Design Technologies Inc. makes a tachometer, the Tiny-Tach, which sells for $95. I read about it in Mainsheet awhile ago and decided to order one. It works by reading the pulses in the fuel line and can be used as a tool to accurately check and calibrate the tach at the instrument panel, or it can be mounted permanently somewhere within 8' of the fuel line as a secondary tach. The only requirement is to know the size of the fuel line in order to properly clamp the transducer in place. I haven't been able to get down to the boat to measure the diameter of the fuel line and that information is a must in order to correctly size the transducer. It's an hour drive for me so I'm hoping someone can measure the fuel line on a Cat 30. The engine is a Universal M-25. If Catalina used different sized fuel lines, my goose is cooked. I'll just have to make the drive. However... If anyone sails an '83 MkI and knows or can get the info for me, I would appreciate it. If you want to check out the Tiny-Tach, go to www.tinytach.com and take a look. Hello to all the Lake Erie sailors in the Port Clinton/Sandusky area.
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not voodoo...check out the website.
I got a similar response from one of the "site masters" on the Cat 30 Yahoo site.Don't know why there seems to be so much resistance to a tach which is recommended by an owner who has installed it, is simple to install (clamp the transducer at the proper location on the fuel line), hook up the power supply (uses minimal power from the house batteries), can be used as a tool and be removed or can be installed as a permanent unit, and is relatively inexpensive ($95). Check it out on the Design Technologies Inc. website before you call it voodoo engineering and, for my part, I'll go back to reading the posts and do my own research, thank you... Years ago when this site started, there was less opinion and a whole lot more assistance offered. End of article, end of rant.
I got a similar response from one of the "site masters" on the Cat 30 Yahoo site.Don't know why there seems to be so much resistance to a tach which is recommended by an owner who has installed it, is simple to install (clamp the transducer at the proper location on the fuel line), hook up the power supply (uses minimal power from the house batteries), can be used as a tool and be removed or can be installed as a permanent unit, and is relatively inexpensive ($95). Check it out on the Design Technologies Inc. website before you call it voodoo engineering and, for my part, I'll go back to reading the posts and do my own research, thank you... Years ago when this site started, there was less opinion and a whole lot more assistance offered. End of article, end of rant.
OK, so I checked it out and still don't understand
how it works, so there's no reason for you to be rude. I gave you the answer to the question you asked, although after reading the Tiny Tach literature, it seems to be the wrong question, because they have 6 mm, 7mm and 1/4 inch, and the main fuel line is 3/8 inch, so you're gonna need to do some more digging, because I just don't know where the transducer goes from reading their stuff. Sorry, just trying to be helpful.
how it works, so there's no reason for you to be rude. I gave you the answer to the question you asked, although after reading the Tiny Tach literature, it seems to be the wrong question, because they have 6 mm, 7mm and 1/4 inch, and the main fuel line is 3/8 inch, so you're gonna need to do some more digging, because I just don't know where the transducer goes from reading their stuff. Sorry, just trying to be helpful.
what about...?
i must be missing the point here. what's wrong with the good, old fashioned tach that is connected to the motor. i recently put one in - for less than $95 - and it tells me everything i need to know - rpm and engine hours. what's the advantage of the tiny-tack? the thought of cutting into a fuel line is a little worrisome to me.
i must be missing the point here. what's wrong with the good, old fashioned tach that is connected to the motor. i recently put one in - for less than $95 - and it tells me everything i need to know - rpm and engine hours. what's the advantage of the tiny-tack? the thought of cutting into a fuel line is a little worrisome to me.
Well, Joe, since Tim go so mad at me for not
doing my homework, here's the deal: The tach works off a transducer which, if you read the referenced website (!!!), is placed AROUND the fuel hose, there's no cutting involved. Also, the "normal" tach works off the alternator, not the engine, although some do. Anyway, still didn't get an answer as to how it works if the amount of fuel being delivered, not necessarily USED by the engine, is constant.
doing my homework, here's the deal: The tach works off a transducer which, if you read the referenced website (!!!), is placed AROUND the fuel hose, there's no cutting involved. Also, the "normal" tach works off the alternator, not the engine, although some do. Anyway, still didn't get an answer as to how it works if the amount of fuel being delivered, not necessarily USED by the engine, is constant.
all well and good...
i read it, too. seems to be talking about one (or two at most in the FAQs) cylinder engines. all of the referenced engines are either outboards or gen sets. i still don't see the advantage over a traditional tach that's fed off the alternator (pardon my gaffe) and is the same or less in cost. the battery operation seems problematic also, even with an reputed 5-year battery life.
i read it, too. seems to be talking about one (or two at most in the FAQs) cylinder engines. all of the referenced engines are either outboards or gen sets. i still don't see the advantage over a traditional tach that's fed off the alternator (pardon my gaffe) and is the same or less in cost. the battery operation seems problematic also, even with an reputed 5-year battery life.
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