mazmr1801

6-DIGIT, AUTORANGING

, FREQUENCY COUNTER
 TEST INSTRUMENT SAFETY

Normal use of this instrument exposes you to a certain amount of dan­

ger from electrical shock because measurements must sometimes be taken
in equipment that contains high voltage. An electrical shock causing 10
milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heart­
beats. Voltage as low as 35 volts de or ac rms should be considered dan­
gerous and hazardous since it can produce a lethal current under certain
conditions. Higher voltage poses an even greater threat because it can
more easily produce a lethal current. Your normal work habits should
include all . accepted practices that will prevent contact with exposed high
voltage, and that will steer current away from your heart in case of acci­
dental contact with a high voltage. You will sign ificantly reduce the risk
factor if you know and observe the following safety precautions:

1. Measurements should never be made at circuit points that exceed the

maximum input voltages to the counter as listed in the "SPECIFICA­
TIONS" section, or damage to the instrument may occur. Even when
measurements are made at low voltage points, be careful to avoid
touching any high voltage point. Remember that ac line voltage is
usually present on some power input circuits such as on-off switch,
fuses, power transformer, etc. any time the equipment is connected
to an ac outlet, even if it is turned off.

z. If possible, familiarize yourself with the equipment being tested and

the location of its big� voltage points. However, remember that high
voltage may appear at unexpected points in defective equipment.

3. Use the time-proven "one hand in the pocket" technique while

handling an instrument probe. Be particularly careful to avoid con­
tacting a nearby metal object that could provide a good ground return
path.

4. Use an insulated floor material or a large, insulated floor mat to

stand on, and an insulated work surface on which to place equipment;
make certain such surfaces are not damp or wet.

5. Connect the counter's ac power cord only to a 3-wire outlet to assure

that the instrument's chassis, connectors, and probe ground lead are
at earth ground.

(continued on inside back cover)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR

B & K-PRECISION

MODEL 1801
6-DIGIT, AUTORANGING
FREQUENCY COUNTER

64 70 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60635
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION ................................................ 4
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 4
OPERATING PROCEDURE
A.Controls and Features .........................�............... 7
B. Interpretation of Display Readings ............................... 7
C. Operation .................................................. 9
D.Applications ................................................10
E. Modifications ...............................................11
THEORY OF OPERATION ................................•........12
RECALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE .............•...............12
BLOCK DIAGRAM ................................................13
TIMING DIAGRAM ..............................................14
APPENDIX
Damping Resistor Calculation .....................................15
WARRANTY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................16
WARRANTY .......... ......... ........ .................. .. Cov. 3

3
 INTRODUCTION

The B & K Model 1801 is a high-quality, lightweight, diodes) for units and overrange indication.
autoranging counter designed for freguency measurement
in the range from 20 Hz to 40 MHz. A front panel function An internal time base of 10 MHz is generated by a
switch selects "1 SEC" preset gate interval or "AUTO" crystal-controlled oscillator. Provision has been made for
range. In the AUTO position, the correct gate interval for the user to convert the instrument to operate from an
maximum resolution without overranging the instrument is external time base when extreme accuracy is desired.
automatically determined and proper frequency unit in­ Consult our Customer Service Department for conversion
dicators for KHz or MHz turned on. In the "1 SEC" instructions.
position, the display will indicate frequency to the closest Rugged, compact design and exceptional accuracy
Hz even if the leading most significant digit (MSD) is combine to make this counter a valuable tool for the
beyond the display range. The input impedance of 1 scientist, engineer, experimenter, hobbyist, and service
megohm is ideal for use with a divide-by- IO probe for technician. It not only is an excellent instrument for the
measurements where the source loading is critical. laboratory, but also is rugged enough for use in the field.
The display consists of six ?-segment, solid state, Low power consumption of under 25 watts facilitates its
numerical display units and three LED's (light-emitting use with DC-to-AC power inverter.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS 3. INTERNAL TIME BASE CHARACTERISTICS

