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Bolec DB1-128 Signal Amplifier and Divider 12/24VDC

$210.00

DB1-128 Signal Amplifier & Fixed Frequency Divider — 12/24VDC

Use the DB1-128 when a compatible speedometer or tachometer signal is too weak
for the receiving instrument, or when the displayed reading is consistently an
exact supported multiple too high.

Typical problems it can solve

  • A compatible magnetic-pickup, alternator or auxiliary signal needs conditioning
  • A gauge reads 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×, 32×, 64× or 128× too high
  • An engine, dashboard or instrument conversion creates a fixed pulse-count mismatch

The module conditions a compatible input into a supply-level square wave and
selects one fixed division of ÷1, ÷2, ÷4, ÷8, ÷16, ÷32, ÷64 or ÷128.
Only one DIP switch may be ON at a time.

  • 12/24VDC negative-ground operation
  • Sine or square-wave input, 2 V p-p or greater
  • Input frequency range: 0–10 kHz
  • Approximately 58 × 42 × 23 mm

Is your correction an exact DB1-128 setting?

Enter the measured input and required output. The simulator shows the closest
divider, predicted result and the one DIP switch that should be ON.

Check the DB1-128 Divider & DIP Switch Setting ↓

Not for fine ratio correction: where the required correction is not
÷1, ÷2, ÷4, ÷8, ÷16, ÷32, ÷64 or ÷128, use a suitable adjustable ratio product instead.

View DB1-128 Datasheet & Installation Guide

BOLECProduct catalogue / Signal amplifier and divider
Bolec DB1-128 Signal Amplifier and Divider

Speedometer and tachometer signal conditioning

DB1-128

Signal Amplifier / Divider — 12/24VDC

  • Conditions weak speed or RPM signals
  • Fixed division: ÷1 to ÷128
  • 2 V p-p or greater input
  • 0–10 kHz input frequency
  • 58 × 42 × 23 mm

bolec.com.au | sales@bolec.com.au | 0480 312 400

DB1-128 signal problem solver

Use the DB1-128 when a speedometer or tachometer signal is too weak—or the reading is an exact multiple too high

Electronic speedometers and tachometers calculate their reading from the frequency and shape of an incoming pulse signal. A conversion may fail when that signal is too weak for the new instrument, or when the source produces 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 times more pulses than the instrument expects.

The DB1-128 solves those two specific problems: it conditions a compatible signal into a supply-level square wave and, when required, divides the frequency by one fixed power-of-two ratio selected with a single DIP switch.

  • Weak compatible speed or RPM signal
  • Gauge reads exactly 2×, 4×, 8× or another supported multiple
  • 12/24VDC negative-ground systems
  • Fixed divider from ÷1 to ÷128
  • Only one DIP switch ON
A4 catalogue layout — print or save as PDF.
Start with the symptom

What problem does the DB1-128 solve?

A speedometer or tachometer does not read speed or RPM directly. It counts electrical pulses. The signal source and receiving instrument must agree on both signal quality and the number of pulses representing a given speed or RPM.

Problem 1 — signal strength

The sensor produces a signal, but the instrument does not respond correctly

A magnetic pickup, alternator connection or auxiliary ignition output may not provide the waveform or amplitude expected by the replacement instrument.

DB1-128 action: condition a compatible input of 2 V p-p or greater into a square-wave output that rises approximately to the positive supply level.

Problem 2 — too many pulses

The gauge reading is consistently an exact multiple too high

For example, an instrument may show approximately 800 RPM when the verified value is 100 RPM. The source is producing eight times the frequency required.

DB1-128 action: select ÷8 by turning ON Switch 4 only, reducing 800 pulses to 100 pulses over the same period.

Problem 3 — conversion mismatch

A new engine, sensor, dashboard or instrument cluster uses a different pulse count

This can occur after a drivetrain, engine, alternator, instrument or dashboard conversion where both devices work, but their expected frequency relationship differs.

DB1-128 action: provide signal conditioning and a supported fixed divider when the required correction is exactly ÷1, ÷2, ÷4, ÷8, ÷16, ÷32, ÷64 or ÷128.

Different problem — choose carefully

The correction is not a power-of-two ratio

If the required relationship is something such as 0.875, 1.25 or another fine ratio, the DB1-128 cannot produce that exact correction.

Better option: use an adjustable ratio product such as the ERB205, subject to signal compatibility.

The DB1-128 is a strong candidate when:

  • The source signal needs compatible signal conditioning.
  • The reading must be divided by exactly 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128.
  • The input is a compatible sine or square wave of at least 2 V p-p.
  • The input frequency remains within 0–10 kHz.

It is not the correct solution when:

  • The output frequency must be higher than the input frequency.
  • The required correction is not one of the eight fixed divider values.
  • The input signal is outside the stated amplitude or frequency range.
  • The fault is caused by wiring, sensor failure or an incompatible instrument rather than signal scaling.
Diagnose before installing

Typical situations where the DB1-128 may be needed

The examples below describe the type of problem the module can solve. They do not replace electrical testing or confirmation of the receiving instrument's requirements.

Speedometer shows 2× or 4× the verified road speed

A compatible speed source may provide two or four times the pulse frequency expected by the instrument. Select ÷2 or ÷4 after confirming the measured relationship.

Tachometer is correct in proportion but reads 8× too high

A consistent eight-to-one error points to a pulse-count mismatch rather than a random fault. A ÷8 setting may correct the frequency if the signals are compatible.

Replacement gauge does not recognise the original pickup signal

The DB1-128 may condition a compatible magnetic-pickup, alternator AC or electronic auxiliary signal into a supply-level square wave suitable for many inputs.

