KitsAndParts.Com Forum

I hate to say this, but if you are looking to build a frequency counter with a micro controller a PIC makes a better choice than an AVR.  The timer/counter units inside some PIC's  have a max count frequency as high as 50mhz.  The best that the AVR is going to do is about the same as the micro's clock frequency (or LESS).  This sets the AVR limit to somewhere between 8 and 20 mhz.

For about every other application, I think the AVR is a better choice due to GCC support, cheap JTAG ice (AVR Dragon), and open source tools.

What?
Just a blinking led? No "hello world"?

How do I get a copy of the magazine? It sounds like something a builder would like to read.
Leonard

W8DIZ wrote:

Hey Ken, why is your ID WA2ME and not WA2MZE but I digress
W8DIZ

I never noticed that typo!  Yuck, how to fix it?

I'm now signed up for the magazine. I may not build but I will be following along. Right now, I don't need a new project.
Leonard

Hi Gang,
The Frequency Counter Kit for the QQ FC Project is now available at http://kitsandparts.com/freqctr.php
Documentation on the kit is on the kitsandparts.com website under TOOLKITS.
Kit includes all parts including pre-programmed ATtiny2313-20 CPUs
The LCD is an optional item available from Mouser or kitsandparts.
I will stock about 20 pieces of the LCDs for those that do not want to order from Mouser but my prices will be slightly higher.
I'll have both BACKLIT and non-BACKLIT versions, all are 16x2 characters.
73, Diz, W8DIZ

Diz,

This is on the web site  " Freq Counter Display - available Jan 2010" but there is no link embedded in it.

Mikey

Oh...I saw (read) the part about kits being available "  The Frequency Counter Kit for the QQ FC Project is now available. ", so thought they were available...sorry.

Ready for this...I have lined up on the bench several dev platforms:
BASIC STAMP
PICAXE
AVR (from several years ago)
AVR Butterfly/Arduino from Nuts & Volts
SX - somewhat put together but still messing with what to put on the breadboard.
PIC-EL II

This might be the time to lay off RF and go digital for awhile...LOL

Mikey

Hello Diz. I'm back. Suspended my troubleshooting on my freq.C., took to the side to study, and acquired a call sign. KF7YFF. (Let's see if that helps:). Prior- I pulled a reverse polarity stunt. I replaced the lcd, to eleminate that possiblity of damage. Now, forgeting the past, I checked my 5vdc. (5.09). It appears good around the board-except... U1--pin 16, good. But soon after initial start-up, I read the same voltage on pins 1,2,12,13,14,15. Pin 7 = 4.49 vdc. Can I consider it shot? U3 leaves me in question also. Before I loose myself in futher process...Could I, should I buy replacements? I know this project will take me far, providing first I get past my mistakes.

I'll get it in the mail your way. Greatfully indebted to you, Shawn.

Hi Diz. Yes, it was a bad fumble on my part. Thank you, for another chance with it. Your'e a scholar and a gentleman. At the very least, a good hearted ham. You certainly have all my respect! Loads for me to learn. I'll focus on the proper practice, with the greatest of appreciation towards a final end. I mean to return the favor. Onward Ho! Take care, 73, Shawn KF7YFF

shawnr wrote:

Hello Diz. Thank-you for restoring my FC back to working order. (received it today). What can I pay you for your time and parts? 73, Shawn. KF7YFF

Buy me a beer if/when I see you, and I ain't leavin Florida - Diz

W0IIT wrote:

Hi Gang,

I just completer building the FC.  It went together very easily but on firing it up the display comes on, beautiful green, but no frequency.  If I understand correctly the default should have it measuring up to 36Mhz with a 8Hz resolution, without having to do anything other that just the normal build.  I have gone back and checked out my build and everything seems right, no reversed polarity, cold solder joints, etc..

Does anyone have an idea about what is going on!

tia for any info!!

cu es 72, Bart W0IIT

Bart, did you adjust the contrast control so the digits show up?