Extech 461893 Photo Tachometer.

Photo Tachometer
Make non-contact RPM measurements (5 to 99,999 rpm) of rotating objects by pointing the integral light beam (6 inch target distance) at the reflective tape placed on the object to be measured. The memory button holds last reading and recalls min/max readings display.

Accessories
Reflective Tape for Photo Tachometers (461937) for use with any brand photo tachometer. Place a piece of reflective tape on the object to be measured and point the tachometer's integral light beam at it. Ten reflective tape strips. Each strip measures 23 x 0.25 inches (584 x 6 mm).

What is a Tachometer?
A tachometer is a device that measures the angular speed of a rotating shaft in terms of revolutions per minute (RPM). Also, a tachometer can measure linear speed in terms of feet per minute (feet/minute) or meters per minute.

How do Contact Tachometers Operate?
The sensor tip is placed in direct contact with the rotating object. After 2 seconds an accurate reading is displayed. Linear surface speed can also be measured by placing the edge of the wheel on the moving object.

How do Photo (Non-contact) Tachometers Operate?
First, a small piece of reflective tape (approximately 1/4-inch) is mounted on the object to be measured. Second, the light beam or laser is pointed at the revolving tape. The reflection from the tape provides a reading to be displayed and updated once per second. For the most accurate measurements, the distance between the tachometer and the reflective tape should be within 6 inches for a light beam and up to 6.5 feet for a laser. Fluorescent or bright ambient lights may interfere with the measurement.

Which Extech Tachometer Model Is the One for You?
A non-contact (photo) tachometer was designed for applications where it is not feasible to have the tachometer come in contact with the rotating device. This is the case in high-speed applications and/or where the object to be measured is not easily reached. A contact tachometer is also available for applications where direct contact of the tachometer with the object is preferred. You can also select a combination (contact/non-contact) tachometer for the maximum in flexibility.