I finally ran across a real $1 digital counter
(a pedometer) only 2 functions ...it counts and
you can reset it.
It has a button battery that's supposed to last
for 24 months if it counts to 99,999 daily.
The part I like the best is it stays on continually..
don't have to worry about it shutting off.

Here's what they look like in the package.

It's about the easiest yet to wire up to a
magnetic reed switch.
Take the back cover off ....only 2 screws,
hook a wire from the MRS to (1)and the other wire
to (2), on (1)loosen the screw and slip the bare
ended lead under the contact clip and tighten,
at (2) even if you didn't know how to solder or
lack the tool you could wrap the bare ended other lead about 3 times around that spring wire
that is soldered there that leads up to the
pendulem weight arm.....take a nailfile on the edge of the back cover to run your wires out...
it's just that easy!
A magnet on whatever you want to count and the magnetic reed switch placed nearby to pick up the magnetic pulses and if it's on a coil winder...you can take long breaks without it automatically shutting off...it'll keep track,
unless someone resets it.
So enjoy the new digital counter!
Oh! Yeah BTW ...they sell them at
The DollarTree .
( :>) Norm.