Most service manuals I've seen and used specify the recommended brand and model ("or equivalent").
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Equiping a test/repair bench
- Thread starter mb91w126
- Start date
First of all, I would never/ever use the kind of freq counter that plugs into the back of a radio. Never. They do not provide enough freq resolution and quite frankly just aren't accurate enough for alignment work. You need a real lab-grade type of freq counter that can display 8 or 9 digits; not a meter that only shows 5 or 6 digits.
Another important reason, is that these add-on freq counters are built specifically/only for certain models of radios. They have a built in freq oscillator that allows you to see the '27.205mhz'/Ch 20 displayed even though it is sampling a 16.510mhz freq from the loop oscillator on a Galaxy DX-959 - as an example. The same model of freq counter will not work on -lets say- a Cobra 148 GTL that has a loop oscillator freq of 35.005mhz on Ch 20 - which is a different freq than the 959. That counter will read way off/way too high. Needless to say; these type of freq counters will not work for aligning the many different radios. So, a lab grade/type counter is necessary for aligning the many different kinds of radios out there.
Using a cable that has clip-on leads at one end and bnc connector for the freq counter is what I use. Those clip-on leads allow you to connect to the test points w/o possibly causing a short - like an alligator clip might accidentally cause. You don't want/need these kinds of accidents! I use these clips for setting up the first portion of the PLL and Loop Oscillator adjustments (see pic below). Quick, easy, and safe.
For adjusting the radio's output oscillator, I use something different since these adjustments are made while transmitting. I use a homemade RF 'sampler' that has bnc connectors to hook it up to the freq counter for AM and SSB output adjustments (along with a 50 ohm dummy load). You DO NOT want to make a direct connection to the freq counter without using a sampler from the radio; or that will instantly fry your freq counter. Use a sampler and a dummy load.
http://www.worldwidedx.com/home-brew/32110-rf-sampler.html
Attachments
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Digital MultiMeter
is a
fluke 87v multimeter
sufficient or should I be looking at something similar to a
Agilent 34401A
is a
fluke 87v multimeter
sufficient or should I be looking at something similar to a
Agilent 34401A
I just bought a clean BK model 1801 freq counter off ebay for $35....it looks like new and seller sez it works as it should and is accurate.....been looking for a while.....did not want to put a lot into one as I don't very often do alignments...bol getting what you need. 
As of now....I have a....
Freq counter
Signal generator
DMM
Capacitor tester
Daiwa 801 watt/peak meter
dummy load
As of now....I have a....
Freq counter
Signal generator
DMM
Capacitor tester
Daiwa 801 watt/peak meter
dummy load
I just bought a clean BK model 1801 freq counter off ebay for $35....it looks like new and seller sez it works as it should and is accurate.....been looking for a while.....did not want to put a lot into one as I don't very often do alignments...bol getting what you need.
As of now....I have a....
Freq counter
Signal generator
DMM
Capacitor tester
Daiwa 801 watt/peak meter
dummy load
Really need a freq counter that displays 8 or 9 places. Because that will give you the necessary 10Hz of resolution that every freq counter needs for doing alignments properly. Most alignments procedures call for a +/- tolerance of 10Hz. Those Chinese units on eBay for less than $100 seem to be OK.
What kind of sig gen is it?
Model/make?
Do you have clip-on test leads and a RF Sampler?
Need them - too . . .
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is a
fluke 87v multimeter
sufficient or should I be looking at something similar to a
Agilent 34401A
If you can afford either of these, go for one or the other.
Its a ancient tube type heathkit.
I need probes for the B&K freq counter....and you have the kind that works with that unit.
Dunno if that freq counter will work out for you.
It doesn't look like it will have enough freq resolution.
Example:
Looks like it would only read down to 27.2050 and not capable of reading down to 27.20500 - which would be the minimum resolution needed for alignments.
That is why I said that freq resolution is needed down to 10hz; and your counter will only go as low as 100hz resolution.
It doesn't look like it will have enough freq resolution.
Example:
Looks like it would only read down to 27.2050 and not capable of reading down to 27.20500 - which would be the minimum resolution needed for alignments.
That is why I said that freq resolution is needed down to 10hz; and your counter will only go as low as 100hz resolution.
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Ok...I boned up on freq counters......why do you find it hard to believe?
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