Healtech Electronics go the extra mile

[slofox]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for this plug, but here goes anyway.

I have put up with the highly inaccurate speedo on the gixxer for six months but am still not happy with it. So I decided to install a HealTech speedohealer to fix things up.

Bought it online from AMC. Arrived and I fitted it but it failed the install test and just wouldn't work. I contacted AMC and they put me in touch directly with HealTech.

After a few tests, HealTech suggested I swap out the unit via AMC. Which I duly did.

The new unit behaved exactly as the old one did - failed the install test and would not work. Took it to Boyds and they couldn't figure it either.

I got back to HealTech who suggested a series of voltage measurements which I took and reported back to them. The last test failed. I repeated the test with the same fail result. Which I duly reported back to HealTech.

Got another email today. They are airmailing a total new unit out to me from Hungary - one with a component change that might solve the problem. No cost to me. They have asked me to ship the current one back to them with them covering the freight. They want to pull it to bits to see just what is wrong, so as to avoid any future problems of the same nature. They have also offered me a FI tuner pro at half price should I want one - by way of compensation for my inconvenience.

Throughout this whole exchange, I have been very impressed with the care and concern HealTech have shown towards righting the problem. The dealings have been professional, supportive and very quickly executed - no delays or mucking about. I feel that they have gone to great lengths to keep a remote customer on the far side of the world satisfied.

Full marks HealTech. Highly recommended company.

[avgas]

I would type up a friendly email stating how happy you are with the service, and sending it to them stating "Feel free to use this in any marketing medium you wish - you guys are the best"

[slofox]

I would type up a friendly email stating how happy you are with the service, and sending it to them stating "Feel free to use this in any marketing medium you wish - you guys are the best"

Already done that - sent them a cc of the OP

[NZsarge]

Full marks HealTech. Highly recommended company.

On them, that's some pretty decent service I reckon.

[slofox]

UPDATE:


The new unit they sent, with the changed component, also failed the install test.

HealTech asked me to do more tests with the voltmeter and also take some current measurements. Which I duly did and reported back.

Eventually, they managed to re-create the problem on the test rig. Which lead them to discover that an IC in the unit, which had come from a new batch (made in China funnily enough...), was out of spec. Which lead the unit to fail in my bike. And, so far, three others world wide. Evidently, most units still work in most bikes - just a few don't.

Having discovered the problem, they could easily fix it. They sent me out yet another unit (No. 4) which I received yesterday. Took it home, plugged it into the loom (already in the bike) and lo and be-fucking-hold, it WORKED!!.

Now my feeling is that these guys did a shit-load of work to keep four customers world-wide, happy. How many would have just shoved it into the "too hard" basket? Justifying such action with a "well the silly bugger probably doesn't know how to install jack-shit!". Not HealTech. They had the faith in their product to know that something was screwed up and the determination to track it down and solve it. I am duly impressed.

This way, they have earned my undying support, not to say respect and admiration. They have demonstrated a fanatical commitment to customer satisfaction and technical excellence. This is all too rare these days.

Pity a few more companies around the world don't take a leaf out of their book. (Like the supplier of their IC components f'rinstance!)

Anyway, bloody well done HealTech. :first:

[Juzz976]

Bloody good, might get one for my mates SV1000s, its 15% out.

Save me the trouble of making one myself...or maybe I should make lots of them...hrmmmm:yes:

[slofox]

Bloody good, might get one for my mates SV1000s, its 15% out.

Save me the trouble of making one myself...or maybe I should make lots of them...hrmmmm:yes:

15% is a lot. Mine read 109 at 100 (according to a GPS anyway).

Has the thou been geared down?

[Juzz976]

Yup, they day he bought it I rode it back from Whakatane (to Tauranga) as he was not licenced for a thou.

The lads were in my car in front waiting for me to pass them, got back home and said I would have passed you more than once if you weren't doing 115-120k, then the light clicked on :facepalm:.

I think sprockets are -1 front +2 rear, Seller did not disclose it had been used for track days as to not put potential buyers off.
With the yoshi RS3's I'd say its as quick as my TL but not as comfortable.

Received text from seller later saying it had been to the track, all good as sold for $5k in pretty mint condition.

[Juzz976]

Wanting to get some different sprockets for the TL,

We have a laser engraver at work so can make my own scale plates for 0-340 rather than 0-300 but need the healer too.

I'm thinking about a non linear scale adjuster which I will custom make so that it spaces lower speeds out and cramps up the higher speeds, this will reduce parallax error at lower speeds.

If there is a market for such a device as well as custom scale plates I may add it to our manufacturing scope.

Not because I want to go over 300 I just think it'll look mad with 340 clock and put people off asking to ride it.

You could however used a scale plate with 9% out although your still clocking 9% more kms than you're actually doing.

[imdying]

You could however used a scale plate with 9% out although your still clocking 9% more kms than you're actually doing.It's worth noting that even though the average speedo is out by 9%, the odometer is generally spot on. Given they read from the same sensor, it's basically hard evidence that the speedo error is manufacturered in. In other words, if you don't get a healer, and just change the dial face, then you won't clock up extra kms.

[slofox]

It's worth noting that even though the average speedo is out by 9%, the odometer is generally spot on. Given they read from the same sensor, it's basically hard evidence that the speedo error is manufacturered in. In other words, if you don't get a healer, and just change the dial face, then you won't clock up extra kms.

Changing the dial face is hard when the speedo is LCD...

So, having made the speedo read lower, the odo now under-reads as well, yes?

[Tunahunter]

15% is a lot. Mine read 109 at 100 (according to a GPS anyway).

Has the thou been geared down?

Why not just buy a GPS - two jobs in one machine

[steve_t]

Where'd u buy your speedohealer from, Slofox? Emma Chizzit? I see it records your maximum speed - that could be dangerous :innocent:

[Juzz976]

Changing the dial face is hard when the speedo is LCD...

So, having made the speedo read lower, the odo now under-reads as well, yes?

Good question, if the healer modifies the pulses from the speed sensor it would,

however if the healer only adjusts what the display is reading it wont.

I will have to incorporate an LCD into my speedo healer, then I'll have an LCD to glance at rather than looking where the needle is pointing.

It would be good also to have a small LCD mounted higher up or inside the helmet so you don't have to look down to check speed.

This may avoid this from happening
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/112742-Minton-is-dead

[imdying]

Changing the dial face is hard when the speedo is LCD...Given he suggested it, I assume the TLR has an analogue face?

So, having made the speedo read lower, the odo now under-reads as well, yes?Yep, speedo is right, odo isn't. Rats.

[imdying]

if the healer modifies the pulses from the speed sensor it wouldYep, that's what it does... read the speedo sensor generated waveform in, adjusts it for the correction factor, and then sends the newly generated one out.

[slofox]

Why not just buy a GPS - two jobs in one machine

Dearer...by a lot. See next entry...but I still want a GPS - a zumo 220 I think...


Where'd u buy your speedohealer from, Slofox? Emma Chizzit? I see it records your maximum speed - that could be dangerous :innocent:

Got it from AMC in OZ. Approx $A153.00 including shipping ($A22 ish).

You don't have to plug the max speed reader in if you don't want. Or you can hide the button deep down on the inside there somewhere...besides, that 156km/hr reading was achieved on the test bed yer onner...

[imdying]

It would be good also to have a small LCD mounted higher up or inside the helmet so you don't have to look down to check speed.Is this something you might have the expertise to construct?

[Juzz976]

Some work differently, a friend of mine has the speedo signal from the ECU, it comes out in a 0-10V signal which I used a 4-20mA transducer and an LCD from a refrigeration switchboard to make his new cluster.

The transducer is a data logging programmable via USB and can set alarms, the display has its own alarm settings as its a refrigeration controller.

