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Second hand frequency counter recommendation, 1Hz-150Mhz
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BarsMonster:
Hi, what would you recommend to pickup used on ebay?
Ideally I'd like to get 9-10 digits, need to be able to measure 2 inputs (independently + ratio), 1Hz-150Mhz for clock testing. High precision internal reference is not important, if external GPSDO can be connected.

1) Can "proper" frequency counters measure low frequency signals with high precision? I.e. 1Hz signal, 9-10 digits result, without waiting for days?
2) Does something like 53181A or 53131A around 300-500$ look like a good solution (or 53132A slightly above 600$), if VFD display is working? Any other recommendations (I don't really have any experience with frequency counters)?
3) Can any of sub 1000$ units do Allan deviation plots in 0.1Hz-100kHz range (probably with external software) for recreational time nutting?

tggzzz:
A few notes...

If you want to measure low frequencies, look for a "reciprocal counter" or a "statistical counter". In effect they measure the period of low frequency signals, then invert that.

If you are interested in Allan variations, you will need a low noise frequency source. I suspect you realise a GPS receiver on its own would be inadequate.

Don't forget to ensure noise isn't somehow coupled into the input stage.

Have fun :)
Grandchuck:
I really like the one I got on ebay ... Agilent 53131A.  I added the ovenized time base to mine.
HalFoster:
I would recommend going with an HP 5328A/B, 5334A/B or a 5335A.  All lab grade counters that will do everything you may want, most will go to 1.3G and are easily found, affordable and repairable.

Hal
nctnico:
Timelab can be used with many frequency counters to . But don't expect miracles. A lot of the older counters have like tens of nanoseconds resolution. There are counters with tens op pico seconds resolution but those are expensive.  For serious stability measurements you'll need a DMTD to 'magnify' the time variations between 2 clock signals.


--- Quote from: tggzzz on October 13, 2022, 02:05:25 pm ---If you are interested in Allan variations, you will need a low noise frequency source. I suspect you realise a GPS receiver on its own would be inadequate.

--- End quote ---
In the end you don't need an accurate source if the measurement is relative (compare incoming clock to outgoing clock). A good, low phase noise OCXO which is freerunning is good enough for relative measurements.
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