Product Tip of the Month September 1999

Product Tip of the Month

September 1999

Model 199 and 299 LaseTach

Erratic Tach Signals

The Models 199 and 299 Lasetachs are the patented laser tachometers made by ACES Systems for the aviation maintenance market. If you own one and use it frequently you may encounter a problem with loss of tach signal or erratic tach signals. With the Model 199, this may be a function of manually adjusting the gain. For the Model 299, there are no user adjustments to make because it is fully self-adjusting gain. With either of the two units displaying erratic or unreliable tach indications, check the lens to make sure it is free from moisture, such as fog or rain drops, petroleum smears or other foreign object which might block or restrict the laser beam. Be sure not to look into the lens when the laser is on because of the danger of eye injury. If all is clear, take the Lasetach indoors in a controlled environment such as an office or shop. Connect the Lasetach to your analyzer and run the program you normally use until the laser beam illuminates. Adjust the laser beam on a wall or other flat surface ten to fifteen feet away. Examine the shape and size of the beam where it strikes the wall. The shape should be round in shape and about the size of a pencil eraser or smaller. If the beam is oblong or egg shaped, you may have a burned lens. After prolonged use, the laser starts to etch the lens. If this occurs, the laser beam is scattered and affects the strength of the reflection from the tape. This is a minor problem and can be repaired with the replacement of the lens here at ACES Systems. If you own an older Model 199 Lasetach, the gain adjustment may be the problem. Call customer support here at ACES Systems for details of how to make the gain adjustment for the Model 199.

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