Frequency Counter Question

[KD8HMO]

Hey guys,

I picked up a really nice HP 5315B counter the other day. This one is a bit more complicated than my Heathkit IM-4100. It is a 100 mhz counter with the 1Gig option. It has two channels, A and B plus a third BNC connector labeled C 50ohm for the 1gb section. I am having trouble with figuring out the proper settings to read the 10.240 refference oscilator. Can anyone give me an idea on how the settings should be?

Thanks

 

[sonoma]

the service and operators manual may help yoi if you do not have them. 1st couple pages are chinese or forien language but the main manual is english.

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/05315-90001.pdf?id=2051149

 

[nomadradio]

I recommend using a "times 10" 'scope probe. The tip will have both resistance and capacitance to ground on it. Touching it to either leg of the crystal itself will throw it off frequency. The setting you see with the probe connected will shift when the probe tip is removed from the circuit.

A times ten or "X10" probe will minimize this sort of unwanted interaction between the probe and the circuit it touches.

One good way to minimize this sort of interaction is to choose the "output" pin on the PLL chip's 10.24 MHz oscillator function. You'll always have enough signal level there to get a stable count.

Probing weak signals inside a radio can cause frustration of the counter's input isn't sensitive enough for a stable readout.

Cheapo 60 MHz 'scope probes show up on Chinabay regularly.

73