Home Made Tachometer

[rcBluebird]

I'm wondering if anyone has interest in designing a tachometer using MC?

[dleroi]

I'm wondering if anyone has interest in designing a tachometer using MC?

rcBluebird,

Building a tach using a PIC is actually pretty trivial, especially if you use a serial LCD. You can even code it in Basic. I have one that I put together recently, but would need to clean up the documentation before sharing it.

Meanwhile, there's this, which may be just what you are looking for:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205136&highlight=pic+tachometer

[rcBluebird]

Dleroi,

That's a good idea of using a LCD. I though about using the computer screen in the debug mode to monitor the RPM. Thanks for the link. Real good information. I also found another site for an IR tachomter, and it is at http://www.ikalogic.com/d_tach.php

I got a couple PIC18F1320 around the house, but I need to reinstall the MCC18 compiler for this IC.

In the mean time, I found a PLC from Comfile (http://cubloc.com/index.php) with free compiler and integrated editor. The language seem to be in Basic (they called Advanced Basic) with some exception of C syntax. Very cool.

Good enough information, so it's time to build one for your own.

[dleroi]

Well, here's the schematic of mine.

I use it to measure rpm of a mini-mill with the sensor very close to the spindle. I also drew the front-end from the PICtacho schematic, because it's probably more practicle for measuring props and such.

Hopefully, I didn't make any errors when I re-drew it, but you probably should check it, anyway.

[rcBluebird]

Thanks for your information. I just got the kit in the mail today. I'll take some pictures tonight.