The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Some of you have mentioned using an electronic tachometer to check and adjust the speed of your phonographs. I would like to know what you use and where to buy it. I'm currently fighting with a cylinder machine which has inconsistent speed and I need something better than a strobe disc for analysis.

Thanks.

Jim

Here's what I use - very simple, reliable...

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Las ... tachometer

Nat wrote:Here's what I use - very simple, reliable...

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Las ... tachometer

I have the same one. Works perfectly, no problems.

This appears to be the same one at about $15 including US shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Digi ... s_indust_1

I just ordered one, out with the strobe discs! Just kidding, I'll probably keep those as well....

Sean

I have been very happy with mine as I found that all of my machines were running fast. (I am truely tone deaf)

A few hints:

- you will have to place a small piece of reflective tape on the record surface. I keep a playable, but not valuable 78, DD, 2 and 4 minute cylinder with said reflective tape so I have them ready when I need to test. Many machines slow down when the needle in in the groove, so it is best to have them ready.

- You can also stick a sliver of paper under the record edge and sticking out.

- You will find that you get this thing, put in the batteries, get your test records ready, go through your collection getting everything adjusted and feeling real good. Then about 3 months later, you want to check a machine and guess what? The batteries are dead and you have to go hunting for new ones. If you are not planning on using it again with a short window, I suggest you pull the batteries.

Thanks for all the advice. Historically, strobes have been adequate but I'm having trouble getting my Triumph to run at an even speed and a strobe is too hard to read (my eyes cross after a minute or so). The Triumph problem may be the subject of its own thread soon.

Jim

Valecnik wrote:

Nat wrote:Here's what I use - very simple, reliable...

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Las ... tachometer

I have the same one. Works perfectly, no problems.

Ditto. Really like it.

Clay

phonojim wrote:Thanks for all the advice. Historically, strobes have been adequate but I'm having trouble getting my Triumph to run at an even speed and a strobe is too hard to read (my eyes cross after a minute or so). The Triumph problem may be the subject of its own thread soon.

Jim

I have a 1 foot long pig-tail extension cord that happens to have a neon light in the clear plastic of the female end. The light is there so you know the power is ON. It works like a charm when held near the strobe disc that I use for may machines. It stops the lines dead on and very visible in almost any ambient light. I bought the cords (set of three) at Big Lots for a couple of bucks. This is the same concept that Hi-Fi stereo turntables use to display the speed.

I'm sure there are other devices with similar lights that could also be used.

I do like the digital tach idea, and they're not expensive. I might just have to buy one too. No such thing as having too many toys.

I'd be interested to know how people allow for/adjust for needle drag?

BW - I watched the largely very good made-for-TV movie "Nuremberg" last night. At one point Jackson's secretary (note that this takes place in German y in 1946) was "listening" to a Marlene Dietrich record, ostensibly issuing from a Diamond Disc machine. Hmmm.... Some one slipped up there!