2210A and 2300 frequency counters

General information.
The OptoElectronics 2210A and 2300 frequency counters are general purpose instruments, designed to be capable of measuring the frequency of signals being radiated from an antenna.
Care must be taken not to hold the counter too close to high power transmitters, as excessive input signal will damage the input amplifier circuits.

Differences.
The 2210A has two frequency ranges (10Hz to 12MHz and 10MHz to 2400MHz), while the 2300 has only the one frequency range (10MHz to 2400MHz).
As the two fit in the same case, and even use the same circuit board, the different ranges are accounted for by changing the functions of the switches. The 2210A has power, range and gate timing switches, while the 2300 has power, hold and gate timing.

Gate timing.
The gate timing switch allows the user to select a short gate time for fast readings at low resolution, or a slow gate time for a high resolution reading.
Due to the different timebases for the ranges, the timing will also be different on each frequency range. These frequencies and time delays are listed below.

Specifications.
The specifications below are those stated by the manufacturer, and relate to the product when new. All test equipment drifts over time and, as with most test equipment, frequency counters should be regularly checked and calibrated to ensure that they still meet the manufacturers specifications.

Frequency range.

Specification	2210A	2300
Low frequency	10Hz to 12MHz	N/A
High frequency	10MHz to 2.4GHz

Timebase

Specification	2210A	2300
Frequency (low)	3.90625MHz	N/A
Frequency (high)	10MHz
Gate period (3.90625MHz)	100mS / 1 second	N/A
Gate period (10MHz)	250mS / 2.5 seconds
Accuracy	Timebase accuracy +/- 1 count
Stability	1 ppm @ 25 to35C
Aging	1ppm typical after first year
Calibration	Through hole in front panel.

Readout

Specification	2210A	2300
Type	8 digit LED
Resolution (100mS)	10Hz	N/A
Resolution (1 Second)	1Hz
Resolution (250mS)	1KHz
Resolution (2.5 Second)	100Hz

Input impedance.

Range	2210A	2300
10Hz to 12Mhz	1 MegOhm	N/A
10MHz to 2.4GHz	50 Ohm

Sensitivity

Frequency	2210A	2300
10 Hz	20mV	N/A
1KHz	10mV
1MHz
10MHz
10MHz	5mV
30MHz 150MHz	1mV
450MHz 850MHz	3mV

Maximum signal levels.
The danger of excessive signals cannot be overstated. The amplifier ICs used on the input can be destroyed very easily. You may also now find it difficult or expensive to get replacements.

Range	2210A	2300
10Hz to 12Mhz	100v	N/A
10MHz to 2.4GHz	+15dBm

Schematic diagram.
The diagram for these instruments can be found in the diagram database.

More information.
Although there appears to be no information about these models, the Optoelectronics Web site does have specifications and prices for their present range of test equipment.

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