HP 5340A Frequency counter. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 01:25:52 am
content: I am hoping someone could help me. I have my eye on a HP 5340A frequency counter, besides the higher frequency limit does it have anything to offer over my current frequency counter? My current is Bel Merit fc-200 and it displays 10.0 hertz as .0100 KHZ. The primary question being will the HP offer any higher of a resolution for low frequency signals?

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 02:58:32 pm
content: Are you sure that model number is correct?To figure that out, try comparing the datasheet / catalog pages for both counters and look for specifications or features that are important to you. They will usually give figures like accuracy and resolution. For low frequency resolution without ridiculous gate times you want a reciprocal counter.This application note may be helpful:HP AN 200-4: Understanding Frequency Counter Specifications.

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 03:56:06 pm
content: Quote from: alm on June 29, 2017, 02:58:32 pmSorry my brain mixed the number up it does that sometimes, i fixed it.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 04:06:21 pm
content: The 5340A displays frequency down to the Hz. If you're looking for something into the milli Hz or micro Hz you could look for a 53131A or 53132A(depending on budget).

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 04:32:24 pm
content: Quote from: TheSteve on June 29, 2017, 04:06:21 pmThe question is not, how low does it go, so much as, what is the resolution of that counter when measuring 10 hz.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:50:31 pm
content: Quote from: neo on June 29, 2017, 04:32:24 pmSorry I wasn't very clear - I was referring to the resolution not the lowest possible frequency it can measure. I don't think the 5340 will offer you any improvement but can fire mine up if needed. The Nixie tube version is pretty sweet to watch.

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 06:29:57 pm
content: Quote from: TheSteve on June 29, 2017, 05:50:31 pmThank you thats very helpful. The original problem which required higher resolution has since been solved though i still want one.

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 03:54:36 am
content: Well i just bit the nearly literal bullet and spent 150 bucks on a nixie tube version of the HP 5340A, with what appears to be every bell and whistler AND a 6 month warranty.I wonder what besides food is edible... (joking)

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 04:51:03 am
content: Just had a quick play with mine - it works fine down to 2 Hz and displays 10 Hz properly:

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 06:23:41 am
content: Just out of curiosity, short of setting up an entirely vintage lab of old HP stuff does the digital input/output serve much purpose anymore?

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 06:34:42 am
content: Some pictures off of ebay of the one i got.