Tachometer recommendation

[Fbmoose48]

I'm in the market for a tachometer. I tried out one of the Amazon direct-from-China noname sub-$20 specials and was not impressed.

Any recommendations for a reliable and accurate tachometer, ideally around $50 but perhaps as high as $100-125 if its worth it.

 

[pepi]

I am not sure but there could be one here

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/tachometer-gauges?SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending&tw=Tac&sw=Tachometer%20Gauges

 

[454ragtop]

Are you looking for a gauge to mount in a car, or a diagnostic tool?

 

[Fbmoose48]

I should clarify, I'm looking for a handheld photo tachometer to use as a diagnostic tool.

 

[larry_g]

I should clarify, I'm looking for a handheld photo tachometer to use as a diagnostic tool.

Still not enough info, range, automotive,industrial, accuracy required, what are you pointing at, and any thing else that may apply. There are literally hundreds of 'photo tacs' out there and some for specific applications.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[American Locomotive]

I have one of these guys: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-La...487955&hash=item20c0628470:g:CKwAAMXQRgBQ0ucp

and I couldn't be happier. I tested it's maximum range, and I was able to pick up a reliable tach signal off my drill press spindle over 10 feet away.

 

[royesses]

I have one of these guys: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-La...487955&hash=item20c0628470:g:CKwAAMXQRgBQ0ucp

and I couldn't be happier. I tested it's maximum range, and I was able to pick up a reliable tach signal off my drill press spindle over 10 feet away.

I've had one exactly like it for 14 years. It works great. If you want to measure more than 1 pulse per revolution you can get a photo tach that lets you set the number of pulses and give an accurate rpm directly from the digital display. You can find the reflective tape on Amazon, Ebay, MSC and other sellers.

Roy

 

[Jason280]

I have one of these guys: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-La...487955&hash=item20c0628470:g:CKwAAMXQRgBQ0ucp

and I couldn't be happier. I tested it's maximum range, and I was able to pick up a reliable tach signal off my drill press spindle over 10 feet away.

I'm going to order one of these tonight, but the instructions aren't very specific...what is the "reflective mark", and is it replaceable? Can you buy more for multiple applications?

 

[royesses]

The reflective mark can be the special reflective tape supplied with it or a white mark on a black background, etc. The reflective tape is available from many sources like Ebay and Amazon.

Roy

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'm going to order one of these tonight, but the instructions aren't very specific...what is the "reflective mark", and is it replaceable? Can you buy more for multiple applications?

They usually have silver tape to use for a reflective mark. A line drawn with a silver or white paint marker will usually work.

 

[Htscheg]

I have the Blue Point 1378 Digital Tachometer, works great for both auto and power sports uses

 

[Chicken]

good timing with this thread. have been wanting to figure out my drill press RPM

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I have the Blue Point 1378 Digital Tachometer, works great for both auto and power sports uses

The shop has one of those which was here when I started in 95. It still works fine, but I bought my own some years back and got the newer version.

For reflective tape, I find the fine pattern type of generic reflective marker tape works well. I get it from the hardware store - usually where they sell mailboxes and driveway markers.

For really good readings, I black out the area / rotating item with flat black paint and then stick on the marker tape.

 

[CR888]

You want a tach with a fast 'refresh' rate as rpm changes occur. Nothing worse when trying to tune a small engine & your tach can't keep up with what's going on. Fastach make some good handhelds and have a good warranty. Look for features like memory that stores max RPM etc but that refresh rate is MOST important IMO. Also some photo tachs go crazy when used on small engines that have computer controlled carburetors like Husqvarnas AT (autotune) or Stihl's MT (Mtronic) systems. So finding a tach that suits your needs requires a little info/research.

 

[65Goat]

^^^^