Range 20Hz to 40 MHz (guaranteed); 10 (REFERENCED TO 2S° C. AFTER 30-MINUTE
Hz to over 60 MHz (typical). WARM-UP)
Function switch selects kHz or Type Crystal oscillator
AUTO display reading
Frequency 10 MHz
Gate Time, Auto 10 mSEC or 100 mSEC (MHz
reading), or 1 SEC (kHz reading), Setability ±0.1 PPM (±1 Hz)
chosen automatically Line Voltage Better than ±1 PPM for ±10% line
Gate Time, Manual 1 SEC (kHz reading, 1 Hz resolu­ Stability voltage variation.
tion). Temperature Better than ±0.001% (i.e. ±10
Accuracy ± time base accuracy, ± 1 count. Stability PPM) from 0.50° C. ambient.
Resolution 1 Hz Maximum Aging
Rate 10 PPM/Year, 1 PPM/ Month.
Display Frequency of input signal with
automatically positioned decimal
point. Units of measurement
(kHz, MHz) displayed in front 4. DISPLAY CHARACTERISTICS
panel by illuminated indicator.
Visual Display 6 digits with overflow, kHz and
MHz indicators.
Overflow Indication Flashing light indicates display
2. INPUT CHARACTERISTICS range is exceeded.
Impedance 1 megohm, shunted by 20 pF. Display Refresh Fixed; 200 mSEC plus gate in-
Protection Diode-protected. Interval terval.
Connector BNC (Front Panel)
Coupling AC S. GENERAL
Sinewave Sensitivity 30 mV rms (guaranteed); 15 mV Power Requirements 105 to 130V, 117V nominal, 60
rms (typical); 20 Hz to 40 MHz. Hz; 25 watts maximum.
Maximum Input 200 V (peak AC+ DC) to 500 Hz; Dimensions 3-5/16" H x 8-11/16"W x 10.l/2"D.
derate linearly to 100 V (peak AC Shipping Weight 5-1/2 lbs.
+ DC) at 1 kHz.
100 V (peak AC+ DC) 1 kHz to 5 Handle Combination "Kick Stand" and
MHz; derate linearly to 50 V handle attached to bottom of
(peak AC+ DC) at 40 MHz. unit.

4
 I

2 3 4 5 6 7891 2 3 4 56 7891 2 3 4 56 7891 2 3 4 56 7891 2 3 4 5 6 7891

---·--- -- - <->-- --··-------- -·-- --- ··-- ---

u
0
ctS ---- ----

<I
�
<I
� 200

\
'
Lu
(!)

'
!c:(

� 150
> - l --
'
.,..,,
<<
..........
I"'-..,._
X -........ ,__
<I
:,E 50
...............
>----- -- �-- --�- ,- -- -
-
0 100 500 IK IM 5M IOM 40M IOO M

FREQUENCY ( Hz)

Fig. 1. Maximum input protection derating curve.

V,
0-

2 3 4 567891 2 3 4 567891 2 3 4 � 67891 2 3 4 567891 2 3 4 5 67891

mV
RMS I I 11111 I I I I 11111 I I I I 11111
Showino ouaranteed and typical sensitivity vs. frequency , 1-�--·-+---+------i--+-, , , , , ---1----�--.

60 I I I I I I II II I I I I I III I I I I I I I11 I I I I I I III I I I 111 I I I I

- --·------+-·- •---•-.J---1---l------+- - ---1----;----1----t··- •-·-+-t·-t- --- --

501 I I I I I IIII --+--

--· --¼------ ,!---l--l--l---l-1-------··-··-- +--- -4--- --f-+--·+ -I-++...,_______ _..,______ -+_ f-++·

�401 I I 1 11 1111 I 1·111111 I I 11 111 11 I I 1111111 I I I Ill�

0
> · I It -·-· --- --· ··+--+--+ I 11 -+---+
GUARANTEED
�
30
1 I 11111111 I/JI 111111 I 11 lfllll I 11 illlll I 11111111
- -·+---+---,t..--+-+--•--··- ------ ... --·- _._ ·+-·· �·--�-'--'-++-----· ·+--·-+--+----

f��1 11111 ��Yr+mt� 1

20 I I I I I 11 I

� T l� rtrffftt�H�
IO ,...-: I I I I I I I II I I I I I I II I I I I I I I II I I I I I III _..__,__...__..__.__..�
-· I I I I I-++------+-····-+ ·+ I I I I++--·--+--+--+-+- I I I I I -----·+- -+---+--+--I-+�
Hz
01 I I 1111111 I jfl 11\111 I I 1111111 I I I !11111 1 1 I llllll ...
10 20 100 200 50K 100 K IM IOM 40M IOOM
FREQUENCY
Fig. 2. Input sensitivity curve.
 OPERATING PROCEDURE
A. CONTROLS AND FEATURES
1. FUNC TION SWITCH. Turns instrument on and frequency in kHz. This indicator is always on when
selects preset (I SEC.) or AUTO counting range. In the function switch is in the 1 SEC position, and the
the AUTO range mode, proper gate interval is auto­ decimal point is as shown in Fig. 3.
matically selected by the instrument to fill all six 4. MHz FREQUENCY UNIT INDICATOR. Indicates
digits, starting with the most significant digit, without that decimal point is placed to read measured
overflow (also referred to as "overrange"). frequency in MHz.
2. INPU1 JACK. BNC type jack. 1 megohm impedance 5. NUMERICAL DISPLAY. Indicates frequency of the
allows the use of a standard 10: 1 frequency-com­ input signal.
pensated probe which reduces the loading effect on
the signal source. Use of a non-compensated probe 6. OVERRANGE INDICATOR. Flashes when the
will limit the measurement sensitivity at high fre­ frequency is beyond the selected display range.
quencies. 7. STAND. Can be pushed against chassis so that the
3. kHz FREQUENCY UNIT INDICATOR. Indicates unit will sit on its feet, or can be pulled out to tilt the
that the decimal point is placed to read measured unit at a convenient viewing angle.

