Needing to get a new tach...

[oteskate]

I've been looking to pick up a new tach for my headspeed and was wondering if you all had any opinions on which ones are the best ones out there. I've looked at Readyheli.com and found a couple... the Western Robotics and the X-Cell. There's also the Bantam E-Station one that I can get at www.airthunder.com, which is a multi-purpose tach with other features.

I've used a few different ones over the years and sometimes I get RPM readings that are WAY off and others seem pretty consistant. Just wondering what you all are using and if there are any suggestions as to maybe which one I should go for and why?

Thanks!!!

[Hooked On Helis]

I have been using the X-Cell optical tach for 5 years now and am very happy with it. When I was looking into what tach to get, the X-Cell just made the most sense. It is very accurate and pretty much full proof. As with any optical tach, you will need someone else to look at your heli through the tach while you fly - but I am sure you know that. I actually believe the X-Cell Tach is made by Model Avionics - but I could be mistaken. The X-Cell tach I have reads from 1000-2400 rpm. I think the newer ones go past 3000 RPM to deal with the smaller electric 3D birds out there running very high head speeds.

Cheers,
John
www.rchelicopterfun.com

[oteskate]

John,

Hello and thanks for your input on the tachs. The Skytach is another one that I've been seeing alot of fliers with. It now reads up to 3150 for the high headspeeds that we're all pushing now. I'll definitely take a closer look at the X-Cell, for sure.

I also wanted to say... I just checked out your website and it was really great. I think that it is one of, if not the best one I've seen to introduce noobies to the hobby and build confidence in their flying skills.

What a beautiful scale Bell heli you've got in the pics. I've never built up a scale machine, but I've been thinking about it. If I build up another 600, I might actually do a scale bird just to have one in the fleet.

Thanks again and lets stay in touch!!

[Hooked On Helis]

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for the positive words - I just started on this site and have a long way to go, but comments like yours are reassuring.

Hope you find a good tach - I am sure you will get some other good recommendations. This forum is an amazing source of information.

Take Care,

John
www.rchelicopterfun.com

[goldslinger]

I too, use the X-Cell from Miniature Aircraft. Optical is the way to go if You can afford it.
It is a one time expense that You won't regret.

ACCURATE ! Don't need the sunshine for a sensor like the cheapos, and You can be far away from it on the ground or in flight. Easy to use and My DX-7 charger has the right plug to recharge it as well.

Gary

[Rick Rotorhead]

Skytach gets my vote.
Simple, cheap (for a tach) and it works well. It does look a bit home grown, and probably is made by a guy in his hobby shed (well maybe!).
However, the important thing is it does seem to be very accurate and works upto 3150rpm.
I've tested it against lcd govenor readouts, the television and lightbulbs. In all cases it reads what it should. Mine cost 88 bucks - by the time i got it shipped to UK and paid horrendous duty it cost be 88 Quid (170 bucks). But its well worth the outlay IMO.

[goldslinger]

Yea, Rick

I like the opticals for their accuracy AND you can get a reading from most any angle and if You can see the heli, You can get a reading. I don't like this 6 inches thing on some of them.

Gary