Skip to content

Select your region & language

Global

Region

Advanced Tachometer
FT-2500

Easily measure rotational speed from sound and vibration.

The FT-2500 Advanced Tachometer is a tachometer that measures rotational speed from noise, vibration, or changes in magnetic flux generated by motors and various rotating machinery.
By employing FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) in the calculation unit, it can extract frequency components corresponding to rotational speed even from complex waveform signals from microphones, sound level meters, and vibration sensors, and calculate and display the rotational speed.
Thanks to its new algorithm, the FT-2500 can accurately measure not only the steady rotation of motors and engines, but also their acceleration and deceleration rotations.

Features

  • No sensor installation processing or reflective markings required.

  • Easily measure rotation from sound and vibration - no machining of the rotating shaft is required.

  • Equipped with a tracking measurement algorithm that can respond to changes in rotational speed and acceleration/deceleration.

  • Rotation direction detection function included (when using the FT-0501DC motor rotation detector)

  • In addition to the analog output function for rotational speed, a pulse output function corresponding to the rotational speed has been added.

  • RS-232C communication functionality is included as standard.

Video

Case Studies

Measuring the rotational speed of a motor's minute rotating shaft.

Measuring the rotational speed of a motor's minute rotating shaft.

This device allows for easy measurement of the rotational speed of motor shafts and other rotating parts without the need for reflective markers. For example, it can be used to measure the rotational speed of minute rotating shafts where it is difficult to apply reflective markers, or fan motors where reflected light does not return straight back.

You can easily measure it by simply inputting the number of fan blades.
Because it can measure without contact, it is suitable for measurement on inspection lines.

Rotation direction determination and rotation speed measurement of general-purpose DC motors

Rotation direction determination and rotation speed measurement of general-purpose DC motors

The FT-0501 detects leakage flux in general-purpose DC motors and extracts a frequency signal proportional to the rotational speed. Because it contains two coils, the two detected signals have a phase difference, and the rotational direction is determined by the relationship between these phases. This is an extremely useful function for quality control of small DC motors, where visual direction determination is difficult. Of course, it can also measure rotational speed.

The two-phase output allows for determination of the direction of rotation.
It comes with a rotation direction discrimination output (semiconductor relay) that is convenient for determining CW/CCW on inspection lines.

Measuring the rotational speed of a compressor using Accelerometer.

Measuring the rotational speed of a compressor using Accelerometer.

The rotational speed of compressors with no visible rotating shaft, such as those used in household refrigerators, commercial vending machines, air conditioners, and car air conditioners, can be easily measured using the FT-2500 in combination with Accelerometer. Accelerometer (NP-3000 series) is mounted on an optional magnetic base (NP-0100, 0101), and the signal is checked in various locations to set it in the best position.

The rotational speed of a compressor with an exposed rotating shaft can be easily measured.
It is possible to measure the rotational speed of the compressor as a standalone unit, as well as the rotational speed when it is integrated into a product.
Suitable for determining lock status during refrigerator lock testing.

Measuring the rotational speed of a fuel pump's DC motor using a current probe sensor.

Measuring the rotational speed of a fuel pump's DC motor using a current probe sensor.

DC motors, widely used in automotive electrical components, exhibit current pulsation proportional to the number of poles. By detecting this current pulsation with a current probe sensor and inputting the signal to the FT-2500, the rotational speed of the DC motor can be accurately measured. This is suitable for measuring the rotational speed of standalone DC motors or motor-integrated products (components) with lead wires, such as automotive electrical components.

Measuring pump rotation speed using sound pressure

Measuring pump rotation speed using sound pressure

Pump rotation speed can be easily measured using exhaust noise. Generally, pump equipment has a concealed rotating shaft, making conventional pulse detection methods difficult for rotational speed measurement. This example demonstrates how exhaust noise can be detected with a microphone to measure rotational speed.

Measurement can be easily performed by simply setting the number of blades.
It is possible to measure the rotation speed of pumps where the rotating shaft is not exposed.

Measuring the rotational speed of motors embedded in household electrical appliances.

Measuring the rotational speed of motors embedded in household electrical appliances.

With the FT-2500 electric toothbrush, which converts the rotation of a DC motor into brush vibrations, the rotation speed can be measured by detecting the magnetic flux leaking from the DC motor built into the product.

