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help need a frequency standard

  • Thread starter Random Electron
  • Start date
R

Random Electron

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi,

I need to calibrate my frequency counter. Being a DIYer, I thought of using
the color burst signal from a TV. However, whenever I attach a probe to the
xtal, the color blanks out. Obviously, I've pulled the phase or frequency
from normal.

Any other ideas for a precision cal frequency?

tia
 
B

Bill Shymanski

Jan 1, 1970
0
How precisely do you need to calibrate your frequency counter? Back in
the days of network TV, before cheap time base correctors were common,
the colour burst oscillator was locked to a very stable rubidium
standard. This is no longer the case. The oscillator in your TV is
probably no more stable than the oscillator in your frequency counter.

In most parts of North America on the electrical grid, your wall outlet
frequency will be 60 Hz plus or minus 0.02 Hz most of the time, and over
a day probably averages 60 Hz +/- 0.001 Hz if you let the counter run
long enough.

I do a rough and ready check of my frequency counter by zero-beating a
signal generator with WWV (or CHU), which should be good for about 1
part in 10 million (you should be able to zero-beat within less than 1
Hz). I tune in WWV on a shortwave receiver, fire up the signal
generator and set its output level high enough to be heard on the
receiver, and measure the frequency at the output of the generator.

There are supposed to be GPS-disciplined portable frequency standards
out there; I've no idea what these cost but they would be reasonably
stable calibration sources.

Bill
 
P

Peter

Jan 1, 1970
0
I know what you can do, you can buy something from my company if you would
like.

We make Frequency Standards along with other things as well.

send me an email if you still wish to pursue this.

[email protected]

thanks
 
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