A well charged external 12V battery or power supply can be left connected to the model
VMR6ME
when not in use to ensure that the internal batteries are always charged up. To connect the external
battery, (for VMR6ME, first place the battery selection switch in the 12V battery position), connect the
red alligator clip to the positive terminal and then the black clip to the negative terminal of a charged
12V battery. Then plug the cable set into the VacuumMate (between the rubber hoses). If the input
voltage is below 9Vdc or above 15Vdc or if the connections are incorrect (inverted), the VacuumMate
will not function.
The Low Battery warning LED
(see panel at the bottom of the previous page), will
indicate if the battery or power supply voltage drops below 7V and the LED bars of the display will go
into “dimmed” mode until the voltage level is again satisfactory.
Note
that when powered up, the LED
bars of the display will go automatically into “dimmed” mode in periods of inactivity to conserve energy,
automatically reverting to “bright mode” immediately on resumption of active measurements. When
working on internal battery power, the model
VMR6ME
will automatically switch itself off after 5
minutes of inactivity to conserve the battery. To re-start, move the switch to the left, then right again.
CAUTION!
Connection to an alternating current (AC) input will damage the VacuumMate and may
even cause electric shocks!
Connect ONLY to a 12V battery or suitable regulated power supply.
6. PNEUMATIC CONNECTIONS
To function correctly and give true readings all of the VacuumMate’s hoses & connections must be
absolutely air-tight, including the connections to the adapters and at the connection points on the
engine. Protect the hoses and connection elements from physical damage & stress and before
synchronising conduct visual & pneumatic checks to ensure there are no defects such as holes or cuts
in the hoses.
For ease of replacement the hoses are fitted to external nipples protruding from the enclosure. The
VacuumMate hoses are oil & fuel resistant and any replacement hoses should be of a similar
specification. You are advised to replace hoses only with original VacuumMate replacement hoses,
available individually, order reference VMHOSE (see §
9. SERVICE
).
The SERVICE MANUAL
of the engine manufacturer should indicate where to make the necessary
hose connections on the engine to measure the intake vacuum. In some cases, the rubber hoses can
be fitted directly onto the vacuum connection ports (or nipples) at the manifold once the clips and
rubber sealing plugs are removed. Most engines, however, have vacuum connections plugged with
screws. Connect a rubber tube directly to each 'male' vacuum port (after removing the rubber plug) or
use the
VacuumMate
’s threaded adapters in case of a threaded vacuum port, after removing the
sealing screws. Connection of the channel 1 hose is essential for correct functioning of the displays.
The
VacuumMate
comes with unique and versatile connection adapters. The "flexi-rigid" guide tubes
can be bent slightly. They act as a guide for the plastic tubes within them, which can be rotated for
tightening the thread. This helps to make connections even where the points are hard to reach
*
.
Reverse thread construction at the junction of the plastic tubes & their threaded metal end pieces allow
the unscrewing of the adapters from hot engines without the risk of the metal pieces sticking in the
threaded ports. There are 4 adapters with M5 thread (Honda & Suzuki) & 4 with M6 thread (Kawasaki
& Yamaha). When the adapters are in place, insert the plastic adapter pipe(s) firmly into the rubber
hose(s) of the
VacuumMate.
Some silicone oil (not engine oil ) may help if this seems difficult.
•
*
A useful accessory kit is available, comprising a set of connection aids which are fixed permanently
to the threaded female points on the intake manifold, and terminate in readily accessible metal
nipples sealed off with rubber caps which (on removal) allow the VacuumMate’s rubber hoses to be
pushed directly onto the nipples. These kits are available with M5 & M6 threads with 40 cm of