The pulsation of leakage magnetic flux, proportional to the number of poles in the DC motor, is detected in the finished product.
It features a two-stage comparator output with upper and lower limits, convenient for determining OK, LOWER, and UPPER on a line.
Data management is also perfect via RS-232C.
System upgrades are possible at a low cost.

Engine rotation measurement using microphone and Accelerometer

Engine rotation measurement using microphone and Accelerometer

This method allows you to measure engine speed from the sounds and vibrations caused by the movement of the engine pistons. It is useful when the engine compartment is covered and an engine speed sensor cannot be installed.

The pulse count sets the number of ignitions and explosions per crankshaft rotation.
(Example) In the case of a 4-stroke 4-cylinder engine, the number of pulses is 2P/R

Rotation measurement using an engine rotation sensor

Rotation measurement using an engine rotation sensor

By clamping sensors to the primary low-voltage and secondary high-voltage wires of a vehicle, the engine's rotational speed can be obtained. Measurement can be performed simply by inputting the number of ignitions per revolution.

The pulse count sets the number of ignitions and explosions per rotation.
(Example) In the case of a 4-stroke engine:
When measuring on the primary side, set the value to half the number of cylinders.
When measuring on the secondary side, one pulse is obtained for every two rotations, so it is set to 0.5 P/R.

Measuring the rotation speed of a small fan using Accelerometer

Measuring the rotation speed of a small fan using Accelerometer

This device measures the rotational speed of rotating objects such as small fans. The vibration of a rotating object depends on its rotational motion. By measuring the frequency of the vibration, the rotational speed of the rotating object can be obtained.

Measuring engine speed from muffler sound

Measuring engine speed from muffler sound

We measure engine speed from the sound of a car's exhaust. Exhaust sound contains pulsating components caused by engine rotation. By analyzing the frequency components of these pulsations, we can measure the engine's rotation speed.

The pulse count sets the number of ignitions and explosions per crankshaft rotation.
Depending on the performance of the muffler, measurement may not be possible.

Measuring the rotation speed of a vacuum cleaner using a sound level meter

Measuring the rotation speed of a vacuum cleaner using a sound level meter

Even in devices where the motor is not visible, such as vacuum cleaners, the motor's rotation speed can be measured from the operating sound.

Rotation measurement of an embedded motor using Accelerometer

Rotation measurement of an embedded motor using Accelerometer

Even motors that are built inside and invisible, such as those found in hair dryers and electric drills, can have their rotational speed measured by their rotational vibrations.

Engine measurement using a cigarette lighter socket sensor

Engine measurement using a cigarette lighter socket sensor

(* The cigarette lighter socket sensor FT-0801 has been discontinued.)

By connecting to a power outlet installed in automobiles or construction machinery, you can detect ignition noise in the voltage output from the power outlet and measure engine speed.

Simultaneous measurement of fuel pump rotation speed and direction of rotation

Simultaneous measurement of fuel pump rotation speed and direction of rotation

This system simultaneously measures the rotational speed and determines the rotational direction of a fuel pump. Fuel pumps are used in various fields, including automobiles, but because they cannot be disassembled, it is not possible to directly measure the rotational speed and determine the direction of a finished product from the rotational shaft. Here, an FT-0501 leakage flux detector is attached to the fuel pump to detect the leakage flux from the fuel pump, and the rotational speed and direction of the built-in motor are measured by calculating the frequency of the periodically changing flux using an FT-2500 advanced tachometer.

