[time-nuts] Re: Frequency counter recommendation wanted

[John Miller]

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an  SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

> On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:
> 
> I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs
> over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
> problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
> is a better bet than the A model.
> 
> If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
> It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.
> 
> Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
> showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means
> is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
> "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
> that on the photos, don't be afraid.
> 
> If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
> the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's
> possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal
> crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input.
> 
> Cheers!
> --Stu
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