CDS Sensors

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Overview

COMPETITION DATA SYSTEMS offers a complete line of sensors for measuring almost any parameter. Our line is constantly being updated and expanded. Also, if you require a sensor not shown anywhere on our website, please check the "Buy Sensors Online" page or call us. Chances are we can get the sensor you need.

All of our sensors include cables made to length when ordered with a system. Cables are also sold separately. All cables are clearly marked, with connectors installed, so that you can simply plug your system together. We use a Teflon jacketed cable, rated to 200 degrees C, for all our sensor cables. The cable is also shielded for noise immunity.

Our standard connectors are circular 1/4 turn locking and are completely waterproof. “Lemo” connectors are offered as an option.

All sensors and cables carry a 90-day warranty unless otherwise noted. Detailed specification sheets are available for most of our sensors on request.

RPM
Displacement

Motion

Pressure

Temp.

Flow

Forces & Load

Other Sensors

Cables & connectors
*Buy Sensors Online*

RPM

SEN-4
RPM SENSOR

SEN-4m
MINI RPM SENSOR

Measures: Engine, Wheel, or Shaft RPM

SEN-4 (M12 threads)
SEN-4M (5/16–24 threads)
Uses a small magnet (provided) to detect RPM
Threaded barrel for mounting to customer provided bracket.
Functions at sensor-to-magnet gaps of up to 1/4 “

SEN-17B

SEN-17M

Measures: Engine RPM using the electric signal from the ignition or fuel injection system

17M Size: 2.25” x 1.25” x 1.1”
17B Size: 2” x 2” x 1”
Connects to tach output of ignition or fuel injection system.
Models available for MSD, Electromotive, GM HEI, and any electronic fuel injection system. See price list for details.

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Displacement

SEN-20-(RANGE)
DISPLACEMENT SENSOR

Measures: Suspension Travel, Steering, any other displacement

Ranges: 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” standard (other ranges available)
Measures linear displacements
Metal rod ends (Heim joints) at both ends for easy mounting
Very rugged, durable design
Not recommended for throttle measurement

SEN-11
1.5" DISPLACEMENT SENSOR

Measures: Throttle position, brake pedal travel, or any other short range displacement.

Range: 0 - 1.5”
Measures small linear displacements.
Spring return plunger for easy installation.

SEN-34
ROTARY DISPLACEMENT SENSOR

Measures: Throttle position.

Range: 0 - 90 Degrees
Used typically for throttle position
Can be mounted directly to most carburetors and fuel injection throttles.

SEN-38
STRINGPOT SENSOR

Measures: Displacement

SEN-38-F (firm spring)
SEN-38-S (soft spring)
Range: 0 - 9 inches.
Easy and quick installation.
Firm spring for steering or suspension measurement.
Soft spring for throttle measurement.
Can be used for suspension measurement if high velocities are not expected.

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Motion

SEN-28s/d/t
1,2, or 3 Axis ACCELEROMETER

Measures: G Forces

Range: +/- 5 G

Size: 2” x 1.38” x .75”
Solid state unit custom built for racing applications
Built-in filtering
Suitable for any race car from showroom stock to Indy.
Other G ranges available (such as +/- 50 g for spindles) on special order.

SEN-37
RATE SENSOR (GYRO)

Measures: Rate of Rotation

Size: 2.25” x 1.25” x 1.1”
Range: +/- 80 Degrees Per Sec.
+/- 1% overall accuracy.
Generates circuit maps in motorcycle applications.
Can be used to measure pitch rate, roll rate, or yaw rate.
Used along with Lateral G in 4 wheeled applications to detect oversteer and understeer.

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Pressure

SEN-2
PITOT TUBE

Use with SEN-10 aero sensors.
Essential for making precise aero pressure measurements.
Has both dynamic and static taps.
Use static tap for creating a stable reference.
Use dynamic tap for measuring air speed.

SEN-10a (0-28 in. of water)
SEN-10b (0-140 in. of water)
SEN-10c (+/- 70 in. of water)
LOW PRESSURE SENSOR

Measures: Aero Pressures

Used for airbox, cowl, ground effect pressures
Ideal for evaluating aerodynamics in real world setting
Differential sensor has both low and high pressure ports for referencing measurements

SEN-10dq (+/- 140 in. of water)
4 CHANNEL AERO SENSOR

Measures: Aero Pressures.

Used for airbox, cowl, ground effect pressures.
Ideal for evaluating aerodynamics in real world setting.
Has both low and high pressure ports for referencing measurements.

SEN-9 (High Accuracy)
FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR

Measures: Any Fluid Pressure.

Ranges from +/-15 to 0-5000 PSI available.
Instrumentation grade sensor has accuracy as high as ½%.
Used for oil, water, fuel, brake line, turbo or blower boost pressures.
3/8” FPT connection on ranges lower than 100 PSI.
1/4” MPT connection on ranges of 100 PSI and up.

SEN-33a (0-30 PSI)
SEN-33b (0-80 PSI)
SEN-33c (0-150 PSI)
FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR

Measures: Any Fluid Pressure.

Low cost
5% accuracy
1/8” MPT connection
Ideal for oil pressure measurements
Not recommended for high pressure fuel measurements.
Use SEN-9 in those applications.

SEN-39
PRESSURE SENSOR

Measures: Manifold Pressure

Range: 0 to Full Vacuum
Used for measuring manifold vacuum in normally aspirated engines.
Can be calibrated in PSI, mm of Hg, or Inches of water.

