Inductive Tachometer

[sfc]

I saw this and thought it could be really useful...

www.everhartsales.com/product.php?productid=1987&cat=0&page=1

What do you guys think?

[Dandy Dan]

I suspect it it won't work because I think it works by being held up to something that spins ie a wheel or a propellor and then measures that RPM. You could use it to measure the RPM of your wheels but that doesn't give you engine RPM (you want to measure crankshaft speed, the crankshaft is what the variator is on). I do think it would work it you took the variator cover off and affixed it so it measured the RPM of the front clutch but that would be really hard to read at speed. It might be doable for tuning but awkward.

[chanito]

not quite, DD inductive means that is like a clamp that goes around the coil or spark plug wire, so when current flows to the spark plug it creates a ripple that then is counted and the tach can calculate how many rpms the engine is running, actually most timing light use an inductive pick up, the problem i see it is that the device seems to be handheld, and reaching the coil wire in the ruckus is not that easy (it is tight), so unless you take the floorboard is almost impossible to use

[Dandy Dan]

Thanks for setting the record straight. If I understand you correctly Chanito, it attaches like a clamp meter so there is no need to cut any wires or really do anything, right? That actually might be a workable, cheaper option that buying a more expensive tach and properly installing it if you only want to use it when you're messing with the variator. Permanent use would be crappy but for tuning it might be ok.

It says it's cordless. That mean the unit itself senses the pulses so you don't actually use wires to do it or is there a seperate clamp that wirelessly sends the signal (I doubt it). Regardless I wouldn't want it for permanent use cuz it looks wierd but I am considering getting one now just for tuning. I would be nice cuz I could play with other engine too ie. our pressure washer, lawnmower etc. and see what they spin at. Because every second spark in the Ruckus is a dead one it would read double the real RPM though right? This could be a problem if it only goes to say 12K or something.

I've actually seen several tachs like that on ebay for cheaper I think but I always thought they worked somehow by sensing spinning cuz some of them said for airplane use only and I was like hmm....must sense off the propeller.

EDIT: I'm really learning a lot here. Thanks guys. After browsing ebay some more I learned there are RC Airplane tachs that rear off the prop. but they are different than the one we are talking about. I found some more like the one you posted but none cheaper.

EDIT 2: Here's some more info on the tach in question. I figured out it's wireless cuz the one end of it is the clamp (shorter stubby end). That would be an awkward read at high speeds but maybe do able.

"The EZ-Tach is a unique tachometer capable of quick RPM measurements on any automotive engine with a spark plug wire. And, it is completely wireless! No cables, no wires and no fragile antennas to break off!

This is a dependable tool for tune-up and other diagnostic work where accurate RPM readings are required. Just clamp over any spark plug wire and get accurate engine RPM for on engines up to 8 cylinders. The EZ-Tach will read RPM's on both conventional or DIS ignition systems."

Wireless. NO CABLES, WIRES OR ANTENNAS
Data Hold Function
2000 Count LCD Display
Low Battery Indication
9 Volt Battery & Instructions Included
Dual scale either "1" or "10" scale
Will work in marine, motorcycle, automotive, farm equipment, stationary engines
TEST RANGES:

4 Cycle x 1: 600-2000 RPM
4 Cycle x 10: 600-12000 RPM
DIS x 1: 300-3200 RPM
DIS x 10: 300-6000 RPM

EDIT 3: 42.89$ is a really solid price. I haven't found a lower one anywhere although I didn't compare shipping costs. One site I think was 49$ with free shipping on your first order if you signed up for their newsletter club or something.

[acanz]

Your better off with one of these - www.autobarn.net/ieqper338tac.html

You can mount it on the bars and run the wire to the spark plug wire.

[sfc]

I need something that will go to at least 9K but my preference is 12K.

[wainair]

Here is a link for the Tach I've been lusting over. From what I've learned from this forum 10k is the ultimate red line for the Ruck's engine. If you just like the look of a tach that goes to 12k more power to ya, but you'll never need it.

www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2313/products/90434/2-5-8-Sport-Comp-Jr-Dragster-Tach-10000-RPM.htm

It is designed for the single cylinder B&S jr dragsters so it would work on our Ruck's. It looks great and its not digital.(I prefer analog gauges I don't know why). I'm going to get one of these someday soon, but I'm still recovering from purchasing the Dio Forks set.

[chanito]

:)Thats is the one i have on my ruckus and i think is great. the stile is similar enough to the speedo not to look out of place, any way here is a pic, and there is a similar one mounted on a home made mount on the battlesccoter tech page, mine i just use the clamping strip from a batt terminal and attach it to the cross bar on the handle

[Dandy Dan]

I want a tach but I don't want it permanently on my scoot. I just want to use it from time to time for tuning which is why the EZ-Tach appeals to me. I basically want the cheapest tach possible that is inductive so it's easy to use. Ideally, I'll buy some aftermarket BMX bars and ditch the guages all together. After a year on a Ruckus you get a pretty good idea of how fast you're going. The only dangerous thing is the engine hot light.

How are those screens coming Chanito?

[acanz]

dandydan said:

I want a tach but I don't want it permanently on my scoot. I just want to use it from time to time for tuning which is why the EZ-Tach appeals to me. I basically want the cheapest tach possible that is inductive so it's easy to use. Ideally, I'll buy some aftermarket BMX bars and ditch the guages all together. After a year on a Ruckus you get a pretty good idea of how fast you're going. The only dangerous thing is the engine hot light.

How are those screens coming Chanito?

Is not having a speedo legal in Canada cause I know its not legal here...

[Dandy Dan]

Never thought of that....I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

[chanito]

I really like the idea of a tach all the time, because i always know how the engine behaves (specially after some of my home made projects), but hey if just need to confirm a digital mini tach is best (with an inductive pick up)