Anyone ever use a "Tiny Tach"?

Looks to be too good to be true, and we know what that usually means. Just wrap a wire around a plug wire and you get RPM's & an hour meter? Someone tell me the real facts. TexasJim

TexasJim said:

Looks to be too good to be true, and we know what that usually means. Just wrap a wire around a plug wire and you get RPM's & an hour meter? Someone tell me the real facts. TexasJim

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I have a cheap knock off and it works great and is accurate.

Programing the tac for your motor, is probably the hardest. From memory, you take the number of poles on maneto ÷ 2 and select it on tac setup menu.

Instructions were in german, but I can read basic German, not a issue for me.

Helped me determine the correct prop.

Still using it on my riding lawn mower,.

Had one on my 20hp tohatsu. Worked great and helped keep track of the hrs too.

Have used clones on numerous small outboards, sxs, lawn mowers, generator, etc.

Have one on my Tohatsu 9,8. Works great. My brother put them on his small power equipment just for the usage meter to know when to do service. Can't speak for the knockoffs, but the genuine article works well.

Fact is that it is simple and works great

I think they work well for most people that follow the instructions. Keep in mind that the wire wrapped around spark plug wire is picking up the spark pulse through induction. Wrap it in a clear area were it is not touching another plug wire. Also, wake sure to get a good ground for the other lead.

I've had one on my 2021 Merc 20HP since it was new. Flawless performance so far.

Easy to install.

The one that I bought is not waterproof. I got around that by installing it inside a slightly modified piece of square tupperware that protects it. The tupperware cover is velcro'd to the transom, next to the outboard. Think I paid $12 or so from Amazon.

Yes, they work well when installed properly and on the correct setting. A great value and a very useful tool.

I've never seen one that wasn't waterproof. I would just spend the couple of dollars to get one that was.

thill said:

Yes, they work well when installed properly and on the correct setting. A great value and a very useful tool.

I've never seen one that wasn't waterproof. I would just spend the couple of dollars to get one that was.

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I need to correct what I said about mine. I just went and looked at the Amazon ad again and it says "IP65 waterproof."

Google search turned this up about IP65: "IP65 is an international standard that indicates that an electrical enclosure is dust-tight and water-resistant against light pressure water spray from any direction. It also protects against condensation. IP65 is not waterproof and is not suitable for submersion."

I don't remember exactly why I thought it was very susceptible to water damage, but I rigged up that tupperware. I do recall thinking that the battery cover on the back seemed like a weak link in that unit, and it is mounted in a spot that would definitely get soaked if water splashed over the transom.

IP65 waterproof... That should be sufficient for mounting in a boat, unless you sink it. Mine was mounted on the front of my motor via zip ties, and it worked great for years. I got it from Ebay. Doubt it was a name brand tiny tach, just a knock-off. But it always worked.