Frequency Counters

[whubbard]

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]

Casual Bump.

 

[phaselag]

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]

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]

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