The 3000A is the first handheld frequency counter to combine the computing power of a microprocessor with the OE10 high speed counter IC to provide unparalleled counting capabilities. The 3000A can capture off-the-air signal frequency completely without operator intervention - and record the result in internal memory.

The microprocessor digitally filters the RF signal frequencies to reduce spurious counting. All of this is done without relying on the signal strength to exceed some arbitrary level, ensuring reliable performance in today's dense signal environments. Proprietary software monitors the incoming RF for stable, coherent signals, and only when these conditions are satisfied will the count be presented to the user.

Internal memory allows the 3000A to store the last three filtered frequencies for later examination. This feature allows for unattended operation.

The 3000A has four separate input amplifiers to push sensitivity to new levels. This was done for a very simple reason: the wider bandwidth a counter front end has, the higher it's inherent noise floor and the lower the sensitivity. This is the concept behind the Optoelectronics APS104 active preselector, and is applied here for the first time in a frequency counter.

This does not mean the 3000A sacrifices bandwidth for sensitivity. However, the input circuitry has been designed to cover the 10Hz to 3GHz range in bands, chosen to optimize sensitivity for each application.

The direct 1 to 250MHz input is used primarily for setting crystal oscillators on frequency and monitoring HF through VHF communications. Here, a high gain preamplifier yields sensitivies typically below 1 millivolt.

The next higher band includes the 10MHz to 1000MHz region, chosen to include most common VHF and UHF two-way radio traffic. The highest frequency band covers 500MHz to 3GHz. By blocking out troublesome lower frequency signals like broadcast FM and TV, weak cellular radio signals can be isolated and measured.

Newly designed FET input preamplifiers deliver high sensitivity from 10Hz to beyond 50MHz, while reducing battery drain. Two identical amplifiers are used for Ratio and Time Interval measurements.

Digital Communications Port
The 3000A is equipped with a TTL asynchronous serial interface which allow the units to be connected to a personal computer for the purpose of reading frequency information. The three-wire interface is accessible via a 1/8th inch stereo phone jack. The OptoLinx is required to convert the TTL signals to RS-232C levels compatible with most personal computers.

• Digital filter mode greatly reduces the display of random noise and oscillation without any loss of sensitivity or antenna pickup distance
• Digital auto capture locks counter display on first reading to pass the filter
• ARM/STORE button stores and recalls frequencies from a three register stack
• Low Power Consumption, 5-6 hour battery operation.
• Digital communications port
• Fast 250 Million counts per second for high resolution counting, 250 MHz direct count
• Dual High Impedance amplifiers for ratio and time interval counting
• Full range counter covers 10Hz to over 3GHz
• Ultra sensitive bargraph with 16 segment display of RF signal strength
• Built in RS-232C
• Multi-Function Counter with Frequency, Period, Ratio, and Time Interval Measurement Capability

Antennas - Maximize performance for a particular band.
Filters      - Eliminate unwanted signals outside the desired band.

 
Time Interval (TI) Mode      "A" Start "B" Stop Minimum pulse width is 200nS.
Period/TI Max Resolution     Single Shot - 100 nS. Averaged - .1 nS.
                             Max Display: 999.999  999.9 uS
Period/TI Average            Averages 10, 100, or 1000 measurements for
                             increased resolution.
Time Base                    10 MHz Stability: +/- 1ppm 20-40oC   Aging: 1ppm/yr typ.
Display                      10 Digit (120 segment) Liquid Crystal Display. 
Low Battery Indicator        "LOW BATT" displayed when battery pack needs charging.
Annunciators                 Frequency, Period, Interval, Ratio, Average, MHz, uS, nS,
                             Low Batt, Prescale, A, B, Intervals/Periods Averaged
Size                         5.3" high x 3.9" wide x 1.4" deep. Weight 15 oz.
Cabinet                      Extruded Aluminum, black paint finish
Power                        9VDC, 150 mA using model AC90 wall plug adapter. 
                             5-6 hours operation from internal batteries