[time-nuts] Frequency counter recommendation

[Chris Albertson]

Here is an example of doing something like this as a open source
design by a group of HAMs
http://www.tapr.org/kits_janus.html
This is a software defined radio but is close to the complexity we are
talking about here. It has a d/a converter and fpga and lots of
surface mount parts.  TAPR is able to have these made and sell them
for $180.

While this is a proof by example that such a project can be done I'd
not go this route.     Better I think to design a modular system where
the modules  have easy and well defined interfaces and where each  can
have whatever quality specs are desired.   There is a danger with
these group project that you run into a requirements "race" to the top
and end up with a hard to manufacture and maintain part.  I think the
HPSDR project did this

On Thu, Dec 16, 2010 at 11:20 AM, Bob Camp <lists at rtty.us> wrote:
> Hi
>
> Yes indeed, been there done that. Not very hard at all.
>
> All you need is the six layer pc board (can be bought), the FPGA (Digikey
> has them), a few of these and a couple of those. Spend less than $100 and
> you are in business if the PC board volume is high enough.
>
> In this case the next step in the business is to solder the 256 ball 1 mm
> spacing BGA package down on the pc board. Not so easy without the right
> tools...
>
> Bob
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On
> Behalf Of Don Latham
> Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 3:48 PM
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Frequency counter recommendation
>
> OK, time-nuts, here's the gauntlet. can't "we" generate a design for a
> PC-based FPGA or chip setup that would be generally useful as a counter?
> We've seen thorough discussions about trigger jitter, which IMHO is the
> fundamental problem. And isn't the PIC2 Time base from 10 MHz standard,
> all else should be straightforward.
> I'm not a designer, just a messer-arounder, or I'd give it a shot. Robot
> Basic is a nice PC software maybe.
> Don
>
> J. L. Trantham, M. D.
>> I suspect that this question will lead to a discussion of Dual Mixers but
>> as
>> far as the counter question goes, I would recommend you consider an HP
>> 5370B.
>>
>> Joe
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com]On
>> Behalf Of Dave M
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 1:55 PM
>> To: TimeNuts
>> Subject: [time-nuts] Frequency counter recommendation
>>
>> 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
>>
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>
>
> --
> "Neither the voice of authority nor the weight of reason and argument are
> as significant as experiment, for thence comes quiet to the mind."
> R. Bacon
> "If you don't know what it is, don't poke it."
> Ghost in the Shell
>
>
> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
> Six Mile Systems LLP
> 17850 Six Mile Road
> POB 134
> Huson, MT, 59846
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>
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-- 
=====
Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California