New Tachometer - PIREPS Requested

[Seth]

My tachometer stopped working recently (it stopped counting hours, the RPM feature worked just fine) and since it's annual time, it's time to overhaul or replace it.  I currently have a mechanical tach.  The price of a new tach vs overhaul is about $100 - so I do plan to go new equipment.

The question, is to go digital, or remain with a mechanical Tachometer.  My shop recommendsthe Horizon P-1000.  Any PIREPS out there on the P-1000?  I searched the board and found two threads where it's mentioned in passing.  I'm also open to other suggestions.

My aircraft is a 1967 M20F.  The panel was updated some time ago in a quasi six pack fashion - it could be laid out better, but I'm not going for a full panel upgrade at this time.

I do not yet have an engine monitor but may install one soon, either an EDM 700, 800, etc.  I do realize there is probably an engine monitor that replaces a tach with a digital readout and becomes the primary instrument.  Cost wise, what makes the most sense, and what setups do you recommend for Tach and engine monitor combinations?

As always, thank you and I'm looking forward to reading suggestions.

-Seth

[scottfromiowa]

Seth,

I just installed an EI digital Tach in my 66 E.  The gauge is smaller (more panel space) and digital.  Cost point is not significant and install per my A&P is/was straight forward.  I am happy with my decision to go with the EI digital tach over my OEM original mechanical Tach.  I sold tach cable to my mechanic and tach on Ebay for $50...

[MooneyMitch]

.............and I just purchased an EI tach from a fellow MooneySpacer.  Have not had a chance to install it but looking forward to its accuracy. 

[danb35]

I also installed the EI digital tach on '48Q.  Some differences compared to the Horizon unit: (1) it's a 2.25" instrument instead of 3.125" (you can get an adapter plate easily enough if desired), (2) the EI has an LED arc to simulate the tach needle, and (3) the EI starts running the hour meter at 1300 RPM vs. the Horizon at 800 RPM.  In effect, this means that idle time will add to the tach time on the Horizon, but not on the EI.

I've found it to work well, and the installation was very straightforward.

If you're only needing to replace the tach, I wouldn't go for one of the primary-replacement monitors (EI MVP-50, JPI 930), as you're looking at $5k+ for that.  However, if you don't have an engine monitor at all, it may be a different story.

[Rustler]

Seth--

I had a Horizon installed in my Cheetah. The installation was quick and simple, and it performed flawlessly. It has features other than RPM indication that warn of open mag circuits, overspeeding, etc. Nice instrument and nice folks to deal with (I got mine direct from Horizon)

 

[MooneyMitch]

We've got the Horizon tach. in the E model.  It works great.  

[66Super21]

Seth,

I've installed several over the years in a Comanche, 182, two in a Seneca, among others.  Great item.  But have no exposure to the EI gauge, but have worked with other EI instruments, and they are good, also.  Probably panel space and personal choice will have a lot to do with your decision.

Alan

[Seth]

Thanks for the input regarding the digital tachometers.  I've decided to replace the tachometer with either the E.I. or the Horizon P-1000.  I understand the difference of RPM live recording starting points (800 RPM on the Horizon, much higher 1200-1300 on the EI), but are there any other gotcha's with either unit?  I understand the size difference (E.I smaller with LED arc - Horizon with larger readout). The price difference is minimal. 

1.  Does the LED simulated arc on the EI bother anyone during nighttime flight? 

2.  Was going from an arc to not having one on the Horizon a big issue?   

3.  Does the EI have any of the diagnostic figures - overspeeding, open mag circuit warning, etc like the Horizon?

Thanks again.  I'll do some more research tonight and make my decision in the morning.

-Seth

[danb35]

Quote: Seth

1.  Does the LED simulated arc on the EI bother anyone during nighttime flight? 

2.  Was going from an arc to not having one on the Horizon a big issue?   

3.  Does the EI have any of the diagnostic figures - overspeeding, open mag circuit warning, etc like the Horizon?

[Seth]

Thank you for all of your advice.  Both units are pretty much even but I chose the EI R-1 because I like the idea of the LED simulated arc as my Tachometer placement is way over on the right side of the cockpit above the manifold presssure.  Also, not including initial ground taxi (vs 800 RPM in the P-1000) and a slightly lower price assisted in the decision.  The aviation consumer article was a big factor, but not as big as the advice here on the board.  Thanks everyone.

-Seth

[DaV8or]

I'd also like to point out that there is sort of a middle ground option too. The electric tach. It's not digital, but is fully electric and so does away with all the problems associated with the mechanical tach. Asthetically, it matches your MP guage much better. Here is one from UMA-

UMA Electric Tachometer

[danb35]

Quote: Seth

The aviation consumer article was a big factor, but not as big as the advice here on the board.  Thanks everyone.

