AE20401 5.8 GHz Frequency Counter / RF Power Meter

[unicornio]

hi, there,

i wondered if any one know this kit from Ascel Eletronic from Germany:
http://www.ascel-electronic.de/kits/14/ae20401-5.8-ghz-frequency-counter-/-rf-power-meter

i am thinking to buy a fully equipped unit (TCXO 1ppm, power meter and USB...etc) and it cost near 150€.

I know that an instrument of this type has to have a much higher cost to be accurate and reliable, but relying on the new systems and manufacturing based in chips that can be produced with high precision and repeatability, I think I can serve for the few checks that need in the field of RF, (principally walkies), like measures of frequency, power and SWR (using a very good directional coupler that i have)








and i wondered if any one know about Ascel Eletronic kits quality reputation...

many thanks in advance!
best regards and electronics greetings from spain

[Mark]

I googled and found this thread, does anyone have one of these AE20401 units?? 

[hendorog]

Fraser does:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/ascel-ae20401-2hz-to-5-8ghz-frequency-counter-rf-power-meter-kit/

[rounin]

I have one too. Actually will be able to test the channel B soon, my 3.3 GHz VCO should here tomorrow or so.

[bullonwheels]

I recently purchased this but getting an ~200khz on channel B if checked for frequency 2.4Ghz. Any recommendations ?

[Mr. Scram]

That's a surprising amount of through hole components.

[hendorog]

That's a surprising amount of through hole components.

Could be wrong but I thought you could get these in kit form - which may be the reason for the thru hole.

[David Hess]

It looks like a pretty neat instrument.  I would have implemented better overload protection and combined the frequency and power measurement functions but it is difficult to complain about their design choices given the price and excellent support.

[David Hess]

I recently purchased this but getting an ~200khz on channel B if checked for frequency 2.4Ghz. Any recommendations ?

I am not sure what you mean but the signal conditioning and data slicer in this frequency counter are primitive so it will be finicky about the quality of the input signal.

[bullonwheels]

No I mean on one channel I read 2.420Ghz correct up to 20ppm but on a different channel I read same 2.420Ghz wrong up to 240ppm. Does it need re calibration ?

[David Hess]

No I mean on one channel I read 2.420Ghz correct up to 20ppm but on a different channel I read same 2.420Ghz wrong up to 240ppm. Does it need re calibration ?

Which two channels exactly?  Do you mean two channels on the same instrument?