The reason for the creation of this device was a considerable number of accumulated quartz resonators, both purchased and soldered from different boards, and many did not have any markings. Traveling across the vast expanses of the Internet and trying to assemble and launch various ones, it was decided to come up with something of our own. After many experiments with different generators, both on different digital logics and on transistors, I chose the 74HC4060, although it was also not possible to eliminate self-oscillations, but as it turned out, this does not create interference during the operation of the device.
Quartz meter circuit
The device is based on two CD74HC4060 generators (74HC4060 was not in the store, but judging by the datasheet they are even “cooler”), one operates at a low frequency, the second at a high one. The lowest-frequency ones I had were hour quartz, and the highest frequency was non-harmonic quartz at 30 MHz. Due to their tendency to self-excite, it was decided to switch the generators simply by switching the supply voltage, which is indicated by the corresponding LEDs. After the generators, I installed a logic repeater. It might be better to install capacitors instead of resistors R6 and R7 (I haven’t checked it myself).
As it turned out, the device runs not only quartz, but also all sorts of filters with two or more legs, which were successfully connected to the appropriate connectors. One “biped” similar to a ceramic capacitor was launched at 4 MHz, which was later successfully used instead of a quartz resonator.
The photographs show that two types of connectors are used to test radio components. The first is made from parts of panels - for lead-out parts, and the second is a fragment of the board glued and soldered to the tracks through the corresponding holes - for SMD quartz resonators. To display information, a simplified frequency meter is used on the PIC16F628 or PIC16F628A microcontroller, which automatically switches the measurement limit, that is, the frequency on the indicator will be either kHz or in MHz.
About device details
Part of the board is assembled on lead parts, and part on SMD. The board is designed for the Winstar single-line LCD indicator WH1601A (this is the one with the contacts at the top left), contacts 15 and 16, which serve for illumination, are not routed, but anyone who needs can add tracks and details for themselves. I didn’t turn on the backlight because I used a non-backlit indicator from some phone on the same controller, but at first there was a Winstar one. In addition to WH1601A, you can use WH1602B - two-line, but the second line will not be used. Instead of a transistor in the circuit, you can use any of the same conductivity, preferably with a larger h21. The board has two power inputs, one from a mini USB, the other through a bridge and 7805. There is also space for a stabilizer in another case.
Device setup
When tuning with the S1 button, turn on the low-frequency mode (the VD1 LED will light up) and by inserting a quartz resonator at 32768 Hz into the corresponding connector (preferably from the computer motherboard), use the tuning capacitor C11 to set the frequency on the indicator to 32768 Hz. Resistor R8 sets the maximum sensitivity. All files - boards, firmware, datasheets for the radio elements used and more, download in the archive. Author of the project - nefedot.
Discuss the article DEVICE FOR CHECKING QUARTZ FREQUENCY
The reason for the creation of this device was a considerable number of accumulated quartz resonators, both purchased and soldered from different boards, and many did not have any markings. Traveling through the vast expanses of the Internet and trying to assemble and run various quartz tester circuits, it was decided to come up with something of our own. After many experiments with different generators, both on different digital logics and on transistors, I chose the 74HC4060, although it was also not possible to eliminate self-oscillations, but as it turned out, this does not create interference during the operation of the device.
Quartz meter circuit
The device is based on two CD74HC4060 generators (74HC4060 was not in the store, but judging by the datasheet they are even “cooler”), one operates at a low frequency, the second at a high one. The lowest-frequency ones I had were hour quartz, and the highest frequency was non-harmonic quartz at 30 MHz. Due to their tendency to self-excite, it was decided to switch the generators simply by switching the supply voltage, which is indicated by the corresponding LEDs. After the generators, I installed a logic repeater. It might be better to install capacitors instead of resistors R6 and R7 (I haven’t checked it myself).
As it turned out, the device runs not only quartz, but also all sorts of filters with two or more legs, which were successfully connected to the appropriate connectors. One “biped” similar to a ceramic capacitor was launched at 4 MHz, which was later successfully used instead of a quartz resonator.
The photographs show that two types of connectors are used to test radio components. The first is made from parts of panels - for lead-out parts, and the second is a fragment of the board glued and soldered to the tracks through the corresponding holes - for SMD quartz resonators. To display information, a simplified frequency meter is used on a PIC16F628 or PIC16F628A microcontroller, which automatically switches the measurement limit, that is, the frequency on the indicator will be either in kHz or MHz. About the device details Part of the board is assembled on lead parts, and part on SMD. The board is designed for the Winstar single-line LCD indicator WH1601A (this is the one with the contacts at the top left), contacts 15 and 16, which serve for illumination, are not routed, but anyone who needs can add tracks and details for themselves. I didn’t turn on the backlight because I used a non-backlit indicator from some phone on the same controller, but at first there was a Winstar one. In addition to WH1601A, you can use WH1602B - two-line, but the second line will not be used. Instead of a transistor in the circuit, you can use any of the same conductivity, preferably with a larger h21. The board has two power inputs, one from a mini USB, the other through a bridge and 7805. There is also space for a stabilizer in another case.
Device setup
When tuning with the S1 button, turn on the low-frequency mode (the VD1 LED will light up) and by inserting a quartz resonator at 32768 Hz into the corresponding connector (preferably from the computer motherboard), use the tuning capacitor C11 to set the frequency on the indicator to 32768 Hz. Resistor R8 sets the maximum sensitivity. All files - boards, firmware, datasheets for the radio elements used and more, download in the archive. The author of the project is nefedot.
ARCHIVE:
We offer for consideration another device that was made a few days ago. This is a quartz resonator tester for checking the efficiency (operability) of quartz used in many devices, at least in electronic watches. The whole system is extremely simple, but this is precisely the simplicity that was required.
The tester consists of several electronic components:
- 2 NPN BC547C transistors
- 2 capacitors 10nF
- 2 capacitors 220pF
- 2 resistors 1k
- 1 resistor 3k3
- 1 47k resistor
- 1 LED
Powered by 6 AA 1.5 V batteries (or Krona). The body is made from a candy box and covered with colored tape.
Schematic diagram of a quartz tester
The diagram looks like this:
Second version of the scheme:
To check, insert quartz into SN1, then switch the switch to the ON position. If the LED lights up brightly, the quartz resonator is working. And if after turning on the LED does not light up or lights up very weakly, then we are dealing with a damaged radio element.
Of course, this circuit is more for beginners, representing a simple quartz tester without determining the oscillation frequency. T1 and XT formed the generator. C1 and C2 - voltage divider for the generator. If the quartz is alive, then the generator will work well, and its output voltage will be rectified by elements C3, C4, D1 and D2, transistor T2 will open and the LED will light up. The tester is suitable for testing quartz 100 kHz - 30 MHz.
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about arrival at the warehouse
To favoritesA set of components for assembling a frequency meter with the function of a quartz resonator tester.
Simple and inexpensive, developed on the basis of a PIC microcontroller with the ability to take into account the frequency shift of superheterodyne receivers in measurements with a five-digit LED indicator, convenient and intuitive.
Functions
- The display resolution automatically switches to ensure maximum reading accuracy with a 5-digit display.
The measurement duration (gate time) during which the input pulses are counted is also automatically changed. - If the frequency meter is used for measurements on shortwave receivers or transmitters, you may need to add or subtract the frequency offset value from the measured frequency. The offset frequency is in many cases equal to the intermediate frequency, since the frequency meter is usually connected to the receiver's variable frequency generator.
- To measure the oscillating frequency of quartz, simply connect it to the connector labeled “Crystal under test”
Additional Information
Main features:
Frequency measurement range: 1 Hz - 50 MHz
Measurement of quartz for general use in generation frequency in the range: 1 MHz - 50 MHz
Automatic band switching
Programmable settings for the added and subtracted value of the frequency shift during adjustments and measurements in VHF receivers and transmitters.
Maximum input voltage 5 Volts
Energy saving mode when powered from an autonomous current source
It is possible to use 5V from the USB interface
Minimum number of components, simple assembly and configuration
Questions and answers
- Hello, can I order this product in quantity of 1 piece?
- Yes, of course you can!
- Hello. What voltage range of the measured frequency is allowed at the input in frequency meter mode?
- TTL logic level, up to 5 Volts
- Hello. What is the maximum input voltage for this frequency meter?
- 5 Volt
- Hello, when will this construction set go on sale, in particular in the Chip and Dip store?
- Good afternoon The product is now at the stage of acceptance into the finished goods warehouse, I think within a week it will be available for order through our online store. Regarding Chip and Dip, this question should be asked directly to them.
- Good day! Tell me what's the matter. The frequency meter shows the same number all the time. 65.370
- This is the first time we have heard about such a problem. When assembled correctly, the device starts working immediately and does not require configuration. See installation and ensure correct installation of all components. The value of constant resistors must be checked with a multimeter before installation.
Oscillations play one of the most important roles in the modern world. So, there is even a so-called string theory, which claims that everything around us is just waves. But there are other options for using this knowledge, and one of them is a quartz resonator. It just so happens that any equipment periodically fails, and they are no exception. How can you make sure that after a negative incident it still works as it should?
Let's say a word about the quartz resonator
A quartz resonator is an analogue of an oscillatory circuit based on inductance and capacitance. But there is a difference between them in favor of the first. As is known, the concept of quality factor is used to characterize an oscillatory circuit. In a quartz-based resonator it reaches very high values - in the range of 10 5 -10 7 . In addition, it is more efficient for the entire circuit when temperature changes, which translates into longer service life for parts such as capacitors. The designation of quartz resonators in the diagram is in the form of a vertically located rectangle, which is “sandwiched” on both sides by plates. Externally in the drawings they resemble a hybrid of a capacitor and a resistor.
How does a quartz resonator work?
A plate, ring or bar is cut from a quartz crystal. At least two electrodes, which are conductive strips, are applied to it. The plate is fixed and has its own resonant frequency of mechanical vibrations. When voltage is applied to the electrodes, compression, shear, or bending occurs due to the piezoelectric effect (depending on how the quartz was cut). The oscillating crystal in such cases does work like an inductor. If the frequency of the voltage that is supplied is equal to or very close to its natural values, then less energy is required at significant differences to maintain operation. Now we can move on to highlighting the main problem, which is why this article about a quartz resonator is being written. How to check its functionality? 3 methods were selected, which will be discussed.
Method No. 1
Here the KT368 transistor plays the role of a generator. Its frequency is determined by a quartz resonator. When power is supplied, the generator starts working. It creates impulses that are equal to the frequency of its main resonance. Their sequence passes through a capacitor, which is designated as C3 (100r). It filters the DC component, and then transmits the pulse itself to an analog frequency meter, which is built on two D9B diodes and the following passive elements: capacitor C4 (1n), resistor R3 (100k) and a microammeter. All other elements serve to ensure the stability of the circuit and so that nothing burns out. Depending on the set frequency, the voltage on capacitor C4 may change. This is a fairly approximate method and its advantage is ease. And, accordingly, the higher the voltage, the higher the frequency of the resonator. But there are certain limitations: you should try it on this circuit only in cases where it is within the approximate range of three to ten MHz. Testing quartz resonators that goes beyond these values usually does not fall under amateur radio electronics, but below we will consider a drawing whose range is 1-10 MHz.
Method number 2
To increase accuracy, you can connect a frequency meter or oscilloscope to the generator output. Then it will be possible to calculate the desired indicator using Lissajous figures. But keep in mind that in such cases the quartz is excited, both at harmonics and at the fundamental frequency, which, in turn, can give a significant deviation. Look at the diagrams below (this one and the previous one). As you can see, there are different ways to look for frequency, and here you will have to experiment. The main thing is to follow safety precautions.
Checking two quartz resonators at once
This circuit will allow you to determine whether two quartz resistors that operate within the range of one to ten MHz are operational. Also, thanks to it, you can recognize the shock signals that go between frequencies. Therefore, you can not only determine the performance, but also select quartz resistors that are most suitable for each other in terms of their performance. The circuit is implemented with two master oscillators. The first of them works with a ZQ1 quartz resonator and is implemented on a KT315B transistor. To check operation, the output voltage must be greater than 1.2 V, and press the SB1 button. The indicated indicator corresponds to a high level signal and a logical one. Depending on the quartz resonator, the required value for testing can be increased (the voltage can be increased each test by 0.1A-0.2V to that recommended in the official instructions for using the mechanism). In this case, output DD1.2 will be 1, and DD1.3 will be 0. Also, indicating the operation of the quartz oscillator, the HL1 LED will light up. The second mechanism works similarly and will be reported by HL2. If you start them simultaneously, the HL4 LED will also light up.
When the frequencies of two generators are compared, their output signals from DD1.2 and DD1.5 are sent to DD2.1 DD2.2. At the outputs of the second inverters, the circuit receives a pulse-width modulated signal in order to then compare the performance. You can see this visually by flashing the HL4 LED. To improve accuracy, a frequency meter or oscilloscope is added. If the actual indicators differ by kilohertz, then to determine a higher frequency quartz, press the SB2 button. Then the first resonator will reduce its values, and the tone of the light signal beats will be less. Then we can confidently say that ZQ1 is higher frequency than ZQ2.
Features of checks
When checking always:
- Read the instructions that came with the quartz resonator;
- Follow safety precautions.
Possible causes of failure
There are quite a few ways to disable your quartz resonator. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with some of the most popular ones to avoid any problems in the future:
- Falls from heights. The most popular reason. Remember: you should always keep your work area in order and monitor your actions.
- Presence of constant voltage. In general, quartz resonators are not afraid of it. But there were precedents. To check its functionality, connect a 1000 mF capacitor in series - this step will return it to operation or avoid negative consequences.
- The signal amplitude is too large. This problem can be solved in different ways:
- Move the generation frequency slightly to the side so that it differs from the main indicator of the mechanical resonance of quartz. This is a more complex option.
- Reduce the number of volts that power the generator itself. This is an easier option.
- Check whether the quartz resonator is really out of order. So, the reason for the decrease in activity may be flux or foreign particles (in this case, it is necessary to clean it thoroughly). It may also be that the insulation was used too actively and it lost its properties. To check this point, you can solder a “three-point” on the KT315 and check it with an axle (at the same time you can compare the activity).
Conclusion
The article discussed how to check the performance of such elements of electrical circuits as the frequency of a quartz resonator, as well as their properties. Methods for establishing the necessary information were discussed, as well as possible reasons why they fail during operation. But to avoid negative consequences, always work with a clear head - and then the operation of the quartz resonator will be less disturbing.
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