18D1 FREQUENCY COUNTER

Fig. 3. Controls and features.

B. INTERPRETATION OF DISPLAY READINGS

Digit #1 is to the extreme right and digit #6 is to the
For purposes of identification, the six display digits extreme left. In addition, the most significant digits
of the counter will be identified numerically as shown in (MSD) and least significant digits (LSD) are indicated.
the display drawing of Fig. 4.
Three indicator lights are shown in' Fig. 4. If, in the
Most •significant digits 1 Se�
following discussion, a particular indicator is lit, it will

0
OFF• • • AUTO be shown as a solid circle. If it is not lit, it will be shown
"
•
K�
as in Fig. 4,

@ -' -, • -' '- /

I ,- I I t .:=J I
c, @
When the function svtitch is in the 1 SEC position,
the decimal point is located as shown in Fig. 4· and the
kHz lamp is lit. All readings are then indicated in
OVER MHz kiloHertz. For example, if a frequency of 654,321 Hz is
to be measured, the display would be as shown in Fig 5.
With the function switch still in the 1 SEC position, a
Least significant digits Fig. 4. measurement of 321 Hz would be displayed as shown in

7
 Fig. 6. Note that the unused digits register as zeros and frequency 1,654,321 Hz would then appear as shown in
the dedmal point is retained in the kiloHerl!. position. Fig. 9.
The reading is displayed as 000.321 kHz. which is

...
a<.:tually 321 Hz. 1 Sec

0
OFF• e •ALJTO
KHz
, Se:.

=, ,= 0
-1�1= A ,.. '

• •
'
KHz
,

I I_ ,- /_I �I :::J @
I • LI _I I _I I_
I ,- I I -, -, @
@ Cl _, -, • @ OVER MHz

01,,=p MHz
Fig. 9.
Fig. 5.
Note that the MHz lamp is now lit and that the least
significant digit (I) is no longer being displayed at the

,=
right end of the display, and the most significant digit
KHz
( 1) has been added at the left end of the display. When
the most significant digit is displayed. the OVER lamp is
1-1 1-1 1-1 - , -, I • off.
© l_t I_I I_ ! • =1 I @
, Sec

0
QFF • e •ALJTO

-,
OVEA MH,
KHz

:1
Fig. 6.

If a frequency of 21 Hz is measured, the display @ ::,-, 1-1 . ,_, -' -, _,

I 1- I I -,

would read as shown in Fig. 7, which is 000.021 kHz. It

should be noted here that as fewer digits are displayed, OVER MHz

the accuracy of the reading decrel!,ses, because of the Fig. 10.

uncertainty of the last digit. With a tolerance of ±1
count on the reading displayed, a frequency of 21 Hz
may actually be displayed as 20, 21 or 22 Hz.
Now consider the case in which a measurement is to

,-, ,-,
1 Sec

0
OFF e AUTG be performed at 39.654321 MHz. With the function
• •

•
KHz switch in the AUTO position, the frequency reading wili

,-, ,-,
be displayed as shown in Fig. 10. Notice that the two
'
I_I LI LI • LI /_ I
.::, least significant digits (2 and 1) have been deleted. Also,
the MHz lamp is lit, indicating the reading is displayed in
@ @ MegaHertz. Because the most significant digits (3 and 9)
OVER MHz
are displayed, the OVER light is not lit. If it is desired to
obtain maximum resolution of the frequency being
Fig. 7. measured (in other words, down to the Hertz), the
function switch must be placed in the 1 SEC position.
With the function switch in the 1 SEC. position, and The reading will be displayed as shown in Fig. 11.
with the reading greater than 1 MHz ( for example,
1,654,321 Hz) only the last six digits of the frequency

,=
being measured will be indicated, as shown in Fig. 8.
KHz
Note that the kHz lamp is lit and that the OVER lamp is
flashing. This indicates that the most significant digit is
not being displayed in the frequency count. I ,- I I -, -, I e
1 Sec. e CJ ::, -, • ::1 I @

