A frequency counter is a device used to measure the frequency of an input signal, providing essential data for various applications in electronics and telecommunications. Understanding its operation involves recognizing how it counts the number of cycles of a signal over a specified time period. There are various DIY kits available for building frequency counters, starting at approximately $29.95, which can be found through online searches. For a more comprehensive introduction, a Wikipedia page on frequency counters offers valuable insights. Overall, frequency counters play a significant role in electronic measurement and experimentation.