Empathy List Archives

SC

Stewart Cobb

Tue, Mar 14, 2023 8:39 PM

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs
over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means
is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's
possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal
crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input.

Cheers!
--Stu

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model is a better bet than the A model. If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see that on the photos, don't be afraid. If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input. Cheers! --Stu

JM

John Miller

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 2:33 PM

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs
over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means
is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's
possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal
crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money. I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... Thanks all, John > On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs > over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a > problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model > is a better bet than the A model. > > If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. > It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. > > Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display > showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means > is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than > "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see > that on the photos, don't be afraid. > > If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested > the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's > possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal > crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input. > > Cheers! > --Stu > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

BC

Bob Camp

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 4:03 PM

Hi

So, a quick look at eBay right now, by search keyword:

```
 one at $111, others same as 5334a
```

5334A: several at $150 or more
5334B: several in the $80 to $150 range
5335: same as 5335a
5335A: several at $150 to $160, some free shipping

53131A: parts, from overseas: $249. working $450
53132A: working $510
53181A: $269 with hefty shipping from overseas

5345a: parts, from overseas $299. working $299 (both no plugin)
5360a: none
5370a: parts $200
5370b: parts $500 working $650

SRS620: $2,200 and up

53220A: $2,400 and up

Shipping is not included in the prices above. On some listings, that would substantially change things.

Let’s assume I needed to buy one today. As noted in other messages, “shop for quite a while” is a much
better approach. Let’s also ignore shipping and assume these are delivered costs (which they most
definitely are not). Many have “make offer” options, again, let’s ignore that for now.

First we cross some things off the list for various reasons:

The SR620 is a fine device. For near the price of a much newer 53220 …. nope, cross it off. For 4X the
price of the others, cross the 53220 off as well.

5345, 5360, 5370 in “parts” sort of shape, probably not. Even if they ship as “works fine” you will have
a bit of a chore with some examples. For more than the price of the 5313x’s …. nope …

5334a for more than a 5334b? Rick might hop in and correct me but, I’ll risk the thought that an a is not
worth more than a b.

53181 is always the oddball in this “race”. Can you get by with one input? If so maybe it’s for you. I’m
very partial to dual inputs so I’d cross it off. If one input is ok, they do show up cheap (for what they
can do).

The 53132 has significantly better resolution than the 53131. I would not buy a non-working example
of either one. For the $60 price difference, the 53132 is the obvious pick in that series.

So what’s left and why:

The 5335 is (to me) the obvious one to dig into. It has better resolution than the 5334 and there are
a bunch to pick between. There are sure to be minor details in this or that listing that raise a flag.

The 5334 is indeed the low cost option, but based on a quick look at “likely good” listings, you are
comparing $110 to $150. That’s not enough to make it attractive to me.

The 53132 is still there. It’s just over 3X the pice of the 5335. It has a serial port, so no need to
play with GPIB. If you have to go out and buy GPIB cables and an interface, that (as mentioned in
other comments) could cost more than the 5335.

Again, my real answer is to shop for a while. I’ve bought examples of most of these counters for
much less than the numbers above ( and that was delivered price). When I did, the “see what’s
up today” numbers didn’t look that much different than what I’ve shown here.

Could you do a better job searching than I did? You most certainly could. This was a quick run to
grab some numbers. A real search would be an all afternoon sort of thing with a dive into shipping
and other grubby details.

Another “grubby detail”: Keysight does indeed sell the 5323x series used on eBay. They sell them
with a factory calibration cert and full checkout. They also typically provide a warranty. Their prices
on the “base model” counters can be much less than what’s shown above for that series. If the term
“known good” is what rules this decision, that could be a factor.