0
OH• • • AGTO

•
KHz
ovrn MHz

/_ ,- I_/ -, -, I Fig.11.
e LI _I I • ::1 I= I @
OVER MHz
Notice that the least significant digits (2 and 1) are
Fig. 8. displayed and that the most significant digits (3 and 9)
are not displayed. Because the most significant digits are
Maximum resolution to the Hz is obtained under not displayed, the OVER lamp will flash, indicating that
these conditions because the least significant digit is the actual frequency being measured is greater than that
displayed; however, the first and most significant digit displayed.
cannot be determined.
Remember that with the function switch in the
When the condition described above occurs, the AUTO position, the most significant digits are always
function switch should be placed in the AUTO position. displayed and the kHz or MHz light will be on as
The display corresponding to measurement of the required to identify the units of measurement. For

8
 example, with the function switch in the AUTO termination resistor. To avoid the requirement for
position, and with a measurement of 321 Hertz, the use of a terminated transmission line, a com­
display of Fig. 6 is automatically obtained. With a pensated high-impedance I 0: I probe can be used
measurement of a freque)Jcy of 654.321 Hz, the display instead.
of Fig. 5 is obtained.
Signal cables available from Dynascan are:
For maximum convenience of operation, the AUTO
position of the function switch should be used. How­ a. I 0: I and 1: I compensated counter probe
ever. when it is desired to have the maximum resolution PR-25 or
of the reading ( to the Hertz) the I SEC position is b,- I0: I and 1: I osciJloscope probe , PR- 24
selc.:ted.
Bear in mind that the least significant digits of the These present a loading effect of 10 megohms
measured frequency display will change as the reading is and approximately 15 picofarads at the point of
being observed, the amount depending on the frequency measurement. When using the osciJloscope probes
stability of the frequency source being measured. An with the counter, a BNC male-to-UHF female
osciJlator with the inductance and capacitance as adapter is required.
frequency-determining elements may have a rather fast To make your own signal cable, 50-ohm coaxial
rate of change, while a crystal-controlled oscillator will cable (RG-58A), no longer than 3 ft., is recom­
provide a much more stable frequency reading. mended. Remember, each foot of coaxial cable
adds about 30 picofarads of shunt capacitance to
C. OPERATION the point of measurement. In addition, at higher
frequencies, standing wave effects become sig­
nificant as the cable length approaches a quarter
CAUTION wavelength of the frequency measured, if the cable
Before you proceed with this section, carefully is not properly terminated.
read the specifications. Damage to the instrument
can result if excessive voltage is applied to the Proceed as follows:
input. Be sure the signal is within the parameters I. Turn on the 1801 by rotating the function switch
specified for this instrument. clockwise and select either "l SEC" or "AUTO"
range.
NOTES
., Connect the signal to be counted to the input jack.
At high frequencies, always terminate the trans­
mission line in its characteristic impedance (e.g. 50 3. If the display overranges in the "l SEC" range,
ohm coaxial cable should be terminated into a 50 switch to "AUTO" and read the frequency directly
ohm resistive load). This wiJI eliminate reflections in MHz. When in the AUTO mode, allow the unit
along the line which could damage the equipment enough time to select the proper range and display
under test, or produce inaccurate readings. A DC the frequency. For frequencies below 1 MHz, the
blocking capacitor is required in the cases where AUTO mode will select the 1 second time base and·
the circuit DC bias might be affected by the the frequency readings will be displayed in kHz.

Transmitter

YA
Signal

-
Tap ntenna

- e
50 n
Load

50 --
Termination

1801 Frequency
Counter

Fig. 12. Measuring transmitter frequency.

9
 4. In the "1 SEC" range, the display shows the reading matches, the importance of minimizing the voltage
to Hertz (least significant digit, LSD), even though to the counter becomes obvious.
the most significant digits (MSD) may be beyond the A convenient method of paralleling the load and
display reading (overrange indicator flashes). the divider is shown in Fig. 12; details on
Example: If measuring frequency of 10.654321 MHz, construction of signal taps and termination shown
the counter will display 10.6543 MHz if it is in in Fig. 13 and 14 are available from
"AUTO" mode, and display "Over 654.321 kHz" if it
is in "l SEC" range. B & K-Precision, Factory Service Operations
Maxtec International Corporation
D. APPLICATIONS: 6470 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60635
1. Radio Transmitter Frequency Measurement
Four watts output power is chosen as example. Refer
to Fig. 12 for details. c. A SO-ohm termination resistor is required at the
counter input if a SO-ohm coaxial cable is used to
a. If a commercial SO-ohm termination, such as the prevent erratic counting caused by ringing and
Bird Model 6154, is not available, use a SW, reflections. Refer to Fig. 14.
SO-ohm non-inductive resistor at the transmitter
output as a dummy load in order to protect the
output stage. 2. Amplitude-Modulated Signals
Erroneous frequency readings may be obtained if
b. A resistive dr capacitive voltage divider is used in a carrier frequency measurements are performed with a
SO-ohm coaxial cable signal tap to protect the high percentage of amplitude modulation present.
transmitter output stage from load mismatch and This is caused by the fact that the carrier level
to protect the counter input stage from excessive periodically decreases to a near zero amplitude at
signal voltage (10: 1 probe is also usable). To 100% modulation. If this modulated signal is applied
determine the peak voltage of an RF carrier when to the frequency counter through a voltage divider as
the power and load are known, use the relationship: outlined earlier, the possibility of the carrier level
dropping to a value lower than the counter sensitivity
E PEAK= l .4y'PR where must be considered When this occurs, the counter
Pis power output in watts, does not count during the entire interval and an
erratic and inaccurate reading results. For more
R is load resistance in ohms. reliable results, the amplitude modulation should be
Using a 4-watt output into 50 ohms, removed when carrier frequency measurements are
performed.
EPEAK= l.4y'4x50
The frequency of the modulating signal, if in the
= 20 volts audio range, can be measured if a suitable detector
If we consider that this value can almost double with low-pass filter or a demodulator probe (such as
with 100 percent modulation and can be multi­ B&K-PRECISION'S PR-23 with adapter cable) is used
plied several times again by severe load mis- between the signal test point and counter.

