OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for

IGNITION TESTER AND

TACH CALIBRATOR
Part Number 1000-1000

For more information, see www.cranecams.com

CAUTION: READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION.

INTRODUCTION 1. Remove the trigger source from the ignition under test.

The Crane Ignition Tester and Tach Calibrator part num- 2. Connect the test spark plug to a good engine ground.
ber 1000-1000 is a hand held device designed to perform
3. Remove the coil high voltage lead from the distributor
quick operational tests of an ignition system on a vehicle
and attach it to the test plug. If the distributor has a
without running the engine. The unit can also be used to
female type coil terminal, use a spark plug lead with
check and calibrate tachometers.
the correct terminals for both the coil and the test plug.
BASIC OPERATION 4. Connect the red tester lead to battery positive and
The unit features precise quartz crystal controlled black tester lead to chassis ground near the ignition.
signal generation with an accuracy of 30 RPM over 5. Connect the appropriate tester trigger signal lead to
the entire operating range of the tester. Pushwheel the trigger input on the ignition (white lead for points
switches set the maximum RPM value from 300 to type or orange lead for magnetic trigger).
14,990 RPM in 10 RPM steps. An RPM adjust knob
allows sweeping the RPM from 200 RPM up to the FINAL CHECK
maximum RPM value set on the pushwheel switches.
When the maximum RPM value is reached, the MAX Before turning the tester and ignition switch on, double
RPM LED lights up. check all connections. Pay particular attention to the coil
and test spark plug connections.
All connections are made by means of leads with alliga-
tor clips to facilitate quick hookup. Connections include OPERATION
12-18V power (red lead), ground (black lead), points/
module trigger output (white lead), and magnetic trigger WARNING: Do not run drag race ignition systems at
output (orange lead). high RPM for extended periods. The following test
times should not be exceeded:
TEST CONNECTIONS
2 minutes at 6,000 RPM
WARNING: Turn off ignition switch before
30 seconds at 8,500 RPM.
making any test connections. Do not come
into contact with the coil primary wires or
the secondary plug wires while the engine is
After testing an ignition at high RPM, allow the ignition to
running. Do not connect a timing light or other
become cool to the touch before retesting.
test equipment to any coil terminal while the
engine is running. Never crank the engine with
the coil high voltage terminal disconnected.
BASIC IGNITION TESTS
Refer to Figures 1-3. Follow the procedures listed below.

The following steps are required to test any ignition sys- 1. Set the MAX RPM SELECT switches 200 RPM below
tem. Refer to Figures 1-7 for additional details. the rev limit setting for the ignition. If the ignition has
no rev limit, set the switches between 6,000 and 8,000