Specification

Input section
Compatible sensors FT-0501/FT-0801*, IP-292/IP-296, IP-3000A/IP-3100, VP-202/VP-1220, OM-1200/OM-1500
Constant current driven sensors, various microphones, various accelerometers, etc.
Measurement section
Measurement mode
  1. Steady-state rotation measurement mode
    • Frequency range: 500 Hz, 2 kHz, 10 kHz
    • Resolution = Frequency range ÷ 12800 / 60 ÷ Number of set pulses
  2. Rotational acceleration/deceleration mode
    • Frequency range: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz
    • Resolution = Frequency range ÷ 6400 × 60 ÷ Number of set pulses
Rotation direction determination (Available when using FT-0501)
Measurement accuracy ±2 × rotational speed resolution ± 1 count
Averaging process Moving average processing, average score: OFF, 2, 4, 8, 16
Filter function Customizable (set one upper limit and one lower limit)
Display section
Display update time 0.5 ± 0.2 seconds
Measurement display range 0 to 999,999 r/min (0 to 10,000 Hz)
Output section
Analog output voltage range The rotation speed can be set arbitrarily when outputting 0-10 V / 0-FS 10 V.
Analog output update time Steady-state rotation mode: within 500 ms
Rotational acceleration/deceleration mode: within 250 ms
Sensor signal monitor output For monitoring sensor signals (output can be switched between analog and analog output).
Comparator output Upper and lower limit determination, rotation direction determination, OK determination
Output method: Semiconductor relay (3 circuits built-in)
Pulse output Outputs a frequency equivalent to the displayed rotation speed × the set P/R ratio.
(Hi: 4.5 V or more, Lo: 1 V or less)
External Interface RS-232C, external command input terminal
Memory section *
Condition Memory Stores 3 types of setting conditions.
Compliance standards (CE marking)
Low Voltage (LVD) Directive 2014/35/EU Standard EN 61010-1
EMC directive 2014/30/EU Standard EN 61326-1
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU Standard EN IEC 63000
General specifications
Power supply AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Power consumption 32 VA or less
Operating temperature range 0 to +40 °C
Storage temperature range -10 to +55 °C
Outline drawings 144 (W) x 72 (H) x 180 (D) mm

Specification

Weight 2 kg or less
Accessories Panel mounting brackets, stand feet, rubber feet, connector (D-SUB <15-pin, plug>), power cable (3P-3P, 1.9 m), instruction manual
price  
Option
  • AX-5022B RS-232Cケーブル(2 m):
  • FT-0100 アナログ出力ケーブル(1.5 m、R03PB3M<FT側> - BNC245<BNC>):
  • FT-0110 パルス出力ケーブル(1.5 m、D-SUB15PIN<FT側> - BNC245<BNC>):
  • FT-0251 Ethernet communication function: Sales ended
    (If the Ethernet option is installed, the standard RS-232C function will become unavailable.)

※ Note
The FT-2500 uses non-volatile memory to store parameters. Non-volatile memory has a limited number of write cycles; the non-volatile memory used in this unit has a limit of approximately 1 million write cycles. Under normal usage, this limit will not be reached, but if you frequently send numerical setting commands via RS-232C, it is expected that this limit will be reached. Please avoid using the unit in this manner.
Please note that if a problem occurs with the non-volatile memory, "MEMORY ERROR!" will be displayed. If "MEMORY ERROR!" is displayed, the memory needs to be replaced. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please contact your nearest sales office or authorized dealer to request repairs.
*FT-0801: Discontinued

Measurement Mode

Depending on the measurement content, you can select a measurement algorithm from the following five modes.
Modes C, D, and E track acceleration and deceleration by processing internally at high speed. Mode C predicts the expected peak and calculates the rotational speed even when the maximum peak is lost. Mode E's rotational speed candidate selection allows you to choose the optimal rotational speed from up to eight frequency peaks.

Measurement mode MODE Measurement algorithm
Steady-state rotation measurement
(This mode is effective when the rotation speed of the object being measured is constant.)
A Maximum Peak Frequency Method
B Frequency interval method
Acceleration and Deceleration Measurement (ACT)
(This mode is effective when measuring the rotational speed of an object as it accelerates or decelerates.)
C Maximum peak frequency method (peak prediction)
D Maximum Peak Frequency Method
E Maximum peak frequency method, rotation speed candidate selection function
Maximum Peak Frequency Method

Maximum Peak Frequency Method

The calculation is performed at the frequency of the maximum peak in the power spectrum. This is the mode typically used for measurements.

Frequency interval method

Frequency interval method

This method involves sequentially determining the frequency intervals of each order component of rotation, and identifying the most frequently occurring frequency interval as the first-order component of the rotation speed to determine the rotation speed. This method is effective when the first-order peak is unstable.

Rotation speed candidate selection

Rotation speed candidate selection

The measurement focuses on any one power spectrum from among up to eight peak frequencies of power spectra.

Option

*1 A separate charge amplifier is required when using the NP-2000 series.