How To Choose A Digital Tachometer
Digital tachometers are specially designed instruments for the measurement of rotational speed. Unfortunately, a vast array of digital tachometers available makes finding the best for your application can become challenging. For this reason, our scientists have created a list of five helpful tips that will help find the ideal digital tachometer for your application.
1. Choose Your Digital Tachometer Type
Selecting the type of digital tachometer is the first step in choosing the correct meter for your application. The three main designs detailed below (Figure 1) will help you make this choice.Â
Contact Digital Tachometer |
Non-Contact Digital Tachometer |
Dual Contact and Non-Contact Digital Tachometer |
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 Contact tachometers have a freely spinning tip or wheel that rests against the spinning object to be measured. The tip spins with the machine to calculate the RPM of the spinning object. |
 Non-contact digital tachometers emit a beam of infrared light. The light is directed at a pre-applied reflective target. The tachometer will count the number of times it receives a reflected signal and provide a reading in RPM. |
 Dual contact and non-contact digital tachometers combine the best of both worlds. A dual meter allows you to measure rotating speed (RPM) using contact or non-contact mechanisms. |
Figure 1 The three main types of digital tachometers
2. Measurement Range
Measurement range refers to the minimum and maximum speed the tachometer can measure and determine accurately.
When choosing a digital tachometer, ensure the measuring range of the meter is in line with the expected speeds of the equipment you wish to measure, which requires checking both minimum and maximum values.
3. Measurement Accuracy
Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to a specific value.
With scientific equipment, accuracy comes at a price. Lower accuracy is often acceptable for general, everyday use, whereas greater accuracy is essential for quality assurance and engineering. Find a meter that balances your accuracy requirements within your budgetary constraints.
4. Other Measurements
Digital tachometers measure RPM. For a high level of versatility, some equipment measures additional parameters like:
- Revolutions (total)
- Length; and
- Linear speed.Â
5. Data Storage and Transfer
At a minimum, almost all digital tachometers can recognise and store minimum and maximum values. Further to this, some higher-spec meters include PC connectivity via USB outputs so you can store, share and save data with ease.
Digital Tachometer Product Examples
Your Instrument Choice scientists have prepared some product examples of digital tachometers, utilising the five criteria outlined above. But of course, if you need any assistance finding the best for your needs, contact us!
LED Display Contact Tachometer, 6" Circumference Measuring Wheel
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Digital Laser Non-Contact Photo Tachometer
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Tachometer with USB Output - Combination Contact / Non-Contact Operation
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Conclusion
Choosing the ideal digital tachometer for your application can feel like an impossible task with so many options and variations in features and functions. However, following the five criteria listed above will place you in a better position to make the right selection for your application.
Browse the complete range of digital tachometers here
Want more information about digital tachometers or need further assistance? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist. Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].
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