Model DT-205L
Handheld LCD Digital
Laser Tachometer
Congratulations on your purchase of a Shimpo DT-205L digital
laser tachometer! We trust you will enjoy many years of
professional results from your Shimpo tachometer.
Please read the entire instruction manual thoroughly before initial
set-up and operation; the information contained herein will aid
you in operating your Shimpo tachometer safely and with
excellent results.
If you have any questions regarding our product(s), call your
local Shimpo representative or contact Shimpo Instruments
directly for assistance.
Inspection/Standard Accessories
Instruction Manual
Features and Benefits
The Shimpo DT-205L is a battery-operated, microprocessorcontrolled, non-contact/contact tachometer that utilizes a laser
beam for movement detection. In the non-contact mode a laser
beam measures RPM when directed towards a shaft (or any other
rotating mechanism marked with a small piece of reflective tape).
The included 200L adapter allows for contact measurement via a
rubber tip cone attachment or the included 6” master linear wheel.
The DT-205L tachometer incorporates the latest microprocessor
and laser technology and offers:
• Multi-mode capability measures RPM, mPM, YPM, FPM,
IPM and total meters, yards, feet and inches
• Large memory capacity allows up to 13 measurements to
be stored in memory
• Single chip microprocessor ensures reliability and low
maintenance
• Safely measures RPM (non-contact mode) from up to 14
feet away
• Oversized 5-digit LCD display permits easy reading
• Long battery life (up to 40 hours of continuous use)
• Rugged die-cast aluminum housing provides exceptional
durability
• Extended measuring range (6 - 99,999 rpm) covers wide
range of applications
Important Safety Instructions
Do not point the laser beam into eyes as permanent
eye damage may occur! Shimpo Instruments does
not condone usage inconsistent with product's labeling
and warning.
If upon delivery shipping damage is detected, do not operate
tachometer. Notify shipping carrier immediately for damage
claim instructions. Refer to nameplate and record serial number
for future reference.
Items included with the DT-205L are:
• Carrying case
• Cone adapter
• 200L adapter
• 6” master wheel
• Reflective tape
• NIST certificate
When using the 6” master wheel, do not use the
extension shaft - the wheel may fly off the shaft and
cause damage.
Although the tachometer alone is able to achieve the
higher ranges listed in the Range and Accuracy table
on page 3, the master wheel has a maximum speed
limitation of 5,000 FPM (for safety reasons).
Display Panel
Operating Procedures
Non-Contact Measurement
1. Place a small piece of reflective tape
(included) on the shaft or moving
element (disc, pulley, etc.) whose
speed is to be measured. If the
element's surface is highly reflective
it may need to be painted a darker
color in order to ensure reliable results.
If the distance to the object is less than 5" (127 mm),
reflective tabs (optional) should be used instead of
reflective tape.
2. Aim the tachometer at the reflective tape from a distance
of 5" (127 mm) to 14' (4.3 m).
3. Press and hold the power switch for several seconds to
observe the display as it changes according to the speed of
the shaft or rotating element (as soon as the laser hits the
reflective tape, the unit will start to indicate the speed). If
the beam is “on target” the unit RPM will flash at the top
of the display . If RPM is not flashing then the beam is “off
target” (adjust aim).
4. After observation is completed, retain the reading by
releasing the power switch before removing the tachometer
from its position. The last reading is displayed for a period
of 5 minutes and can be extended any number of additional
5 minute increments by pressing the memory switch.
NOTE: When switching from the contact to the non-contact
mode, the unit RPM will show on the display and also 5 dashes
(-----). Press the power switch to cancel the dashes.
Contact Measurement
For both RPM measurements and nonRPM measurements, screw the 200L
adapter (included) into the front of the
tachometer.
NOTE: Do not use excessive torque when
mounting - hand tightening is sufficient
RPM Measur e ment
1. Place rubber cone tip on the shaft of
the 200L adapter. Make certain that
the pin on the shaft is properly
aligned with the slot on the cone’s
sleeve.
2. Bring cone into contact with the shaft. Apply only enough
pressure to avoid slippage.
3. Press and hold the power switch. During engagement the
display will reflect the proper RPM while the unit RPM
will be flashing above the display digits.
4. Release the power switch prior to removal of tachometer
from rotating object to capture the last reading.
5. After release of the power switch, the last reading (with a
non-flashing RPM unit) will remain on the display and in
memory for 5 minutes, and can be extended any number
of additional 5 minute periods by pressing the memory
switch.
Rate & Length Measurement
1. Attach the 6” master wheel and select
the desired function using the selector
switch located just below the display .
2. Press and hold the power switch;
while the wheel is turning and the
tachometer is measuring the selected
function, the function will be indicated above the digits
and will be flashing.
3. Release the power switch before disengaging the
tachometer in order to capture the last reading.
4. After release of the power switch, the last, maximum, and
minimum readings will be stored in memory for 5 minutes
and can be extended any number of additional 5 minute
periods by pressing the memory switch.
NOTE: The memory will clear in 5 minutes after the release of
the power switch.
For steps 1-4 described above, it was assumed that the selector
switch was in the rate mode region. If the selector switch is
moved from the rate mode to the count mode (length), the display
will show the selected function (m, ft, yd, or in) and also 5 dashes
(-----). Press the power switch to cancel the dashes and start
measuring the same way as was described above. Once in the
counting mode, the measurement can be stopped at any time and
the last reading will be retained for 5 minutes. There is no
maximum or minimum reading when in the count (length) mode.
2