HP 53131A 3GHz, Opt 010. Universal Frequency Counter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: samson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2023, 11:41:58 am
content: Hi Guys, I just want to ask if I am getting a good deal.I have been offered a HP 53131A 3GHz, Opt 010. Universal Frequency Counter for $540us.Is this a good price?Thanks in advance

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2023, 10:53:32 pm
content: You can get the 3rd channel prescalers for around US$50-70 I believe - You might want to see if you can get one without Ch3 for cheaper. That said, US$540 is not outrageous but not necessarily great, probably middle of the road.TonyG

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 12:31:27 am
content: Title is misleading, it's a 225 Mhz counter with an optional third channel that can measure up to 3 GHz.Did you look at E-Greed? They're selling on there for between $200 and $300. Shipping to your location would probably add to that but not $300 more. Two of them were located in Japan and with free shipping and sold for $284 and $296. There are plenty of HP and/or 3rd party prescalars and high precision time bases available for them so they don't add a lot to the value.Beware: they have a VFD display and many of them are dim from years of service.

author: trp806mo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 09:49:24 am
content: Regarding the frequency counter, in this price range (<800 $) you can find 53132a (better spec) or pendulum cnt-90 (much better than 132a) which is the same as Fluke PM6690 or Tektronix FCA; but you have to check the spec regarding your needs@Stray Electron : may you precise the web site of E-Greed as i don't find it ?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 11:27:42 am
content: Ebay ?Fleabay ? .... loll

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 01:14:32 pm
content: It's possible to find replacement VFD's for these counters, but the price of the one OP is looking at gets even less attractive when adding the price of the replacement VFD.I paid 35000yen (US$230) for my non working (dead electrolytics in the PSU) 53132A with no options, and spent US$80 on the replacement VFD, a couple bucks on new capacitors in the PSU and a new fan (The old failed fan is why the capacitors cooked) from Digikey and about $20 on a replacement rear panel from Keysight (original one was cracked).I think I got a handle and rubber baby buggy bumpers cheap somewhere along the line too.Call it US$350 or plus a little all up for my unit. I personally wouldn't spend more for a 53131A.

author: tridac
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 05:26:23 pm
content: Picked one up at industrial auction recently for 160 ukp + fees. The only thing I don't like about it is the always on fan, even switched off. Run an external gpsdo reference, so the internal osc is disconnected and have the power on a separate wall switch to kill the fan on power off. I know that model is very popular, but never could understand the prices they are making, or at least listed at, here in the uk. An older 5345 is still a valid choice if you have the space, and they are 11 digit, 500MHz, with a plugin capability to microwave Ghz. Very reliable counters as well, one in the lab for years, and no plans to dispose of it...