N3ZI LCD Digital Dial / Frequency Counter
N3ZI Digital Dial
Frequency Counter
Digital Dial
Also  look at my DDS VFO
(Direct Digital Synthesizer)
$29 to  $59

My Digital Dial is principally meant to be an inexpensive way to add a digital operating frequency display to homebrew radios such as the BITX-20, ARRL Homebrew challenge radios from KD1JV and N3ZI, 40-40 from the New England QRP club, SW+ from small wonder lads, the popcorn superhet, MMR40 and BITX20A from Hendricks QRPkits, and many others. It can also be useful with vintage analog/tube multi band radios.  A programmable IF offset allows the counter to measure the VFO frequency but display the actual operating frequency. It can also be used as a general purpose frequency counter if properly calibrated.

Now offering Assembly Service

Solder Smoke
As Featured on SolderSmoke
 I am offering 3 versions of the counter.   I am offering a Simple kit, which includes everything you need for a 5.5MHz counter requiring a regulated 3.3 to 5VDC. power supply.  A very nice high quality PCB is included in all kits.  The Full kit, which includes the components in the simple kit along with the other components you need, for a counter that will work up to frequencies above the 6Meter band, and operates off of an unregulated 12 vdc power source.  The vintage version, is similar to the full kit, but has a higher voltage input coupling capacitor, and extra power supply components to allow operation from an AC power source.
 CERN
Used on the CERN
Large Hadron Collider
PCB Stack
The above photo shows the LCD module stacked with the PCB.
PCB Stack
The above photo shows the stack from the back, the PCB is populated with the counter, switches, and voltage regulator.
Read the reviews on EHAM
  • Programmable IF frequency, and VFO mode (VFO+IF, VFO-IF, IF-VFO)
  • S/W Programmable to accommodate external  /n prescaler (n can be 2,4,8,10,16) Here's some prescaler examples
  • Very low power, Operates from Vcc  3.3 to 5 VDC, 3 ma current draw @ 3.3v.
    • Battery operation possible with 3 AA cells or 3.6v Lithium from CellPhone or HT
    • Voltage regulator included in Full kit for 12V operation
  • 2 pushbuttons required only for programming IF and Formula.
  • All programmable options stored in non volatile EEPROM, so they only have to be set once.
  • Input Sensitivity: 100mV rms, see chart.
  • uCode, includes anti jitter s/w which prevents LSD from jittering between two values.
  • Measures VFO frequencies up to 5.5 Mhz without prescaler, up to 88 MHZ, with /16 prescaler.  Displays operating Frequency up to 199 MHz.
  • 32 bit internal math
  • 100 Hz or 10 Hz display resolution.
  • No XTAL trim cap required, correction applied in S/W.
  • Update rate approx. 20 ms w/o prescaler. 80 ms with /4 prescaler.
  • NO soldering of Surface mount components required.
  • Large 0.375 inch digits, Overall LCD module dimensions 4.88 x 1.25 inch
Manuals, Schematics, and technical notes

Notice: The PCB for this item is being redesigned. The New PCB will be smaller, but retain all the functions. We are sold out of the old PCB New Kits with the NEW PCB will begin shipping in Mid March of 2010. We have not determined pricing for the new one, but if you order now, we will honor the old price. Click here for info and pictures of the new version
Price
 $19.99 NOW $16.75
 $29.99 NOW $22.50
 $29.99 NOW $26.50
Name
 Simple-KIT with PCB
 FULL KIT with PCB
 Vintage Kit
What's Included
 LCD Module, Microprocessor (programmed), Crystal, PCB, 3 resistors, 6 caps Details
 LCD Module, Everything in the Simple-KIT PLUS Prescaler chip, Voltage regulator, RCA input jack. ( up to 55 MHz) Details PLUS NOW Supports 9 Different IF offsets
 		LCD Module, Everything in Full kit, plus more powerful micro that supports multiple IF's, easier setup, S/W calibration. Details

Notice: The PCB for this item is being redesigned. The New PCB will be smaller, but retain all the functions. We are sold out of the old PCB New Kits with the NEW PCB will begin shipping in Mid March of 2010 Click here for info and pictures of the new version

Mail order FORM          Mail order FORM

PRICING: Prices change from time to time.  When we get a good deal from a supplier, we pass it along in a price reduction.   Of course no one can predict what lies in the future and prices may go up.   SHIPPING & HANDLING (S/H) starts at $2.99 which includes packing, postage and paypal fees.  When an order is placed through PayPal, total s/h charges are automatically calculated for whatever combination and quantity you order.  The total is shown to you before you commit to the order.  When your order is placed through Google, S/H is included in the total in the pull down boxes.  With Google, your credit card is authorized, but not actually charged until we review the order.  If you want to order different quantities/combinations through Google, email us and we will send you a custom google invoice.  S/H for mail orders is lower.  We do not hold orders, nor do we have to wait for parts, everything is in stock so that you order is shipped promptly (1-3 DAYS) after our receiving payment.  An Email will be sent when your kit is shipped.  EBAY: Some items are also sold through ebay.  In general the total cost (item price plus S/H) will be higher on Ebay because of ebay's fees.

Upgrade options     LCD Module alone     Questions, email me    N3ZI Personal Web Site
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