Fun

Bob

Hi So, a quick look at eBay right now, by search keyword: 5334. one at $111, others same as 5334a 5334A: several at $150 or more 5334B: several in the $80 to $150 range 5335: same as 5335a 5335A: several at $150 to $160, some free shipping 53131A: parts, from overseas: $249. working $450 53132A: working $510 53181A: $269 with hefty shipping from overseas 5345a: parts, from overseas $299. working $299 (both no plugin) 5360a: none 5370a: parts $200 5370b: parts $500 working $650 SRS620: $2,200 and up 53220A: $2,400 and up Shipping is not included in the prices above. On some listings, that would substantially change things. Let’s assume I needed to buy one today. As noted in other messages, “shop for quite a while” is a much better approach. Let’s also ignore shipping and assume these are delivered costs (which they most definitely are not). Many have “make offer” options, again, let’s ignore that for now. First we cross some things off the list for various reasons: The SR620 is a fine device. For near the price of a much newer 53220 …. nope, cross it off. For 4X the price of the others, cross the 53220 off as well. 5345, 5360, 5370 in “parts” sort of shape, probably not. Even if they ship as “works fine” you will have a bit of a chore with some examples. For more than the price of the 5313x’s …. nope … 5334a for more than a 5334b? Rick might hop in and correct me but, I’ll risk the thought that an a is not worth more than a b. 53181 is always the oddball in this “race”. Can you get by with one input? If so maybe it’s for you. I’m very partial to dual inputs so I’d cross it off. If one input is ok, they do show up cheap (for what they can do). The 53132 has significantly better resolution than the 53131. I would not buy a non-working example of either one. For the $60 price difference, the 53132 is the obvious pick in that series. So what’s left and why: The 5335 is (to me) the obvious one to dig into. It has better resolution than the 5334 and there are a bunch to pick between. There are sure to be minor details in this or that listing that raise a flag. The 5334 is indeed the low cost option, but based on a quick look at “likely good” listings, you are comparing $110 to $150. That’s not enough to make it attractive to me. The 53132 is still there. It’s just over 3X the pice of the 5335. It has a serial port, so no need to play with GPIB. If you have to go out and buy GPIB cables and an interface, that (as mentioned in other comments) could cost more than the 5335. Again, my real answer is to shop for a while. I’ve bought examples of most of these counters for much less than the numbers above ( and that *was* delivered price). When I did, the “see what’s up today” numbers didn’t look that much different than what I’ve shown here. Could you do a better job searching than I did? You most certainly could. This was a quick run to grab some numbers. A real search would be an all afternoon sort of thing with a dive into shipping and other grubby details. Another “grubby detail”: Keysight does indeed sell the 5323x series used on eBay. They sell them with a factory calibration cert and full checkout. They also typically provide a warranty. Their prices on the “base model” counters can be much less than what’s shown above for that series. If the term “known good” is what rules this decision, that could be a factor. Fun Bob

B_

Bryan _

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 5:15 PM

Issue with the Raca Danas of that era were the front switches. Repairable with a bit of hackery, and a few videos of such on utube

-=Bryan=-

From: John Miller via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com
Sent: March 15, 2023 7:33 AM
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@lists.febo.com
Cc: John Miller john@millerjs.org
Subject: [time-nuts] Re: Frequency counter recommendation wanted

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs
over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means
is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's
possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal
crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

Issue with the Raca Danas of that era were the front switches. Repairable with a bit of hackery, and a few videos of such on utube -=Bryan=- ________________________________ From: John Miller via time-nuts <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> Sent: March 15, 2023 7:33 AM To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> Cc: John Miller <john@millerjs.org> Subject: [time-nuts] Re: Frequency counter recommendation wanted Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money. I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... Thanks all, John > On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs > over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a > problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model > is a better bet than the A model. > > If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. > It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. > > Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display > showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means > is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than > "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see > that on the photos, don't be afraid. > > If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested > the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's > possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal > crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input. > > Cheers! > --Stu > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

JB

Jeff Blaine

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 6:11 PM

I have two of the 5334B but mostly use one of the 5335B. The 5334B are
simply classic in my view, and the red LED on the '34B is perfectly
implemented with excellent contrast. I don't know about how "good" of a
counter they are in the absolute technical sense - but they definitely
LOOK great in the rack! I do realize that a true time-nut probably does
not allow non-essentials like cosmetics to enter but if there is a case
of test gear love-at-first-sight, for me, it was the '34B.

