Dwyer TAC3 Manual

Series TAC3 Pocket Tachometer

Specifi cations - Installation and
Operating Instructions

DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.

P.O. BOX 373 • MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA 46361 U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] www.dwyer-inst.com
Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS

Diode Laser

Max. output power: <1 milliwatt
Wavelength: 650 nanometers (visible light)
Min. divergence: 1.0 milliradian
Output: Continuous (CW)
Laser hazard classifi cation: Class 2

Laser hazards

• Eye injury from beam - Do not look into the direct or refl ected beam; can cause eye injury

up to 25 ft (7.5 m) away.

• Visual interference (glare) with pilots and drivers - Interferes with vision up to 525 ft (160
m) away. Can be a distraction up to 1 mile (1.6 km) away. NEVER point any laser towards

aircraft or vehicles; it is unsafe and illegal.

Safe use guidance

Class 2 lasers are consid ered safe for
accidental eye exposure. Do not look or
stare into beam. Do not aim at aircraft.
This is not a toy. Always supervise children.

Read and follow all instructions in this manual carefully, and retain
this manual for future reference.

Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these operating
instructions or under any conditions that exceed the environmental
specifi cations stated.

This instrument is not user serviceable. For technical assistance, contact the
sales organization from which you purchased the product.

In order to comply with EU Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE): This product may contain material which could

be hazardous to human health and the environment. DO NOT DISPOSE of this

product as unsorted municipal waste. This product needs to be RECYCLED in
accordance with local regulations, contact your local authorities for more information. This
product may be returnable to your distributor for recycling - contact the distributor for details.

Contact info: www.dwyer-inst.com
Country of Origin: USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 OVERVIEW ..............................................................................1

2.0 FEATURE LOCATIONS ..........................................................1

3.0 LCD DISPLAY SYMBOLS.......................................................2

4.0 TAC3 SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................3

5.0 INPUT / OUTPUT ....................................................................7

6.0 PREPARATION FOR MEASUREMENT .................................8

6.1 Non-Contact Preparation ..............................................8

6.2 Direct Contact Preparation ...........................................8

6.3 Connecting External Sensors ......................................9

7.0 TAKING MEASUREMENTS ..................................................10

7.1 Non-Contact Measurements ......................................10

7.2 Direct Contact Measurements ...................................10

8.0 TACHometer Mode ...............................................................11

8.1 TACHometer Setup......................................................11

8.2 TACHometer Operation...............................................13

9.0 RATE Mode ...........................................................................13

9.1 RATE Setup ..................................................................14

9.2 RATE Operation ...........................................................16

10.0 TOTALizer Mode ...................................................................17

10.1 TOTALizer Setup .........................................................17

10.2 TOTALizer Operation ..................................................20

11.0 TIMER Mode .........................................................................21

11.1 TIMER Setup ................................................................21

11.2 TIMER Operation .........................................................22

12.0 BATTERIES ...........................................................................23

13.0 CLEANING ............................................................................24

14.0 OPTIONS /ACCESSORIES...................................................24

1.0 OVERVIEW

The Model TAC3 is a 32 function tachometer/ratemeter, totalizer/counter, and
timer. It is programmable to read in English or Metric units. An input socket
accepts remote sensing devices and an output socket allows for pulse output
to external indicating devices. The Model TAC3 can be tripod mounted and
“Locked-On” for accurate and continuous operation. This tachometer also
stores minimum, maximum and last measurement in memory.

2.0 FEATURE LOCATIONS

LCD display

Min / Scroll
Down arrow

Tripod mounting bushing
(underside)

Start / Reset button

Belt clip

Output socket

Max / Scroll Up
arrow

Battery compartment

Menu / Select
and Lock-on
button

Input socket

AVOID EXPOSURE - LASER BEAM IS
EMITTED FROM THIS APERTURE

1

3.0 LCD DISPLAY SYMBOLS

On Target Indicator. Blinks on whenever there is an input
signal. Will appear to be solid on at higher frequencies.

Low Battery icon. Indicates that the batteries are low and need
to be replaced.

