Design Specialties

...Welcome...
Electronic schematics and mechanical
designs for the hobbyist and
professional. We also feature
programmed microprocessor chips
and code along with parts for our designs
Click on the green Products link below to see
the chips and accessories we offer.

    Smart Flashlight
     Tach-Plus
       Star Delta Switch
      Remote
      Tach jr. (also see below)

Products

About Us

Contact Us
(Due to viruses we no longer open attachments please
include you information in the body of your email)
My photo

We are only doing special applications now. If you have an application
using our instruments please contact us.

See my latest article in the Mar/Apr 2004 Home Shop Machinist

Tach jr. assembled and tested, contact us for pricing

    What is the Tach jr.?

     It is a very accurate tachometer that reads rpms directly without
any physical contact. It works without any lasers so the user is completely
safe from any harmful reflections or rays.

    How accurate is it?

    Very accurate! The main microchip controls the timing and reading.
You get the same accuracy from the kit as an individual who buys it
completely built and there are NO adjustments to make.
Our instruments are up to NIST standards and we pass this on to you.

    What is an open architecture?
    An 'open architecture' means that there is access to the instrument
at the component level and modifications are possible. You can for
instance, extend the sensors off the circuit board to a remote location
or extend the power switch.

    The Tach jr. is an 'open' instrument. This adds flexibility by allowing the
builder to connect it to many different sources. It can work as a Tach
for your moped or on a 50,000 rpm CNC machine for instance.
    The Range Extender (optional) allows it to work from long distances away or tight
places and also adds the Hall sensor for magnetic readings. It adds a jack to the
Tach jr. circuit board which allows you to have several remote monitors
that can simply be plugged into the tachometer whenever that specific
instrument needs to be monitored. For instance, you can have a sensor
permanently mounted in on your tractor, one on your lathe or robot. Just by
plugging in the Tach jr. you can go from one to another in seconds!
    Several of our customers have done this and it's a great way to obtain
multiple applications from just one Tach jr. Again, the key word is
flexibility, something you won't find in instruments costing 10 times its low
price.

    Why don't we include a case?

    Because this is an open instrument and the range of applications are so great
we don't include one and pass the savings on to you. Many of our
customers built the Tach jr. into their own equipment. Fitting one to a case is
an easy job and many of our customers do it themselves with no problems.
    The only external wiring is to the battery case (included) but the user has the
option of leaving the battery case off and using the power jack to a small wall
transformer.

    How hard is it to build?
    Quite easy. You will need a good soldering iron but aside from that the kit is
very straight forward including complete in depth instructions with the novice
in mind.

    What if I get stuck?
    We monitor the web site everyday and are always here to help although it is rarely
needed!
    All the components and circuit board are the highest quality and we have had
no instrument failures or returns since the Tach jr. was introduced over two years ago.

Tach jr. details and photos

Need a Tach for a special application? Email us.
We can program the main chip to fit your needs.

We get lots of great mail just like the one below
from our happy customers.

"The jr pcb is awesome. Nicest kit board I've ever built!"
Richard, New Hampshire

TJ option: Fits on your board and lets you
run a 50 or more foot wire to the optical sensor or Hall (magnetic)
sensor. You get all the hard to find parts, one sensor/emitter pair, one
hall sensor plus the remote jack (J1 on the TJ board) and a 1k resistor.
(Requires a standard 1/8" stereo phone jack and wire to work. We use
telephone connection cable and Radio Shack phone plugs.) No circuit
board is required and wiring is an easy task. (Only works with Tach jr.)
ONLY $6.95

Remote

    Projects in the 'works':
    Wind speed indicator
    Zero expansion pendulum
    High precision 4-1/2 digit voltmeter
    8 digit low cost frequency counter
    CNC mini lathe option for screw cutting

Have an idea about a great project you would like to see? Contact Us

Circuits and circuit boards for the kit builder from people who build kits.

Our latest design is the Tach jr. It is a digital tachometer that reads a
reflective aluminum strip off a rotating shaft or propeller. With the new
remote the Tach jr. and Plus will be able to read a rotating shaft 50' (15 M)
away with the push of a button. Click above for more information.

The Smart Flashlight was conceived during a power failure at our home.
It is in daily use here and helps us find auxiliary lights when the main power
fails from our rural upstate NY electric co-op. It is also a wonderful teaching
project for schools and amateur radio clubs.

Check back for new circuits and projects.

    One note about our phone number and credit cards.
    We have tried to make the highest quality products at the fairest prices. While
very few people have assembly problems we try to resolve them as quickly as
possible through emails. The 'contact us' email site is monitored everyday
and while we haven't had to use it we will give our telephone number to
individuals who can't resolve their kit problem. We just can't monitor phone
calls from around the world and still give the quality in our products that we do.
    We accept paypal, money orders and personal checks for now. As our
business grows we hope to accept credit cards also.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,
Robert Nance Dee

Design Specialties
4444 County Hwy. 16
Delhi, New York 13753

LINKS TO MY FAVORITE SITES

Otherpower Alternate Energy
Windstuff
The Remote Control Store