Daytona Beach, FL 32117

www.cranecams.com / Phone: 866-388-5120 / Fax: 608-627-0480
7/10 1 9000-0020 REV A
 RPM. Set the RPM ADJUST knob full counterclockwise.
2 Turn the ignition and tester power on.
3. Verify spark at the test plug before proceeding. If no
spark is present, turn all power off immediately. Refer
to the troubleshooting section for more details.
4. Rotate the RPM ADJUST knob clockwise to MAX
(indicated by the MAX RPM LED). If the spark across
the test plug is clearly visible and generates an audi-
ble buzz, the ignition system is functioning properly.
If the spark is weak, there may be a problem with the
ignition system. Refer to the troubleshooting section
for more details.
5. Increase the MAX RPM SELECT switches in incre-
ments of 10 RPM until the rev limit is reached (make
sure the RPM ADJUST knob is full clockwise). Rev
limiting will be indicated by an audible change in spark
frequency or complete disappearance of the spark.
The tester switch setting should be within 100 RPM
of the ignition rev limit setting.
TESTING IGNITIONS SYSTEMS
INCLUDING THE DEC9000 OR
DEC9500
Refer to Figures 4-6. The figures show the DEC9000.
DEC9500 hookup is similar.
1. Set the MAX RPM SELECT switches 200 RPM below
the maximum RPM limit or stage RPM limit setting
on the DEC9000/9500 (depending on which rev limit
is selected). Note that 12 volts must be applied to a
stage limit input to select that stage limit, otherwise the
maximum limit will be active. Set the RPM ADJUST
knob full counterclockwise.
2. Turn the ignition and tester power on. Verify that the
status LEDs are operating. The TRIGGER LED should
be blinking at low RPM. For the DEC9000, the status
LEDs also show which rev limit is selected.
3. Verify spark at the test plug before proceeding. If no
spark is present, turn all power off immediately. Refer
to the troubleshooting section for more details.
4. Rotate the RPM ADJUST knob clockwise to MAX
(indicated by the MAX RPM LED). If the spark across
the test plug is clearly visible and generates an audi-
ble buzz, the ignition system is functioning properly.
If the spark is weak, there may be a problem with the
ignition system. Refer to the troubleshooting section
for more details.
5. Increase the MAX RPM SELECT switches in incre-
ments of 10 RPM until the rev limit is reached (make
sure the RPM ADJUST knob is full clockwise). Rev
7/10 2
limiting will be indicated by an audible change in spark
frequency or complete disappearance of the spark.
The tester switch setting should be within 100 RPM
of the selected rev limit setting.
6. If the DEC9000/DEC9500 is suspect, remove it from
the ignition system. Test the ignition module by itself.
TACH CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
1. Choose an RPM value for tach calibration. In most
cases this will be a critical RPM value, such as the
engine redline or a shift point. The RPM value you
choose must be below the rev limit of the ignition or
engine control. Set the MAX RPM SELECT switches
at the value you selected. Rotate the RPM ADJUST
knob to the MAX position (full clockwise).
2. Turn the ignition and tester power on.
3. The tach reading should be within 100 RPM of the
tester setting for a professional racing tach. Original
equipment and low cost aftermarket tachs commonly
have errors in excess of 250 RPM. If the accuracy
is not satisfactory, contact the tach manufacturer for
calibration or repair procedures. Some aftermarket
tachs provide a calibration trimpot. First turn off all
power. Remove the back cover of the tach and locate
the adjustment trimpot. Repeat the tach accuracy test
listed above and adjust the trimpot as required. Keep
the tach oriented as close as possible to the normal
mounting position during the procedure. Note that
performing the tach calibration may void the warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING WITH THE
TESTER
Is the spark at the test spark plug weak? If so, inspect the
test spark plug. Measure the resistance from the terminal
to the center electrode with an Ohmmeter. The reading
should be less than 1 Ohm. Also check the resistance of
the test spark plug wire, referring to the specification for
wire resistance values. Check the coil primary and sec-
ondary resistance. If the coil is suspect, replace it with a
known good unit and retest the system.
Did the ignition system ever work? If so, Carefully check
all wiring and verify that the system is receiving power.
Use the status LEDs on the tester, ignition, and engine
controller to aid in diagnosing the problem.
Is the ignition or engine controller rev limit functioning? If
not, carefully read the installation instructions for the sus-
pect device. Check the rev limit setting on the ignition or
controller. Try different settings and retest. For additional
assistance, call the Crane Tech Line listed at the bottom
of page 1.
9000-0020 REV A
 Figure 1. HI-6 Points/Module Trigger Test Hookup

IGNITION START
VEHICLE
SWITCH TACHOMETER
RUN

+12V BALLAST GREEN

TACH

M
RESISTOR

F
(not always used)
+
RPMX100
THIN RED
12 VOLT
IGNITION
BATTERY
HEAVY RED
BAT+ MAGNETIC
TRIGGER CABLE
TAPE UP
TEST SPARK
PLUG PLUG
WIRE

ENGINE ORANGE COIL

GROUND COIL+ CABLE HI-6
BLACK
COIL- WHITE
POINTS

HEAVY BLACK
CHASSIS GROUND

LX-91
M

BLACK
DISCONNECT
WHITE FROM POINTS
RED
LINE
F

TRIGGER
IGNITION TESTER/
SOURCE
TACH CALIBRATOR
POWER RPM ADJUST
O.E.
ELECTRONIC
ON
MAX
IGNITION MODULE
0 9 5 0 0
RPM
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
ORANGE
(NOT USED)
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000