73/jeff/ac0c
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
www.ac0c.com

On 3/15/2023 9:33 AM, John Miller via time-nuts wrote:

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs
over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means
is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's
possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal
crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

I have two of the 5334B but mostly use one of the 5335B. The 5334B are simply classic in my view, and the red LED on the '34B is perfectly implemented with excellent contrast. I don't know about how "good" of a counter they are in the absolute technical sense - but they definitely LOOK great in the rack! I do realize that a true time-nut probably does not allow non-essentials like cosmetics to enter but if there is a case of test gear love-at-first-sight, for me, it was the '34B. 73/jeff/ac0c alpha-charlie-zero-charlie www.ac0c.com On 3/15/2023 9:33 AM, John Miller via time-nuts wrote: > Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a good bit of money. > > I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... > > Thanks all, > John > >> On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: >> >> I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company labs >> over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a >> problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model >> is a better bet than the A model. >> >> If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. >> It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. >> >> Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display >> showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message means >> is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than >> "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see >> that on the photos, don't be afraid. >> >> If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested >> the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but it's >> possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default internal >> crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz input. >> >> Cheers! >> --Stu >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

KW

Ken Winterling

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 7:08 PM

John,

I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one
weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very
high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as
defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send
you information on what I have done to fix the problem.

73,

Ken
WA2LBI

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another
member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get
one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up
a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a
good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10
years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model
like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <

time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company

labs

over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message

means

is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but

it's

possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default

internal

crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz

input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

John, I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send you information on what I have done to fix the problem. 73, *Ken* *WA2LBI* On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts < time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another > member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get > one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up > a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a > good bit of money. > > I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 > years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model > like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... > > Thanks all, > John > > > On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts < > time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > > > I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company > labs > > over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a > > problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model > > is a better bet than the A model. > > > > If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. > > It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. > > > > Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display > > showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message > means > > is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than > > "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see > > that on the photos, don't be afraid. > > > > If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested > > the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but > it's > > possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default > internal > > crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz > input. > > > > Cheers! > > --Stu > > _______________________________________________ > > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >

AK

Andrew Kalman

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 7:31 PM

I'm partial to the XL Microwave 30xx series of frequency counters -- big
red LED displays, no fans, well into the GHz capabilities, good manual and
schematics availability, and relatively easy to repair (so far, in my case)
if/when something goes wrong. GPIB only, due to their era.

Here's a parts-only one on eBay right now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204006104339

--Andrew

Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D.

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:08 PM Ken Winterling via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

John,

I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one
weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very
high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as
defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send
you information on what I have done to fix the problem.

73,

Ken
WA2LBI

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another
member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to

get

one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick

up

a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and

save a

good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another

5-10

years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz

model

like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <

time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company

labs

over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had

a

problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B

model

is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to

get.

It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message

means

is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather

than

"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone

harvested

the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but

it's

possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default

internal

crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz

input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

I'm partial to the XL Microwave 30xx series of frequency counters -- big red LED displays, no fans, well into the GHz capabilities, good manual and schematics availability, and relatively easy to repair (so far, in my case) if/when something goes wrong. GPIB only, due to their era. Here's a parts-only one on eBay right now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/204006104339 --Andrew -------------------------------- Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:08 PM Ken Winterling via time-nuts < time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > John, > > I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one > weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very > high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as > defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send > you information on what I have done to fix the problem. > > 73, > > *Ken* > *WA2LBI* > > > > > On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts < > time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > > Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another > > member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to > get > > one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick > up > > a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and > save a > > good bit of money. > > > > I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another > 5-10 > > years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz > model > > like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... > > > > Thanks all, > > John > > > > > On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts < > > time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > > > > > I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company > > labs > > > over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had > a > > > problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B > model > > > is a better bet than the A model. > > > > > > If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to > get. > > > It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. > > > > > > Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display > > > showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message > > means > > > is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather > than > > > "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see > > > that on the photos, don't be afraid. > > > > > > If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone > harvested > > > the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but > > it's > > > possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default > > internal > > > crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz > > input. > > > > > > Cheers! > > > --Stu > > > _______________________________________________ > > > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > > > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > > _______________________________________________ > > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

JV

John Vendely

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 8:07 PM

I concur. I've also experienced keypad problems with the 1992, and know
of someone else who has, as well. Otherwise, they're good instruments...

