General PCT2236B User Manual

PCT2236B

Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

COMBINATION

CONTACT/

NON CONTACT

LASER TACHOMETER

USER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

What’s in the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 5

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 – 15

Simulate Making, Storing and
Recalling RPM Measurements

in Contact Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 – 10

Measuring Rotating Speeds

in Contact Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12

Measuring Linear Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Measuring Surface Dimensions . . . . . . . . 12 – 13

Making RPM Measurements in

Non-Contact Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 15

Storing and Recalling RPM Measurements

in Non-Contact Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 17

Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’
PCT2236B Combination Contact/Non-Contact Laser
Tachometer. Please read this user’s manual carefully and
thoroughly before using the instrument.

The PCT2236B is a general-purpose instrument that can
measure the rotational speed of a motor’s or generator’s
spinning shaft using either a contact or non-contact technique.
In non-contact measurement mode, the instrument bounces a
laser beam off a piece of reflective tape that has been affixed to
the shaft and uses an integrated photocell to count the number
of reflections produced per minute. In contact measurement
mode, the instrument uses dedicated fittings that measure the
speed of the shaft by rotating along with it. In contact mode, the
PCT2236B also can measure the linear speed of a moving
surface (such as a conveyor belt or the circumference of a
wheel) and the dimensions of stationary objects.

In both operating modes, measurements are displayed in real
time on a 0.7 in. (18mm) high backlit liquid-crystal display and
stored in memory. Up to 96 measurements of rpm or linear
speed can be stored, indexed and recalled, along with the last
value, the minimum value and the maximum value of a series.
In non-contact mode, the tachometer can measure the speeds
of shafts spinning at up to 99,999 rpm. In contact mode, the
instrument can measure rotational speeds from 0 to 20,000 rpm,
linear speeds from 5cm/min (2 in./min) to 2km/min (6,562
ft./min), and lengths from 5cm to 10km (2 in. to 6.2 miles).

The PCT2236B is powered by four “AA” batteries (included) or
an optional 6V AC/DC adapter.

3

KEY FEATURES

• Measures rotational speeds using contact or non-contact

technique

• Autoranging is automatic

• Includes fittings for measuring the speed of a rotating shaft and

the linear speed of a conveyor

• Wide measurement range and high resolution

• Backlit 0.7 in. (18mm) high display supports work in low light

• Stores and indexes up to 96 measurements

• Memorizes the last, minimum and maximum values of a series

of measurements

• Also measures any dimension of a stationary object, in meters

• One-handed operation

• Auto power off function extends battery life

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Spinning shafts and fast-moving conveyor belts can be
dangerous. When using the tachometer, take care not to let your
fingers, hands, hair or clothing make contact with moving parts.

LASER WARNING NOTE!

Do not point laser directly at eye.
Use caution around reflective surfaces.
Keep out of reach of children.

WHAT’S IN THE CASE

The PCT2236B comes fully assembled in a carrying case
along with the following accessories (see Figure 1):

4

•

• Three rubber fittings—called

rpm adapters

—for making
contact with the end of a rotating shaft of a motor or
generator. Two have cone-shaped rubber tips that fit into a
hollowed (concave) end of a metal shaft; one (B) has a large
cone compatible with a 1/2 in. diameter shaft, the other (J)
has a smaller cone that fits
into shafts 1/4 in. across. The
third (K) fitting has its own
hollowed end; it is designed
to fit over a 1/4 in. diameter
shaft with a flat or slightly
convex end.

• One rubber/plastic fitting (the
surface speed wheel A) for
making contact with a
surface in linear motion. The
surface speed wheel has a
1/8 in. slot into which moving
wire, cable or rope fits snugly.

• Three 24 in. (6mm) long
strips of 1/2 in. (12mm) wide
adhesive reflective tape

• Three spare Phillips head
screws

• Four “AA” batteries

• This user’s manual

5

Fig. 1

1/2" RUBBER RPM ADAPTER
INSERTED IN BLACK PLASTIC SLEEVE

SURFACE
SPEED
WHEEL

1/4" RUBBER
RPM ADAPTER

RPM ADAPTER WITH HOLLOWED END
FOR 1/4" DIAMETER SHAFTS WITH
FLAT OR CONVEX END

(A)

(B)

(K)

(J)

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Figure 2 shows all of the controls and indicators and other
physical features of the PCT2236B. Familiarize yourself with
their names and locations before continuing.

A. Surface Speed Wheel
B. 1/2" Rubber RPM Adapter

(shown inserted

in plastic sleeve)
C. Tachometer Shaft
D.

Measurement

Button

(on right side)

E. Function Switch, labeled

“

m, m/min, rpm

”

F.

MEM

Button
G. Display Window
H. Battery Compartment Cover

(in back)

I. Jack for 6-V AC/DC Adapter

(on left side)
J. 1/4" Rubber RPM Adapter
K. 1/4" Rubber RPM Adapter

with hollowed end

L. Refelctive Tape (on spinning

motor or generator shaft)

M. Reflected Laser Light

(to internal photosensor)

Fig. 2. The PCT2236B’s
controls and indicators

and other physical features

6

SURFACE
SPEED WHEEL

C

D

E

F

G

H

K

J

I

B

L

M

A

Fig. 2

1/2" RPM ADAPTER
INSERTED IN BLACK
PLASTIC SLEEVE