Times Ten icon. Indicates that the value shown is ten times
that which is displayed.

Laser Indicator. Red laser is on when this indicator is
illuminated.

Lock icon. Indicates that the unit is “Locked” on and making
continuous measurements (Lock mode).

2

4.0 TAC3 SPECIFICATIONS

Laser Specifi cations:

Classifi cation: Class 2 (per IEC 60825-1:2014)

This product complies with IEC 60825-1 Ed.3 and 21 CFR 1040.10
and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50 of
June 2007.

Maximum Laser Output: <1mW
Pulse Duration: Continuous
Laser Wavelength: 650 nm
Beam Divergence: > 1.0 mrad
Beam Diameter: 4 x 7 mm typical at 2 meters
Laser Diode Life: 8,000 operating hours MTBF (1 year warranty)

Non-Contact Specifi cations:

Ranges: RPM 5 – 200,000
RPS 0.084 – 3,333.3
RPH 300-999,990

Resolution: Fixed: 1 (10 above 99,999)
Auto-ranging: 0.001 to 1.0 (10 above 99,999)

Accuracy: ±0.01% of reading or resolution limit

Operating Range: up to 25 feet (7.62 m) or up to 70 degrees off

perpendicular to TAC-5 tape target

Contact Specifi cations using optional Remote Contact Assembly:

Range: Contact Tips: 0.5 to 20,000 RPM
10 cm / 12-inch Wheel: 0.5 to 12,000 RPM

Resolution: Fixed: 1 (10 above 99,999)
Auto-ranging: 0.001 to 1.0 (10 above 99,999)

3

Contact Specifi cations (continued):

Accuracy: Revs: ±0.05% of reading (RPM) or resolution limit

(with no slippage)

Linear: ±0.5% of reading or resolution limit (with no

slippage)

Contact Measurements Ranges:
TACHOMETER:

Revolutions per Minute (RPM) 0.5 to 20,000 RPM
Revolutions per Second (RPS) 0.0833 to 333.33 RPS
Revolution per Hour (RPH) 30 to 999,990 RPH

RATES: Wheel Circumference:

Inches per Second 10 cm: 0.033 to 1312.3 IPS

12 in: 0.100 to 2,400.0 IPS

Inches per Minute 10 cm: 1.969 to 78,740 IPM

12 in: 6.000 to 144,000 IPM

Inches per Hour 10 cm: 118.11 to 999,990 IPH

12 in: 360.00 to 999,990 IPH

Feet per Second 10 cm: 0.003 to 109.36 FT/S

12 in: 0.009 to 200.00 FT/S

Feet per Minute 10 cm: 0.164 to 6,561.7 FT/M

12 in: 0.500 to 12,000 FT/M

Feet per Hour 10 cm: 9.843 to 393,700 FT/H

12 in: 30.000 to 720,000 FT/H

Yards per Second 10 cm: 0.001 to 36.453 YPS

12 in: 0.003 to 66.667 YPS

Yards per Minute 10 cm: 0.055 to 2,187.2 YPM

12 in: 0.167 to 4,000.0 YPM

4

Contact Measurements Ranges (continued):
RATES: Wheel Circumference:

Yards per Hour 10cm: 3.281 to 131,233 YPH

12 in: 10.000 to 240,000 YPH

Miles per Hour 10 cm: 0.002 to 74.564 MPH

12 in: 0.006 to 136.36 MPH

Centimeters per Second 10 cm: 0.084 to 3,333.3 CM/S

12 in: 0.21 to 3,048.0 CM/S

Centimeters per Minute 10 cm: 5.000 to 200,000 CM/M

12 in: 15.240 to 365,760 CM/M

Centimeters per Hour 10 cm: 300.00 to 999,990 CM/H

12 in: 914.40 to 999,990 CM/H

Meters per Second 10 cm: 0.001 to 33.333 M/SEC

12 in: 0.003 to 60.960 M/SEC

Meters per Minute 10 cm: 0.050 to 2,000.0 M/MIN

12 in: 0.153 to 3,657.6 M/MIN

Meters per Hour 10 cm: 3.000 to 120,000 M/H

12 in: 9.144 to 219,460 M/H

TOTALIZER:

Counts: 0 to 999,999
Scale Totals in Inches, Feet, Yards, Centimeters or Meters
Input: Internal or External optics or linear contact wheel

Timer Specifi cations:

Minutes:Seconds.Tenths to 99:59.9

Accuracy: ±0.2 second

Resolution: 0.1 second

5

Display: Dual LCD Display (5-digit upper/scrolling, 5-digit

alphanumeric lower display)

Batteries: 2 “AA” 1.5 V (DC) alkaline included
(Note: Batteries are NOT rechargeable.)

