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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: ko4nrbs on November 07, 2022, 06:37:51 pm

Title: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: ko4nrbs on November 07, 2022, 06:37:51 pm
If using this counter, what do I need in order to check the frequency on an old Heathkit HG-10 VFO?  Its output is 5 volts RMS.

The counter:
https://usa.banggood.com/1Hz-50MHz-High-Sensitivity-Frequency-Meter-Counter-Measurement-Tester-Module-7V-9V-50mA-p-1662557.html?cur_warehouse=CN

Thank you,
Bill
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: Grandchuck on November 07, 2022, 09:32:47 pm
Do you have an oscilloscope probe?
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: ko4nrbs on November 07, 2022, 10:25:31 pm
Yes, I do.  I wanted to use this and keep it on while operating so I can constantly monitor my frequency.

Bill
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: David Hess on November 08, 2022, 02:51:30 am
What I would do, and what I have done in the past, is hand wire a JFET or bipolar transistor follower into the oscillator to drive a coaxial transmission line going to the frequency counter.
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: Swainster on November 08, 2022, 10:00:23 am
This is probably one of many "clones" of the pic based counter by DL4YHF https://www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/freq_counter/freq_counter.html (https://www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/freq_counter/freq_counter.html). If so, you will need to turn off the power saving mode (it may be off by default - I think it was off on mine). You can find the manual at https://www.qrpproject.de/UK/DL4YHFcounter.html (https://www.qrpproject.de/UK/DL4YHFcounter.html). Watch out for any preprogrammed offset -  if you dont realise it is there then it can cause a lot of head scratching.
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: colorado.rob on November 08, 2022, 05:52:47 pm
Most DSOs -- even the inexpensive ones -- have a cymometer that will be more accurate & precise than that frequency counter.
Title: Re: VFO Frequency Check
Post by: Hexley on November 08, 2022, 06:23:50 pm
Yes, I do.  I wanted to use this and keep it on while operating so I can constantly monitor my frequency.

Bill
What I would do, and what I have done in the past, is hand wire a JFET or bipolar transistor follower into the oscillator to drive a coaxial transmission line going to the frequency counter.
If you add a buffer like David Hess suggests (an excellent idea), it might be a good idea to control it with the transmit (PTT) line, or from the spot switch if your rig has one.

Otherwise you run a risk of leakage from the VFO-to-counter cable, which will be carrying a CW signal at your operating signal even while you are receiving.