Roadrunner Digital Turntable Tachometer

[Masterlu]

I just learned of this product today, and am looking closely at it.



It uses a magnetic sensor under the platter.



The RoadRunner is a microprocessor controlled digital tachometer used for monitoring turntable platter speed to 3 decimal places of resolution. The internal time base is a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) accurate to 2.5 PPM (±0.00025%) with less than 1.0 PPM aging per year.

The tachometer uses a hall effect sensor and a small magnet attached to the underside of the platter to sense the platter rotation.

Specifications:

Physical:
Dimensions: 3.565"L x 2.50"W x 1.1875"H.
Weight: 4 oz.
Case: 1 piece Extruded Aluminium.

Operating Modes:
Standby, Sleep, Normal.

Power Requirements:
DC Supply 9VDC 100 mA nominal; 5mA Sleep

Output:
Display: 6 digit LED direct readout of platter speed in RPM
Resolution: 0.001 RPM
Serial Data: 3.5mm connector 9600N81 DCE
Freq Stability: Crystal Controlled ±2.5PPM (±0.00025%)

Options:
Direct connection to Falcon Power Supply Unit provides digital synchronization of platter speed to ±0.005 RPM.

Operation:
Attach the magnet to the underside of the platter near the edge as shown below. Attach the sensor PCB to the plinth so the magnet passes directly over the hall effect sensor (Q1) as shown.

Connect the tachometer to the sensor by plugging the 2.5mm jack into the back of the tachometer (marked “Sensor”) and the 3.5mm right angle jack into the sensor PCB. Plug the wall adapter into an AC socket and connect the other end to the tachometer (marked “9VDC”). Press the On/Off button on the back panel; the display will show 5 dashes.

Verify operation of the sensor by manually rotating the platter until the magnet is directly over the sensor. Whenever the magnet triggers the sensor, the left most LED display will turn on the 6th dash. Turn on the turntable motor to start the platter rotating. The tachometer will display the RPM reading after 2 complete revolutions and will update the display on every revolution after that.

When the platter stops rotating for more than 2 seconds, the display will again show the 5 dashes. If there is no activity for 5 minutes, the tachometer will go to sleep and blank the display; it will automatically detect activity when the platter begins rotating again and exit sleep mode.

The On/Off switch can also be used to enter sleep mode by pressing and holding the button until the display is blanked.



Optional Falcon PSU

[Masterlu]

Just confirmed:

The RoadRunner will work on any turntable with at least 0.25" (6cm) clearance for the sensor/magnet assembly.

I will be getting one to play around with.

[jdandy]

Ivan.......The tachometer is a nifty device. It works even better when it is plugged into the outboard Flacon power supply unit. When it is connected to the PSU it feed rotation information to the power supply which continuously monitors and adjusts the rotation accuracy of the platter irrespective of external forces like bearing oil viscosity, belt slippage, or phono cartridge stylus drag.

From what I found the Roadrunner Digital Tachometer is $235.00 and the Falcon PSU is $379. The power supply is only designed to work with AC synchronous motors of 5 watts or less.

[blacsno]

Question..... Does this unit replace "KAB Speed Strobe"? This is what I use for my Linn with the Ultra DC setup.

Ken

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......The tachometer is a nifty device. It works even better when it is plugged into the outboard Flacon power supply unit. When it is connected to the PSU it feed rotation information to the power supply which continuously monitors and adjusts the rotation accuracy of the platter irrespective of external forces like bearing oil viscosity, belt slippage, or phono cartridge stylus drag.

From what I found the Roadrunner Digital Tachometer is $235.00 and the Falcon PSU is $379. The power supply is only designed to work with AC synchronous motors of 5 watts or less.

Dan... They do make different PSU's but can get pricey. I may become a dealer for these products.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......The tachometer is a nifty device. It works even better when it is plugged into the outboard Flacon power supply unit. When it is connected to the PSU it feed rotation information to the power supply which continuously monitors and adjusts the rotation accuracy of the platter irrespective of external forces like bearing oil viscosity, belt slippage, or phono cartridge stylus drag.

From what I found the Roadrunner Digital Tachometer is $235.00 and the Falcon PSU is $379. The power supply is only designed to work with AC synchronous motors of 5 watts or less.

Originally Posted by blacsno

Question..... Does this unit replace "KAB Speed Strobe"? This is what I use for my Linn with the Ultra DC setup.

Ken

Yes

[jdandy]

Ivan.......Phoenix Engineering is already getting some good user reviews for the Falcon power supply unit. Together with the RoadRunner tachometer it makes a nice speed controller for AC turntable motors.

Unfortunately for me I can't use it on either turntable. The Micro Seiki DD-40 is a direct drive turntable and the Michell Gyro uses a DC motor. I am using the Michell Engineering HR Power supply with my Michell Gyro SE turntable. It features the Never Connected circuit design that keeps the motor isolated from the main voltage coming from the wall. It allows speed compensation as well. I could still use just the tachometer but so far I have been able to accurately adjust the speed with a strobe disk.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......Phoenix Engineering is already getting some good user reviews for the Falcon power supply unit. Together with the RoadRunner tachometer it makes a nice speed controller for AC turntable motors.

Unfortunately for me I can't use it on either turntable. The Micro Seiki DD-40 is a direct drive turntable and the Michell Gyro uses a DC motor. I am using the Michell Engineering HR Power supply with my Michell Gyro SE turntable. It features the Never Connected circuit design that keeps the motor isolated from the main voltage coming from the wall. It allows speed compensation as well. I could still use just the tachometer but so far I have been able to accurately adjust the speed with a strobe disk.

Gotcha, just another cool gadget.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Gotcha, just another cool gadget.

Ivan.......You are the Gadget King. . .

[Masterlu]