[time-nuts] HP 5342A (18 GHz) vs 5352B (40 GHz) frequency counters

[Scott McGrath]

I've got a few of the 5342s their weak point is the sampler.  It can be fixed if you have a die bonder all of mine have the option 1 which is either a 10544 or 10811 depending on vintage

The 535x series are nice counters I've got a couple. The bad thing is parts are even less  available because all the magic happened on a hybrid circuit which is NLA from keysight and was around $1800 when it was.

As to the comment on GPIB it's very popular still as it's a universal interface with a defined interface which is vendor independent and every piece of gear we've bought recently has included it as a standard option.

Yes instruments are coming with Ethernet but that's mainly for remote front panel operation.   It's useful when you can send a field tech with an instrument who's a local in country have them connect and then you can drive from the comfort of your office and transfer results for analysis

But for data collection and production LabView and GPIB still rule the roost.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 21, 2014, at 5:29 PM, paul swed <paulswedb at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> David a free opinion and thats about what its worth.
> The 5342 counter was a good counter but very old now.
> I used to use the 5342s for satellite work and always wanted one for home.
> But given its age circa 1980 I believe, maybe it works or not at all
> frequencies.
> I would simply go with the 5352b because at least there is some chance to
> find parts if needed.
> As I say not a great answer.
> Regards
> Paul
> WB8TSL
> 
> 
> On Fri, Nov 21, 2014 at 4:51 PM, Dr. David Kirkby (Kirkby Microwave Ltd) <
> drkirkby at kirkbymicrowave.co.uk> wrote:
> 
>> I am looking for a microwave frequency counter and won an auction for an 18
>> GHz 5342A with the GPIB option today @ £200 (GBP). I have just paid for
>> that.
>> 
>> I also have the chance to get a 5352B 40 GHz counter for £500. That has
>> GPIB as standard.
>> 
>> In the short/medium term I don't see much use for a 40 GHz counter, but I
>> am giving consideration to buying the 40 GHz and selling the 18 GHz one.
>> 
>> I would be interested to know if anyone has any opinions on the relative
>> merrits of the two counters.
>> 
>> Neither of these counters have ovens,  but stability is not a major issue
>> given they take a 10 MHz input. That said, foes anyone know if these take
>> fairly common 10811A ovens? There is a chance I would use it in places
>> where it would not practical to feed in 10 MHz.
>> 
>> Dave
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