VoDelrio22
Mechanical vs. Stepper Motor Gauges: What type is right for me?
Inside the auto gauges world there are a wide variety of gauge functions, probably the most popular ones are boost gauges, oil pressure gauges, fuel pressure gauges and exhaust temperature gauges. Within these different functions there also exist several types of gauges: mechanical, short-sweep electric, full-sweep electric (also called stepper motor) and digital. For that purpose of this short article I want to just give attention to two: mechanical and stepper motor gauges.
Mechanical Gauges
auto meter gauge - Mechanical gauges are the simplest kind of auto gauge; they receive raw input via pressure. That pressure may be delivered as air or a type of liquid for example oil or coolant. When pressure is detected by the gauge the needle actuates towards the correct measurement reading on the dial. Nylon or steel braided hoses are generally used to deliver the air or liquid for the gauge.
Stepper Motor Gauges
Most stepper motor gauges are operated by digitally controlled stepper motor drives that allow the gauge to detect the most minimal modifications in pressure and deliver an incredibly precise reading. Unlike mechanical gauges, stepper motor gauges often have two components: the gauge itself along with a “sending unit”. The work of the sending unit is to hook up to the pressure source, detect the stress and send a sign with that information to the gauge therefore it can be shown on the dial.
Which do I choose?
Since we know the differences between the two kinds of gauges, your following question is probably: how do you pick which suits me? While I can’t decide for you personally, I will provide you with some benefits and drawbacks. Mechanical gauges require very little maintenance and therefore are an easy task to install. They simply require an electrical source to function if you wish to possess a back-lit illuminated light for night time driving. You need to operate a nylon or steel braided tube from the firewall to the pressure source. There are less moving parts inside a mechanical gauge and my experience continues to be they indeed last a life span. Furthermore, also, they are significantly cheaper than stepper motor gauges; however are much less accurate. Stepper motor gauges provide the most accurate measurements you may get, but you pay a greater premium for their accuracy. Replacing stepper motor sending units is a possibility depending you intend to possess the gauge installed, remember this.
Bottom line: if you’re not racing professionally, or you’re not the kind of racer who will need to have the best, go with a mechanical gauge.
