Tachometer

Alright post up links to tach models that your using to tune your saws.

I am cheap so the more affordable the better. I like things that work...I dont care if its from Harbor Freight if out works. I am not into spending 2x as much just cause out says Stihl on it or Husky.

 

Not especially cheap, but I have a Dixson 1082 analog model that I like quite a bit except for the fact that it's physically large and bulky; it won't fit in a pocket.

The vast majority of tachs currently on the market are digital, and I think the main thing you get by paying more, besides build quality, is a faster refresh rate. The cheapies you can order direct from China via eBay work, but they're slow to react to changes in RPM, which makes them more cumbersome to use when tuning.

 

Thats what I have heard. On like the tiny tach. Is that its so slow to refresh you dont want to use it cause you have to hold WOT 7-10 seconds to get it to read.

 

You're exaggerating the problem (I don't think any of them take 7 seconds to refresh), but basically, yeah. You can't slowly turn the scewdriver and stop when it gets to the reading you want, because the cheap tach is telling you what the RPM was a second or two ago instead of what it is now. So you adjust a bit and wait, adjust a bit and wait. It's probably fine for occasional use.

Build quality matters too. I bought a cheap bicycle speedometer from China via eBay a few years ago, and it worked okay but only for a little while. The name-brand model I replaced it with has roughly the same features and cost at least three times as much, but it has lasted orders of magnitude longer.

 

Well that sounds like something I can deal with. From what I read it took so long to refresh they worried about holding it Wide open that long. I dont mind holding wide open on a saw for three seconds. Adjust check rpm and adjust again.

 

To be clear, I'm not sure of the refresh rates on the cheaper ones. My analog model is a real-time device; there's essentially no delay. I used Dexter's Stihl model at the GTG and it was nice.

 

Hey clem,
I have a few tachs;
Fast Tach, DTI TT-20K, Hardline, Tiny Tach, etc .....

I install Hardline tachs on my equipment and use the DTI TT-20 for use around the shop.
The rest, I wasted money on and they now collect dust


Here is a link for the DTI TT-20
http://www.amickssuperstore.com/DTI_2_Cycle_Two_Stroke_Tachometer_Tach_p/dti tech-tach tt-20k tach.htm

 

That's the one I have. I had one with a slower refresh rate and it was useless for anything beyond setting idle. Do yourself a favor clemsonfor, come off the $100 and get a good one, otherwise you'll just be buying the good one later after wasting money on the cheapie. (Like I did)

 

I use the DTI fast-tach. It's pretty handy because it's so small, perfect for test and tune.

http://www.amickssuperstore.com/DTI_2_Cycle_Two_Stroke_Tachometer_Fast_Tach_p/dti fast-tach.htm

 

clemsonfor the tach moparmyway posted is the tach I have and recommend.

DexterDay mentioned he wanted to sell his Stihl tach, might save you some cash.

 

I've got a tiny tach, the little guy. Works fine for me, bought for the saws but easy to move around to whatever needs it, 4 banger or 2.

 

does it come wit dat sexy screwdriver?

 

This is the one to get. It takes new batteries (some tachs come fixed with a non-replaceable capacitor). Its also wireless and is 'larger' to fit your palm and not get lost in the toolbox. I have never needed the wires on mine. They work and last a long time. Works on 2 or 4 strokes. I have had mine over 6 years now? Never failed. I bought mine direct from the factory for $100 or so clams plus shipping. The price at Amicks right now is really good ($89). Cannot beat the product or that price. I have bought a lot of stuff from Amicks, never a problem.

 

that is a good price I paid 85 plus shipping for mine

 

Another vote for the DTI TT-20K. I got mine from Amicks as well. You can't go wrong with that one Clem.