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Compare 3 popular
Basic Frequency Counters
 
April 2015
UV-82
 
 
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.

  UV-82
Gy560
 
UV-82
RK-560
 
UV-82
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 -
       
 
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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