Venom Racing LCD temperature sensor module

click on the pictures to enlarge

	The Venom Racing VTM (Venom Temperature Monitor) is an universal engine temperature measuring device. The device is powered by an internal battery in the VTM. It weighs 14 grams including the sensor and has a LCD display. The display can be used for reading the current, maximum and minimum-temperature by the push of a small button. A small ON/OFF button for reset of the minimum/maximum readings and saving the battery power when not in use. The battery (LR1130) life according to Venom Racing is 5.000 hours. (+/- 625 racedays of 8 hours). Other batteries to be used are LR54-Varta V10GA-Duracell D189A-GP GP189 It can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius by the push of a small button. It is reasonable dust proof but not water proof.
	The loop that is attached to the VTM is stiff but flexible enough with at the end the sensor capped in a red shrinktube.
	At the back of the blister in which the VTM is packed, you find the operation and manual to install the device.
	The three small push buttons. The top for reading the minimum/maximum or current reading. This values can be reset by switching OFF and ON the VTM. The center right is the ON/OFF and also the reset switch. The bottom is switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius. The LCD measuring/refresh rate is 2 seconds.
	When the VTM is ON and you push the minimum/maximum button once, it displays the maximum reading that has taken place after the last time the VTM was switched ON.
	When the VTM is ON and you push the minimum/maximum button a second time, it displays the minimum reading that has taken place after the last time the VTM was switched ON.
	When the VTM is ON and you push the minimum/maximum a third time, it displays the current reading.
	Open the sensor loop by sliding the last transparent plastic piece of tube in the direction of the VTM.
	According to the manual you have to place the VTM sensor loop around the crankcase just underneath the cooling head. If you go this way of mounting make sure the sensor is always in a 90 degree angle compared to the exhaust exit.
	Strap the sensor loop by sliding the transparent plastic piece of tube in the direction of the cooling head. Make sure the loop is secured in the highest groove of the crankcase. If you are not sure the  transparent plastic piece of tube will hold use a small zip-ty instead.
	The VTM can be placed anywhere in the car. Use some double sided adhesive tape to place it on a good readable spot. You can also use double sided adhesive Velcro tape so you can easily swap between cars if needed.
	However we found out that the sensor loop mounting can give unreliable and higher readings then we are used to. So we modified the sensor this way. Cut the red heat shrink from the loop with a sharp hobby knife.
	Bend the wires like showed in the picture.
	Put on the tip of the sensor metal connection points some silicon sealant to prevent short cut of the sensor when placed in the copper tube.
	Take a piece of copper tube with an inside diameter of 4 m/m and press one end flat.
	Make sure the tube is larger as the length of the sensor.
	Slide the sensor in the tube and press the end where the sensor entered the tube slightly flat so the sensor is secured in the tube. (do not overpress!)
	Drill a 3 m/m hole at the end of the copper tube in the flat spot.
	The rework (modification) of the sensor took me 5 minutes and is worth it.
	Connect the sensor underneath one of the head screws.
	When you mount the VTM in a car make sure the loop wire is not running along gears and is not in direct contact with fuel. Reading with the loop around the head or crankcase may give higher readings as you are used to. In this case we advise to first set the engine to its working temperature checking with the spitting method or infra red devices. Then read the temperature and use this as reference for next readings and settings of the engine.
	A nice and easy to use device that we can recommend for new bies and hardcore racers. Loop mounted sensor can give unstable readings! Sensor modification for accurate reading is advised!
Comment from Venom Racing

Performance:

We have at this moment of writing 24-05-2002 four TWF8 pilots running and testing this VTM device. We will place their comments after a few races on this spot.

Calibration:

Today 24-06-2002 we placed the calibration results click here for more info!

Verdict:

The small VTM looks very good and sturdy. Beside the ON/OFF switch, the minimum/maximum temperature switch is a nice feature what it sets apart from other LCD temperature modules already on the market. The display digits are 7 mm high and can be read easily. Even in bright light conditions the LCD is good readable.
The weight of the VTM is just 14 grams. There is always a place where you can mount this little thing. And you can leave it in the car never have to search for it.
For knowing the maximum temperature the device must be switched on during racing. But when you are only interested in the temperature after the race just switch it ON and read the value and then switch it OFF again.
This temperature device can make your engine tuning life easy and is a good value for money investment.
However the LCD display can be venerable for vibrations and this season track tests must show if this is the case or not.
When the VTM display stays OK after this season testing it will earn its fifth star!

For EFRA and many national sanctioned races the use of other electronics in the car beside receiver and servo's is not permitted. So incar temp gauges like the EOS, MIP and VENOM devices is not permitted. Please consult the race director before the race if using such device is allowed.

J Size and weight
J Display readability
J Price of 39 US$

L For good connection the temperature sensor needs to be reworked (added 24-06-2002)
L LCD display might be venerable for engine vibrations!

TWF8 rating ****(*) stars

Five stars is maximum!

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