When someone else rides it you can set a lower speed cut, we set for a soft limiter with some other electrickery at 120kph

[notme]

....So, having made the speedo read lower, the odo now under-reads as well, yes?

Have thought about this in the past - if it was my design, I would have the option to put the under - read miles back onto the odometer if the user wishes. Something like a jumper tucked away that you can short and it increases the odo reading by whatever miles were "lost" since last time you did this procedure. Either it's an original idea (another one :-)) or the speedohealer type companies have conducted market research and decided people don't want it. Then again, come resale time some might value the lower miles more than the honesty factor!

[slofox]

Have thought about this in the past - if it was my design, I would have the option to put the under - read miles back onto the odometer if the user wishes. Something like a jumper tucked away that you can short and it increases the odo reading by whatever miles were "lost" since last time you did this procedure. Either it's an original idea (another one :-)) or the speedohealer type companies have conducted market research and decided people don't want it. Then again, come resale time some might value the lower miles more than the honesty factor!

Well, nah, they wouldn't want it would they? Makes it look as though the bike has travelled less than it actually has...EDIT: OOps didn't read your last sentence...

[Juzz976]

Is this something you might have the expertise to construct?

I have been known to construct similar devices, I use an inverted LCD on my car dashboard which gives speed readout reflected on the windscreen.

Very handy, has helped with corner entry speeds.

[imdying]

I have been known to construct similar devices, I use an inverted LCD on my car dashboard which gives speed readout reflected on the windscreen.

Very handy, has helped with corner entry speeds.Now we're talking. All I want is a wireless RF link (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8948) that blinks a small LED in my vision when my indicators have been on for more than say 10 seconds. That LED needs to use an LDR so that it's not too bright at night.

[notme]

Now we're talking. All I want is a wireless RF link (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8948) that blinks a small LED in my vision when my indicators have been on for more than say 10 seconds. That LED needs to use an LDR so that it's not too bright at night.

Interesting.....why? Reminder that they are on? Why wireless, is it for in your helmet?

[Juzz976]

Now we're talking. All I want is a wireless RF link (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8948) that blinks a small LED in my vision when my indicators have been on for more than say 10 seconds. That LED needs to use an LDR so that it's not too bright at night.

oh yup, u can

1. Delay On Relay to auto turn off indicators after set time.
2. Delay On timer to activate Lamp/Sound to alert you. (not wireless)
3. Do the Delay timer + Wireless - not hard but PITA with mounting batteries ect in helmet.

Should start a new thread really....

[imdying]

Interesting.....why? Reminder that they are on? Why wireless, is it for in your helmet?Yeah as a reminder, and yeah wireless for the helmet.

[notme]

Are you absolutely against a small, easy to plug/unplug (with gloves on) wire?

If you go wired, you are looking at a few dollars and a very simple circuit. Basically a LED fed from the indicator circuit. It could be exceedingly simple i.e. 3 parts if you don;t mind it flashing whenever the indicators are on, and only a bit more complex if the 10 second delay really is important.

Wireless however, means a transmitter unit on the bike, receiver and batteries at the helmet end, some sort of encoding on the wireless link, lots more bits and in general a very complex way to light an LED....

By the way this is getting a bit OT....don't want to detract from the OP's message!

[imdying]

oh yup, u can

1. Delay On Relay to auto turn off indicators after set time.
2. Delay On timer to activate Lamp/Sound to alert you. (not wireless)
3. Do the Delay timer + Wireless - not hard but PITA with mounting batteries ect in helmet.

Should start a new thread really....Don't want to change the wiring on the bike at all, just use a factory male and female plug to reversibly splice into the indicator wiring. Don't need anything to actually control the indicators, just a simple reminder. Yes, would be better in another thread.


Are you absolutely against a small, easy to plug/unplug (with gloves on) wire?Absolutely.


If you go wired, you are looking at a few dollars and a very simple circuit. Basically a LED fed from the indicator circuit. It could be exceedingly simple i.e. 3 parts if you don;t mind it flashing whenever the indicators are on, and only a bit more complex if the 10 second delay really is important.Of course, but this is 2010, I can cobble an RF serial link together for a few dollars.