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Temperature

SEN-3
CYLINDER HEAD TEMPERATURE PROBE

Range: 32 - 1000 Degrees F
These probes have been developed specially for on track racing applications.
Installs under spark plug.
Ideal for all air cooled engines.
Available in 12, 14 and 18 mm diameter.
Consult your engine builder for information on expected temperatures.

OTHER THERMOCOUPLES

SEN-7

STANDARD PROBE

For coolant, oil, or other fluid temperature.
1/8” diameter X 12” long, includes compression fitting.

SEN-8

CONTACT STYLE

For measuring brake calipers, shock bodies.
Attaches directly to surface using cement.

SEN-16
EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE (EGT) PROBE

Range: 32 - 1830 Degrees F
These EGT probes have been developed specially for on track racing applications.
Exposed tip design provides quick response.
Installs using weld type compression fitting (included).
Consult your engine builder for recommendations on installation location and expected temperatures.

SEN-21N, SEN-21NH
INFRA-RED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(NARROW ANGLE)

Range: SEN-21N for up to 500° F
Range: SEN-21NH for over 500° F
Use 21N for measuring tire or other “low” temperatures.
Use 21NH for brake rotor, clutch disk, or other “high” temperatures.
Has 1:3 sight ratio, so that if the tire is 3” away from the sensor, it “sees” a 1” diameter spot.
Includes air purge fitting.
Requires SEN-5 Amplifier.

SEN-21L
INFRA-RED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(LOW COST)

Range: 32 - 500 Degrees F
For measuring tire or other “low” temperatures.
Has 1:1 sight ratio, so that if the tire is 1” away from the sensor, it “sees” a 1” diameter spot.
Mounts via threaded body.
Requires SEN-5 Amplifier.

SEN-5S
SINGLE CHANNEL THERMOCOUPLE AMP

Size: 2” x 1” x 1”
Amplifies and provides cold junction compensation to low level signals from type K thermocouples or infrared sensors.
Amplifier mounts close to signal source to boost signal to 0-5 volts for improved noise immunity.
Terminal strip connection for easy field replacement of thermocouple.

SEN-5T (3 CHANNEL), SEN-5Q (4 CHANNEL)
THERMOCOUPLE AMP

Size: 3.75” x 2.4” x 1.4”
Amplifies and provides cold junction compensation to low level signals from type K thermocouples or infrared sensors.
Ideal for measuring EGT on 6 or 8 cylinder, use 1 amp per cylinder bank.
Includes quarter turn quick disconnect for quick removal of headers between passes on drag cars.

SEN-31
AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Range: 32 - 300 Degrees F
For intake air, cowl, or other air temperature measurements.
3/8” MPT connection.

SEN-30
FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Range: 32 - 300 Degrees F
For water, oil, or other fluid temperature measurements.
1/8” MPT connection.

SEN-32
FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Range: 32 - 300 Degrees F
For water, oil, or other fluid temperature measurements.
3/8” MPT connection

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Flow

SEN-35
(Low Cost Meter)

Measures fuel flows up to 80 GPH (Gallons Per Hour)
2 % accuracy
Has ¼” FPT type end fittings
Interfaces using one of the digital RPM channels of the Commander II.

SEN-36
(High Precision)

Ranges available up to 600 GPH (Gallons Per Hour)
½ % accuracy
Has AN type end fittings
Interfaces using one of the digital RPM channels of the Commander II.

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Forces & Load

SEN-42 SPRING LOAD CELL

For jack screw type cars

Includes built-in ball joint to equalize load and provide excellent accuracy and repeatability.
Installs in place of stock upper spring perches and connects to jack screws.
Includes amplifiers for easy connection to any data system.

SPECIFICATIONS:

AVAILABLE RANGES: 0-2500, 0-5000 Lb.
ACCURACY: +/- .15%,
Repeatability .1%
POWER: 11-17 volts, 25 milliamps per amplifier
AMPLIFIED OUTPUT: 1-6 volts standard, other ranges available.

KIT INCLUDES: 4 Load cells, 4 amplifiers, shipping case, and analog output cables for the CDS Commander II system. (Cables for other systems can be supplied.)
KIT PRICE: $ 12,000

NOTE: Load cells for coil-over and pushrod type cars also available.
Contact Us for information.

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Other

(sensors)

SEN-14C2
ENCODED PHOTO RECEIVER

Measures: Lap time - In combination with a trackside Photo Beacon (SEN-25)

Gives accurate lap times to .001 second
Test light indicates reception.
Completely immune to false triggering due to ambient light.
Channel selected by small 16 position dial.
Over 100’ range.

SEN-25CS (SHOWN), SEN-25CM
ENCODED PHOTO BEACON

Placed trackside, is used to trigger SEN-14C and SEN-14C2.
Mounts on tripod using standard 1/4-20 thread.
CS model (shown) has 100 ft. range, CM model (30 LEDs) has over 150 ft. range.
Powered by any 12 volt battery (user provided).
Includes indicator for battery voltage.

SEN-29
LAMBDA SENSOR

Range: 0 to 1 Volt
Essentially is a “switch” which indicates rich or lean condition.
Does not measure actual air/fuel ratio.
Contact us for products that measure actual air/fuel ratios.

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Cables & Connectors

The CDS Standard Cabling System enables users to quickly create a professional, clean, organized installation WITHOUT doing any wiring work. Modifications to an installation are a snap with “Plug & Play” Extension Cables.

Junction Boxes and “Y” cables combine 4 channels into a single cable, making for a cleaner and more flexible installation.

If you have a system with the older cables, you can upgrade to this new cabling system.