Using an automotive laser tachometer tool for disk drive RPM

[xrbrevin]

As per the title, has anyone ever used an automotive laser tachometer tool to measure disk drive RPM?

 

examples:

[Rybags]

No.  With such tools you'll usually need a distinctive mark on whatever's rotating for it to be able to work properly - preferably towards the outside rather than inside.

In theory you could probably sacrifice a floppy by putting a mark on the media.  Or maybe just measure the the hub after putting a mark on that... though it'd be a less accurate reading from something close to the centre, though in the 280-300 rpm range it probably wouldn't matter much.

[manterola]

Once I recorded the "noise" of the drive and the with audacity I measured difference in time b/w two peaks (1/freq) and then I also used the spectrum to see that. At that time I was trying to make a floppy mech to run at 300rpm instead of 360rpm. So I am not sure about the precision is enough for adjusting, let's say, the 1050 to 288rpm.

 

[TGB1718]

Can I ask why you would want to do this, seems an expensive way to check the rpm

[Gunstar]

I guess he must have the device already at his disposal, but still, it's a lot easier, for me, just to use software on the Atari that checks RPM's like the Happy diagnostic or other ones. I usually use APE's Prosystem drive interrogator on the PC with my SIO2PC. If it's for my other Atari without SIO2PC, I use the Happy diagnostic software since I have a Happy drive and software, but it will also work to test the RPM's on non-Happy dirves.

[+DrVenkman]

Get a copy of one of the modified DODS Atari 2.5 versions out there (often called DOS 2.6f, DOS 2.8f, or “Yellow DOS”, “Black DOS” ...) These versions have drive speed measurements built into the DUP menu.

[xrbrevin]

Thanks for the replies, I was considering it for my LDW Super 2000 drive. I can get some parts of the Indus GT Diag software to work but RPM and track zero testing does not function properly.

I didnt realise that the RPM tool relies on a reflective sticker, i thought they were the same as those temperature laser guns but now i know otherwise.

thanks for all the info