50 pf
Air
(Variable)

Fig. 13. Signal taps.

��===:I----=•
Female
Connecto
To Matchr �----5-l_Q_½_w
Cable r
__ �:�;.;

Fig. 14. Termination for counter.

10
 3. Square Wave or Pulse Train Measurement 2. Internal time base output: If it is desired to use the
In some cases, miscounts can occur when measuring internal time base of the 1801 for other purposes,
the frequency of squa�e waves or a pulse train, such as a secondary frequency reference, the unit can
particularly if an unterminated input cable is used. be modified to make the internal reference frequency
That error is caused by "ringing" or overshooting in (IO MHz) available at the rear panel.
the unterminated transmission cable. The proper 3. Use of the counter as an accumulator or an event
value of damping resistor in series with the cable counter for machine operations is possible by de­
signal line can eliminate this effect. (Refer to feating the gating function.
Appendix for the damping resistor calculation.) In
practically all cases where the output of a pulse or
square wave generator is being measured, satisfactory
results are obtained if a short cable is used with a
terminating resistor at the counter input which
matches the generator impedance.
4. VHF /UHF Frequency Measurement
The 1801 Frequency Counter is compatible with all
commercially available prescalers to extend the fre­
quency range up to the UHF range (with 100: 1
prescaling).
When any such device is used, of course, the reading
on the counter must be multiplied by the scaling
factor to obtain the true frequency.

S. Line Frequency Measurement

NOTE
Using the line frequency as a check of
counter accuracy or using the counter to
verify the power line frequency is not
recommended if accuracy is required. The
counter reading obtained is accurate to ±1
digit. At 60 Hertz this represents a reading
error of ±1. 7%, which is much greater than
the allowable power line frequency devia­
tion. The following are provided as safety
guidelines in the event that line frequency
measurements are performed.
AC Outlet:
a. If the instrument is operated from a
grounded outlet (which is highly recom­
mended), only the center conductor of
the input cable should be connected to
the power line. Otherwise, a short circuit
might result. If a reading is not obtained
at one terminal, try the other.
b. If the instrument is operated from an
ungrounded (two conductor) outlet, or if
an ungrounded two-pronged adapter is
used, ground the chassis to earth ground
and proceed as above. The counter can be
connected directly to the line if it is a
120 volt line. For higher line voltages, a
voltage divider should be used to avoid
exceeding the input voltage rating of the
counter.

E. MODIFICATIONS
I. Use of external time base: If greater measurement
accuracy is required than afforded by the internal
time base, the instrument can be modified for use
with a higher precision external time base. Modifica­
tion instructions include provision for a switch to
select either the internal or external time base.

11
 THEORY OF OPERATION

The Model 1801 Frequency Counter consists of an input S. AUTO-RANGING CIRCUIT

section, time base and control circuit, counter section, This part of the circuit consists of an underrange
display, auto-ranging circuit, and power supply. detector, overrange detector, binary counter and de­
multiplexer.
1. INPUT
The input circuit consists of a protected high-impedan�e In auto-range mode, one of the three different length
FET /Bipolar pair amplifier (0 l , 02), two stages of signal counting periods is selected. The demultiplexer will
conditioner, a threshold detector (third amplifier of select the shortest period (10 mSEC) while the binary
IC l), an ECL to TTL level translator (03, 04), and a counter is in its lower two states. The counter will
counting control gate (05). accept a time base update pulse which is generated by
2. TIME BASE AND CONTROL IC26B at the end of the previous counting period and
moves to its third state; the demultiplexer selects a
A precision 10 MHz oscillator serves as a timing control decade longer period (100 mSEC) if the underrange de­
center from which different function control pulses are tector detects "zero" in MSD (IC21).
derived (refer to Timing Diagram in Fig. 16). It deter­
mines the counting interval, updates the display infor­ This cycle will repeat until the MSD begins to count or
mation, resets the counter and drives the display the demultiplexer reaches the 1 SEC time base.
multiplexing circuit.

