ACECO FC1002 - User Manual

Introduction
The Aceco FC1002 hand-held frequency counter is a more practical counter, even advanced features such as field
strength measurement is 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
l 10 digit Liquid Crystal Display
l Low power consumption (Average 6 hour battery life)
l Supplied with NiCd pack, AC wall charger and telescopic antenna
l Hold switch to lock display
l Low battery indicator
l Ultra sensitive synchronous detector 16 section bargraph to show RF signal strength
l High speed 300 MHz direct counter with 0.1 Hz resolution
l 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. Hold Button - This holds the current display and stops the counter from counting.
4. Gate Button - This selects the gate or measurement time. A longer gate time allows counting for longer period and
results in higher accuracy.
5. 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 a 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. guarantee the counter and its 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 RF finder and a transmitter.
FC1002
Frequency Counter
ACECO

Summary

Introduction

Specifications

Features

10-Digit LCD Display

Displays measurements with 10 digits for high precision.

Low Power Consumption

Offers extended operation with an average of 6 hours battery life.

High Speed Counter

Features a 300 MHz direct counter with 0.1 Hz resolution.

RF Signal Strength Bargraph

Utilizes a 16-section bargraph to indicate RF signal strength.

Controls

Power Switch

Turns the counter on and initiates an LCD segment test.

Range Switch

Selects between 300 MHz and 3 GHz ranges for optimal measurement.

Hold Button

Freezes the current display, stopping the counting process.

Gate Button

Controls the measurement time (gate time) for accuracy.

Calibration

Adjusts the time base oscillator for precise frequency display.

Warranty

Hints and Tips

NiCd Operation

Details on charging, deep cycling, and maintenance of NiCd batteries.

Signal Input

Explains random frequencies and avoiding transmitter proximity to prevent damage.

Antenna Selection

Guides antenna adjustment based on required frequency (UHF vs. VHF/HF).

Reception Distance

Lists typical reception distances for various devices.

Input Sensitivity (Typical)

RF Signal Strength Bargraph

Frequency Display Resolution

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Aceco FC1002 is a compact, hand-held frequency counter designed for ease of use and dependable performance, suitable for both basic and advanced applications, including field strength measurement. It comes complete with an internal NiCd pack, an AC wall charger, and a 7-section telescopic antenna.

Function Description:

The primary function of the FC1002 is to measure frequencies across a wide range. It features a 10-digit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for clear readouts and incorporates an ultra-sensitive synchronous detector with a 16-section bargraph to indicate RF signal strength. The device supports high-speed direct counting up to 300 MHz with 0.1 Hz resolution and offers four selectable gate speeds for varying measurement accuracy. Its low power consumption allows for an average battery life of 6 hours on a full charge.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 3 GHz
• Weight: 210 g
• Dimensions: 80 mm (height) x 68 mm (width) x 31 mm (depth)
• 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
• Input Sensitivity (Typical):
  • < 0.8mV 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 (1st Segment / Full Scale):
  • 27 MHz: 7mV / 10mV
  • 150 MHz: 5 mV / 100 mV
  • 800 MHz: 10 mV / 200 mV
• Frequency Display Resolution:
  • 300 MHz Range:
    • 0.0625s Gate Time: 10 Hz LSD
    • 0.25s Gate Time: 1 Hz LSD
    • 1.0s Gate Time: 1 Hz LSD
    • 4.0s Gate Time: 0.1 Hz LSD
  • 3 GHz Range:
    • 0.0625s Gate Time: 1000 Hz LSD
    • 0.25s Gate Time: 100 Hz LSD
    • 1.0s Gate Time: 10 Hz LSD
    • 4.0s Gate Time: 10 Hz LSD

Usage Features:

• Power Switch: A slide switch that turns the counter on and initiates a 2-second test of all LCD segments.
• Range Switch: Allows selection between the 300 MHz position (for 1 MHz to 300 MHz) and the 3 GHz position (for 10 MHz to 3 GHz), optimizing performance for different frequency bands.
• Hold Button: Freezes the current display, stopping the counter from further counting.
• Gate Button: Selects the gate or measurement time. Longer gate times increase accuracy by allowing the counter to measure for a longer period.
• Antenna Selection: The supplied telescopic antenna is adjustable to suit the required frequency, with shorter lengths for UHF and fully extended for VHF/HF.
• Reception Distance: The effective reception distance varies based on the transmitting antenna type and location, transmitter output power, and frequency. Typical distances range from 0.3 meters for cordless phones to 3-30 meters for two-way radios.
• NiCd Operation: The counter can operate for up to six hours on a full charge. Recharging takes 12 to 16 hours using the supplied AC/DC adapter.

Maintenance Features:

• Calibration: An adjustment opening on the front panel provides access to a trimmer capacitor, offering approximately a 10 PPM adjustment range for the time base oscillator. Calibration is performed by reading a known frequency signal and adjusting the trimmer for correct display. Calibrating at 4.1943 MHz or above enhances accuracy.
• Battery Care: NiCd batteries should be deep-cycled occasionally by allowing them to fully discharge to maintain maximum capacity. It is recommended to check the batteries every twelve months for signs of corrosion or leakage and replace the entire set if any cell fails.
• Warranty: Aceco Electronics, Corp. provides a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover modifications, unauthorized repairs, misuse, abuse, or damage from excessive power levels applied to the signal input. Users are explicitly warned against connecting the RF finder to a transmitter.
• Signal Input Precaution: When using an antenna, random frequencies may appear due to the high gain of receiver circuits amplifying noise in the absence of a strong signal. It is crucial to avoid placing the unit too close to a transmitter to prevent internal damage.

ACECO FC1002 Specifications