Inexpensive and accurate RPM meter

[rickx]

Just bought this tachometer ($17) from amazon, very useful tool when adjusting a governor!
http://www.amazon.com/CyberTech-Digi.../dp/B001N4QY66

[Tunames]

Where do you aim it? PTO? Would be good to have.

[dvogtvpe]

I actually prefer to use a Vibra-Tach. no batteries to start to leak when you forget about it , simple to use and very accrurate for small engine work.

[FYN409]

Does look handy, just order one myself. Thanks!

[finsruskw]

I have one, they are OK I guess
but....

Kind of a PITA to get that tiny piece of tape to stick to whatever though.

[rickx]

Originally Posted by Tunames

Where do you aim it? PTO? Would be good to have.

Yes, PTO, or any piece rotating at crank speed. I used the flywheel screen. Unit comes with a few 8 inch strips of reflective tape. You cut the tape into 1/2" squares and stick one square on any dark colored rotating piece, point the "gun" and shoot. Instant RPM readout. I noticed my reflective tape was gone after I cut the grass, doesn't stick too great!

[garnold]

I have that same one and seem to have a tough time getting it to return sometimes. Any tips?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by garnold

I have that same one and seem to have a tough time getting it to return sometimes. Any tips?

What do you mean?

[garnold]

I have the reflective tape on the PTO and you really have to find the sweet distance to place the meter from the tape to get it to return a rpm reading. I've also found that to much sun light will make it also hard to read the tape. I picked this up because I thought the magnet type would not work well but I might still try one. I've also seen it return different readings when I test, turn it off and test again which is strange.

[J-Mech]

I have about a $350 Blue Point (Snap-On's "cheaper" model) photo-tach. It is sensitive too. All of them I've ever used are. It's just the "nature of the beast" if you know what I mean. It works off reflection. There is a little light inside the end, or maybe yours uses a lazer. Either way, you can't have it in too much light or the outside light source will throw it off. It can't be too far away, or the same thing happens. You do have to find the "sweet spot" like you said, but they are still the most accurate way to find RPM. I have found, that it helps tremendously if you shine up the spot your going to attach the reflector, then either use a marker or paint and make the area around the reflector black. DO NOT use gloss paint. Flat only. Sometimes, I shine the area, mount the reflector then just use a black marker around it. Depends on how big a hurry I'm in. I have a reflector on all my tractors that I have worked on. AFAIK, they are still on there. I usually mount the reflector to the PTO also.