Experience with CHEAP frequency counters

CqDx · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 12:29 AM

I was wondering if anyone purchased one of those cheap portable frequency counters off ebay and how they feel about them. I know I can't expect top notch casing and pin drop performance but at $40 it's hard to resist to have one of these counters around when you need them (that's IF they work at all)

Feel free to chime in on any comments!

MPSCS · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:01 AM

Normally you have to get very close to the source. I think you'd be better off with one of the new scanners that has the close-call feature.

fineshot1 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 12:34 PM

I use an OptoElectronics Scout 40 all the time - especially when driving around my local area.

I have been doing this for about 10 years now with great success in finding unknown freqs
used by many local business's and law enforcement and emergency service agencies.

Its not one of the cheap ones, but it works well with a dual band rubber duck. I just write
down the freq for later programing into my scanner and then work on finding the tone.

chrismol1 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 02:47 PM

I have a cheapo GOOIT Gy560 off ebay, I think it was around $20 including shipping. Its 50MHz-2.5GHz.
its simple, takes a 9 volt. Little 2 inch telescopic antenna. Of course you can only receive within a few inches from the transmitter
Only 1 button to operate the device, 100Hz, 200KHz, 1KHz step. Simple but it works! Its great to find out what frequency a portable is programmed.