Wireless however, means a transmitter unit on the bike, receiver and batteries at the helmet end, some sort of encoding on the wireless link, lots more bits and in general a very complex way to light an LED....Very true, but it lays the groundwork for ever more interesting projects...

[slofox]

By the way this is getting a bit OT....don't want to detract from the OP's message!

Doesn't really worry me allun...but you might want to be aware that I have supplied HealTech with a link to this post...you might be giving them free ideas!

[imdying]

Doesn't really worry me allun...but you might want to be aware that I have supplied HealTech with a link to this post...you might be giving them free ideas!HealTech, if you're reading this, I'll give you cash today for a box that sits under my rear seat, that takes 3-4 "digital" (i.e. just on or off) 12v signals in, and transmits them wireless to a small gadget I can velcro to my helmet with 4 LEDs in it. As for what those LEDs end up doing, I can handle that (but lets say indicator reminder, neutral, top gear, shift light for arguments sake).

[notme]

Of course, but this is 2010, I can cobble an RF serial link together for a few dollars.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should...the simplest solution is always the best. Also remember you will have RF units, micros, support circuitry, power supply, the cirucit will likely need a PCB, enclosure...it soon adds up, especially for a one-off.


Very true, but it lays the groundwork for ever more interesting projects...

Futureproofing is a much better reason to go with a data link.

Take both the above comments in the spirit they are intended i.e. to foster discussion and provide alternate ideas. For my part, I have to remember that a hobbyist bike project is not subject to the same rules I would apply to a commercial design to be manufactured in quantity. :-)

Now, a quick brainstorm - what else could you pipe down the link? You could add a small sounder and have a few tones to indicate things....if you stay just with visual you could have an RGB LED and have at least 6 to 8 easily distinct colours to indicate different things.....then of course there's flashing speeds of the LED

Doesn't really worry me allun...but you might want to be aware that I have supplied HealTech with a link to this post...you might be giving them free ideas!
Hehe no worries, the amount of ideas with much more commercial benefit that I have given away over the years is disgusting!

[imdying]

Just because you can doesn't mean you should...the simplest solution is always the best. Also remember you will have RF units, micros, support circuitry, power supply, the cirucit will likely need a PCB, enclosure...it soon adds up, especially for a one-off.Then I'll make it simple for ya... I make shit loads of coin and I really don't care about the price :D


Futureproofing is a much better reason to go with a data link.Yeah, the initial project is more about sorting the things you've mentioned above.... if we can't get it to reliably communicate above the noise of the bikes HT system etc, then it's dead in the water :(


Take both the above comments in the spirit they are intended i.e. to foster discussion and provide alternate ideas.For sure :yes:


For my part, I have to remember that a hobbyist bike project is not subject to the same rules I would apply to a commercial design to be manufactured in quantity. :-)That is true in many industries :)


Now, a quick brainstorm - what else could you pipe down the link? You could add a small sounder and have a few tones to indicate things....if you stay just with visual you could have an RGB LED and have at least 6 to 8 easily distinct colours to indicate different things.....then of course there's The mind boggles... radar detector, incoming call on your phone, fuel running low, exceeding 104km/hr, limited only by your imagination I guess.

[notme]

Hehehe I can see it now - imdying sees a flash of fuchsia followed by a short beep then a long flash of magenta. "oh oh" he thinks - my left hand brake caliper has risen in temperature by 2 x the mdian of the temp this time last year!

:-)

[Nutter34]

A mate has also had dealings with them. He's had a speedo-healer since 03. It packed up last week. After an email to them, he's sent it back and they are sending him a V4.
They definately look after their customers.

[varminter]

While you're at it, hows about electrostatic rain clearing devices for the visor:yes:

[slofox]

While you're at it, hows about electrostatic rain clearing devices for the visor:yes:

I'd buy one of THOSE!!