Tachometer: Types, Uses, Characteristics, History and Importance

The term tachometer refers to the device that the vast majority of vehicles have and that is used to measure the speed at which the engine rotates. This measurement is done in revolutions per minute, or RPM, and there are both digital and analog tachometers. types of tachometer

In the field of mechanics , one of the main components is the motor , a type of device whose main purpose is to be able to provide enough energy for the parts that make it up to function properly. This engine consists of several important parts, among them we find the tachometer , a device that is responsible for measuring the speed of rotation of the shaft in the engine.

Characteristics of a tachometer

The tachometer is an instrument that has a high pressure in terms of the measurement of speeds , both rotational and superficial. It is in fact considered the best ally if what is needed is to be able to correctly determine the revolutions per minute . Some of the main characteristics that can be observed in a tachometer are the following:

• They can measure revolutions per minute .
• It uses the acronym RPM to represent its measurements.
• It is an instrument that is generally found in automobiles .
• It indicates the speed that is turning the crankshaft of the engine . types of tachometer
• It is located on the dashboard of automobiles.
• It has the ability to record and assess the quality of the drafts.
• Its function mechanism is based on magnetic fields.

History types of tachometer

The history of the tachometer has its origins in the early years of the 19th century , when Diedrich Uhlhorn was commissioned to create the first tachometer in history. At the beginning of their development, tachometers were basically mechanical and had been built in order to be able to measure centrifugal energy . Perhaps one of the most important moments of the tachometer throughout its history was during the Industrial Revolution as it was a fundamental part of engines, machines and vehicles.

With the passage of time, they began to be used within the automobile industry and it was here that their demand increased considerably, increasing their use and importance. Today most of them are digital and more accurate.

What is a tachometer for?

The tachometer is an instrument that is used to measure the rotation speed that occurs in an element when it rotates on its own axis . Through it, it is possible to know the speeds with which the internal elements that are part of the engine rotate. It also makes it easier to understand the speed of the transmission and rotation shaft , mainly in the fans.

What is tachometer in car?

The tachometer is usually installed on the instrument panel of vehicles and indicates the speed at which the crankshaft is turning, being a useful tool for the driver since it informs him when the engine is working at a rotation speed that is not the correct one. adequate. Its main function is to indicate to the driver when is the ideal time to change gear, thus helping to extend the useful life of the engine. types of tachometer

To make it easy to read, it is expressed in numbers that must be multiplied by 1,000. Therefore, if the tachometer indicates the number 3, it means that the engine is turning at a speed of 3,000 revolutions per minute.

In vehicles such as trucks and buses, it becomes more important as it serves to help and control that drivers do not spend more hours driving than recommended, increasing both their safety and that of other drivers.

What Does the Red Line on the Tachometer Mean?

The rev counter or tachometer is a device that measures the speed of rotation of the motor shaft by means of revolutions per minute (RPM). This information helps us to know at what speed it rotates, when a car delivers more power and even when is the best time to change gear. types of tachometer

Added to all these elements is what is known as redline or red line. This area of ​​the dial indicates the maximum safe operating point of the rotational speed. Specifically, it is a line that warns the limit of turns of the motor shaft.

Why is it important to know the limit and not exceed it?

The speed of rotation of the engine of our vehicle has a point of greater efficiency, where the torque and power of the car are better used. Exceeding it, in addition to being less efficient and spending more fuel, would pose a risk to the valves.

In short: the red line on the tachometer is a red flag and an engine’s best performance, both in terms of power delivery and fuel economy, is obtained considerably below that line.

Types of tachometer

There are several types of tachometers which can be differentiated mainly by the type of contact and by the principle that they follow in order to function. These types are: types of tachometer

According to the type of contact

• Contact tachometer : they are the ones that in order to make the measurements of the revolutions must be in contact with the rotating entities.
• Non-contact tachometer : in this case, they do not need physical contact to be able to measure.

Depending on the principle of operation

• Eddy current tachometer : its operating principle is based on the forces that drag the conductive disk by means of eddy currents.
• Centrifugal tachometer : they are used to be able to measure the centrifugal force at determined distances. It is used mainly in steam boilers and consists of shafts that are driven by centrifugal force. types of tachometer
• Optical tachometer : they use a luminous medium to achieve in this way measure the speed of rotation.
• Electric tachometer : they have a type of voltmeter to be able to measure speed. In its internal part it has a transducer that is responsible for sending the signals so that they are then displayed in an analog and digital way.
• Strobe Tachometer : It is based on the principle of optics and states that rotating elements light up when they are stationary.

According to the speed scale

• Analog tachometer : marks the speed by means of a needle and a disk that show the number of kilometers on a screen.
• Digital tachometer : they are quite modern and make measurements with greater accuracy.

Parts of a tachometer

The parts of a tachometer are as follows:

• Magnet : makes it possible for the tachometer to work as it creates a magnetic field that makes the markings.
• Transmission body : is responsible for transmitting the data that is obtained.
• Spiral spring: it is also known by the name of spring and makes the torsion can be damped.
• Drive shaft : it is the joint that connects the motor event sector with the tap changer.
• Endless screw : communicates the movement that occurs between the axes.
• Rings : mark the magnetic field of the magnet.
• Display : can be seen on the dashboard of the car and shows the kilometer units. types of tachometer

How a tachometer works?

The operation of a tachometer depends on and bases its action on a magnet . As we know, the magnets artifacts that are surrounded by a field type magnetic . At the moment in which the rotating element begins its turning process , then the magnet that is located inside the ring begins to rotate as well. When the ring produces a force in the rotation, it produces a series of currents which subsequently originate a different electric field and both manage to drive the ring to rotate.

How to use tachometer? 

The use of tachometers will always depend on the type of tachometer that is being used since there are several aspects that are based on its operating principle , the type of contact and whether the tachometer is digital or analog . As it is a type of fully automatic instrument, it is not necessary to apply a specific process because all you have to do is wait for the device to do its job on its own.

How it differs from the speedometer?

The speedometer is a type of instrument whose main function is to be able to measure the instantaneous speed that occurs in a body that is in motion, it is a totally mechanical system that is based on the law of magnetic induction . The tachometer, for its part, is an instrument that can be of a mechanical or digital type that is responsible for measuring the speed of the turns that occur in a certain rotary system which rotates on its own axis. types of tachometer

Importance of tachometer

The tachometer is considered one of the most important components in automobiles as it is the one that indicates the speed of the crankshaft in order to inform the driver of the rotation speed , which, when it exceeds its normal values, can reach to be harmful to the car engine. Thanks to this instrument it is possible to know if the motor is being subjected to a greater force than it can withstand.

It is also of great importance for the field of industry since they are parts that are found in practically all electrical appliances that need motors to function. Thanks to its ability to measure speeds, it is possible to maintain adequate control of machine operation by improving and optimizing production.