Battery Life: 30 hours continuous typical with batteries provided

External Input:

Absolute max: -0.3 V to 5 V (DC)

Minimum: low below 1.2 V and high above 2 V (TTL compatible)

Edge: Triggers on Positive edge

Power Out: 3.0 V nominal, approx. 2.8 V @ 20 mA max

Pulse Output: 0 V to 3.3 V (DC) pulse

Same shape as External Input signal or high when internal

optics sees a refl ection

Dimensions: 6.92” (17.58 cm) H x 2.4” (6.10 cm) W x 1.6” (4.06 cm) D

Weight: Approx. 7 oz. (210 g)

This product is designed to be safe for indoor use under the following
conditions (per IEC61010-1).

Installation Category II per IEC 664

Pollution Degree Level II per IEC 664

Temperature: 40 °F to 105 °F (5 °C to 40 °C)

Humidity: Maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to

88 °F (31 °C) decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity
at 100 °F (40 °C). Humidity non-condensing.

Specifi cations subject to change without notice.

6

5.0 INPUT / OUTPUT

Input socket (p)

Output socket (q)

Input: Accepts remote sensor or

Remote Contact Assembly.
1/8” (3.5mm) stereo phone
plug.

Output: 1 pulse per revolution TTL

output on internal operation.
Pulse repeater with external
sensors. 1/8” (3.5mm) mono
phone plug.

7

Signal Input

+3V Out to

Sensor

Common

(GND)

Input Connector Detail (Stereo plug)

Pulse Output

Common

(GND)

Output Connector Detail (Mono plug)

Common
(GND)

+3V Out to
Sensor

Signal Input

Common
(GND)

Pulse Output

6.0 PREPARATION FOR MEASUREMENT

6.1 Non-Contact Preparation

For Internal operation (Red laser) or External operation using
optional Remote Optical Sensor (TAC2K-91).

1. Clean
Shaft

2. Apply 1/2”
square TAC-5
Refl ective
tape

For Small Shafts:

As small as 1/8” wide
on side or radius edge

6.2 Direct Contact Preparation

For External operation ONLY using optional Remote Contact
Assembly.

Select and install contact option:

1. Contact Tip (Convex tip shown.

Use Concave tip for small shafts.)

Align fl ats

8

2. 10 cm Wheel 3. 12 inch Wheel

OR

Install with
pin in shaft

Tighten screw
securely into fl at
on shaft.

fully seated
in slot.
Tighten
screw.

6.3 Connecting External Sensors

Plug sensor into



Input socket

p

In

(shown with optional 12 inch wheel)

Remote Contact

Assembly

Remote Optical Sensor

(TAC2K-91)

9

7.0 TAKING MEASUREMENTS

7.1 Non-Contact Measurements

Hand-held

External Sensor (TAC2K-91 shown)OR

Laser

Light

7.2 Direct Contact Measurements

Rotational Linear

(Use concave
tip for small
shafts)

to
Remote
Contact

Assembly

from TAC3 from TAC3

ONLY USE MODERATE PRESSURE

WARNING: Making measurements in direct contact with rotating
equipment can be dangerous. Keep all loose clothing and hair away from
exposed moving machinery. Keep the hand holding the instrument well
behind the back end of the Remote Contact Assembly. Properly replace
all machinery guards after completing measurement. Do not use for
rotation greater than 20,000 RPM.

