- Blog entry posted in 'Teardowns', July 16, 2013.
INTRO
This time i'll write about this frequency counter which i got couple days back. It's lightweight, and front panel is very easy to read and use, even without manual (which i couldn't find anywhere....). It has two different jacks for different scales of signals. channel A which counts from DC-120mhz, which is already way enought for my needs. Channel B counts from 70mhz-1.2Ghz. I do have FM/am signal generator, which should be able to generate high freguencies enought to test that b-channel. B-channel sadly can count only frequency, but channel-A can even count period and even RPM. Where would that frequency-rpm conversion be useful anyway? Also, there is variable gate-time 0.1/1/10s. DThere is smaller resolution in 0.1s than example 10s. Resolution can also be reduced by pressing buttons, if smaller resolution is needed. Attenuation is also possible, along with ac/dc setting, variable trigger voltage, and BW limit. And reset/check button to reset screen. next to screen are indicators showing period/frequency prefix. And nice comfort button if value is too fluctuating, screen can be ''frozen'' by hold button. Back panel has mains jack, along with reference I/O bnc connector. and as you can see from picture, A/B channel connectors are bnc too, which is good standard. Now then the insides:
TEARDOWN
The structure is well-made german-quality. Lightweight, but stiff. At the bottom are couple of stand-off feet. This device is easy to open too.
Logics are mainly 74's. 7-segments at front panel are mounted in sockets, easy to replace them. No need ATM though, red is the best colour for screen IMO. Also, some other ic's are mounted in socket. What gaught my eye along this fine cunstruction is, that electrolytic caps are mounted right next to heatsink, but that doesn't heat much, thankfully. Mains transformer get bit warm, but not alaming. I couldnt open this more, no more screws to be seen....
AFTERWORDS
Nice addition to test-equipment, i might as well plug this to ch1-output on my scope. Or then not, time will show what i'll do with this, but it's useful!
Thanks for reading :).
