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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: FriedMule on November 13, 2018, 10:38:15 pm

Title: BK 1823A or 1856D universal counter or not?
Post by: FriedMule on November 13, 2018, 10:38:15 pm
Hi I am looking for a cheap universal counter and found these two BK 1823A or 1856D models on Amazon, I want one because "it is good to have" I am not working with radio or that kind but will use it for about anything where a fairly precise counter is needed.
They may be copies of the original BK, dont know.

Would you buy one of them (wich one and why) or choose something else?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81SaDYfSpfL._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71TpFQx1VVL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: BK 1823A or 1856D universal counter or not?
Post by: DonRon on November 15, 2018, 08:24:34 pm
Hi FriedMule,

asking me the same question for a long time and found no decision until today. Maybe have a look at the TTi TF930 .. https://www.aimtti.com/product-category/frequency-counters/aim-tf900series. (https://www.aimtti.com/product-category/frequency-counters/aim-tf900series.)
Meanwhile I am using a frequency counter kit from kn-electronic which is a old school design - nor reciprocal counter and only 8 digits.
Also thinking about purchase of a used Phillips or old HP / Keysight / Racal Dana counter. But this is really old stuff and I would not be able to repair it in the case of failure. So until today I have found no decision which one to buy and so I am starting to build a 200 MHz reciprocal counter based on a publication in the german magazine FUNKAMATEUR.

Would appreciate to hear about your decison / your experience.

Regards,

Ronald
Title: Re: BK 1823A or 1856D universal counter or not?
Post by: cdev on November 15, 2018, 08:42:01 pm
Considering its price, Ive had pretty good luck with an eight digit PIC based frequency counter that is ridiculously inexpensive.

There has been a fair amount of discussion here of it if you search back.
Title: Re: BK 1823A or 1856D universal counter or not?
Post by: BillB on November 15, 2018, 10:02:55 pm
I've got a BK 1823A and can't complain.  Well, on second thought it's a little cheap feeling - the handle, the plastics, etc.  But it does function fine.
Title: Re: BK 1823A or 1856D universal counter or not?
Post by: Mr. Scram on November 15, 2018, 10:18:45 pm
I'm pretty sure I've seen the same units with other brands stamped on them around. They seem to go for about $100 or so.