An inductive tachometer?

[VolvoRyan]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a tach to set (and check) base idle on the cars. I like the "clip the pick-up on the ignition wire" style. Quick and easy setup for a quick and easy job. Not sure what's out there anymore, as it's an odd tool to need 30 years ago, let alone in this day and age.

I've got an old MAC unit for setting up points distributors, but the tach started doing things when I tapped the mode knob. Seems to be working, but now my faith in it is wavering. The Autel lab scope (MP408) has not been great at getting frequency out of ignition pulses.

I have several timing lights, but they don't do RPM's

This leaves me looking for a unicorn: Something reliable..... and well under $130.

Why $130? At $130, I can get an RPM80 for the Fluke meter. As much as I'd love to do that, I feel like the last few months have been expensive for tools. Nickel and dimed to death.

Thanks!

-Ryan

 

[unslow1]

I just picked up an Innova timing light with a built-in tach.

 

[Beerhippie]

Look at the new LED timing lights. They'll pretty much all have inductive tachs built in. The thing that really impressed me when I borrowed one last summer is that they actually produce LIGHT! Lots of light! After growing up with neon and then feeble xenon timing lights that required a dimly-lit space (or wait 'til night) to see the damned things, having a timing light that can be used in full daylight was a dream!

They're also very compact. The one I borrowed (sorry, don't recall brand) folded up to about 10" X 4" X 2".