[Elecraft] Elecraft transveters and freq. counter/signal generator

[Paul]

I found a reasonable kit for the main guts of a homemade freq. counter at
Almost All Digital http://aade.com/index.html#dfd specifically his DFD4a
http://aade.com/DFD4A/dfd4a.htm I got mine in the assembled version because
it comes with the TCXO already calibrated. You still need to wire it and
provide a suitable enclosure but that's the easy part. Cost ~$80 plus spare
connectors, switches, battery and a box. Used it to align the 4Mhz osc on K2
#4826 which later zero-beat to WWV within 30Hz.


Paul
KI4BIO


> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 20:24:27 -0500
> From: Matt Osborn <kc0ukk at msosborn.com>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft transveters and freq. counter/signal
> 	generator
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Message-ID: <arbmc15gfimmjib2ftv11qi29ft1tquupe at 4ax.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> According to the transverter manual, I will need a 50mhz signal
> generator or a frequency counter to successfully align the
> transverter.
>
> I've done a lot searching for signal generators and have found that
> those capable of 50mhz are very expensive, around $1500 dollars
> minimum.
>
> I found a B&K frequency counter (Model 1856D) for around $430.00 that
> will measure up to 3ghz.  I suspect that B&K doesn't have the
> tolerances of the big boys, hence their lower prices.  B&K also has a
> model that will measure up to 175mhz for about $100.00 less.  The 175
> would be enough for the transverter, but in for a penny, in for a
> pound comes to mind.  Why spend $350.00 this month and then $430.00
> next month?
>
> Will the 1856D work for aligning the transverter?  My question
> revolves around which of the two instruments (signal generator or
> freq. counter) will accomplish the task the best.
>
> Better yet, anybody know of any better alternatives?  I keep running
> into the chicken and egg problem.  If I build it myself, I can't
> calibrate it. If I buy the tools to calibrate it, then I don't need to
> build  it.
>
> They say a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns
> from the mistakes of others. Please help me be a wise man.
>
> All advice is most welcome!