By: Jim French
E-mail Address: av810@aol.com

I have just experienced above average return on investment upon installing Horizon Instruments P-1000 digital tachometers in my Piper Apache. I only expected more accurate power settings but what I got was a more comfortable airplane. These tachs display RPM to the single digit. I found that by ear with the old mechanical tachs I could sync the props to only about 10 to 20 RPM accuracy. On the first flight with both the new and old tachs still installed I was delighted to find a significant reduction in vibration and perceived sound level when, after syncing the props by the mechanical tachs I then eliminated the approximate 13 RPM difference that remained by referring to the new digital tachs. What an improvement!

I strongly urge owners of twin engine aircraft to explore the installation of these units in your aircraft. Cost is $900 for two including all necessary installation accessories. They are STC'd for all aircraft and since they wire to the P leads at the ignition switch the installation time is minimal. In addition to their accuracy they also will record the maximum RPM achieved by each engine on takeoff for later display, you can then adjust your throttle levers to sync the engines exactly at full forward setting on takeoff. They also automatically calculate and display the RPM drop for each mag during run-up. I'm not affiliated with the company. I was just so pleased with the product that I wanted to pass it along. You can contact them at 1-800-541-8128 in Fullerton California. Ask for Ron. He is infinitely knowledgeable about the product and general aviation applications.

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