Need to buy a prop or engine tachometer. I've been told that the " TMC Tach" is one of the best to buy. Any one know where I can find one? Your opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

The TNC Digital Tach is the best I've ever had. Mine is over 2 years old and no problems and I use the tach on a regular basis. I'm the only one at the flying field who has a TNC and everyone uses it. The big advantage to this unit along with it being accurate is that you stay away from the prop, you don't have to get close. I usually use mine around 12" from the prop. Skyborn Electronics makes the unit. They have a web site http://www.bktsi.com/index.htm

TNC is highly regarded, and highly priced. On a couple occasions, my Tower El Cheapo has given same readings as a TNC. If you're a tuning specialist, maybe TNC is worth the extra cost, but for a sport flyer the Tower does well at modest cost.

Thanks your input is appreciated.

Greg

I went to the website you have listed. They do not list TNC tach in products list. I have had a TNC tach on order since Feb from Don's Hobby but they have not been able to get them either. They told me that a new manufacturer had taken over manufacturer of unit but not able to supply yet.

Glowbee is VERY accurate and cheap at less than $30.

Reads a perfect 3600 when I aim it at the fluorescent lights

I picked up the Hanger 9 DVT. Reads 2 to 4 blades and is a volt meter as well. Knocked one more device out of my box. It also reads 3600 when pointed at the flourescent lights. Is that how you tell if its accurate? Joe

For me I need a tach that is precise, not so much one that is accurate.

I really don't care if my engine is turning 12,500 and my tach is showing 12,000 as long as it's precise enough to show small variations as you adjust the needles. I'm sure the top end tachs are precise AND accurate (not the same thing) but my cheapy hobbico one has been precise enough for my casual use.

The AC is 60Hz so the tach should read 3600 when pointed at the lights since the tach is reading in rpm's.

Won't work on incandescent ligts.

Thanks Geo, I've learned something new.Joe

I have this one too. It is dead nuts as accurate as the TNC. My friend at the field has one and they both read identical at all RPM's. Very nice tach.

Joe

I work in a a hobby shop and the Glowbee is by far the most popular. You can angle the dispay and save readings.

My tach (Cermark One Touch - black case) appears to be the same thing as the Hobbico (red case) and generally it has been reliable. I only use it a couple times per year. But yesterday on a 3w 100 gasser (26 inch prop) at full throttle, the tach varied from 6,000 to 8,000 during about 60 seconds. The engine was not changing rpm by more than a few hundred rpm at most. Yet the tach would not stop on a number consistently. I had just put in a new 9-VOlt. It reads 3600 pointed at the flourescent. Usually the tach shows a number and it does not vary by more than a few hundred rpm.

The sky was very clear and bright - around high noon. I don't use the tach often enough to know if perhaps it works better when the sun is lower in the sky.