MOTM

For multimeters with accurate audio frequency measurements I recommend
Extech.  Check out their web site.  The MM560 is very nice, 5-6 digits, but
runs in the $230 range.  This won't work for LFO ranges, though.  They have
less expensive models with fair accuracy, better than other meters in the
same price range.

I have an HP 5314A Universal Counter as well.  Using this for audio
frequencies was frustrating as it uses the old transition counting scheme.
Measurements to 0.1 Hz accuracy took 10 seconds each.  This was too slow for
adjusting VCO frequencies.  It has a period measurement mode that might work
with LFOs though I don't recall ever trying that.

John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: rreprobate [mailto:lord@...]
> Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 11:01 AM
> To: motm@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [motm] Frequency counter
> 
> I have been wanting to add a frequency counter to my collection of
> frightfully antiquated
> test equipment that I have hooked up to my MOTM. I currently use the
> counter in my little
> fluke meter to calibrate VCOs and such, but it only has a 4 digit
> resolution. Anybody have
> a suggestion?
> 
> I'm hoping for something that can measure DC, for LFO timing and such, as
> well. Is that a
> timer rather than a counter? Rackmount would be convenient, and ... I have
> a soft spot for
> nixie tubes.
> 
> So I've had my eye on a HP 5326A counter. But maybe somebody can recommend
> something more appropriate. Obviously, accuracy in the audio range is most
> important. I
> don't need to measure the delay in a foot of coax to the pico second..
> 
> Thanks for any tips.
> 
> Max
>