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Freq Counter

This project is a PCB for a frequency counter based on a design published online. The PCB allows either a PIC16F84 or PIC16F628 microcontroller to be used with a 4-bit LCD module in a simplified layout. The single-sided PCB is small enough to fit behind the LCD module. It is designed to measure the frequency of an old audio generator and requires around 6mA of power.

Uploaded by

oravetzn
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
113 views

Freq Counter

This project is a PCB for a frequency counter based on a design published online. The PCB allows either a PIC16F84 or PIC16F628 microcontroller to be used with a 4-bit LCD module in a simplified layout. The single-sided PCB is small enough to fit behind the LCD module. It is designed to measure the frequency of an old audio generator and requires around 6mA of power.

Uploaded by

oravetzn
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PIC LCD frequency counter

This project is just a pcb for a variant of the “Weeder Frequency Counter” published at:
http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist/weedfreq.htm

On that web site is a link to a modified version of the ASM software by Barry Smith:
http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist/weedfreq/4bitlcdusart.htm

Barry's software version allows either a PIC16f84 or a PIC16f628 to be used with the LCD
in 4 bit mode, which simplifies the pcb layout slightly and provides the option of a serial
data output if using the 16f628 chip.

As there is no link to a circuit or pcb layout for Barry's version, I have made my own pcb as
shown here.
It is a single sided board with 4 jumper wire links and is small enough to fit behind the lcd
module if you use the same type as mine. (single row connector at top of the module)
I did not bother with any preamp transistors as I will only be using it to show the frequency
of my old valve-based Heathkit model AO-1U Sine-Square audio generator.

Circuit

Reduce value of C7 to 10pF if using Trimmer (C8)


I used a 16x2 line LCD module (although only a 16x1 line type is needed)
A PIC16F628 can be substituted for the 16F84 if you wish.
Board layout
Optional trimmer
Contrast
LCD CONNECTOR
14 1

+9V GND
Input

The pcb is slightly larger than an lcd module, which can be attached directly to the under-
side of the board if it's pinout is in exactly the same position as mine.

C8 is a calibration trimmer capacitor if you need better accuracy. You may have to reduce
the value of C7 if you use it.

Power consumption is about 6mA (with no lcd backlight), it can be powered from a 9 volt
battery.
PCB Track Layout
The circuit can be built on this single sided pcb layout.
PCB is shown actual size: 81 x 39.77 mm and is ready for printing, using the toner
transfer method.
Print this page actual size (ensure that print option for “Page Scaling” is set to “None”)

Disclaimer
This project is provided on an"AS-IS" basis WITHOUT WARRENTY of any kind, either express or implied.
I shall NOT BE LIABLE in any way to you or to any other person, firm or corporation whatsoever for any loss,
liability, damage (whether direct or consequential), personal injury or expense of any nature whatsoever
arising from inaccuracies, errors in, or the use or inability to use the hardware and/or software here.

D. Thorpe (www.unusualelectronics.co.uk)

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