3. COUNTER SECTION If the incoming signal is increased in frequency and the

instrument is overranged, the binary counter is reset and
A decade counter, a memory and multiplex-controlled a new auto-ranging sequence is initiated.
gates are provided for each digit. The overrange indicator
is driven by the last decade counter of the chain. Since the gates of IC27 are open collector, the function
switch will override their output in the "1 SEC"
4. DISPLAY position, and force the demultiplexer into the 1 SEC
time base.
Multiplexed BCD signals from counter chain are fed into
a decoder device (IC301) which drives 7-segment solid
state displays. Two frequency units (kHz, MHz)
indicators and three decimal- points are automatically 6. POWER SUPPLY
selected by auto-ranging circuit.
The power supply operates from 120V, 60 Hz line to
If the count per unit time exceeds the capacity of the supply regulated +15 volts and +5 volts DC for all
display, the spillover from MSD will trigger the over­ circuitry. The +5 volt output employs a closed loop
range circuit and flash the overrange light. feedback regulator for good load regulation.

RECALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE

Your counter was carefully checked and calibrated at oscillator ±1 Hz of 10 MHz (a 1 MHz standard can be used
the factory prior to shipment. There is only one adjustment to set the oscillator ±10 Hz of 10 MHz).
in all the circuitry, so recalibration is exceptionally simple,
if it is ever required. Procedure:
Calibration of this instrument should not be attempted 1. Allow the counter to warm-up for at least 20 minutes.
unless you are experienced and qualified in the use of 2. Connect the standard frequency source to front panel
precision laboratory equipment. Should any difficulty input.
occur during repair or calibration, refer to the warranty
service instructions at the rear of this manual for informa­ 3. Set function switch to " l SEC" position.
tion on technical assistance. NOTE: The instrument will overrange and thus the MSD
The adjustment point (C202) is located at the left front will be lost.
side of the counter on the vertical printed circuit board. 4. With a non-metallic alignment tool, adjust C202, through
To calibrate the oscillator, a 10 MHz standard with the hole in the side of the cover, for a display equal
accuracy of at least ±1 part in 10 8 is required to set the to the standard frequency ±1 count.

12
 r.----------- -- - -- ----- -------- --,
I LEVEL I
SIGNAL ....___,. THRESHOLD 1---M TRANSLATOR I
,- ----,I
WIDE BAND 1------1.a O .R.
INPUT I I
I AMPLIFIER CONDITIONER DETECTOR &
(J) COUNTERI I
CONTROL GATE j
I ..______, ..______. '---..----'
- - SECTION I
--- ----'11 ___ --- _...,___,
'-------J J
L ____ _______________ --- -
(1) INPUT CIRCUIT COUNTING I
CONTROL ,------------M 1---.-10VERRANG I
RESET COUNTER CHAIN
.Jul I
DETECTOR I
I
AUTO-RANGING
r------:-,
(5) U I
r:- - -, ---- -,- - --- - -;l
.,
I----'
- __ __.
- - __
I 1a I I _J

DEMULTIPLEXER 1 TIME BASE GENERATOR

I
I .--
, -----
I
___ I I
CONTROL PULSE.GENERATOR lfl I
MEMORY
I I & ITRANSFER
r
I
, I
I I I
I
MULTIPLEXER DRIVER I
BINARY COUNTER 11. I I
I I ,,
&
CONTROL CIRCUIT
I� I.
) I ( 2) TIME BASE & - - - - - - - - ::_I I
! CONTROL f MULTIPLEXER I
I I
I I
r----:-, I I
I
-----,
(6) POWER SUPPLY
I
r-------,
, DECIMAL I ,_ ___ ,___ '...J
I I t
UNDERRANGE. · 1·- POINT
DETECTOR I
I. 1
I
I I
DRIVERS I
I L_I ______ J
I
I
I
I
POWER
SUPPLY
I
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_....._
1 ,_. _
DISPLAY '
(4)
, ------1
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-
: SW�TCH I I CONTROL ?-SEGMENT I
I I SWITCH DISPLAY DECODER/ I
I I I DRIVER
I
I I L ___ --- __I

___ -_-_-_,I
Fig. 1 S. System block diagram.
""' FUNCTIONS WAVE FORMS
TEST
REMARKS
POINTS

) I I
GENERAL: (1) ALL CONTROL

I I I I I
r
CLOCK SIGNALS Ac'TIVATE AT LOGIC
1 OR 2
Hz)
(1<1JO I "l" LEVELi (2) ALL SIGNALS
OR 3

10 mSEC --TIME BASE

I ARE AT TTL LEVELS. (3) .100 Hz

2 0 �
'"I,. PERIOD+
5 mSEC
CLOCK IS USED AS AN EXAMPLE.

