Victor (VC brand frequency counters)

[K8AXW]

I have been agonizing for months on rather to buy one of the Victor (VC-2000 or VC-3165) frequency counters.

At my present place in life and the fact that I won't be using this counter all that much, I'm very reluctant in spending big bucks for a "brand name" product like HP, Fluke, etc.

However, knowing full well the ramifications of buying a piece of Chinese gear, I still choke up on not knowing if I'm blowing $100 on a pizza sheet.

I'd like to know if anyone out there has tried/used this brand of counter and what your opinion(s) are.  I'm even interested in suggestions.

Finally, I am also confused that the VC-3165, which has better specs, is less expensive than the VC-2000.  Any insight here??

[N4NYY]

I got a BK precision 80 MHz counter on ebay for $35. It is deadly accurate.

[K8AXW]

NYY:  I've been trolling eBay constantly....which is where I run into the Victor counters.  I see many other used counters for sale but I know buying a piece of used gear on eBay is a roll of the dice to say the least.  I'm happy that your gamble paid off.

[N4NYY]

You have to ask questions. My came from a lab at the Univ of Penn. The tech said it was decommissioned, and worked perfectly.

[K2OWK]

Hello K8AXW, I have the VC-3165 and have had it for two years now with no problems. It is dead accurate after the oven stabilizes, about 20 minutes. It counts frequency and period. Very easy to use automatic counter. I would recommend it.

73s

K2OWK

[K8AXW]

OWK:  Thank you for your report.  Do you have any idea why the 3165 is cheaper than the 2000, with the 3165 having better specs?

NYY:  I've read similar experiences..... worth considering for sure.  TY.

[K2OWK]

Hello again K8XKW, I am sorry I do not know the difference. When I purchased mine it was the only one listed at the time. It looked good and was all I could afford at the time, and did want a new unit with a warrentee. so I took a chance and bought it from China. I have had good luck with my purchases from overswas so far.

73s

K2OWK

[K8AXW]

OWK:  I've had good luck with my few Chinese purchases as well but when the amount gets up to more than $20.00 I take pause.  After 76 years of buying, if I had one hanging out of me that was stuck in me, I'd look like a porcupine!

[K2OWK]

Hello again K8AXW, I guess you are my senior. I did not think anyone was my senior, hi hi. I have been a Ham operator since 1954. I used to buy all my radio parts on radio row in New York. I used to buy used equipment from Harrison Radio, and new equipment from Heathkit. I have bought many items from overseas. I bought a dummy load from Israel. Took a long time to get it, but it was worth the wait. Besides the counter, I purchased small items such as connectors and many parts and items no longer made in the US. I have not yet been disappointed. Just about all the items were bought through EBay. I have had some temptations lately looking at some very inexpensive spectrum analyzers. They are inexpensive, but not cheep. I will have to save for a while before I can buy one. I try to buy American when I can. I have many items made here in Mississippi by MFJ which I have never had a problem with. All the equipment I have works well and is inexpensive.

Just some additional information.

Before I purchase most test equipment, or radio equipment I always check the Eham Reviews to see if it is listed and what the average rating is.

73s

K2OWK 

[K8AXW]

OWK:  Sounds as if we have similar backgrounds.  I've been licensed since '56.....and have always bought American until recently.  Being retired with heavy medical bills I no longer have the option to buy whatever/whenever.  

I've been through the buying used from "reputable" American dealers and have been shafted every time.....so quit that....bought and built a couple thousand dollars of Heath gear....and have never been able to afford a new commercial rig.  The one I presently use (TS-830S) I inherited from an SK 28 years ago that I used to help.  

So with all that being said, I'm now reduced to buying Chinese stuff like CAT5 tester, thermocouple digital panel meters, thermocouple wire.....stuff costing less than $20.00.

I've been agonizing over this Victor counter for a year or more..... have read everything I can find on the company and what opinions people have of their gear.  Including eHam, which is somewhat sparse.

I think I'll go ahead and order one and take my chances.  At my age I simply can't justify spending big bucks for anything.  Even if I had it!

As one buddy says, "I no longer buy green bananas!"


Thank you for your help and comments OM.  

Vry 73

Al