Have you checked your RPM's today?

[dex3361]

I ran across something today while I was doing the break in on a small diesel generator. To adjust the frequency you have to precisely adjust the RPM's. While I had the equipment available I thought I would check the PTO RPM's on the L4400 HST to see how accurate the speed is well I found out my Tractor Tach reads 10% low. I know it might seem silly but that means that the pto was turning at 594 RPM so I know to back off when running the PTO. Just a heads up for those that want to know.

 

[School_Farmer]

Rather than using a tachometer, I find it's far easier just to use a simple frequency meter plugged into the generator. I just adjust the governor/throttle until I get the output to as near 60 Hz as I can.

Here is one such meter: Amazon.com: P3 International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor: Electronics

The so-called Kill O Watt meter is a very useful toy for not just generators, but for learning a lot about how much electricity various appliances around the house draw as well. It reports frequency, voltage, amperage, etc. while the newest model can even compute running cost for an appliance as well. This meter is easily worth the $35 to $40 it sells for.

 

[dex3361]

I had a Fluke 87 hooked up as well and was checking the Hz as well. I was using a Nova Strobescope to check the accuracy and repeatability of the governor on a small diesel gen set. I will get a Killowatt EZ they are very functional for power monitoring. Thanks.

 

[RalphVa]

I've a Kill-a-watt and have used it on almost all our heavier use appliances and have it currently on the replacement Air Tap heat pump on our hot water tank.

Don't recall its reporting the frequency. May do so; I'll check it out on the menu.

Ralph

 

[dex3361]

I've a Kill-a-watt and have used it on almost all our heavier use appliances and have it currently on the replacement Air Tap heat pump on our hot water tank.

Don't recall its reporting the frequency. May do so; I'll check it out on the menu.

Ralph

Looked at the specs of the KilloWatt EZ and this is out of the instruction manual "Volts are displayed in Volts (true RMS), Current is displayed in Amps (true RMS), Watts are displayed in active power Watts, VA is displayed in apparent power VA (VA=Vrms*Arms), Frequency is displayed in Hertz (Hz), Power Factor (P.F.) is displayed as (Watts/Vrms*Arms)." I am also considering the "The Energy Detective" (TED) its a little more complex but allows you to document on your computer what the whole house is using instead of just 1 device. Each have their place and it may be good to have them both.

 

[Wildbill34]

I ran across something today while I was doing the break in on a small diesel generator. To adjust the frequency you have to precisely adjust the RPM's. While I had the equipment available I thought I would check the PTO RPM's on the L4400 HST to see how accurate the speed is well I found out my Tractor Tach reads 10% low. I know it might seem silly but that means that the pto was turning at 594 RPM so I know to back off when running the PTO. Just a heads up for those that want to know.

I was thinking about checking the RPM on my mid PTO. Seems to me it is running a bit faster than the stated 2000 rpm. How was it you were able to check your RPM on your PTO?

Thanks

 

[dex3361]

I was thinking about checking the RPM on my mid PTO. Seems to me it is running a bit faster than the stated 2000 rpm. How was it you were able to check your RPM on your PTO?

Thanks

I used an optical strobe tach that I use for vibration analysis. It is called NovaStrobe. But a more reasonable method would be to get a optical tach that reads a piece of reflective tape you stick on a shaft. Like this one from Harbor Freight
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Dan W]

Thanks Randall, I learn more stuff from this website every time log-on. I checked out Harbor Tools and for $39 this is a great price.
My own device (30 years old at least) is an old machine shop manual clock, you push the rubber cone on the end of the rotating shaft and read the dial

Dan

 

[dex3361]

HF has the contact type tach that you are speaking of as well. The only reason I wouldn't use the contact type is that you have to have access to the shaft end to get an accurate reading. They each have there place. This place is a wealth of knowledge.