[time-nuts] Re: Frequency counter recommendation wanted

[Andrew Kalman]

I'm partial to the XL Microwave 30xx series of frequency counters -- big
red LED displays, no fans, well into the GHz capabilities, good manual and
schematics availability, and relatively easy to repair (so far, in my case)
if/when something goes wrong. GPIB only, due to their era.

Here's a parts-only one on eBay right now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204006104339

--Andrew

--------------------------------
Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D.


On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:08 PM Ken Winterling via time-nuts <
time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:

> John,
>
> I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one
> weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very
> high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as
> defective, for parts only.  If you encounter a switch problem I can send
> you information on what I have done to fix the problem.
>
> 73,
>
> *Ken*
> *WA2LBI*
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts <
> time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:
>
> > 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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