Compare 3 popular
Basic
Frequency Counters
April 2015 |
If you have ever considered adding a small frequency counter to your
work bench, then you have probably seen these come across your computer screen.
Similar in appearance and size, they are small and easy to operate. So
what's the difference between them? Here's a side by side that
will help clarify. |
| |
Gy560
|
RK-560
|
Leixen
N8
|
| Number of LCD digits |
7 |
7 |
7 |
| Frequency range |
50 MHz - 2.4GHz |
50 MHz - 2.4GHz |
1 MHz - 1GHz |
| Antenna |
4" Pull Up |
4" Pull Up |
3.5" Helical |
| Displays TX Freq |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Displays CTCSS/DCS |
- |
yes |
yes |
| Transmits Test Tone |
- |
- |
yes |
| Automatic Power Off |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Battery |
9V |
9V |
(3) 1.5V AAA |
| Size |
3.6 x 2.2
x 0.9" |
3.6 x 2.2
x 0.9" |
3.9 x 2.3
x 0.8" |
| Plastic Enclosure |
yes |
RK-560 |
yes |
| Metal Enclosure |
- |
XH-560S |
- |
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Gy560
- Basic counter that displays the transmit frequency only.
RK-560
- Displays the transmit frequency
- Displays CTCSS/DCS tone being
transmitted. *
XH-560S
- Displays the transmit frequency
- Displays CTCSS/DCS tone being
transmitted. *
- Metal enclosure
Leixen N8
- Displays the transmit frequency
- Displays CTCSS/DCS tone being
transmitted. *
- Capable of re-transmitting a low level signal with tone. **
- Antenna is a helically wound style with an SMA-F connector.
- Replacement batteries are standard AAA.
* Excellent for identifying frequency and tone combinations
used in commercial service.
** Used to verify that the frequency and tone set in the radio are
correct.
If your transmitter has no LCD display, this is a simple way to determine the operating frequency
and CTCSS/DCS tone without the need for software.
The accuracy of these counters is relatively good, but don't expect them
to rival a $2500 test set. It's not going to happen.
These counters sell for under $50, and for low level testing they are
fairly good. I find the ability
to identify the CTCSS/DCS tones as well as frequency gives a good
snapshot of the transmitted signal.
The N8's ability to re-transmit a low level return signal is definitely an added plus.
Available on Amazon:
Gy560
RK-560
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