I MAX.
COUNTING
CONTROL J I It.
I
150 µ5 TYP.
I I

0.2 µ S
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TYP. n--
I I

1
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250mSEC
MEMORY

0.2 IJS
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r TYP.
UPDATE

TYP. ! l
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1
''
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I I
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COMPLEMENTARY WAVEFORM
I
:
6
RESET (1) i
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5 BµS TYF!
I

TYP. rr-
TIME BASE
UPDATE
I µSl I
I....,.
//
� 7
I
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:n-------
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OVER- I I

----
RANGE I THIS PULSE C{>ULD OCCUR
SIGNAL I I AT ANY TIME DURING THE
I I
COUNTING PERIOD.

Fig. 16. Timing diagram.

 APPENDIX

DETERMINATION OF APPROXIMATE
DAMPING RESISTOR

r-------, ,- ---,I
I�
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3 ft. ___,,. I Counter I
I 1�1
I Vs I . I
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---=-_J
I
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- I

Fig. A-1. Use of damping resistor in frequency measurements.

_r 1
I I
Fig. A-2. Equivalent circuit of counter input.

Because of cable capacitance Cc and the counter's input where C i = 20 pF (typical)

capacitance Ci a voltage divider is formed after a series Cc = 87 pF (typical) for RG-58 coaxial cable,
damping resistor Rd has been added. The value of Rtl is which has a capacitance of 28.5-29.5
determined by the signal source frequency and amplitude, pF /ft.
and because the frequency is usually unknown before the
measurement, only an approximate value for Rd can be V 0= 30mV RMS (counter sensitivity)
obtained by guessing the source frequency. In order to f 1 = estimated square wave or pulse train repeti­
maintain a minimum voltage of 30 mV RMS at the divider tion frequency.
output, value of Rd can be determined by the following
relations: When the duty cycle of the pulse signal is low, a lower
value of R d should be chosen.

(I) Xe = 1r : c= capacitor impedance at frequency f 1.

2 1
(2) C = Ci+ Cc
Vs-Vo
(3) Rd =
Vo Xc

15
 TEST INSTRUMENT SAFETY

(continued from inside front cover)

6. Some equipment with a two-wire ac power cord, including some with

a polarized power plug, is the "hot chassis" type. This includes most
recent television receivers and audio equipment. A plastic or wooden
cabinet insulates the chassis to protect the customer. When the cabi­
net is removed for servicing, a serious shock hazard exists if the chas­
sis is touched. Not only does this present a dangerous shock hazard,
but damage to test instruments or the equipment under test may
result from connecting the ground lead of most test instruments to a
"hot chassis". To make measurements in "hot chassis" equipment,
always connect an isolation transformer between the ac outlet and
the equipment under test. The B &t K-Precision Model TR-110 Isola­
tion Transformer, or Model 1653 or 1655 AC Power Supply is suitable
for most applications. To be on the safe side, treat all two-wire ac
powered equipment as "hot chassis" unless you are sure it has an iso­
lated chassis or an earth ground chassis.

7. Servicing of this unit should be performed only by qualified electron­

ics technicians who are trained to work safely in the presence of high
voltage. AC line voltage is present on the fuse and power trans­
former primary circuit whenever the line cord is plugged into a live
ac outlet, even if the POWER switch is off.

8. Never work alone. Someone should be nearby to render aid if neces­

sary. Training in CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) first aid is
highly recommended.
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SCHEMATIC B&K
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER B & K-PRECISION MODEL 1801 PARTS LIST
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS 488-145-9-002C

SCHEMATIC B&K
ICl 10116 ECL Triple Line Receiver ................307-056- 9- 001 SYMBOL DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
IC 2 7 442 BCD-to-Decimal Decoder .................307- 053- 9- 001
IC 3 7 404 HexInverter .........................307- 039- 9- 001
IC 4 7 IO 7 401 Quadruple 2-lnput NAND Gates
J
RESISTORS
13 6, ' } _
19, 27
with Open-Collector Output ...............307- 055- 9- 001 R 29 10k!1± 1% I/ 2W P.F.Metal Film ...............0 11- 020- 9- 001
R 30 4.99k!1± 1 % 1/2W P.F.Meta1Film ..............0 1 1- 07 1- 9-0 01
IC 5, 8, 11,
14, 17, } 7 47 5 Quadruple Latch ......................307- 013- 9- 001 CAPACITORS
20

IC 6 7 4196 High-Speed Counter ...................307- 048-9- 001 C l , 203 30 pF, ± 5% N7 50 Pin Lead Ceramic Disc ..........0 20- 135- 9- 001 .

