The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the National Street Rod Association and/or StreetScene Magazine. Safety Inspection Reminder #15 Speed Indicator
A working speedometer or tachometer is required to pass the NSRA Safety Inspection. If a tachometer is used, a mark indicat- ing 65 mph is required and the word of the vehicle owner is acceptable that it is working. When driving, our eyes constantly flick between the road ahead and that crucial instrument panel nestled behind the steering wheel. In the center of that panel is the speedometer, a device so integral to our driving experience, yet many might have no clue about its ori- gins and evolution. Speedometers are so commonplace it’s easy to think they have always been a part of the car. But the car preceded the instrument, and soon both engi- neers and law enforcement author- ities saw the need for measuring speed. It was first patented by German engineer Otto Schulze in 1902 and became a standard fit- ting in most vehicles from around 1910 onwards. The “velocimeter,” although elementary, laid the groundwork for the modern marvel we now take for granted. Safety stands paramount when you consider roads where cars zoom without any checks or bal- ances—a recipe for disaster. Speedometers bring order to potential chaos, helping drivers adhere to stipulated speed limits. Moreover, in a global context, with varied speed regulations, the speedometer serves as an essen- tial tool for drivers to avoid legal complications across territories. The speedometer, while holding onto its primary purpose, has diversified its presentation and technology over the years, broad- ly speaking, speedometers can be categorized into: Mechanical Speedometer: This is the classic version, which primarily relies on a cable that is directly con- nected to the vehicle’s drivetrain. As the vehicle moves, the cable turns,
activating gears within the speedometer and subsequently moving the needle. Electronic Speedometer: A more modern invention, these speedometers ditch the physical cable for vehicle speed sensors. These sensors detect the rotations of the wheel or driveshaft and con- vert them into electronic signals. Once processed, these signals get displaced as the vehicle’s speed. Digital Speedometer: As technol- ogy advanced, so did the display aesthetics. Digital speedometers present speed readings using digi- tal numbers, often accompanied by other relevant information, giving drivers a crisp and clear representa- tion of their speed. Head-up Display Speedometer (HUD): A leap into futuristic driv- ing, HUD speedometers project the speed and sometimes other vital data directly on the wind- shield, allowing drivers to moni- tor speed without looking away from the road. Online Speedometer: With the advent of GPS technology and inter- net connectivity, online speedome- ters emerged. These are typically apps or online tools that utilize GPS data to calculate and display speed. They can be particularly useful for those using non-motorized trans- port or when a vehicle’s built-in speedometer malfunctions. From the humble beginnings of the mechanical speedometer to AI- integrated digital displays, the speedometer’s journey is a testa- ment to human innovation. It’s not just a device, it is a chronicle of our drive towards betterment, safety, and the endless pursuit of techno- logical evolution. As we accelerate into the future, the speedometer will undoubtedly continue to evolve, guiding us safely on every twist and turn. Carol Barnhill Arkansas State Inspector
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