Introduction:
Frequency counter is a very important test instrument for Radio Amateurs, especially those who wish to develop or test circuits. There are lots of frequency counters in the market but building one was never so easy & exciting with Microprocessors doing lots of work for us.
This Frequency counter Project is based on PIC16F84A Microprocessor chip manufactured by
Microchip and software provided by amateurs to help understand PIC programming.
I made this project on a single PCB for the reasons that my idea of a counter was to make it a portable and independent of bench supply. (Because I already have a bench frequency counter) In this counter, we have possibility to supply external 12V or have a 9V internal battery.
Two RF inputs are available, switched by a push switch to select "Direct" or "Pre-Scale" Which gives you selection of either Low VHF (to 35MHZ) or VHF/UHF measurement ranges. (With Presale components installed)
Frequency
Counter software is auto-ranging and drives a 16x1/2 LCD. Counter is designed on a 6 X 19cm PTH Double Sided PCB. I could make this board much smaller but I preferred this size, keeping in mind first time kit builders.
All kits are supplied with all components pre-soldered & perhaps all you will require to do (Kit Building!!) will be to install LCD module on header, if it is not supplied fitted already!!.
At moment, due to difficulties in obtaining pre-scale
chip (
Import
hassle), I am not in a position to supply 3.5GHZ kits. This option will be available soon. However, you may complete pre-scale section yourself by just buying & soldering parts involved. A schematic of Pre-scale section is given for this purpose.
This documents provides schematics & completed pictures of the Frequency Counter.
|
FC-1 :
3.5GHZ
Frequency
Counter 
button. 
button
to see
what all
items you
have. You
may change
quantity
if
required
&
proceed to
"Check-out".