10

8.0 TACHometer Mode

Tachometer measures speed or linear rate with respect to time. Time
intervals are sceonds, minutes, or hours. Rotational speed can be measured
in Revolutions (Revs) per second, per minute, or per hour. The most common
measurement is RPM or Revs per minute using the optical tachometer mode.

8.1 TACHometer Setup

1. Turn

2. Enter

3. Enter

4. Select

5. Save and

11

Power
ON

1a. To toggle Lock

On/Off

Press and Hold

Setup

selection
of Mode

TACH
Mode

advance

Last Units selected
are displayed

Locked On

Last Mode selected is
displayed

OR Repeat until TACH

displayed

6. Enter selection
of Units

RPS, RPM or RPH

7. Select Units

OR Repeat until

desired Units
displayed

8. Save and
advance

9. Enter selection

NONE, 1, 2 or 3

of number of
decimal places

10. Select decimal
places

OR

Repeat until
desired decimal
places displayed

11. Save and
advance

12. Exit Setup –

Ready to

DONE, then Units
selected

measure

Unit will remember these settings (including lock on/off) even if turned off
and back on.

12

8.2 TACHometer Operation

Measure

OR

Press and hold

Recall Max

Recall Min

If unit Locked
on:

Power OFF

Lock on

Max Speed

Min Speed

Resets Max/Min

Automatic after 90 seconds

OR

if unit not Locked on

9.0 RATE Mode

Measurement of units in addition to Revs requires the attachment of the
Remote Contact Assembly and tips/wheels (TAC3-K Only). With this
attachment, the unit can measure RATE inputs-revs, inches, feet, yards,
centimeters and meters either per second, per minute or per hour, as well as
miles per hour.

NOTE: External Remote Contact Assembly must be inserted into input

socket.

13

9.1 RATE Setup

1. Turn
Power
ON

1a. To toggle Lock

On/Off

Press and Hold

2. Enter
Setup

EXTRN, then scrolling
message, then last
Units selected

Locked On

3. Enter
selection
of Mode

4. Select
RATE
Mode

5. Save and
advance

6. Enter
selection
of Units

Last Mode selected is
displayed

OR Toggles between

RATE and TOTAL.
Select RATE.

Rotational: C RPS,
C RPM or C RPH

Linear: IPS, IP M, IPH, FT/ S, FT/M, F T/H,

YPS, YPM , YPH, MPH , CM/S, CM/ M, CM/H,
M/SEC, M /MIN, M/H

14

RATE Setup (continued):

7. Select Units

OR Repeat until

desired Units
displayed

8. Save and
advance

Only for Linear Units:
8a. Enter

selection of
Wheel

8b. Select

Wheel

8c. Save and

Advance

9. Enter selection
of number of
decimal places

10. Select decimal
places

11. Save and
advance

OR

Rotational Units

Linear Units

Last Wheel
selected is
displayed

OR Toggles

NONE, 1, 2 or 3

OR

Repeat until
desired decimal
places displayed

between 10CM
and 12IN

15

12. Exit Setup –

Ready to

measure

DONE,
USE CONTACT TIP or

[wheel selected],
then Units selected

Unit will remember these settings (including lock on/off) even if turned off
and back on.

9.2 RATE Operation

Measure

Recall Max

Recall Min

If unit Locked
on:

Power Off

OR

Press and hold Lock on

Resets Max/Min

Automatic after 90 seconds

OR

if unit not Locked on

Max Speed

Min Speed

16

10.0 TOTALizer Mode

Totalizer accumulates input on an ongoing basis, In the simplest form the unit
acts as an optical counter, incrementing the display each time an input pulse is
sensed. Using the remote contact assembly with various tips and wheels (TAC3-K
only), the unit can totalize in revs, inches, feet, yards, centimeters, and meters.

10.1 TOTALizer Setup

1. Turn Power
ON

Different messages displayed for
Internal or External operation.

Internal optics or External
optical sensor (TAC2K-91):

1a. To toggle Lock

2. Enter Setup

3. Enter
selection of
Mode

4. Select
TOTAL
Mode

17

On/Off

Last Units
selected

Press and Hold

External Remote Contact
Assembly:

EXTRN, then scrolling
message, then last
Units selected

Locked On

Last Mode selected
is displayed

OR Repeat until

TOTAL displayed.

