is there a tachometer that works well?

[Scott Richlen]

My Hobbico tach decided that "maybe it would work or maybe not" this last week.  So now I have to get a new tach.  Problem is, they don't seem too reliable or long lasting.  What tach do you guys use that works well?

[944_Jim]

Get the app. Seriously, I use an auditory tach on my smart phone. It is called "RPM Gauge."

I hate getting the phone all slippery, so I think I will re-purpose my last phone for the job. Then I shouldn't have booger up my daily CP, and I get a decent camera out of it.

[Dan Bregar]

My Hobbico tach decided that "maybe it would work or maybe not" this last week.  So now I have to get a new tach.  Problem is, they don't seem too reliable or long lasting.  What tach do you guys use that works well?

Yeah, the Hangar 9 Micro Digital Tach was always pretty good. I've had one for almost 16 yrs and it still works well. Not sure what the availability is these days though.

[Crist Rigotti]

TNC

[Roger Vizioli]

Get the app. Seriously, I use an auditory tach on my smart phone. It is called "RPM Gauge."

I hate getting the phone all slippery, so I think I will re-purpose my last phone for the job. Then I shouldn't have booger up my daily CP, and I get a decent camera out of it.

Jim,
Check the app address.
Cant find it as noted.
thx
Roger V.

[Fred Quedenfeld jr]

Does anybody use this one?
TASI-8740 Non-contact Digital Tachometer rpm meter 2.5~99, 999RPM Laser Photo Tachometer Speed Measurement Tester  $29.95
Fred Q

[AMV]

I built my own digitach.  Reads RPM directly from brushless or glow motors, no fickle optics involved.

Cheers 
-Andrey

[Jim Hoffman]

The best tach I have used are the OLD TNCs.  I bought a later model about 5 yrs ago adn found it jumped around too much.  I worked diligently with the factory but to no avail.  They had made an electronic change that could not be undone.

I have one that was purchased maybe 10 yrs ago and it is splendid.  The old and new ones look the same, but performed very differently for me.

[Dave Harmon]

The best tach I have used are the OLD TNCs.  I bought a later model about 5 yrs ago adn found it jumped around too much.  I worked diligently with the factory but to no avail.  They had made an electronic change that could not be undone.

I have one that was purchased maybe 10 yrs ago and it is splendid.  The old and new ones look the same, but performed very differently for me.

Me too....I think the update time is too slow.
I'm digging around for my old Heathkit thumbtack with the analogue meter!

[Brett Buck]

My dad had a tach with different length music wires. You hold it against the motor mount and which wire vibrated depended on rpm. It had about 6 wires 10K - 15K if I remember right.

   Vibra-tach

   Brett

[Dan McEntee]

   Vibra-tach

   Brett

   I have a couple of vibra-tach units that are pencil like, and you slide something up and down to get a wire vibrating to get a reading I think.. I'll have to find them, it's been a while. I have my late brother Jim's vibra-tach that he used on lawn mower and other small engines. Set it on top of a running engine and turn the knob that pushes a wire in or out, and when it vibrates, that is youe RPM. He relied heavily on that one and asid it was pretty accurate.
   Type at you later,
    Dan McEntee

[944_Jim]

Jim,
Check the app address.
Cant find it as noted.
thx
Roger V.

Roger V,
I rechecked...it is called "Acoustic Tachometer (RPM)" by Javier Yanez.

[BillP]

What about the latest Hanger 9 tach?  It had pretty bad reviews when it came out a couple yrs ago. Are they better now?

[Dave Harmon]

I remember, Dad had one of those too, I think he built it.


Motorman

Yep....they were a pretty good kit....I built this one back in about 70' and used it a LOT.
The last time I saw it the meter plastic cover looked opaque like I had spilled fuel on it or something....
More than likely just age.
It would be pretty easy to build another one because the schematic is around.....all discrete no IC.
I'll try to find another meter.

[Rob Duckering]

These ones work good, had the old tnc's as well.

https://fromeco-scale-avionics-llc.myshopify.com/products/tnc-tachometer