For years, the frequency counter has been one of the scanning enthusiast’s main tools. You can compile all of the lists you want, consult all of the databases available, but nothing compares to being able to get a real-time reading of the signal as it is being transmitted.
Using a conventional frequency counter is not something which can easily be done inconspicuously. My favorite, the venerable Optoelectronics M1 counter at nearly five inches tall and three inches wide, did not lend itself to surreptitious operation. No matter where I went, pulling out a frequency counter in a public place always got a lot of unwanted attention; especially from security personnel or the police!
However, Optoelectronics has introduced a counter that offers excellent performance, but draws no more attention than an average digital pager. Additionally, it is fast, accurate and extremely easy to use.
The MicroCounter frequency counter was designed to fit inside a conventional 2.8" x 1.9" x 1.1" digital pager case. The only noticeable difference (and you really have to look hard to see it) is a small, 2.5mm sub-mini jack on the side which is used for the external antenna.
Though the MicroCounter is small in size, the components and workmanship is of the same high quality I’ve come to expect from Optoelectronics. The 12 digit, .15 inch display is clear and sharp with excellent contrast, so that it may be viewed at the waist level without removing the counter from the belt. The standard pager case, though not remarkable in itself, appears sturdy with well-fitted seams.
The MicroCounter runs on a conventional "AA" battery which is advertised to last from ten to twelve hours, though in actual operation mine lasted about fifteen hours. When the battery voltage drops to the point where operation becomes unreliable, a low battery warning is shown on the display.
Internally, the MicroCounter contains features found in frequency counters costing many times its price. It utilizes a two-stage preamplifier for excellent sensitivity and a 10 MHz time base for accuracy. The MicroCounter even employs the same patented digital filter system used in their more sophisticated counters to reduce false readings. When in the capture mode, once a signal passes the digital filter, it is automatically stored in one of three memories. And though the written specifications indicate sensitivity at < 5 mV at 150 MHz, my informal tests found it to perform on par with the Scout who’s specifications show much greater sensitivity (< 6 mV at 150 MHz).
Since the MicroCounter has no internal antenna, range without an external antenna is extremely limited. In my tests, I found that I had to be within six feet to trigger the counter when using a four-watt UHF HT transmitting at 449.750 MHz. However, a small (five inches in length), flexible antenna is available for the MicroCounter for only $9.00. When I added the external antenna and repeated the test, the effective range of the counter went up to 110 feet! In my opinion, this makes the antenna a must-have in all but very strong RF environments.
Additionally, since the antenna connector used is a simple sub-mini jack, it is relatively easy to make custom antennas for your own specialized applications. For example, if you wished to construct an antenna specifically designed for low frequency work, just solder a small, flexible piece of wire to the center conductor of a sub-mini jack and you’re ready to go. And by utilizing a very thin piece of coax (I used a piece that came with a cell phone antenna), you can fashion an external antenna connector for use with your own external antennas.
Operation of the MicroCounter is simple and straight-forward. When switched on, the unit displays the ambient frequency in megahertz with three digits to the right of the decimal. Depressing either of the function buttons on the front of the counter increases the resolution to four or five digits to the right of the decimal.
The three-position slide switch is used to control the mode of operation of the MicroCounter. When in the lowest position, the unit is switched off. In the uppermost position, the unit is on and in the counter mode. Depressing the slide switch inward once engages the digital filter. Depressing the slide switch twice puts the unit in capture mode. By moving the slide switch to the center position, captured frequencies in one of the three memories may be reviewed by depressing the slide switch. Depressing both function buttons and turning the unit on clears all three memories.
In actual operation, I found the MicroCounter to be very easy to use, especially in places where a frequency counter would not have been welcome. Sensitivity and accuracy was more than acceptable when the TMC-100 antenna was used. It is lightweight, unobtrusive and very stealthy. Even if you don’t need a counter in a discreet package, the MicroCounter is still an excellent product in a very small package! And given the list price of only $99.00, it should be a top-priority item for every ham and scanner enthusiast.
The MicroCounter frequency counter is available from Optoelectronics, 5821 NE 14th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. They can be reached at 800-327-5912 or 954-771-2050.
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