[Boatanchors] Frequency Counter

[Rodger]

Hi John,

I started using this "trick" when I was trying to get an SX-25 back in 
alignment; when I received it one band had the HFO tracking on the wrong 
side so it was WAY off.  I loaded the proper top and bottom frequencies 
into memories of the YB-400 and this made the "back and forth" setting a 
lot faster.  You are right that there is enough signal radiated that it 
is easy to pick up and often the harmonics are also strong enough to use 
so that receivers that have the European low frequency range can be used 
to pick up the harmonics of a 50 Khz. BFO.  I did this while restoring a 
Drake 1A a couple of months ago to set the BFO.

Most of the modern little shortwaves are PLL synthesized and the 
readouts are quite accurate (especially for BA use).  On the YB-400 I 
put it in SSB mode and then calibrate the BFO for zero beat when tuned 
to one of the WWV frequencies which will give you good measurement 
accuracy.  When I need better accuracy I run my HP-5245L off of the 
unleveled counter output.

73, Rodger WQ9E
>
> Good point, Rodger.  In fact, more often than the counter I use the 
> main rig, a digital readout rice box with general coverage.  Usually 
> the sensitivity is good enough that just laying a wire somewhere near 
> the circuit in question is all it takes to be heard on the station 
> receiver.
>
> 72/73 de WB8RCR    http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr
> didileydadidah     QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35
>
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