MFJ MFJ-886 User Manual

MFJ-886

886 frequency counter is a compact, pocket sized test instrument, designed for

Frequency Counter
Instruction Manual

Introduction

The MFJ­ease of use and dependable performance.

This manual is intended to help those who have never used a frequency counter get
started as quickly as possible. For those users familiar with test and measurement
equipment, complete specifications and a detailed description of operation controls is
included.

Features

• 50 ohm input for full range 1 MHz to 3 GHz coverage.

• High Speed 300 MHz direct count with 0.1 Hz per second resolution.

• 10 digit LCD display.

• Ultra sensitive synchronous detector bar graph of RF signal strength.

• Low power consumption 6 hour NiCd battery operation.

• Low battery indicator.

• Hold switch locks display.

• Supplied with telescoping whip antenna and AC wall adaptor.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Sensitivity (Typical)

Amplifier 50 ohm
Impedance 50 ohm, VSWR<2:1
Range 1 MHz - 3 GHz
Sensitivity <0.8 mV @ 100 MHz

Maximum Input 15 dBm

Frequency Display Resolution

Range Gate Time LSD Sample Display
300 MHz 0.0625 Sec 10 Hz 300.00000 MHz

0.25 Sec 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz
1 Sec 1 Hz 300.000000 MHz
4 Sec 0.1 Hz 300.000000 MHz

3 GHz 0.0625 Sec 1000 Hz 3000.000 MHz

0.25 Sec 100 Hz 3000.0000 MHz
1 Sec 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz
4 Sec 10 Hz 3000.00000 MHz

<7 mV @ 300 MHz
<6 mV @ 1 GHz
<100 mV @ 2.4 GHz

RF Signal Strength Bargraph

Frequency 1st Segment Full Scale

27 MHz 7 mV
150 MHz 5 mV
800 MHz 10 mV

Stamped aluminum with black anodized finish.
10 digit Liquid Crystal Display.

3.15” H X 2.7” W X 1.22” D
210g
Internal 4 AA 600 mAH NiCd battery pack.

9 VDC, 300 mA wall plug adapter.

-base: <1 PPM typ. at room temp.

100 mV

90 mV

200 mV

TCH

in more digits displayed.

-886 frequency counter can operate for several hours from fully charged

Caution

at you

for signal pickup, random counts may appear. This is normal, due to the high gain 10 to

USAGE INFORMATION

Signal Input
Do not exceed maximum signal input level! When using the counter with an antenna

16 dB amplifier circuitry. Weak signals and noise are amplified in the absence of a
strong, readable signal.

Antenna Selection

The telescoping antenna is the most useful general purpose antenna. When using a
telescoping antenna, it will maximize the counter sensitivity if you collapse it to a
minimum length for UHF, and fully extend it for HF and VHF.

DISTANCE FROM TRANSMITTER

The distance from a transmitter at which a frequency counter can read the frequency
depends on many factors, such as type and location of the transmitting antenna,
transmitter power, obstacles, and more. See the chart below for typical distances.

Transmitter Typ. Distance in Meters
Cordless Phone 0.3
Analog Cellular Phone 3-20
CB Radio 2-8
VHF 2-way radio 3-30
UHF 2-way radio 3-30

CALIBRATIONS

A calibration adjustment opening in the counter top cover is labeled “CAL”. This
opening permits access to the trimmer capacitor that provides about a 10 PPM
adjustment range of the time base oscillator. Use the slow gate time for maximum
resolution and read a stable signal of known frequency. Adjust the trimmer for the
correct frequency display. Calibrate at 4.1943 MHz or higher. The higher the
calibration frequency, the more accurately the counter can be calibrated.

12 MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY

The purchaser must retain the dated proof-of-purchase (bill of sale, canceled check, credit card or

money order receipt, etc.) describing the product to establish the validity of the warranty claim and
submit the original of machine reproduction or such proof-of-purchase to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. at
the time of warranty service. MFJ Enterprises, Inc. shall have the discretion to deny warranty without
dated proof-of-purchase. Any evidence of alteration, erasure, or forgery shall be cause to void any
and all warranty terms immediately.

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. agrees to repair or replace at MFJ’s option without charge to the original owner

any defective product under warranty, provided the product is returned postage prepaid to MFJ
Enterprises, Inc. with a personal check, cashiers check, or money order for $7.00 covering postage
and handling.

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will supply replacement parts free of charge for any MFJ product under

warranty upon request. A dated proof-of-purchase and a $5.00 personal check, cashiers check, or
money order must be provided to cover postage and handling.

This warranty is NOT void for owners who attempt to repair defective units. Technical consultation is

available by calling [phone].

This warranty does not apply to kits sold by or manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, Inc.

Wired and tested PC board products are covered by this warranty provided on the wired and tested PC

board product is returned. Wired and tested PC boards installed in the owner’s cabinet or connected
to switches, jacks, or cables, etc. sent to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will be returned at the owner’s
expense unrepaired.

Under no circumstances is MFJ Enterprises, Inc. liable for consequential damages to person or

property by the use of any MFJ products.

Out-of-warranty Service: MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will repair any out-of-warranty product provided the

unit is shipped prepaid. All repaired units will be shipped COD to the owner. Repair charges will be
added to the COD fee unless other arrangements are made.

This warranty is given in lieu of any other warranty expressed or implied.

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacture

without incurring any obligation to install such changes upon any of the products previously
manufactured.

All MFJ products to be serviced in-warranty or out-of-warranty should be addressed to MFJ

Enterprises, Inc., 300 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, Mississippi 39759, USA and must be
accompanied by a letter describing the problem in detail along with a copy of your dated proof-of­purchase.

This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to

state.