IC 9, 12, C2 .22µf, 200V, 10%Po lyester ...................025- 028- 9- 001

15, 18,
C 3, 4,2 4 l 5µf, 20V Tantalum ........................0 27- 006- 9- 003
21 202
C 5, 21,25 .OOlµf, 500V Ceramic Disc ...................0 20- 07 2- 9- 001
,
203,204,
• 7 490 Decade Counter .......................307- 012- 9- 001 C 6, 8, 9, l 2,
205, 20 6,
207, 20 8
1�:16s, } 47µf, 6.3V Tantalum Capacitor .................027- 006- 9- 004
3 01
l(;i2• 25• } 7 47 3 Dual J-K Flip-Flop .....................307- 01 0-9- 001
C7, 11, 15,
}
16, 18, 22, .Olµf, 25V Ceramic Disc .....................0 20- 10 4-9-001
IC 23 7 41 Operational Amplifier ....................307-0 16- 9- 001
23, 204
IC2 4 7 4123 Dual Mu ltivibrator ....................307- 054- 9- 001
�t1·
1 28
• } 7 400 Quadruple 2-lnput NAND Gate .............307- 015- 9- 001
ClO
C 19
C 20
47 0µf, 1 6V E lectrolytic ......................02 2-10 0- 9- 001
3300µ[, 16V Electro lytic .....................02 2-12 4- 9- 001
47 0µf, 25V Electrolytic .... ; .................022- 095-9- 001
IC 301 7 447 BCD to ?-Segment Decoder ...............307- 049- 9- 001 C 26 .05µf, 1 OOV Ceramic Disc ....................020-1 02- 9- 001
C 20 1 91 pF, N7 50 Ceramic Disc ....................020- 136- 9- 001
SWITCH C2 02 8- 60 pF trimmer ..........................028- 001- 9- 00 4
SI Rotary .................................083- 17 1-9- 00 1
CRYSTAL AND INDUCTOR
MISCELLANEOUS
X201 1 0 MHz Crystal ...........................132- 010- 9- 001
Lrtf1 ( ) L1 3.9µH 5%Inductor .........................04 1- 06 5- 9- 001
03} HP 5082- 4484 Light-Emitting-Diode LED .........158- 004- 9- 001
DG 301,
��'.�g�
DIODES
'.}HP5 082-77 30 Solid State ?-Segment Displays .......238- 004- 9- 001 Dl, 2,7 1N 414 8 Silicon ...........................151- 038- 9- 001
30 6 D 3, 4, 5 1A, 00V Rectifier .........................151-0 50- 9- 001
6
D6 15V, 3%, 1/ 2W Zener .................. : ....152- 0 0- 9- 001 6
Tl Power Transformer .........................0 6 5- 106- 9- 001 D8 1N6 0 Germanium ..........................150-0 01- 9-0 05
Bus Bar ................................7 57- 018- 9- 001
.Line Cord, 3-Wire with Mo lded P lug ..............420- 010- 9- 001 TRANSISTORS
Standoff·................................7 59- 056- 9- 001
Standoff, Square ..........................7 59- 059- 9- 001 Ql 2N 5950 J-FET ............................1 82- 0 3 1-9- 001
Knob ..................................751- 116 -9- 001 Q 2, 3, 4, 5 MPS 3640 PNP Switching Transistor .............177- 014- 9- 00 1
Stand, Wire Form .......................... 804- 005- 9- 001 Q6 2N6 383 Power Darlington Transistor .............17 2- 021- 9- 001
Foot, Front ..............................381- 059- 9- 001
Foot, Rear ..............................381- 06 1- 9-001 Q7, 8, 9,
Instruction Manual .........................480-I 6 1- 9- 00I 10, 11, } MPS 2369 NPN Switching Transistor .............17 6 - 049-9- 001
201, 307
NOTE: Standard value resistors are not listed. Values may be obtained from Q 301, 302
schematic diagram. Minimum charge $ 5.00 per invoice. Orders will be shipped 3 03, 304,} 2N 5142 PNP Signal Transistor .................177- 013- 9-00 1
C.O.D. unless previous open account arrangements have been made or remittance 30 5, 306
accompanies order. Advance remittance must cover postage or express charges.
Specify serial number when ordering replacement parts. COMPOSITE
499-072-9-001 C
B & K • DYNASCAN CORPORATION • 1801 W. Belle Plaine Ave. • Chicago, Illinois 60 613