[ElectronicsInt]

 

I thought I was the only one confused by that article:)

 

Great choice btw!

[danb35]

BTW, I re-read the OP and see you are interested in an engine monitor as well.  There are lots of options; I have the EI UBG-16 and am satisfied with it.  Through next month they're running a rebate to get a fuel flow module, transducer, and extra temp sensor of your choice (I'd recommend oil temp) free when you buy the UBG-16.  It won't replace any of your primary engine instruments, but it will monitor CHT/EGT and pretty much any other engine parameters you want, record them, and let you download them to your computer for later analysis.  It will also allow you to set alarms for any of those parameters, and flash a big red warning light when one of them is exceeded.

It's $1215 from Gulf Coast Avionics, including CHT and EGT probes for 4 cylinders.  Installation labor will, of course, be quite a bit more than for the tach, but an engine monitor is a really good idea.

[airfoill]

Quote: DaV8or

I'd also like to point out that there is sort of a middle ground option too. The electric tach. It's not digital, but is fully electric and so does away with all the problems associated with the mechanical tach. Asthetically, it matches your MP guage much better. Here is one from UMA-

UMA Electric Tachometer

[Seth]

To update this thread - Even though I originally chose the EI unit, I ended up changing my mind and went with the Horizon unit.  Now that I've got a couple hours with it, I'm very happy with the performance. 

The Horizon unit also has led lights that immediately catch your eye if you lose a mag or if you are not in a standard operating RPM range.  I had the unit zero timed to my engine so my engine hours are what it's counting, not airframe time - it allows me to better visually see my engine's total hours.  I could eaisly figure out the math, as I used to do on my previous tach, but this was a nice touch.  Both units could have easily been programmed this way.

Thank you for the suggestions, PMs, and the factory reps that I talked to who swayed me to the Horizon unit.  I'm sure the EI would have been fine, but the Horizon is what I chose.  The construction and reliability of the Horizon unit recieve very high marks.  PM me and I'll give you a fun story that one of the factory rep told me that I'm not sure is actually true or not - but it was decent story. 

I'll give a longer term PIREP in the future.

Take care,

-Seth

[ElectronicsInt]

Quote: Seth

 PM me and I'll give you a fun story that one of the factory rep told me that I'm not sure is actually true or not - but it was decent story. 

[Parker_Woodruff]

I had the EI in my M20J and it was a great product.  Good support, too, if you need it.

[N33GG]

I had been reading this thread, and last week my tach quit in flight.  I looked at the RPM reading zero, and I was relieved to confirm it was the gauge and my engine was in fact still running.

Not an easy choice, but I have decided to try the EI unit.  I will give any thoughts and opinions after I get it installed and a little time on it.  It sounds like there are many good choices out there.

[danb35]

From what I've seen, people with the Horizon and the EI are each happy with their choices.  I have the EI, and I'm happy with it, but plenty of people are obviously pleased with the Horizon tachs as well.  Hard to make a wrong choice there, it seems.

[N33GG]

I went back and forth on the decision between Horizon and EI.  Both look like excellent units with various pros and cons, and not a clear choice either way.

[ElectronicsInt]

Hi gang-

 

I very much appreciate all the positive support that has been posted by users regarding the R-1 tachometer from EI.

I just wanted to note that the R-1 does offer:

Bright, LED backlit, polorized LCD for easy viewing in all light conditions.

210 Degree Arc
The R-1 displays RPM in a 210 Degree graphical LED arc for immediate reference. Red and Yellow LED's highlight cautionary and restricted operating ranges.

Tach Time
The R-1 keeps track of Tach Time on your engine, to .1 hours.

Flight Timer
Flight Time is recorded from takeoff to landing.

Peak RPM
For every flight, Peak RPM is stored. Simply press the "Pk" button to see the previous flight's Peak RPM.

Mag Drop
The drop in RPM when switching from "Both" mags to "Left" or "Right" on your ignition switch is displayed on the large, crisp LCD of the R-1. For instance, if the drop is 110, the R-1 will display "-110."

Mag Failure Alert
If a mag fails during your flight, the R-1 will alert you by intermittently cycling through the LED's several times as you make your approach to land. Several pilots have mentioned to our support staff that this "cycling" has caught a failed mag while in flight.

As an added benefit the R-1 averages over $160.00 less than the competitors sales price.

Matt

 

[N33GG]

More important that all of that, at least for me, you have a strong advocate...Don Maxwell. 

[ElectronicsInt]

True words indeed! 

 

Matt

[PTK]

Quote: ElectronicsInt

Mag Failure Alert

If a mag fails during your flight, the R-1 will alert you by intermittently cycling through the LED's several times as you make your approach to land. Several pilots have mentioned to our support staff that this "cycling" has caught a failed mag while in flight.

As an added benefit the R-1 averages over $160.00 less than the competitors sales price.

Matt