6 Digit Frequency Counter In a Browning MarkIVA

[mark4]

Here is my latest project. A 6 digit frequency counter in a MarkIVA.
No holes were drilled. And only a mod to the readout window and lamp holder. For which is have replacements. The frequency is always displayed. This was a nightmare of wiring complexity.
All single digit LED's to replace dual digit types. Thanks to 2600 for locating the LED's for this project. One of these days I be able to get a better shot without the glare!

[Bus Driver]

Real nice Mark4, I really like that.

[gator7]

mark 4, That is sweet. I can't imagine what that mod would cost to have done. Even if you wanted to do it.
Very nice add on. It is what should have been when built. Except, it may not have been possible then.

[mark4]

Thanks guys,
Well the LED's are not cheap. And I purchased extra.
The biggest expense was all the time!
To do it for someone else, ouch!
And Gator7 you hit it on the head. Not possible at the time.
To fit all this stuff in the radio.
And if it were. The cost on this technology was pricey!
Look at a simple hand held calculator at this time in the Radio Shack. cat. $129.95

[gator7]

mark 4,

And what most people object to is paying for the time it takes to do or fix something. That would make this mod cost prohibitive I think.

[mark4]

That is true. And quite often want repairs/restoration done for next to nothing. But I did this for myself. Not as a money making venture. No sooner than it was completed a browning owner wants it done.

[gator7]

If I had a Mark IV, I would want it done also. And I would be willing to pay for the mod.
But then we go back to would you want to do it? Some things are better not taken on due to the amount time verse profit involved. This mod could be one of those.
For yourself it's one thing.

I was self employed for a few years. I understand the time v Profit ratio. If more people worked for themselves. It would be much easier to get them to understand the true cost of labor.

[gator7]

mark 4

Which MK IV is it that had jones plug issues? Had a conversation w/ another opperator about this. But not sure which MK IV is the one to stay away from.

[gator7]

I just read an old post that you and 2600 and another member questioned the MK IV model. So I guess the A model is the updated version to look for?

[mark4]

The early MarkIV's had the Molex type connector problem.
This is a MarkIVA I built. As for the Molex type many of them were sent back to the factory for the upgrade to the Jones type.
Among other upgrades. But not all. They do pop up every so often on ebay. Stay away or upgrade it if it has the Molex type. Not easy to modify the chassis for the Jones.
And yes, if someone is a Browning nut like me. I do take on a custom mod like this once in a great while.

[gator7]

mark4

Thanks for clearing that up. I can see how the molex plug would cause a problem.


73's

[gator7]

mark 4,

Do you have a photo you can post. I have been in the market for a mark IV. I just want to be clear what to look for. Not sure what the Molex plug looks like.

Thanks,

73

[mark4]

This is the upgraded Jones type connector.
Barkett Electronics has them. You would also need the transmitter plug to go with it.

[gator7]

Ok, well at least the guy who just picked one up off of e bay got the a model. My buddy is checking it out. Has a bad hum.

Thanks mark4

73

[mark4]

Sounds like one of the sections of the twist lock capacitor opened up. Not a cheap part to replace if you want to keep the thing original. Time for a 100,000 mile tune up.

[gator7]

Yes, I would think 45.00 or $50.00 for that cap. I was leaning in that direction. This Mark IVA (has the Jones plug) was not a good deal for this guy.
Real bummer. I would be having a talk with the seller.

Thanks mark4

73