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W3MPS
01-13-2011, 02:01 PM
Does anybody have any recommendations for a frequency counter? I've gotten into playing around with some older stuff I've got and would like to add a counter to my collection of other various meters and ancillary what not that I can hook in line on the coax.

I found this (http://www.copper.com/cart/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=1521) but I'm kind of leery about CB test equipment, I'd rather pay a few extra dollars and not worry about it being some cheap piece of junk that goes poof the first time I use it.

NQ6U
01-13-2011, 02:05 PM
Find a used HP counter on eBay. You should be able to get a good one for no more than $100.

N8YX
01-13-2011, 02:46 PM
Check Jameco's website. They have a 1.3GHz unit for less than $200.

N2CHX
01-13-2011, 02:55 PM
What you need is a External Time Vector Modifier/Analyzer. It slows down time to whatever speed you set it to. You slow time down on the piece of gear you want to test, until you can count the pulses. From there you can multiply the pulses you count per second by the factor you slowed time down to and get your frequency. I saw one on eBay a few months ago for under $1000. Good for lots of stuff, not just manually counting frequency.

W3MPS
01-13-2011, 03:06 PM
I saw one on eBay a few months ago for under $1000. Good for lots of stuff, not just manually counting frequency.
Lol, I guess it's good for doing irreparable damage to my bank account too.

Thank you for all the helpful replies. Now I just need to sort through what's out there and start stashing some money away.

NA4BH
01-13-2011, 03:22 PM
Would something like a Galaxy II FC250 be what you are looking for?

KG4CGC
01-13-2011, 08:37 PM
Or a handheld unit that reads on transmit?

NQ6U
01-13-2011, 08:41 PM
The MFJ-259 has a frequency counter built in. You can get one from Gigaparts for around $250 and you get an antenna analyzer, too. I've learned more about how antennas work in the real world from just playing with mine than I ever have from reading books.

W3MPS
01-13-2011, 10:36 PM
The MFJ-259 has a frequency counter built in.

Crap, I forgot about that! I'll dig up the owner's manual for my 269 and read up on it. Thank you!