Usage:
A 6V93 Sheeting Tape is available to use with any phototach, including the 1P5500 Phototach Kit. Use of this tape makes it easier to read the phototach.
This is a special tape with a retroreflective surface. This surface causes the light to come straight back (reflect) from the surface to the source of the light, which is the phototach. See Illustration 1. This gives more exact indications of revolutions per minutes (rpm) than if paint or white tape is used. The source of light can be as far away as 3 ft (1 m) from the new tape, and at any angle. It is best to hold the pickup head of the phototach at an angle to the surface. When held at an angle, shiny spots can not make the light come back to the phototach and cause wrong readings.
Illustration 1. This drawing shows the difference between how the rays of light change direction on the new tape surface in comparison with normal surfaces.
The new tape can be used on shafts, gears, fan blades, etc. You must always put the tape in a location so the light from the photohead hits the tape. One piece of tape is enough, but the more pieces of tape used, the more exact the rpm indications will be.
The tape adheres (holds) strongly to any surface if it is almost clean. A cover, or liner, is used on the tape so it will not stick (fasten) together when in a roll. For this reason, the tape must be used and put in storage carefully so the roll will always be together. One recommendation is to put 4 pieces of any kind of tape on both sides of the roll. See Illustration 2. Keep the roll of tape in the bag the tape came in to protect the tape.
The tape is .5' (13 mm) wide and 50 yards (45.7 m) are in each roll.
Illustration 2. Use pieces of tape to keep the roll together when in storage.