7/10 3 9000-0020 REV A

 Figure 2. HI-6 Magnetic Trigger Test Hookup

IGNITION START
VEHICLE
SWITCH TACHOMETER
RUN

+12V BALLAST GREEN

TACH

M
RESISTOR

F
(not always used)
+
RPMX100
THIN RED
12 VOLT
IGNITION
BATTERY
HEAVY RED
BAT+

TEST SPARK
PLUG PLUG
WIRE

ENGINE ORANGE COIL

GROUND COIL+ CABLE HI-6
BLACK
MAGNETIC
COIL-
TRIGGER
CABLE

WHITE HEAVY BLACK

F

POINTS CHASSIS GROUND

BLACK RED (NOT USED)
LX-91 MAG MAG +
M

ORANGE
RED (BOTH)

WHITE
(NOT USED) DISCONNECT
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
M

IGNITION TESTER/ PURPLE

TACH CALIBRATOR
POWER RPM ADJUST
MAGNETIC
ON
MAX PICKUP DISTRIBUTOR
0 9 5 0 0
RPM
(FORD COLOR CODES SHOWN)
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000

7/10 4 9000-0020 REV A

 Figure 3. HI-7/HI-8 Test Hookup
CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

TACHOMETER

RPMX100

BLACK IGNITION
MAG- SWITCH
RED
MAG+

DISCONNECT MAG PICKUP

FROM IGNITION TO
+12V
SHIELDED PICKUP CABLE
RED
IF PICKUP CABLE 18 AWG
BLACK RED
IS SUSPECT,
MAG MAG +
TEST HERE

CRANE
STATUS
POINTS
SHIELD

AUX IN
MAG +
MAG

TACH
IGN +

ORANGE
HI-7
or
JUMPER WHEN
USING POINTS INPUT
HI-8

BLACK

IGNITION TESTER/
TACH CALIBRATOR
POWER RPM ADJUST SPARK PLUG
WIRE
ON TEST
0 9 5 0 0
MAX
PLUG
RPM
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000
BLACK
COIL-
ORANGE ENGINE
COIL+ GROUND

WHITE
(NOT USED)
RED
TO BATTERY + LX-92

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 Figure 4. DEC9000 and HI-7/HI-8 Test Hookup

TEST 1:
NOTE:
Remove Mag pickup leads from DEC9000. MAG+ must be jumpered to IGN+
TO SWITCHED +12V
Connect tester orange & black leads to when using POINTS input on HI-7/HI-8
DEC9000 MAG+ & MAG- inputs
respectively.
Tester white lead is not used.
GREEN
TEST 2: CRANE

STATUS
POINTS
SHIELD

AUX IN
MAG +
MAG

TACH
IGN +
Remove POINTS & AUX IN wires from HI-7
HI-7/HI-8. TEST 2 or
Connect tester white lead to HI-7/HI-8
JUMPER WHEN
USING POINTS INPUT
HI-8
POINTS input, and tester black lead to
chassis ground.
Tester orange lead is not used.

BLUE
CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

OTHER SYSTEMS
MSD ONLY
FIRING
HIGH
AUX OUT SEQUENCE
INITIAL GEAR
HALL OUT CONTROL STAGE RPM LIMIT MAX RPM LIMIT TIMING RETARD
POINTS
TACH 1 1 1 1 00 1 1 1 00 1 1
+12V
GROUND
START RTD
HIGH GEAR
HIGH GEAR RETARD
START RETARD

CRANE
STAGE
MAG + TRIGGER INPUT
MAG - +12V POWER OK
SHIELD DEC9000 DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

TEST 1 OTHER CONNECTIONS

NOT SHOWN FOR CLARITY

TO BATTERY +
RED

IGNITION TESTER/
TACH CALIBRATOR
TEST
POWER RPM ADJUST
PLUG
ON
SPARK PLUG
MAX
WIRE
0 9 5 0 0
RPM
OFF BLACK
MAX RPM SELECT
MIN MAX
COIL-
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000

ORANGE ENGINE
COIL+ GROUND

WHITE BLACK ORANGE

TESTER LEAD CONNECTIONS DEPEND

ON WHICH TEST IS BEING PERFORMED LX-92

7/10 6 9000-0020 REV A

 Figure 5. DEC9000 and MSD-7 Test Hookup

TEST 1: TO SWITCHED +12V

Remove Mag pickup leads from DEC9000.
Connect tester orange & black leads to MSD-7AL IGNITION
DEC9000 MAG+ & MAG- inputs respectively. TO
Tester white lead is not used. BATTERY C+
C-
TEST 2: IGN
Remove wire from MSD-7AL POINTS input RPM TEST 2
MODULE PTS
and connector from RPM module socket. PLUG
T
Note the orientation of the plug for A M+ NOT
C
reinstallation. H M- USED
Connect the tester white lead to the MSD-7AL GROUND
POINTS input and the tester black lead to
chassis ground.
Tester orange lead is not used.
GREEN

