[time-nuts] Frequency counter recommendation

[Dave M]

I'm a retired electronics tech and computer programmer.  I have a pretty 
decently equipped shop for almost all of my projects and experiments. 
However, my time and frequency equipment is a bit long in the tooth.  I have 
a couple old HP 5328A counters (commercial version; not the military 
version), one with a 10544, the other with a 10811 oscillator.
I have an HP Z3801A that has been operating well for several years, and 
recently acquired a TBolt to keep the counters in tune.  I also have a good 
distribution amp and  couple of old Montronics (Fluke) frequency 
comparators.
What I'm looking for now, is a recommendation for a good low-cost (<$400) 
counter that will get me on the way to performing some of the "down in the 
grass" noise, jitter and deviation tests that the more learned members of 
the group discuss.  I know that new equipment is far out of my budget, but 
I'm also aware that some of the older, now obsolete (also cheaper) equipment 
is quite capable of doing what I want to do. I prefer HP equipment since 
manuals are much easier to find than most other brands.
I'd also like recommendation for a good low-cost GPIB controller that allows 
me to write software to control some of my instruments.  I have experience 
writing software in BASIC on a Fluke 1722A controller.  I've seen these 
controllers on the Bay and other online vendors, but I've not located the 
BASIC discs for them.  Any advice?
I realize that a counter is not the only piece that I need, but it's first 
on my list.  Other, more applicable equipment is on my want list, but will 
have to wait for a bit.

Thanks for advice,
David
dgminala at mediacombb dot net