WATSON FC-130 User manual
FC - 130
Frequency CCounter
INTRODUCTION
The Watson FC-130 hand-held frequency counter is our most popular counter. Even advanced features such as
field strength measurement are incorporated. It is a compact, true pocket size, test instrument designed for
ease of use and dependable performance. Supplied as a complete package with internal NiCad pack, AC wall
charger and 7 section telescopic antenna.
Frequency range:
Weight:
Size:
Impedance:
Case:
Battery:
Power:
Timebase:
CONTROLS
1) POWER SWITCH - This slide switch turns the counter on and initiates a 2 second test of all LCD segments.
2) RANGE SWITCH - This should be switched to the 300MHz position for frequencies between 1MHz and
300MHz and switched to the 3GHz position for frequencies between 10MHz and 3GHz.
3) HOLD BUTTON - This will stop the counter from counting and hold the current display.
4) GATE BUTTON - This has four positions and selects the gate or measurement time. A longer gate time means counting for a longer
period and results in higher accuracy.
5) CALIBRATION - A calibration adjustment opening, marked “CAL” is located on the front panel of the counter. This opening permits
access to the trimmer capacitor that provides about a 10 PPM adjustment range of the time base oscillator. When calibrating, use the
slow gate time for maximum resolution and read a stable signal of known frequency before adjusting the trimmer for correct frequen-
cy display. Calibrate at 4.1943MHz or higher as the higher the calibration frequency the more accurate the counter will be.
WARRANTY
Watson guarantees the counter and accessories for one year against defects in manufacture. This warranty does not cover items that
have been modified, subject to unauthorized repairs, misuse or abuse. This warranty does not cover damage caused by excessive
power levels applied to signal input. Never make a direct connection between the counter and a transmitter.
1MHz-3GHz
210g
80(H) (excluding antenna) x 68(W) x
31(D) mm
50 Ohms (BNC socket)
Stamped aluminium with black
anodized finish
Internal 4 x AA 600mAh NiCad pack
9 VDC 300mA
<1 PPM typical at room temperature
FEATURES
* 10 digit Liquid Crystal Display
* Low power consumption
(Average 6 hour battery life)
* Supplied with NiCad pack, AC wall charger
and telescopic whip antenna.
* Hold button to lock display
* Low battery indicator
* Ultra sensitive synchronous detector
16 section bargraph to show RF signal strength
* High speed 300MHz direct counter with 0.1Hz resolution
* 4 selectable gate speeds
1MHz - 3GHz
WATERS & STANTON PLC - 22 MAIN RD, HOCKLEY, ESSEX SS5 4QS
SPECIFICATIONS
HINTS AND TIPS
a - NiCad OPERATION
This frequency counter can operate up to six hours from the fully charged internal NiCad batteries. The batteries are charged when
the unit is powered by the supplied AC/DC adaptor. Full recharge will occur in 12 to 16 hours. The batteries should be deep cycled
occasionally by allowing them to completely discharge to maintain maximum battery capacity. The NiCad batteries should last several
years. However; it is recommended that the batteries be checked annually for any sign of leakage or corrosion. Replace all batteries if
any damage is visible.
b - SIGNAL INPUT
When using the counter with an antenna for signal pick-up, random counts may appear. This is normal and is due to the high gain 10 -
16 dB amplifier circuitry amplifying weak signals and noise in the absence of a strong, readable signal. Never exceed the maximum sig-
nal input level as internal damage will occur.
c - ANTENNA SELECTION
The supplied telescopic antenna is the best for general purpose use. This is because its length can be adjusted to suit the frequency.
As a rough guide collapse the antenna to its minimum length for UHF and fully extend it for HF and VHF. An alternative resonant anten-
na may offer better results in some cases.
d - RECEPTION DISTANCE FROM TRANSMITTER
The distance from a transmitter at which a frequency counter can read the signal depends on many factors, such as type and location
of transmitting antenna, transmitter output power, type of receive antenna and any obstacles in the way of signals.
SOME TYPICAL DISTANCES
Transmitter Type
Cordless Phone
Cellular Phone
CB Radio
VHF Two Way Radio
UHF Two Way Radio
Typical Distance In Meters
0.3
3-20
2-8
3-30
3-30
RF SIGNAL STRENGTH BARGRAPH
Frequency 1st Segment Full Scale
27MHz 7mV 100mV
150MHz 5mV 90mV
800MHz 10mV 200mV
INPUT SENSITIVITY (TYPICAL)
Amplifier:
Impedance:
Range:
Sensitivity:
50 Ohm
50 Ohm VSWR <2:1
1MHz-3GHz
<0.8mV at 100MHz
<6.0mV at 300MHz
<7.0mV at 1.0GHz
<100mV at 2.4GHz
15dBm
FREQUENCY DISPLAY RESOLUTION
Range Gate Time (Seconds) LSD Sample Display
300MHz 0.0625 10Hz 300.00000MHz
0.25 1Hz 300.000000MHz
1.0 1Hz 300.000000MHz
4.0 0.1Hz 300.0000000MHz
3GHz 0.0625 1000Hz 3000.000MHz
0.25 100Hz 3000.0000MHz
Maximum Input:
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