setup menu.

I have found some sub-points in the setup menu that aren't described in the manual. What does that mean?
You may have a manual of a different software version. Make sure you have the manual with the description of the correct speedo sensor.

Are the instruments waterproof?
The motoscope light and the motosign are water- and dust proofed. DO NOT CLEAN the instruments directly with a high pressure steam cleaner.

Can I open the instrument?
No, do not open the device! If you attempt to open the instrument, the outer and inner seals will be destroyed and any warranty by motogadget will be invalidated. In such cases repair work by motogadget will be charged to the customer.

Is the instrument vibration proof?
Usually, there are no problems with vibrations. Of course, this depends to some extend on the kind and strength of the occuring vibrations. That meanes, the quality of the vibrations are important. High-frequency vibrations can be more damaging to the material more than low-frequency vibrations (like e.g. MotoGuzzi). Each vehicle owner should decde for themselves, based on evidence including, whether he/she frequently detects cracks on fasteners or if light bulbs are requiring frequent replacement. Of course, where the instrument is installed, and the kind of mount are very important. In order to reduce stresses due to strong vibrations we recommend rubber elements that isolate the instrument from the motocycle frame. Washers of synthetic materials/rubber or sound-deadening blocks are suitable aids.

Is the instrument scratch resistant?
The surface of the instrument is as scratch resistant as any other anodized aluminium surface. The cover above the LCD is also very resistant to mechanical stresses. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend you protect the housing against aggressive chemicals, mechanical wear, rockfalls, sharp objects etc.

How can I clean the instrument?
The instruments should be cleaned as gently as possible without using aggressive chemicals, steam cleaners and hard brushes. We recomment dishwashing liquid and soft cloth. The colour of the housing can be brightened up very well with silicone spray or WD 40. Additionally, these sprays can protect the devices against dirt.

What is the gear shift light actually do?
A gear shift light shows optically the optimal timing for gear shifting based on a preadjusted engine speed. It can as well used as a warning light against 'unhealthy' engine speeds.

It`s a pity, that the motoscope light has no indicator lamps integrated. Do I have to construct something by my own?
To keep the motoscope light as small as possible, we have decided not to integrated indicator lamps. Therefore we offer the 'motosign' as an optional accessory. It fits perfectly with the motoscope light in its proportion and design. We offer as well suitable mounting brackets for a perfect combination of both instruments. For product specifications see also 'motosign' and 'accessories' pages.

How can I protect the instrument from theft?
In order to protect the instrument from easy theft we offer special fastening screws, the so called 'Security-Kit'. If you want to undo these screws you need a special tool, which is part of the kit.

Why is the LCD a little slow during winter time?
The reaction speed of liquid crystals decelerate at low temperatures. This effect is not destructive or a malfunction and disappears at higher temperatures.

What is the operating temperature range of the device?
The most temperature-sensitive component in the motoscope light is the display. The liquid crystals can be damaged at very low or very high temperatures: Therefore, the instrument shouldn't be exposed to temperatures below -20 ° degrees Celsius or higher than +80° Celsius.

I have bought a motoscope light with an older software version and less functions. Is an update possible?
An update is possible with most of the instruments, but we have to charge money for the software updating and for the work involved. Please ask for details and give us the serial number, which is engraved on the back side of the instrument casing. In order to update the instrument it has to be shipped to motogadget. Generally, we recommend insured shipping.

I'm a Harley/Buell (TM) owner. Can I use the original speedometer sensor at the transmission exit of my bike?
Yes, you can use it if your speedo sensor is 12V. If you have a 5V feed it is not possible. Then you have to use the delivered sensor. Or use the m-CAN (not available for Buell yet).

The speed indication doesn't indicate correctly or jumps. Why is this?
This can be from different causes. A technical defect is not very probable since all instruments are tested comprehensively before shipping. The same is true for the high-quality approximation sensor, which is also subject to quality control by the manufacturer. A frequent reason for malfunction is often a bad adjustment of the sensor/magnet or a unstable bracket for the sensor or a broken cable of the sensor. Please be careful when wiring the 12V feed. We recommend a fuse.

The engine speed indication jumps or doesn't indicate constantly. What can I do?
This can occur for different reasons: On the one hand, EMI (electromagnetic interference) can disturb the signal, and on the other hand, the ignition signal itself may contain interference. We strongly recommend the use use spark plugs (and cables) with interference suppressors. If necessary, check and change the layout of the connection cables and signal wires and avoid as far as possible running wires near ignition coils or spark plug leads. If the disturbances occur within the signal itself, you can adjust this in the set-up menu in the sub-point INPF by changing the setting from "A" to "B", "C", "D" that changes the signal filter. Depending on vehicle model, you may be able to connect the signal wire directly to a special engine speed signal exit at the igniting box itself. Make a test by using this signal exit instead of connecting the signal wire with the ignition coil or vice versa.

The engine speed indication reports approximately the double/half value. What is this due to?
In this case the value 'IMPE' is not chosen suitably in the set-up menu, which has to be adjusted for each vehicle. Please pay also attention for the correct setting of the speed scale in the sub-menue 'SCAL'.

The rev counter shows nothing at all. What is this due to?
Perhaps you don't have a incomaptible ignition. Make sure which ignition your vehicle has (transistorized or CDI). If you have a CDI you have to use the ignition signal trigger unit (see Products/Sensors). Also see corresponding points above. You may also have attached the device incorrectly. Check whether the engine speed signal cable for transistorized ignition systems is attached to the negative terminal of the ignition coil. You can check the function of the rev counter, by repeatedly connecting the yellow signal cable quickly, for a short time with the ground or negative terminal of the vehicle. This way you will trigger a kind of signal frequency that activate the rev counter, which results in visible numbers on the display. Before doing this, we recomment to run a complete 'RESET' of the device.

I own a Suzuki Bandit or something similar and the rev counter doesn't go to its maximum. Why is this?
If the signal wire is connected to the output of the igniting box where normally the original rev counter was connected, it may happen that the engine speed indication will freeze or stick at an certain engine speed. In such a case simply connect the signal wire with the ignition coil as described in the manual. With that the problem should be solved.











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