Author |
Message |
Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 220 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 1:26 am: |
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Hello again Tech Gods of Copper. I am looking at the meters you folks sell at Coppers. One that I'm especially looking at is the DOSY TFC-3001 Code # D60-07054 I am needing a meter that incorporates a freq counter in it. Now, the question I have is this. Does the frequency counter read from the coax connection? or does it have a seperate hookup like some RCI radios do? or do you have to solder wires etc? And how stable is the counter and accuracy etc? Does it work on recieve as well? or just TX. I understand it probably won't be much good on SSB as you need a solid carrier etc. But was curious because I've also heard that the DOSY meters are not that accurate on power readings etc. How accurate it this meter on Modulation/Power/SWR? Also, this meter has specs that say it reads "peak power" But will it also show a dead key wattage as well? And are the meters lighted by the way? Thank you again folks. If this meter fits the bill, I might just order it. |
Geekster
Intermediate Member Username: Geekster
Post Number: 110 Registered: 6-2004
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 8:26 am: |
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If I am not mistaken I think you just plug in your coax and you get the transmit frequency no RX. You would need a programmable freq counter or one designed for your application, that plugs into your VCO. Accuracy I cannot say for sure. It should show the dead key wattage and the Peak swings on modulation. I think the 4001P is lighted.
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Pig040
Advanced Member Username: Pig040
Post Number: 548 Registered: 7-2003
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 10:21 am: |
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I had the dosy with the freq counter, the freq reading read pretty much the same as the radio. I also used one of those ratshack readers, and it was right on too, so as far as the freq it was pretty accurate. As far as the power, I think the dosy that I had read a little higher than my other meters. Rich |
Tech833
Moderator Username: Tech833
Post Number: 818 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 4:18 pm: |
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The frequency counter is 'powered' when you key your transmitter. It picks up the signal from the same sample used to drive the meter indications. There are no other connections to your radio required. As for accuracy. Unless you connect a perfect, non-inductive dummy load to the output of the meter, your accuracy will not be a calibrated measure. However, It will certainly give you a close indication of what is happening. They truly are worth the money. |
Dindin
Intermediate Member Username: Dindin
Post Number: 312 Registered: 2-2004
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 5:49 pm: |
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Cuddlebear, the Dosy tfc-3001 ;is lighted with a green tint,swr meter jives with the one on the Galaxy,power meter tracks pretty good,mod meter shows a little higher.freq counter works only on transmit and mine is off about 2 khz.
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Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 222 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 5:54 pm: |
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Thanks guy's. Pig040, That's what I've heard about the dosy meters. That they are a bit more generous with the power readings than you are actually putting out. I want a DEAD accurate meter. |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3285 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 7:33 pm: |
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Darn, The lights in my TFC-3001 are white, but then mine is an older model. I also have a picture on my TFC-3001 in the Picture I posted in the Open area here. I set mine on a Dummy load and calibrated it with several other memters and it has remained Very Accurate on SWR and Power and the Frequency Display has been Dead on. I Love mine Great Product. Wonder if the TFC-3001P Model Copper Carries has the Green Lights. http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodD60-07042+ Lon Tech808 |
Tech548
Moderator Username: Tech548
Post Number: 230 Registered: 5-2004
| Posted on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 2:04 am: |
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Good grief Lonnie. Save your money. Lol. I'm bet Shirley will paint the darned bulbs green for you in the meter you already have if you ask her nicely. Jeff.
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Tech833
Moderator Username: Tech833
Post Number: 820 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 10:30 pm: |
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Cuddlebear, If you want a DEAD accurate meter, purchase a Bird Thruline meter. That's about all there is. |
Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 226 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 12:22 am: |
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ok, Tech833, Sounds good to me. Question. Where can I find these meters? and ballpark on price. Thanks in advance. Also, where can I find one of those o-scopes for the P.C that would work good for CB? Again, a thanks in advance. |
Tech833
Moderator Username: Tech833
Post Number: 826 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 12:10 pm: |
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Call Copper and see what they have. A Bird model 43 Truline meter with UHF jacks will run about $300. A 2-30 MHz. 50 watt element (called a 'slug') will run around $90 to $110. Figure a little over $400 ready to go. I highly suggest getting the carrying case if you ever plan to take it in the field. |