Speed sensors come in many types. Most everyone is familiar with the automobile speedometer. Bicycle speed sensors are also common. They usually consist of a magnetic sensor on the fork and a permanent magnet on one of the spokes. Each time the permanent magnet cycles around to the sensor, the display unit converts this to a distance measurement of one wheel circumference and relates it to time, yielding either miles or kilometers.

While precise speed calibration sensors calibrate via electrical signals, the bike speedometer is a simple type of speed calibration sensor because the owner calibrates it according to the circumference of a particular wheel. There are many other types of speed sensors and thousands of uses for them. Here are just a few types and their applications:

1. Photoelectric speed sensors measure the rotational speed of a motor.

2. Laser speed sensors also measure rotational speed, as well as other non-contact, precise applications.

3. Magnetic speed sensors measure both rotational and linear speed and come in a variety of forms with displays for industrial applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy auto parts from quality speed sensor manufacturers

If you think the only speed sensor in your car is the speedometer that displays in your dashboard cluster, you may be wrong. Modern cars operate by computer and electronics which rely on sensors for feedback. For instance, wheel speed sensors play an important role in anti-lock breaking systems and other traction control systems.

I recommend: ElectroSport Industries is a great place for speedometers fit for cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes or just about any type of vehicle. They carry many stylish displays. For the real gearhead who knows her stuff, head to Autosport Sensors. They will format Hall-effect type magnetic wheel speed sensor systems to your preferences.

Locate a magnetic or photoelectric speed sensor system

Manufacturing and quality control require precise and adaptable speed sensors and displays with detailed data.

I recommend: Motion Sensors, Inc. sells Hall effect magnetic speed sensors as well as many other magnetic velocity sensors, like variable reluctance and magnetoresistive sensors. For photoelectric speed sensors and many other types of photoelectric sensors, Mouser Electronics is one of many websites to check out.

Get more out of your ride with a bicycle speed sensor, or spedometer

If you take road biking seriously, bicycle speedometers are a great addition to your experience. These allow you to match your speed with traffic more easily and set exercise goals. Plus, bike speedometers usually track other data, like calories burned, and come standard with odometers, so you can keep track of your trip distances as well as how many overall miles you've put on a bike.

I recommend: Sunrise Cyclery carries a huge selection of bike speedometers with multiple features. And if you just have to have something different than everybody else, check out the wireless bike speedometer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are buying a speedometer or speedometer display for a dirt bike, quad-runner or farm vehicle, go for quality speed sensor that has a rugged, waterproof display case.