73,

John K9WT

On 3/15/2023 3:08 PM, Ken Winterling via time-nuts wrote:

John,

I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one
weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very
high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as
defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send
you information on what I have done to fix the problem.

73,

Ken
WA2LBI

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another
member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get
one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up
a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a
good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10
years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model
like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:
I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company
labs
over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message
means
is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but
it's
possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default
internal
crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz
input.
Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

I concur. I've also experienced keypad problems with the 1992, and know of someone else who has, as well. Otherwise, they're good instruments... 73, John K9WT On 3/15/2023 3:08 PM, Ken Winterling via time-nuts wrote: > John, > > I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one > weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very > high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as > defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send > you information on what I have done to fix the problem. > > 73, > > *Ken* > *WA2LBI* > > > > > On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts < > time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > >> Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another >> member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get >> one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up >> a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a >> good bit of money. >> >> I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 >> years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model >> like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... >> >> Thanks all, >> John >> >>> On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts < >> time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: >>> I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company >> labs >>> over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a >>> problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model >>> is a better bet than the A model. >>> >>> If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. >>> It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. >>> >>> Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display >>> showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message >> means >>> is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than >>> "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see >>> that on the photos, don't be afraid. >>> >>> If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested >>> the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but >> it's >>> possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default >> internal >>> crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz >> input. >>> Cheers! >>> --Stu >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

BC

Bob Camp

Thu, Mar 16, 2023 12:30 AM

Hi

One “interesting” point about the 1992: Coming up with an accurate answer to the question
“how good is it?” is not at all easy.

One could spend the day with the Racal sales guy asking that question. At the end of the
day, the result would be confusion. Spend a day with the spec sheets an confusion also is
the result.

About the only conclusion you can come to is that they really don’t like to commit to a number.
One might wonder ….

Next you could grab one of the ones sitting around the lab and start looking at the results.
Considering this is done in 1970’s, the gear to do so isn’t quite what you have today. Best
guess at the time was something around 4 ns for a “single shot” sort of resolution.

On the same basis, the 5334 comes in at 2 ns and the 5335 comes in at 1 ns. The 53131
is around 0.5 ns and the 53132 is around 0.2 ns.

The 5345 is also a 2 ns single shot device. Like the 5334, (and others) it can do averaging
to get lower.“Single shot” and “averaging” aren’t quite the same thing ….

The the 5370 (went it works) can get to 0.02 ns “RMS” and the SR620 can do about the
same. The 53230 can get to 0.01 ns with a good input. Since these are one sigma rather than
a fixed LSB, the comparison isn’t quite perfect …..

Does any of this matter? It depends a lot on just what you want to / need to do. That’s always
the gotcha with these questions. Things are rarely tightly defined ….

If I’m looking at the delta between two 1 pps pulses, then I likely do care about single shot
sort of stuff. If I want to know if my transmitter is 2 Hz off at 10 GHz, that’s a different question.

Bob

On Mar 15, 2023, at 4:07 PM, John Vendely via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com wrote:

I concur. I've also experienced keypad problems with the 1992, and know of someone else who has, as well. Otherwise, they're good instruments...

73,

John K9WT

On 3/15/2023 3:08 PM, Ken Winterling via time-nuts wrote:

John,

I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one
weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very
high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as
defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send
you information on what I have done to fix the problem.

73,

Ken
WA2LBI

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts <
time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another
member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get
one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up
a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a
good bit of money.

I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10
years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model
like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work....

Thanks all,
John

On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts <

time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote:

I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company

labs

over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a
problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model
is a better bet than the A model.

If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get.
It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan.

Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display
showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message

means

is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than
"internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see
that on the photos, don't be afraid.

If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested
the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but

it's

possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default

internal

crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz

input.

