I found a reasonable kit for the main guts of a homemade freq. counter at Almost All Digital http://aade.com/index.html#dfd specifically his DFD4a http://aade.com/DFD4A/dfd4a.htm I got mine in the assembled version because it comes with the TCXO already calibrated. You still need to wire it and provide a suitable enclosure but that's the easy part. Cost ~$80 plus spare connectors, switches, battery and a box. Used it to align the 4Mhz osc on K2 #4826 which later zero-beat to WWV within 30Hz.
Paul KI4BIO > Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 20:24:27 -0500 > From: Matt Osborn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft transveters and freq. counter/signal > generator > To: [email protected] > Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > According to the transverter manual, I will need a 50mhz signal > generator or a frequency counter to successfully align the > transverter. > > I've done a lot searching for signal generators and have found that > those capable of 50mhz are very expensive, around $1500 dollars > minimum. > > I found a B&K frequency counter (Model 1856D) for around $430.00 that > will measure up to 3ghz. I suspect that B&K doesn't have the > tolerances of the big boys, hence their lower prices. B&K also has a > model that will measure up to 175mhz for about $100.00 less. The 175 > would be enough for the transverter, but in for a penny, in for a > pound comes to mind. Why spend $350.00 this month and then $430.00 > next month? > > Will the 1856D work for aligning the transverter? My question > revolves around which of the two instruments (signal generator or > freq. counter) will accomplish the task the best. > > Better yet, anybody know of any better alternatives? I keep running > into the chicken and egg problem. If I build it myself, I can't > calibrate it. If I buy the tools to calibrate it, then I don't need to > build it. > > They say a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns > from the mistakes of others. Please help me be a wise man. > > All advice is most welcome! _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