5. Save and
advance

6. Enter
selection of

Different options displayed for
Internal or External operation.

Units

Internal or External: External Remote Contact Assembly:

COUNT
Only

Rotational: REV
Linear: INCH, FEET,
YARDS, CM, METER

7. Select Units

OR Repeat until

8. Save and
advance

OR

COUNT or REV Linear Units

Only for Linear Units:
8a. Enter selection

of Wheel

8b. Select Wheel

OR

8c. Save and

Advance

desired Units
displayed

Last Wheel
selected is
displayed

Toggles
between

10CM and
12IN

18

TOTALizer Setup (continued):

9. Enter selection

NONE, 1, 2 or 3
of number of
decimal places

10. Select decimal
places

OR

Repeat until
desired decimal
places displayed

11. Save and
advance

12. Exit Setup –

Ready to

measure

Units = COUNT: Rotational/Linear Units:
DONE,

then COUNT

DONE,
USE CONTACT TIP or

[wheel selected],
then Units selected

Unit will remember these settings (including lock on/off) even if turned off
and back on.

19

10.2 TOTALizer Operation

Measure

Recall Max
or Min

Recall Time
in seconds

If unit is
Locked on:

Power Off

NOTE: Pressing

OR

Press and hold Lock on

Resets Max/Min, Total and
Measurement Time

Automatic after 90 seconds if

OR

unit not Locked on

OR

Max or Min Speed (in
last selected Tach or
Rate mode units)

Shows time in seconds
from when the Start /
Reset button is pressed
until the last input
signal measured.

once before 90
seconds will keep
measurements in
memory and the
display turned on
longer.

20

11.0 TIMER Mode

Accumulates time in minutes, seconds, and tenths of a second. There are two
modes of operation. The Manual mode operates like a stopwatch, the timing
period being started and stopped by the user. The Auto mode can be stopped and
started by the user or a piece of refl ective tape on objects. The user can freeze
the display-and view/record a LAP time-at any time without affecting the count.

11.1 TIMER Setup

1. Turn Power
ON

1a. To toggle Lock

2. Enter Setup
Mode

3. Enter selection
of Mode

4. Select TIMER
Mode

5. Save and
advance

21

On/Off

Press and Hold

OR

Last Units selected
are displayed

Locked On

Last Mode selected
is displayed

Repeat until
TIMER displayed

6. Enter selection
of Timer
function

MAN or AUTO

7. Select Timer
function

OR Toggles between

Manual and
Auto

8. Save and
advance

9. Exit Setup –

Ready to

DONE, then Units
selected

measure

Unit will remember these settings (including lock on/off) even if turned off
and back on.

11.2 TIMER Operation

Measure:

Manual

Auto

Reset

Each press toggles Start and
Stop

Start and Stop triggered by

OR

external remote optical sensor
(TAC2K-91) or internal optics

With Timer stopped ­Resets time to 00:00.0

22

TIMER Operation (continued):

Lap

Power Off

12.0 BATTERIES

When displayed, replace batteries.

Remove battery
cover

With Timer running ­Stops at elapsed time to date.
To continue, press again.

OR

OR

Install two 1.5V
“AA” alkaline
batteries

If Timer stopped ­Automatic after 90 seconds
(if unit not Locked on)

Automatic after 99:59.9

23

NOTE: Both
batteries face the
same direction.

13.0 CLEANING

To clean the instrument, wipe with a damp cloth using mild soapy solution.

14.0 OPTIONS /ACCESSORIES

TAC2K-91 Remote Optical Sensor, includes mounting bracket and 8

foot [2.5 m] cable

TAC-5 Refl ective Tape, 5 foot [1.5 m] roll, ½ inch [13 mm] wide

TAC3-1 Remote Contact Assembly, includes 6 foot [1.8 m] cable,

convex and concave tips and 10 cm contact wheel

24

Printed in the U.S.A.

Copyright 2017, all rights reserved

1071-4838-612

1071-4838-612E-0717