[time-nuts] Frequency Counter Choice

Thu Oct 22 13:33:07 UTC 2020

Avoid the 53181A; too limited. Both the 53131A / 53132A are "universal" 
counters so they do frequency, period, time interval, and lots more.

They are very useful counters. The rs232 talk-only mode makes it very 
easy to collect data on a PC. No programming required. The 53132A has a 
bit higher resolution than a 53131A so that's a plus. But if you plan to 
use the external reference the 53131A accepts 5/10 MHz while the 53132A, 
last I checked, will only accept 10 MHz.

A lower cost alternative is the TAPR/TICC. If you already have a 
commercial counter I would recommend looking at the TICC as your next 
counter. As this is your first counter I would recommend a 53131/53132 
over the TICC. The TICC is "headless" and has only hard-coded CMOS 
digital inputs. The hp units have all the physical front panel buttons, 
status LED's and live display. Plus the comprehensive input conditioning 
features. And useful frequency gate time or digits modes, etc. Lots of 
cool features. Built-in statistics too.

The 5371A is a beast. But it you can get it working it has 10x better 
performance than a 53132A.

/tvb

On 10/22/2020 4:50 AM, Giorgio Barinetti wrote:
> Hi,
>
> As a newbie in the field, I've collected, by chance, some frequency standards.
>
> Now is the time to measure them, and see how they perform.
>
> I've inherited a 5371, but something tells me that is not the right instrument - and maybe is even faulty.
>
> So, I'm in the need to buy a counter to use togheter with TimeLab.
>
> Choices are many, but I'll try to avoid the "older" machines lile 5370 or 5335. The 531xx series seems nice ( money apart )
> But again : which one between the 3 ? 53131, 53132 or 53181 ?
>
> Can somebody shed some light, and maybe help even to found a baseline for us beginners ?
>
> Regards,
> IZ2JGB
> Giorgio
>
> My NTP servers: (ntpd on FreeBSD - PPS in via Serial)
>
> HP/Symmetricom 55300A  https://www.ntppool.org/scores/93.41.196.243
>
> Efratom Rb/Xc GPSDO https://www.ntppool.org/scores/95.255.136.126
>
>
>
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