ACECO FC1003 User manual

FC1003 Handheld Radio Frequency Counter
•A more practical frequency counter
•Frequency range: 1 MHz -3 GHz
•Weight: 210g
•Case: 80 mm * 68 mm * 31 mm stamped aluminum with black anodized finish
•Battery: Internal 4 * AA 600 mAH NiCd pack
•10 digit liquid Crystal Display
•Low power consumption (Average 6 hour battery life)
•Hold switch to lock display
•Digital filter to prevent display of random noise
•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

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
1. Power Switch -This slide switch turns the counter on and initiates a 2 second
test of all the LCD segments.
2. 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.
3. Filter Switch -This slide switch turns the filter on and off.
4. Hold Button -This holds the current display and stops the counter from
counting.
5. Gate Button -This selects the gate or measurement time. A longer gate time
allows counting for longer period and results in higher accuracy.
6. 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
Welfare Electronic Component Ltd. 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 b y 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
0.0625 10 Hz 300.00000 MHz
0.25 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz
1.0 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz
300 MHz
4.0 0.1 Hz 300.0000000 MHz
0.0625 1000 Hz 3000.000 MHz
0.25 100 Hz 3000.0000 MHz
1.0 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz
3 GHz
4.0 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz