Frequency counter

[Liccs891]

Does anybody know of a good frequency counter that will show the input frequencies displayed on screen…it would be nice if it has RX/TX/CTCSS/DCS etc etc but mainly need to figure out this input frequency!?

It Dosent have to be a frequency counter maybe something just to show me the input frequency or idk…just want options here!!

 

[nd5y]

You need to be more specific. Input frequency of what? What exactly are you trying to do?

 

[K4EET]

Does anybody know of a good frequency counter that will show the input frequencies displayed on screen… <snip>

When you say “good frequency counter”, you might want to tell us what your budget is. I can suggest models from sub $100 to well over $1,000 that will do what you are asking for.

Also, welcome to Radio Reference!

 

[K9KLC]

input frequency

What input frequency? A little more info might help here.

 

[K4EET]

<snip> but mainly need to figure out this input frequency!?

It Dosent have to be a frequency counter maybe something just to show me the input frequency or idk…just want options here!!

Like @nd5y and @K9KLC were asking about your application, we need to know that in order to determine what will work for you. This meets what you asked for in the sub $50 category and works quite well for a sub $50 frequency counter but it may not do whatever you’re trying to do. I have one of these and find it “good enough” for many applications but it may not be what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-Surecom-Plus-Hand-Held-Frequency/dp/B01D86RR0S/

 

[RaleighGuy]

mainly need to figure out this input frequency!?

Many frequency counters do not decode digital (DMR/P25) signals, which is why it is important you provide additional information. Also, many frequencies can be found in the RR/FCC database by company name and location.

 

[nd5y]

There is probably no "good" frequency counter under $100 (new).
No frequency counter is good if you don't know how it operates or how to use one.

 

[K9KLC]

okay so basically there’s a repeater I hooked up 10 channels to let’s say and everything works fine

I go to do 2 more channels to program on the same repeater and the tx does not work…I know the RX is correct cause I can hear and for the PL tone I even scanned ctcss and came up with the same pl tone, so it must be the tx frequency that is wrong on the web page or idk what…but for those 2 specific channels it will not give feed back from the repeater so my theory is it’s gotta be the tx frequency

And idk maybe 100+ no more then 200$ I’m guessing if that’s sufficient enough??

Is this what your asking or for the frequencies specifically??

Again, what repeater? Help us help you ...

 

[K4EET]

okay so basically there’s a repeater I hooked up 10 channels to let’s say and everything works fine

I go to do 2 more channels to program on the same repeater and the tx does not work…I know the RX is correct cause I can hear and for the PL tone I even scanned ctcss and came up with the same pl tone, so it must be the tx frequency that is wrong on the web page or idk what…but for those 2 specific channels it will not give feed back from the repeater so my theory is it’s gotta be the tx frequency

And idk maybe 100+ no more then 200$ I’m guessing if that’s sufficient enough??

Is this what your asking or for the frequencies specifically??

The more information that you can share then we can better guide you to what you need. As for a repeater input (your transmit), if you know the repeater output (your receive), then just use the repeater’s offset to determine the frequency pair.

If you would tell us where in the Radio Reference database this repeater is, we could probably answer your questions quickly.

 

[nd5y]

Basically I’ve hooked Up to the repeater on my radio for several channels, when I go to type in the other 2 that are on the same repeater it Dosent work, now I can hear on the

okay so basically there’s a repeater I hooked up 10 channels to let’s say and everything works fine

I go to do 2 more channels to program on the same repeater and the tx does not work…I know the RX is correct cause I can hear and for the PL tone I even scanned ctcss and came up with the same pl tone, so it must be the tx frequency that is wrong on the web page or idk what…but for those 2 specific channels it will not give feed back from the repeater so my theory is it’s gotta be the tx frequency

None of that makes any sense.

 

[mmckenna]

I go to do 2 more channels to program on the same repeater and the tx does not work…I know the RX is correct cause I can hear and for the PL tone I even scanned ctcss and came up with the same pl tone, so it must be the tx frequency that is wrong on the web page or idk what…but for those 2 specific channels it will not give feed back from the repeater so my theory is it’s gotta be the tx frequency

There's a number of issues with your assumptions.
The output PL tone from a repeater does not automatically match the input PL tone. Some systems use different tones for input and output.
Databases can be wrong, usually info is submitted by individuals that may have bad info. PL tones can be changed, databases can be out of date.
You may simply be out of range of the repeaters. Being able to hear a repeater does not mean your radio can reach into it as well.

And idk maybe 100+ no more then 200$ I’m guessing if that’s sufficient enough??

I don't think it's going to solve the issue.

Is this what your asking or for the frequencies specifically??

Knowing more about YOUR setup and where YOU are located, as well as which repeater you are trying to reach might give people enough information to provide real world help. Someone may be familiar with the specific repeater and it's coverage and might shine some light on why it's not working for you. It's entirely possible you are missing or misinterpreting the data from the database and may have your radio programmed incorrectly.

A frequency counter is only going to tell you what a very close by radio is doing in some cases. It's not going to decode info from other radios miles away, or a repeater.

Have you tried taking your radio outside or to a different location and see if it works better? If this is a hand held radio then usually the poor performance of the antenna and low transmit power may be working against you.

I don't think throwing a few hundred dollars at a frequency counter is going to solve your issue. You may want to contact the repeater owner and have them confirm the frequency/PL data. They may also be able to help you troubleshoot your setup.

 

[K9KLC]

don't think throwing a few hundred dollars at a frequency counter is going to solve your issue. You may want to contact the repeater owner and have them confirm the frequency/PL data. They may also be able to help you troubleshoot your setup.

This is the only possible answer. While knowing the repeater might help, unless you talk to someone actually using it, the repeater owner, trustee, or other authorized person with the correct answer, anything else is a guess.

 

[Liccs891]

This is the only possible answer. While knowing the repeater might help, unless you talk to someone actually using it, the repeater owner, trustee, or other authorized person with the correct answer, anything else is a guess.

Yeah this makes sense…or a monitor that the other guy said before that tells you rx/tx/ctcss etc etc

guys sorry im new to this and trying to figure everything out and respond...i def appreciate all your guys help let me respond i apoligize in advance!!

There's a number of issues with your assumptions.
The output PL tone from a repeater does not automatically match the input PL tone. Some systems use different tones for input and output.
Databases can be wrong, usually info is submitted by individuals that may have bad info. PL tones can be changed, databases can be out of date.
You may simply be out of range of the repeaters. Being able to hear a repeater does not mean your radio can reach into it as well.



I don't think it's going to solve the issue.



Knowing more about YOUR setup and where YOU are located, as well as which repeater you are trying to reach might give people enough information to provide real world help. Someone may be familiar with the specific repeater and it's coverage and might shine some light on why it's not working for you. It's entirely possible you are missing or misinterpreting the data from the database and may have your radio programmed incorrectly.

A frequency counter is only going to tell you what a very close by radio is doing in some cases. It's not going to decode info from other radios miles away, or a repeater.

Have you tried taking your radio outside or to a different location and see if it works better? If this is a hand held radio then usually the poor performance of the antenna and low transmit power may be working against you.

I don't think throwing a few hundred dollars at a frequency counter is going to solve your issue. You may want to contact the repeater owner and have them confirm the frequency/PL data. They may also be able to help you troubleshoot your setup.

okay so should i post the codes etc etc and how i programmed as well??

None of that makes any sense.

sorry i think im wording it wrong!! so...

The more information that you can share then we can better guide you to what you need. As for a repeater input (your transmit), if you know the repeater output (your receive), then just use the repeater’s offset to determine the frequency pair.

If you would tell us where in the Radio Reference database this repeater is, we could probably answer your questions quickly.

WQIV284 this is the call sign for my station...trying to program my home radio as well...i set the rx to 158.745 and the tx to 153.9875...in chirp i put it on tone with 186.2PL...with a negative offset of 4.757500...and i can hear but when i tap PTT i get 0 feedback!!

There's a number of issues with your assumptions.
The output PL tone from a repeater does not automatically match the input PL tone. Some systems use different tones for input and output.
Databases can be wrong, usually info is submitted by individuals that may have bad info. PL tones can be changed, databases can be out of date.
You may simply be out of range of the repeaters. Being able to hear a repeater does not mean your radio can reach into it as well.



I don't think it's going to solve the issue.



Knowing more about YOUR setup and where YOU are located, as well as which repeater you are trying to reach might give people enough information to provide real world help. Someone may be familiar with the specific repeater and it's coverage and might shine some light on why it's not working for you. It's entirely possible you are missing or misinterpreting the data from the database and may have your radio programmed incorrectly.

A frequency counter is only going to tell you what a very close by radio is doing in some cases. It's not going to decode info from other radios miles away, or a repeater.

Have you tried taking your radio outside or to a different location and see if it works better? If this is a hand held radio then usually the poor performance of the antenna and low transmit power may be working against you.

I don't think throwing a few hundred dollars at a frequency counter is going to solve your issue. You may want to contact the repeater owner and have them confirm the frequency/PL data. They may also be able to help you troubleshoot your setup.

WQIV284 this is the call sign for my station...trying to program my home radio as well...i set the rx to 158.745 and the tx to 153.9875...in chirp i put it on tone with 186.2PL...with a negative offset of 4.757500...and i can hear but when i tap PTT i get 0 feedback!!

You need to be more specific. Input frequency of what? What exactly are you trying to do?

WQIV284 this is the call sign for my station...trying to program my home radio as well...i set the rx to 158.745 and the tx to 153.9875...in chirp i put it on tone with 186.2PL...with a negative offset of 4.757500...and i can hear but when i tap PTT i get 0 feedback!!

 

[K9KLC]

WQIV284 this is the call sign for my station...trying to program my home radio as well...i set the rx to 158.745 and the tx to 153.9875...in chirp i put it on tone with 186.2PL...with a negative offset of 4.757500...and i can hear but when i tap PTT i get 0 feedback!!

Ok wait, hang on a minute here, you're using chirp to program a radio on a FD frequency? I just want to make sure I understand here...

 

[nd5y]

WQIV284 this is the call sign for my station..

That is a public safety license that belongs to a county government.
If you had a need and authorization to use their system they probably would have issued you a radio.
If they authorized you to use your own radio on their system they should have provided you the programming information or had their radio shop or vendor program it for you.

Any other use would be a violation of FCC regulations and possibly also state laws.

 

[Liccs891]

That is a public safety license that belongs to a county government.
If you had a need and authorization to use their system they probably would have issued you a radio.
If they authorized you to use your own radio on their system they should have provided you the programming information or had their radio shop or vendor program it for you.

Any other use would be a violation of FCC regulations and possibly also state laws.

im aware...not breaking the law here

Ok wait, hang on a minute here, you're using chirp to program a radio on a FD frequency? I just want to make sure I understand here...

correct

 

[nd5y]

im aware...not breaking the law here

Actually you and your county probably are in violation of FCC regulations.
If you have your own base station at home then it's not listed on the license (no FB stations).
There are no control stations (FX1) on the license, only mobiles and repeaters, so you can't legally operate your own base station on the repeater input. If they authorized you to use your own base station then they need to add it to the license.

 

[Liccs891]

Actually you and your county probably are in violation of FCC regulations.
If you have your own base station at home then it's not listed on the license (no FB stations).
There are no control stations (FX1) on the license, only mobiles and repeaters, so you can't legally operate your own base station on the repeater input. If they authorized you to use your own base station then they need to add it to the license.

No base station…and at this point I’m not getting into legality’s with you I’m here asking for help and that’s it if you don’t want to then just tell me idc

 

[nd5y]

Your doing it wrong in CHIRP. Some radios can't handle offsets with that many decimal places. Try programming the TX and RX frequencies separately and don't use offset.

MemoryEditorColumns - CHIRP

Redmine

chirpmyradio.com

 

[Liccs891]

The only way I see in Chirp is to + or - and rype on the diff…how would you change it so you can type in frequency I don’t see that in editor columns??

Your doing it wrong in CHIRP. Some radios can't handle offsets with that many decimal places. Try programming the TX and RX frequencies separately and don't use offset.

MemoryEditorColumns - CHIRP

Redmine

chirpmyradio.com

or leave duplex blank and type the physical frequency in the offset column??