Waterproof option. Comes complete with-snorkel and diving mask.


My very first photo tach from mid 1970s Still gets regular use, probably more than all the others put together. Very reliable and stable, for an analog tach. The analog are also easy on batteries compared to digital. I converted this one from geranium transistors to newer FET type. Battery now lasts 5 years or more.


A few years later, built this one.
From what I hear; Much safer to use them from behind.

My tachometer for today

If old Gen Saito made a tach, this would be it.
What?

Must not be raining.

I don't think my Ace Tach has ever been to the field.
The true-blue Old 1975 Heathkit Thumb tach has been there more than all
the others combined. In the rain too!

Of course they read the same. Why wouldn't they?
All of mine do too. Even the 40 year old Heathkit.

I don't calibrate one tach to another. If they didn't agree then what? How do you check calibration on yours?


This is the homebrew tach display I use with my test stand. Calibrated to a Certified Hewlett-Packard Event Per Unit of Time counter. Very stable.

Yes it’s raining yes I took this old tack to field in the rain
.
I think what someone was pointing out is that way would you spend good money on a tack when a lesser expensive one reads the same

also I do believe some just mention how they modified their analog tack so they could make it more accurate.

sometimes it’s just nice to compare one with another.

also dumb ass moment on my part when tacking a three blade prop. Make sure the tack will read a 3 blade prop lol

Cool, I take it there is a less expensive tach that is waterproof but we still don't know which one then?

That was me who mentioned modifying my Ace tach to make it more accurate.

Of course people often spend good money to do ,almost the same thing. Not only that, they spend good money to do what they already have 10 other devices that do the "same thing" maybe even better!

How many people buy Saito twins that cost more, weigh more and put out less power than a single?
How many people have more than one transmitter?
Why do people buy Martin Guitars for $5000 when a $35 pawn shop guitar plays the same songs?
Why do people have marble floors when they can buy Pergo cardboard flooring, Why wet plaster?
Why are people snapping up these tachs as soon as they are posted for near what they cost when new?

The money part is all in how you weigh it. Some folks spend more money on cigarettes and booze than I spend on RC. Care to compare the usual end results?

If you need to ask, it doesn't matter. If you understand, good for you

Not always about money.
It is called a HOBBY for crying out loud . We spend good money to enjoy the hobby as we see fit. That is our business, Sour grape stuff aside....

I fully understand and appreciate how Dave will take in a derelict Saito engine, spend twice what it is worth in parts to get it running like new. I share that love with him. Do the same thing .

I mentioned in the VERY FIRST line of my original post regarding this tach: "Not like I NEED it"
Like I said, just wanted to get one while I still could. I like to study many different kinds of devices.
Spent most of my life studying and learning I learned a bit from every tach I own. It leads to making things, Like the tach I use on my test stand.

I like stuff that is well made, well designed functions well and lasts long after I am gone. I appreciate what it takes to come up with just that.

So, why do you need to fly in the rain?

The rain
well some of us have to drive aways to fly and when it looks good now and rain blows in. I am flying. I much prefer to fly in the sun or on a nice over cast day.
also did I miss something on that ace tack like a 3 blade setting.

as far as spending money on stuff that isn’t worth it
I see it all the time all kinds of stuff like the guy who puts a 10000 dollar engine in a pile of car. Each to his own.

Good thing that I don't have to accept your value standards. Just don't understand why you are so worried about my money
I'm not worried about yours


Aw shoot go on out, have a smoke, chill a bit.

Maybe tead the old Aesop fable about the fox and the grapes:;

I actually think there is something else at the root besides money here

At least we both waste money on Saitos.)

The Nishin is same as a Royal . Good function but the plastic case is fragile The older tachs have all served their purpose for me. I bought them all for something more important than simple RPM measurements.The first Heathkit did that I wanted to learn about them. They all paid me back in something priceless. I learned something from each and every one.

Sure,was that the Royal or the Ace? Your choice but the Royal is a better tach. I have a spare Ace anyhow so either one is fine. They work well with the sun in front of or behind the prop.


BTW, When you get the new tach Send me your dead disposables. I can probably fix them, better than new. I check calibration linearity at several points. Not just the AC line frequency .

Speaking of Saitos, Comparing the FA-90T and the FA-91S. Which one is cheaper? Which puts out more power? Which one is lighter?

well now I wouldn’t say that
I need all the help I can get. My stack of engine’s isn’t that great but if I see a good deal I can’t pass it up

Sure thing,

Nope, don't bother sending anything, just thought I would offer to fix them

To set the record straight.
I dropped in, first line saying :
"Not that I need one" then simply described the new acquisition. Didn't take long for the swarm of negativity from the usual places to ensue. Even though I repeatedly commented that the old Heathkit was adequate for my tachometer needs.

Clearly I was not trying to suggest anyone buy a new TNC but to hear some you would think so.

Great entertainment though

I will be sending you the Futaba digital as well.
Tachometers? Like I said I usually leave them at home.

Down with sour grapes!

Long live the zHeathkit Thumbtach!


LOL