Engine or dashboard conversion changes the pulse relationship

When a new engine, alternator, ECU or instrument cluster uses a different but exact power-of-two pulse relationship, one fixed divider can provide the required scaling.

Commercial vehicle, tractor or generator RPM interface

The module can process compatible frequency signals used by diesel tachometers and other driven instruments in 12V or 24V negative-ground systems.

The reading error varies or is not an exact multiple

This usually requires further diagnosis. The DB1-128 only applies a fixed power-of-two division; it cannot repair a failing sensor or provide a fine arbitrary ratio.

1

Measure

Record input frequency, signal amplitude and waveform.

2

Compare

Compare the current reading with a verified desired reading.

3

Select

Choose one supported divider using the simulator or switch table.

4

Verify

Test the completed installation throughout its operating range.

Interactive suitability check

Does the required correction match a DB1-128 divider setting?

Enter a measured input value and the output value the instrument actually needs. The tool identifies the nearest fixed divider, predicts the result and shows the single DIP switch that would be ON.

Use the same units for both values. The DB1-128 can condition at ÷1 or divide by 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128.

Required division÷8.000
Selected division÷8
Switch to turn ONSwitch 4
Predicted output100.000 Hz
Difference from target+0.000 Hz
Signal functionDivide by 8
Quick divider selectorClick to compare outputs
8-position DIP switchOnly one switch ON
Exact supported division. Turn ON Switch 4 only.

Important: never turn on more than one divider switch at the same time. This tool selects a divider only; it does not confirm signal compatibility.

Green result

The required correction exactly matches one of the eight supported divider settings.

Yellow result

The nearest fixed divider is shown, but the predicted output does not exactly match the target.

Red result

The requested output is higher than the input or falls outside what a fixed ÷1 to ÷128 divider can achieve.

The simulator checks division only.

It cannot confirm waveform, amplitude, electrical compatibility, wiring condition or whether the original sensor and instrument are functioning correctly.

Divider reference

DB1-128 DIP switch table

Switch ONFunctionOutput
1Condition / ÷1Input ÷1
2÷2Input ÷2
3÷4Input ÷4
4÷8Input ÷8
5÷16Input ÷16
6÷32Input ÷32
7÷64Input ÷64
8÷128Input ÷128
Installation connections

DB1-128 wiring overview

Use the connection drawing for the receiving instrument in addition to this general guide.

IGN+Switched 12/24VDC supply, preferably through a 2 A fuse
GNDGood negative ground or earth
INPUTActive wire from the magnetic pickup or compatible signal source
OUTPUTSignal input terminal on the receiving instrument
Wiring guide only:

Installation by a qualified automotive electrician or instrument technician is recommended.

View the DB1-128 wiring diagramThe PDF includes module layout, connections and divider-switch diagram.
Eight-position switch bank

Select one fixed divider setting

Only one switch may be ON at a time.

Switch ONDividerExample with 800 Hz input
Switch 1Condition / ÷1800 Hz
Switch 2÷2400 Hz
Switch 3÷4200 Hz
Switch 4÷8100 Hz
Switch 5÷1650 Hz
Switch 6÷3225 Hz
Switch 7÷6412.5 Hz
Switch 8÷1286.25 Hz
Do not combine switch settings.

Turn ON one divider switch only.

Product data

Specifications

The controlled product document and markings on the supplied module take precedence.

Part number / SKUDB1-128
FunctionSignal conditioning and fixed frequency division
Supply12/24VDC negative ground
Input waveformSine or square wave
Input amplitude2 V p-p or greater
Input frequency0–10 kHz
OutputSquare wave at approximately the positive supply level
Output rise time≤40 µs
Divider settings÷1, ÷2, ÷4, ÷8, ÷16, ÷32, ÷64 or ÷128
DimensionsApproximately 58 × 42 × 23 mm
Product video

DB1-128 overview

Product video

youtube.com/watch?v=5BSeMs7goHs

Choose the right correction method

Fixed divider or adjustable ratio?

Choose DB1-128 when

The signal needs conditioning or an exact fixed division by 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128.

Need fine ratio correction?View the ERB205 Electronic Ratio Box for adjustable correction.
Understanding the application

DB1-128 troubleshooting and selection FAQ

What symptom suggests that the DB1-128 may be useful?

Two common signs are a compatible speed or RPM signal that is too weak for the receiving instrument, or a reading that is consistently an exact supported multiple too high, such as 2×, 4× or 8×.

Does the DB1-128 repair a faulty sensor or instrument?

No. It conditions and divides a compatible frequency signal. Sensor faults, open circuits, poor grounds and incompatible instruments must be diagnosed separately.

Can it increase frequency when the gauge reads too low?

No. Switch 1 provides signal conditioning at ÷1 and the remaining switches reduce frequency. The DB1-128 does not multiply frequency.

What happens when the required ratio is 3, 5 or 10?

Those are not DB1-128 settings. The available fixed values are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128. An adjustable ratio module may be more appropriate.

Why must only one DIP switch be ON?

Each switch selects one complete divider mode. The installation guide specifically instructs the installer not to have more than one switch ON at the same time.

What information should be measured before ordering?

Confirm supply voltage, input waveform, peak-to-peak signal voltage, frequency range, current reading, verified desired reading and the receiving instrument's input requirements.

Product resources

Datasheet, installation guide and support

The direct PDF includes specifications, fitting instructions, wiring and DIP switch settings.

Application guides

Related guides

Read practical application notes and product guides from Bolec Electronics.

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