Types of Tachometers and Their Applications


At Techris Systems, we supply a full range of high-quality tachometers designed for accurate RPM measurement across various industries including automotive, industrial manufacturing, electrical engineering, and R&D. Whether you're measuring the speed of motors, shafts, fans, or engines, choosing the right tachometer is essential for reliable performance and safety.


What Are Tachometers Used For?

Tachometers are devices that measure the rotational speed (RPM) of moving parts such as motors, engines, shafts, or wheels. Different types of tachometers are suited to different applications depending on factors such as whether direct contact is possible, the type of machinery involved, and the data output required.


Types of Tachometers


1. Handheld Tachometers (Contact & Non-Contact)

Handheld tachometers are portable, easy-to-use tools for measuring RPM in both field and workshop settings. These are widely used in automotive maintenance, industrial machinery inspection, and mechanical servicing.


  • Contact Tachometers: Measure RPM by making direct contact with a rotating surface (shaft, wheel, etc.).
  • Non-Contact Tachometers: Use laser or infrared sensors to detect reflective markers placed on rotating components, ideal for car engines, fans, and other inaccessible parts.


2. Panel Mount Tachometers

Panel mount tachometers are designed for permanent installation on control panels, machinery dashboards, or in control rooms for continuous RPM monitoring. These are commonly used in production lines, manufacturing environments, and industrial automation. Panel mounted tachometers can often be customised with added functions to match particular applications and are very compatible with PCs and controllers for data management.  Measurements can be easily sent to a printer or loaded onto a PLC.  They have the ability to measure and display the shafts rotational speed as well as record and view changes in rotation on a recorder, using analogue output.


The mounted tachometers can also monitor production line speeds by measuring and displaying the line speed of a conveyor or production line in the unit of m/min, when the set up speed has been exceeded, an alarm will sound or by using a comparator output, it can stop any operated machinery.


  • Functions include rotational speed, line speed, flow measurement, frequency analysis, and acceleration monitoring.
  • Output options: Analog signals, digital outputs, and PLC integration for data recording and control.
  • Alarm and comparator functions can stop machinery if preset limits are exceeded.
  • Ideal for small shafts or applications not accessible to handheld units.


3. Engine & Automotive Tachometers

Digital engine tachometers are designed for testing and monitoring petrol, diesel, EV, and HEV motors. They offer precise measurements even in demanding environments.


  • Output options:
  • Analog output for speed recording
  • Pulse output for synchronized signal
  • Monitor output for signal checking
  • Suitable for vehicle diagnostics, fleet maintenance, and motor R&D.


4. Advanced FFT Tachometers

FFT tachometers use Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis to measure rotational speed based on vibration and sound frequency — no direct contact or visual access needed.


  • Ideal for measuring RPM in enclosed motors, power tools, vacuum cleaners, and appliances where internal components are not visible.
  • Can measure DC motors via magnetic flux detection.
  • Applications include construction machinery, compressors, engine diagnostics, and industrial fans.
  • Suitable for non-invasive testing using microphones or clamp sensors.



Choosing the Right Tachometer for Your Application

Selecting the right tachometer depends on your application’s specific needs:


  • Do you need contact or non-contact measurement?
  • Are you working with accessible or enclosed rotating parts?
  • Do you require real-time monitoring, data logging, or PLC integration?


At Techris Systems, we supply a wide range of tachometers from trusted brands like Ono Sokki, known for their precision, durability, and advanced features.


Need Help Choosing the Right Tachometer?

Our experienced team is here to help you find the best solution for your RPM measurement and rotational analysis needs.


Call us today on (042) 9743150


Or email: sales@techrissystems.com


You can also fill out our contact form and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.

Digital handheld tachometer to measure rotational speed of moving objects
Panel mounted digital tachometer for RPM measurement
Advanced FFT Tachometer Fast Fourier Transform frequency analysis of rotational speed