BLUE
CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

OTHER SYSTEMS
MSD ONLY
FIRING
HIGH
AUX OUT SEQUENCE
INITIAL GEAR
HALL OUT CONTROL STAGE RPM LIMIT MAX RPM LIMIT TIMING RETARD
POINTS
TACH 1 1 1 1 00 1 1 1 00 1 1
+12V
GROUND
START RTD
HIGH GEAR
HIGH GEAR RETARD
START RETARD

CRANE
STAGE
MAG + TRIGGER INPUT
MAG - +12V POWER OK
SHIELD DEC9000 DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

TEST 1 OTHER CONNECTIONS

NOT SHOWN FOR CLARITY

TO BATTERY +
RED

IGNITION TESTER/ SPARK PLUG

TACH CALIBRATOR WIRE
POWER RPM ADJUST

ON
MAX

0 9 5 0 0
RPM
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000 TEST
PLUG

WHITE BLACK ORANGE

ENGINE
TESTER LEAD CONNECTIONS DEPEND GROUND
ON WHICH TEST IS BEING PERFORMED

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 Figure 6. DEC9000 and MSD-8 Test Hookup

TEST 1: TO TO SWITCHED +12V

Remove magnetic pickup wires from DEC9000 BATTERY
MAG+, MAG-, and SHIELD.
Connect tester orange & black leads to the DEC9000 MSD-8 IGNITION
MAG+ and MAG- respectively.
Tester white lead is not used. C+
C-
TEST 2: IGN
Remove ADAPTER green & blue wires from DEC9000
POINTS & AUX OUT. GND
Connect tester white lead to adapter green wire, and tester M+
TACH
black lead to chassis ground. M-
Tester orange lead is not used.

TEST 3: TEST 2
Disconnect MSD-8 weatherpack (6-pin)
connector & remove white ADAPTER line from MSD-8 TEST 3
GREEN PLUG WHITE
MSD-8 MAG+. DEC9000
Connect tester orange & black leads to MSD-8 TO MSD-8
BLUE ADAPTER
MAG+ & MAG- terminals respectively.
Tester white lead is not used.
CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL OTHER SYSTEMS
MSD ONLY
FIRING
HIGH
AUX OUT SEQUENCE
INITIAL GEAR
HALL OUT CONTROL STAGE RPM LIMIT MAX RPM LIMIT TIMING RETARD
POINTS
TACH 1 1 1 1 00 1 1 1 00 1 1
+12V
GROUND
START RTD
HIGH GEAR
HIGH GEAR RETARD
START RETARD

CRANE
STAGE
MAG + TRIGGER INPUT
MAG - +12V POWER OK
SHIELD DEC9000 DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

TEST 1 OTHER CONNECTIONS

NOT SHOWN FOR CLARITY
TO BATTERY +
RED

IGNITION TESTER/ SPARK PLUG

TACH CALIBRATOR WIRE
POWER RPM ADJUST

ON
MAX

0 9 5 0 0
RPM
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000 TEST
PLUG

WHITE BLACK ORANGE

ENGINE
TESTER LEAD CONNECTIONS DEPEND GROUND
ON WHICH TEST IS BEING PERFORMED

7/10 8 9000-0020 REV A

 Figure 7. Tach Test and Calibration Hookup

DASH
+12V LIGHTS
RED
WHITE

NOTES: 8 9 10
7
1. Autometer tach hookup shown. WHITE 6
F RPM
2. Other aftermarket units similiar. GREEN 5
4
3
3. Check tach instructions for wire colors. REMOVE FROM 2 1 0
IGNITION TO
TEST & CALIBRATE

BLACK
GROUND

IGNITION TESTER/
TACH CALIBRATOR
POWER RPM ADJUST

ON
MAX

0 9 5 0 0
RPM
OFF
MIN MAX
MAX RPM SELECT
Daytona Beach, FL PN 1000-1000

RED
BLACK

TO BATTERY + ORANGE

NOT USED

CHASSIS
GROUND

7/10 9 9000-0020 REV A