[Boatanchors] Hand held frequency counters?

[cemilton at aol.com]

 GE Jim,

W5JO de W4MIL, Chuck

Finally got around to checking my MFJ 259B as we discussed.  I'm including the rest of the BA group on this as FYI since the thread has not picked up in a few days.

Like you, I was impressed that the MFJ consistently tracked close enough to the other counters I own.  I checked frequencies from 100kc to 150Mc and the MFJ didn't sputter one bit.  I would have never guessed it was that close.  Close enough for the work I do.

I think I'm aware enough of the sensitivity of the diodes in the front end of the MFJ to NOT overload it.  But I'm not really certain what level that is.  So I was pretty cautious about signal levels and ran the generator through an attenuator and slowly adjusted until I got a steady frequency reading.  I'm thinking of using an "extra" 10x scope probe which has a BNC on one end as an input cord for the 259B.

I still do most "on-air" RF measurements with the OptoElectronics hand held and its' telescoping antenna.  My AM rigs are easy to read from a few inches away from the tank.  But for detailed servicing, I might try the MFJ just to see how it performs.  From what you and I have individually gathered, it's a pretty nice frequency counter.  And, as you pointed out, for those needing a counter.........why not combine this one with the other goodies that come in the same package.  Might just be the right thing if ones' interest is antennas and staying on frequency.   hi hi hi

Good discussion, Jim.

Thanks es 73 de W4MIL

Chuck


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Wilhite <w5jo at brightok.net>
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, Jan 1, 2010 3:39 pm
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Hand held frequency counters?


Chuck, do check yours and let me know what you find.  I was very surprised that 
it read the frequency as accurately as it did.  Another thing is I mis posted 
the lower frequency limit.  Mine would measure down to .1 meg.  that is (point) 
1 megacycles.  

I don't use mine for a frequency counter because like you an many others I have 
a bench counter.  I use an HP and have a Comet.  The HP is an old one that goes 
to 225 and the Comet goes to 1 gig.  I bought a Optoelectronics many years ago 
when they came out and found them to be very good.  Their accuracy was well 
within specs for commercial work which is what I used it for at the time.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of the suggestions that I have seen thus far.  
All are good and work quite well for boatanchors.  Now if accuracy is necessary, 
then I would look past the MFJ.  I say that but if it displays proper 
calibration of serious work, why not?   Either way, one will get a bunch of test 
equipment in one box for $260 plus shipping.  Just be very careful of static 
electricity popping the diodes in the front end.

73

Jim/W5JO
  ----- Original Message ----- 



  Jim,
   That's good news.  I've never really thought of it as a freq counter (even 
though I knew it had the input) but I will put it on the bench and see if it 
works as well as yours.  1kc to over 290mc ain't too shabby............. hi hi

  Thanks es 73 de W4MIL
  Chuck




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