[Boatanchors] Frequency Counter

[John J. McDonough]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carole White-Connor" <carolew at bellatlantic.net>
Subject: [Boatanchors] Frequency Counter


> What do you suggest? I see that some of the Radio Shack digital mulimeters 
> have a
> frequency counting function. Are they any good?

Check the specs.  A lot of the frequency counters built into multimeters are 
only good for audio, but not all.  The high priced spread usually count up 
into the gigahertz region, which is more than you need.

It isn't at all tough to homebrew a frequency counter. A 60 MHz counter can 
be built for under $15 in parts.  Check the designs from OM3CPH, for 
example. http://ham.kiev.ua/pic/new.html  The so-called "Weeder Counter", 
which used to be the homebrew standard 
http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclict/weedfreq.htm, I think is now 
available commercially for a decent price.  Take a look at 
http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr/lcdcnt.html -- no schematics there but you can see 
how simple it can be.

If you are up for a kit that costs a few bucks, the M-Cubed Frequency 
Counter/Power Meter is really nice ... counts up to UHF and will do 
hundreths of a Hz at audio. http://www.m3electronix.com/fpm1.html


72/73 de WB8RCR    http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr
didileydadidah     QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35