Cheers!
--Stu

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

Hi One “interesting” point about the 1992: Coming up with an accurate answer to the question “how good is it?” is not at all easy. One *could* spend the day with the Racal sales guy asking that question. At the end of the day, the result would be confusion. Spend a day with the spec sheets an confusion also is the result. About the only conclusion you can come to is that they *really* don’t like to commit to a number. One might wonder …. Next you could grab one of the ones sitting around the lab and start looking at the results. Considering this is done in 1970’s, the gear to do so isn’t quite what you have today. Best guess at the time was something around 4 ns for a “single shot” sort of resolution. On the same basis, the 5334 comes in at 2 ns and the 5335 comes in at 1 ns. The 53131 is around 0.5 ns and the 53132 is around 0.2 ns. The 5345 is also a 2 ns single shot device. Like the 5334, (and others) it can do averaging to get lower.“Single shot” and “averaging” aren’t quite the same thing …. The the 5370 (went it works) can get to 0.02 ns “RMS” and the SR620 can do about the same. The 53230 can get to 0.01 ns with a good input. Since these are one sigma rather than a fixed LSB, the comparison isn’t quite perfect ….. Does any of this matter? It depends a lot on just what you want to / need to do. That’s always the gotcha with these questions. Things are rarely tightly defined …. If I’m looking at the delta between two 1 pps pulses, then I likely *do* care about single shot sort of stuff. If I want to know if my transmitter is 2 Hz off at 10 GHz, that’s a different question. Bob > On Mar 15, 2023, at 4:07 PM, John Vendely via time-nuts <time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: > > I concur. I've also experienced keypad problems with the 1992, and know of someone else who has, as well. Otherwise, they're good instruments... > > 73, > > John K9WT > > On 3/15/2023 3:08 PM, Ken Winterling via time-nuts wrote: >> John, >> >> I've owned three of the Racal-Dana 1992 counters for years. The one >> weakness I have noticed is that the keypad tactile switches.fail at a very >> high rate. I got my counters very cheaply because they were advertised as >> defective, for parts only. If you encounter a switch problem I can send >> you information on what I have done to fix the problem. >> >> 73, >> >> *Ken* >> *WA2LBI* >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 12:15 PM John Miller via time-nuts < >> time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: >> >>> Right now I think I have a line on some Racal-Dana 1992s from another >>> member, but I have heard so much good about the 5334B I think I want to get >>> one just on principle. Especially once I have these 1992s, I could pick up >>> a faulty 5334B and repair it! I think that could be a lot of fun and save a >>> good bit of money. >>> >>> I really appreciate all the feedback, folks, and hopefully in another 5-10 >>> years those I'll be able to get my hands on an SR 620 or a multi-GHz model >>> like the HP 53132A. I have an Agilent E4402B that needs some work.... >>> >>> Thanks all, >>> John >>> >>>> On Mar 14, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Stewart Cobb via time-nuts < >>> time-nuts@lists.febo.com> wrote: >>>> I've bought perhaps a dozen HP 5334B counters off ePay for my company >>> labs >>>> over the last decade, at prices from about $75 to $225. I've never had a >>>> problem with one. Rick built a good box. For various reasons, the B model >>>> is a better bet than the A model. >>>> >>>> If it does everything you need it to do, the 5334B is the counter to get. >>>> It's blessedly quiet because it doesn't have or need a fan. >>>> >>>> Pro tip: you will occasionally see one listed "as is" with the display >>>> showing "no osc". Those counters are generally fine. All that message >>> means >>>> is that the timebase switch on the back is set to "external" rather than >>>> "internal", and the seller doesn't know to flip it back. If you can see >>>> that on the photos, don't be afraid. >>>> >>>> If it's an OCXO model (option 010), it's possible that someone harvested >>>> the 10811 OCXO before selling the remainder. I've never seen that, but >>> it's >>>> possible. If so, it's a bit tedious to change back to the default >>> internal >>>> crystal, but these counters will always work with an external 10 MHz >>> input. >>>> Cheers! >>>> --Stu >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com

B

Busyspin

Thu, Mar 16, 2023 1:53 AM

Hi, all.

I have a BK Precision 1856D 3.5GHz Frequency Counter (https://www.bkprecision.com/products/vids/1856D) that I bought at auction last year and I no longer have a need for it. If anyone here is interested in it I would be happy to send it to you if you help me cover the postage. I would hate to see it go to waste.

Thanks,
Mark Priest

On Mar 15, 2023, at 8:36 PM, Bob Camp via time-nuts time-nuts@lists.febo.com wrote: