Second hand frequency counter recommendation, 1Hz-150Mhz - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: BarsMonster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2022, 01:58:02 pm
content: Hi, what would you recommend to pickup used on ebay?Ideally I'd like to get 9-10 digits, need to be able to measure 2 inputs (independently + ratio), 1Hz-150Mhz for clock testing. High precision internal reference is not important, if external GPSDO can be connected.1) Can "proper" frequency counters measure low frequency signals with high precision? I.e. 1Hz signal, 9-10 digits result, without waiting for days?2) Does something like 53181A or 53131A around 300-500$ look like a good solution (or 53132A slightly above 600$), if VFD display is working? Any other recommendations (I don't really have any experience with frequency counters)?3) Can any of sub 1000$ units do Allan deviation plots in 0.1Hz-100kHz range (probably with external software) for recreational time nutting?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2022, 02:05:25 pm
content: A few notes...If you want to measure low frequencies, look for a "reciprocal counter" or a "statistical counter". In effect they measure the period of low frequency signals, then invert that.If you are interested in Allan variations, you will need a low noise frequency source. I suspect you realise a GPS receiveron its ownwould be inadequate.Don't forget to ensure noise isn't somehow coupled into the input stage.Have fun

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 02:19:41 pm
content: I really like the one I got on ebay ... Agilent 53131A. I added the ovenized time base to mine.

author: HalFoster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 02:48:53 pm
content: I would recommend going with an HP 5328A/B, 5334A/B or a 5335A. All lab grade counters that will do everything you may want, most will go to 1.3G and are easily found, affordable and repairable.Hal

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 04:01:50 pm
content: Timelab can be used with many frequency counters to . But don't expect miracles. A lot of the older counters have like tens of nanoseconds resolution. There are counters with tens op pico seconds resolution but those are expensive. For serious stability measurements you'll need a DMTD to 'magnify' the time variations between 2 clock signals.Quote from: tggzzz on October 13, 2022, 02:05:25 pmIn the end you don't need an accurate source if the measurement is relative (compare incoming clock to outgoing clock). A good, low phase noise OCXO which is freerunning is good enough for relative measurements.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 06:43:06 pm
content: Those older HP counters are cool, I picked up a 5334B with the 1.3GHz input and OCXO options a while back.But I believe the ratio measurement on all those models listed is limited to the A/B channels which are only 100MHz.

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 09:51:22 pm
content: We've two 5328A, great units, easy to fix (one never has been touched the other came with a easy fix on the PS). Dual channel, good triggering options, delay, counter, A-B, period and GPIB. I don't miss a function with it.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 10:37:30 pm
content: The Anritsu MF1603A sometimes pops up on ebay at a sensible price. I paid about £65 for mine many years ago and I'm very pleased with it. The MF1603A is a reciprocal counter and can typically display 10 digits at an update rate of once a second. It can also display 11 digits, but it will be slower to refresh. I usually use it at 9 digits where it updates really quickly. It has a 100MHz input and a 3GHz input.https://www.testequipmenthq.com/product/anritsu-mf1603aPrices for this counter vary a lot and I've seen sellers asking anything from £60 to £1200.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 10:52:00 pm
content: I like my HPAK gear, but I got sick of waiting on a good deal on a 53131A. Instead I got a good deal on a pair of Racal Dana 1992 Nanosecond Universal Counters. They are older, and some operating modes require reading the manual for the correct incantation of button presses, but they seem pretty capable. No idea if they work with TimeLab, not something I've had time or need to explore.