Frequency Counters

whubbard · 16th May 2011, 06:39 AM

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at getting a sub $100 frequency meter.
Stumbled across these new ones:
0.01Hz - 2.4GHz Precision Frequency Counter Meter Test | eBay
Multifunction Counter (10Hz¡«2700MHz) TFC2700L

But I'm a little cautious. I'm also quite open to buying used; but I'm worried about it being non-functioning.

Any Recommendations? Do you think either of the first two will work out okay?

-West

whubbard · 18th May 2011, 10:51 AM

Casual Bump.

phaselag · 18th May 2011, 03:04 PM

What is your goal, audio ?

Counters listed have prescalers, which enable higher frequencies, but at reduced accuracy.

Is your goal accuracy ?
What is the desired frequency coverage ?

paul

macboy · 18th May 2011, 05:32 PM

A prescaler doesn't reduce the accuracy or the precision. It reduces the resolution (from say 1 Hz to 10 Hz). The precision will be the same (# digits) and the accuracy (% error) will still depend primarily on the accuracy of the internal frequency reference. I assume that accuracy is quite limited on these cheap meters; notice the conspicuous lack of an accuracy specification.

tomchr · 25th May 2011, 10:48 PM

I have an older HP 5334B with the 1.3 GHz input option and temperature controlled reference oscillator. I picked it up on eBay a while back for something like $150. That's incredible bang for the buck.

~Tom

16th May 2011, 06:39 AM	#1
whubbard diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York, NY	Frequency Counters Hi Guys, I'm looking at getting a sub $100 frequency meter. Stumbled across these new ones: 0.01Hz - 2.4GHz Precision Frequency Counter Meter Test \| eBay Multifunction Counter (10Hz¡«2700MHz) TFC2700L But I'm a little cautious. I'm also quite open to buying used; but I'm worried about it being non-functioning. Any Recommendations? Do you think either of the first two will work out okay? -West

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18th May 2011, 10:51 AM	#2
whubbard diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York, NY	Casual Bump.

18th May 2011, 03:04 PM	#3
phaselag diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N.E. PA	What is your goal, audio ? Counters listed have prescalers, which enable higher frequencies, but at reduced accuracy. Is your goal accuracy ? What is the desired frequency coverage ? paul

18th May 2011, 05:32 PM	#4
macboy diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada	A prescaler doesn't reduce the accuracy or the precision. It reduces the resolution (from say 1 Hz to 10 Hz). The precision will be the same (# digits) and the accuracy (% error) will still depend primarily on the accuracy of the internal frequency reference. I assume that accuracy is quite limited on these cheap meters; notice the conspicuous lack of an accuracy specification.

25th May 2011, 10:48 PM	#5
tomchr diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greater Seattle Area	I have an older HP 5334B with the 1.3 GHz input option and temperature controlled reference oscillator. I picked it up on eBay a while back for something like $150. That's incredible bang for the buck. ~Tom

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