The 10 Best Radio Frequency Counters
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Any ham radio operator worth their salt should have a quality frequency counter on hand. They're fantastic for ensuring that your channels are properly tuned in, allowing you to experience crystal clear audio every single time. They can also help diagnose and fix problems with walkie-talkies and other short-wave transmitters, so you and your team can stay on the same page, even at a distance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Dosy TFB-3001-S
2. Galaxy FC-347
3. Galaxy Mobile
Editor's Notes
November 17, 2020:
For the most part, this ranking divides itself up into three subcategories that will apply to specific users who may or may not already own a CB radio or other equipment. For example, the beastly Dosy TFB-3001-S is capable of clarifying details about nearly every parameter of a signal, but it, like the Galaxy DX-2547, takes up a lot of space.
At the other end of the spectrum are significantly portable models for use by technicians or those with their CBs set up in the car or the cab of a truck. These, like the Surecom SF401-PLUS or the Fumei Handheld, can simply run on batteries, though they generally tend to have a harder time taking accurate readings than their larger counterparts.
Then there are the CBs with clear counters built-in, like the Ranger Communications Professional PPR-TLM1 or the Galaxy Mobile. These boast integrated counting functionality that makes the purchase of an additional counter unnecessary, and the Ranger model goes a step further than most by offering that information — and more — on a useful TFT display. Of course, if you've already got a CB, something like this would be overkill.
January 11, 2019:
The list includes both dedicated models (usually of the handheld variety) and those that are part of a larger radio unit. Hopefully, this makes the list suitable for both the experienced user and the one that's just beginning their foray into radio. Additionally, there should be models included that are as useful for analyzing walkie-talkies as they are hard-wired radios.
4. Galaxy DX-2547
5. Ranger Communications Professional PPR-TLM1
6. Gain Express VC3165
7. Surecom SF401-PLUS
8. Fumei Handheld
9. Fumei GY561
10. NSKI Mini
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).