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Data Precision frequency counter 5740 question
R C wrote:
Hello. I picked up a frequency counter cheap at a hamfest a couple of weeks ago. Playing with the thing, I've found several shortcomings and am wondering if it's broken or just operator error. The period measurement seems to work just fine over the first three ranges, but not the forth (10 sec gate time.) The frequency measurement just counts up till it hits overflow. Yes it does. That's what overflow means. It works from at least 1KHz-2MHz, but not at 4 MHz. Is it worth trying to fix? It looks like a manual for the thing will cost at least twice what I paid for the unit itself. Or am I better off scrapping it for parts? What does it NOT do that you need to do? If the answer is "nothing", it ain't broke. If the answer is "anything else", it still ain't broke. Thanks, R C -- Return address is VALID. Wanted, 12.1" LCD for Gateway Solo 5300. Samsung LT121SU-121 Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below. Compaq Aero floppy,ram,battery. FT-212RH 2-meter 45W transceiver. 2-meter linear Toshiba & Compaq LiIon Batteries, Test Equipment 30pS pulser, Tektronix Concept Books, spot welding head... http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Monitor/4710/ |
#2
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"mike" wrote in message ... R C wrote: Hello. I picked up a frequency counter cheap at a hamfest a couple of weeks ago. Playing with the thing, I've found several shortcomings and am wondering if it's broken or just operator error. The period measurement seems to work just fine over the first three ranges, but not the forth (10 sec gate time.) The frequency measurement just counts up till it hits overflow. Yes it does. That's what overflow means. I kind of expected a direct frequency readout. X many cycles per gate time. This just counts and counts. Then again, I don't have a manual.. but there aren't exactly a lot of controls. It works from at least 1KHz-2MHz, but not at 4 MHz. Is it worth trying to fix? It looks like a manual for the thing will cost at least twice what I paid for the unit itself. Or am I better off scrapping it for parts? What does it NOT do that you need to do? If the answer is "nothing", it ain't broke. If the answer is "anything else", it still ain't broke. Well.. Something better than 2 mhz, I think. I was hoping this was a simple problem; if not, it's simple enough to salvage the LED display and counters and build a new one out of an AVR or PIC. I think the rated speed is around 100 MHz for this unit, which is why I'm suprised it doesn't work at 4. Thanks, R C KG4MVB |
#3
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R C wrote:
Hello. I picked up a frequency counter cheap at a hamfest a couple of weeks ago. Playing with the thing, I've found several shortcomings and am wondering if it's broken or just operator error. The period measurement seems to work just fine over the first three ranges, but not the forth (10 sec gate time.) The frequency measurement just counts up till it hits overflow. Yes it does. That's what overflow means. It works from at least 1KHz-2MHz, but not at 4 MHz. Is it worth trying to fix? It looks like a manual for the thing will cost at least twice what I paid for the unit itself. Or am I better off scrapping it for parts? What does it NOT do that you need to do? If the answer is "nothing", it ain't broke. If the answer is "anything else", it still ain't broke. Thanks, R C -- Return address is VALID. Wanted, 12.1" LCD for Gateway Solo 5300. Samsung LT121SU-121 Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below. Compaq Aero floppy,ram,battery. FT-212RH 2-meter 45W transceiver. 2-meter linear Toshiba & Compaq LiIon Batteries, Test Equipment 30pS pulser, Tektronix Concept Books, spot welding head... http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Monitor/4710/ |
#4
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"mike" wrote in message ... R C wrote: Hello. I picked up a frequency counter cheap at a hamfest a couple of weeks ago. Playing with the thing, I've found several shortcomings and am wondering if it's broken or just operator error. The period measurement seems to work just fine over the first three ranges, but not the forth (10 sec gate time.) The frequency measurement just counts up till it hits overflow. Yes it does. That's what overflow means. I kind of expected a direct frequency readout. X many cycles per gate time. This just counts and counts. Then again, I don't have a manual.. but there aren't exactly a lot of controls. It works from at least 1KHz-2MHz, but not at 4 MHz. Is it worth trying to fix? It looks like a manual for the thing will cost at least twice what I paid for the unit itself. Or am I better off scrapping it for parts? What does it NOT do that you need to do? If the answer is "nothing", it ain't broke. If the answer is "anything else", it still ain't broke. Well.. Something better than 2 mhz, I think. I was hoping this was a simple problem; if not, it's simple enough to salvage the LED display and counters and build a new one out of an AVR or PIC. I think the rated speed is around 100 MHz for this unit, which is why I'm suprised it doesn't work at 4. Thanks, R C KG4MVB |
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