Introduction The Aceco FC1003 hand-held frequency counter is a more practical counter, even advanced features such as field strength measurement are incorporated. It is compact, truly pocket sized, test instrument designed for ease of use and dependable performance. Supplied as a complete with internal NiCd pack, AC wall charger and 7 section telescopic antenna. Specifications

Frequency range 1 MHz - 3 GHz Weight 210 g Size 80 mm high x 68 mm wide x 31 mm deep Impedance 50 Ohms (BNC Socket) Case Stamped aluminum with black anodized finish Battery Internal 4 x AA 600 mAH NiCd pack Power 9 VDC 300 mA Timebase Less than 1 PPM at room temperature

Features 10 digit Liquid Crystal Display Filter to prevent display of random noise Low power consumption (Average 6 hour battery life) Supplied with NiCd pack, AC wall charger and telescopic antenna Hold switch to lock display Low battery indicator Ultra sensitive synchronous detector 16 section bargraph to show RF signal strength High speed 300 MHz direct counter with 0.1 Hz resolution 4 selectable gate speeds Controls Power Switch - This slide switch turns the counter on and initiates a 2 second test of all the LCD segments. Range Switch - This should be switched to the 300 MHz position for frequencies between 1 MHz and 300 MHz and switched to the 3 GHz position for frequencies between 10 MHz and 3 GHz. Filter Switch - This slide switch turns the filter on and off. Hold Button - This holds the current display and stops the counter from counting. Gate Button - This selects the gate or measurement time. A longer gate time allows counting for longer period and results in higher accuracy. Calibration - The calibration adjustment opening is located on the front panel of the counter. This allows access to the trimmer capacitor that provides about a 10 PPM adjustment range of the time base oscillator. This is not usually necessary but to do so read a signal of an known frequency before adjusting the trimmer for correct frequency display. If you calibrate at 4.1943 MHz or above then the counter will be more accurate. Warranty Aceco Electronics, Corp. guarantees the counter and accessories for one year against defects in manufacture. This warranty does not cover items that have been modified, subject to unauthorized repairs, misuse or abuse. This warranty does not cover damage caused by excessive power levels applied to the signal input. Never make any kind of connection between the counter and a transmitter. Hints And Tips NiCd Operation This frequency counter can operate for up to six hours from its fully charged NiCd batteries. They are charged when the unit is plugged into the supplied AC/DC adapter. Full recharge will occur over12 to16 hours. Before recharging the batteries you should be deep cycled occasionally by allowing them to completely discharge to maintain maximum battery capacity. The NiCd batteries should last for several years. However, it is a good idea to check them every twelve months for signs of corrosion or leakage. Always replace the whole set if any one cell fails.   Signal Input When using the counter with an antenna for signal pick up, random frequencies may appear on the display. This is quite normal and is caused by the high gain of the receiver circuits which amplify noise in the absence of a strong readable signal. Never get the unit too close to a transmitter as internal damage will result.   Antenna Selection The supplied telescopic antenna is best for general purpose use. This is because its length can be adjusted to suit the frequency required.Usually you will want a shorter antenna for UHF and a fully extended one for VHF / HF.   Reception Distance From Transmitter The distance from which you will be able to receive frequencies will depend upon the type and location of the transmitting antenna, transmitter output power and the frequency in use. Some typical distances are:

Cordless Phone 0.3 meters Cellular Phone 3 - 20 m CB radio 2 - 8 m VHF Two Way Radio 3 - 30 m UHF Two Way Radio 3 - 30 m

Input Sensitivity ( Typical )

 

Amplifier 50 Ohm Impedance 50 Ohm VSWR less than 2:1 Range 1 MHz - 3 GHz Sensitivity < 0.8 mV at 100 MHz < 6 mV at 300 MHz < 7 mV at 1.0 GHz < 100 mV at 2.4 GHz Max. input 15 dBm

RF Signal Strength Bargraph

 

Frequency 1st Segment Full Scale 27 MHz 7 mV 100 mV 150 MHz 5 mV 90 mV 800 MHz 10 mV 200 mV

Frequency Display Resolution

 

Range Gate Time (Seconds) LSD Sample Display 300 MHz 0.0625 10 Hz 300.00000 MHz 0.25 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz 1.0 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz 4.0 0.1 Hz 300.0000000 MHz 3 GHz 0.0625 1000 Hz 3000.000 MHz 0.25 100 Hz 3000.0000 MHz 1.0 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz 4.0 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz

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