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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Scott Richlen on April 21, 2021, 11:07:36 AM

Title: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Scott Richlen on April 21, 2021, 11:07:36 AM
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?
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: 944_Jim on April 21, 2021, 12:48:03 PM
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.

Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Dan Bregar on April 21, 2021, 05:10:44 PM
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.
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Crist Rigotti on April 21, 2021, 09:30:45 PM
TNC
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Roger Vizioli on April 21, 2021, 09:41:26 PM
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.
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Fred Quedenfeld jr on April 22, 2021, 07:49:40 AM
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
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: AMV on April 22, 2021, 08:54:23 AM
I built my own digitach.  Reads RPM directly from brushless or glow motors, no fickle optics involved.

Cheers  H^^
-Andrey
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Jim Hoffman on April 22, 2021, 11:58:17 AM
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.
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Dave Harmon on April 22, 2021, 05:09:13 PM
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!
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Brett Buck on April 22, 2021, 08:35:59 PM
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
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Dan McEntee on April 22, 2021, 08:58:01 PM
   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
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: 944_Jim on April 23, 2021, 02:07:58 AM
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.
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: BillP on April 23, 2021, 09:48:30 AM
What about the latest Hanger 9 tach?  It had pretty bad reviews when it came out a couple yrs ago. Are they better now?
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Dave Harmon on April 23, 2021, 06:45:08 PM
I remember, Dad had one of those too, I think he built it.


Motorman 8)

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.
Title: Re: is there a tachometer that works well?
Post by: Rob Duckering on May 04, 2021, 10:16:43 AM
These ones work good, had the old tnc's as well.

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