Re: [time-nuts] Spectrum Analyzer Suggestions
Take a look at the RIGOL analyzer. You can get this new one for about the same money Dr Joe PALSA 804-350-2665 Sent from my iPhone. On Jul 14, 2013, at 1:18 AM, Mark C. Stephens ma...@non-stop.com.au wrote: Perry I have a 3585A too, The weight isn't so bad once you get used to it. :) Mines on a rack shelf that I can slide it out onto the workbench for maintenance. Performance wise, they are fantastic for phase noise measurement using John Miles's Phase noise software. Although a little slow, It is pretty nice to see what's going on down at 10 Hz. I really can't find a replacement for my 3585A, other than the B model. Also the boards come up cheap on eBay if you need parts. I have almost a complete set of spare boards I bought for 10 bucks each. So all in all, you got yourself a good Analyser, cheap to maintain and good specs. Run it through the performance tests as per the manual, this SA will be a pleasant surprise for you :) -marki -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Perry Sandeen Sent: Sunday, 14 July 2013 1:10 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: [time-nuts] Spectrum Analyzer Suggestions List, I just purchased a HP 3585 spec analyzer on E bay for a reasonable price. I wanted this instead of the 181 series as the range was more to what I’d be using and it was of a newer vintage. The 3585a goes from 10 Hz to 40 MHz which is a most useful range for my purposes. so far, so good. The problem is I didn’t know the beast weighed a svelte 88 pounds! Double Hernia time! What I’d appreciate advice for a used spec analyzer in the $1,000 range that is at least much lighter. A smaller size would also be a benefit. I probably would never use it above 100 MHz. A slightly smaller screen would be OK. Suggestions appreciated. Regards, Perrier ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Hi Power LED Light power supply...
If you all check, they are using LEDs in traffic signals now by the thousands. These are variations of multiple LEDs used in these signals and they are all powered by 115vac thru the traffic controllers. Joe k3wry In a message dated 9/18/2012 1:28:18 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, mp...@clanbaker.org writes: Time-Nutters-- I was wondering, after seeing some 100 watt LED series wired assemblies that were listed at 30-34 VDC @ 2.9A if a number of LEDs could be wired in series and powered directly from a rectified 110 VAC power source. If enough LEDs are wired in series such that the peak DC voltage from the rectified 110 AC line does not exceed the max current rating of the LEDs this should eliminate any excess current from flowing. Obviously, this does not provide for any safety isolation from the line. Hm Maybe if an 1:1 isolation transformer is used except that it would be too heavy and large Mike Baker -- ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] 60 Hz line quirks, anybody recognize this stuff?
Hal The power company switches capacitors in and out of the system to help correct bad power factors and this creates glitches. In addition, they also make frequency corrections from time to time. These kinds of corrections occur all the time and at times the power company will change their distribution of power pattern and where you had minimal glitches, you now can have an increase in numbers. Monitoring the power directly from the power line as opposed to the wall wort should or can look the same. But a direct power analysis should point you in proper direction to figure out your problem. Joe k3wry In a message dated 9/3/2012 5:12:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, smit...@c-c-i.com writes: http://www.megapathdsl.net/~hmurray/time-nuts/line/2012-Sep-01-a0.png ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] wwvb weak on east coast especially when the pre-amps under wa...
If you can keep the boards in a vertical mount position, and they have been sprayed with a conformal coating, the heat from the components and the coating will keep any moisture from forming on the boards in a vertical position. We do this in several products we supply to the military. Dr Joe Palsa k3wry In a message dated 5/14/2012 9:03:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gandal...@aol.com writes: The other option of course is to pressurise the box with dry air to ensure a positive pressure differential, such that the net flow is always outwards at all points, but it's probably easier just to provide a drain hole:-) However, whilst a drain hole will prevent the build up of a lake inside the enclosure it still doesn't prevent condensation forming on circuit boards, and powered circuit boards and condensation don't really go well together. As per earlier comments, it's quite difficult to keep any externally mounted enclosure totally moisture free, so it's much easier to accept the inevitable and allow for it. In a past life I designed quite a few circuit boards that were required to be fitted in externally mounted vented enclosures, so not a great deal of pressurisation there then:-), and I usually specified that both sides should be sprayed with a plastic coating following final test. I can't remember now exactly what this stuff was called, but it was readily available in the UK from both RS and Farnell as an aerosol plastic spray that provided a good barrier but was a bit more flexible than the usual MOD spec conformal coatings. It melted easily under a soldering iron, albeit with a foul pong:-), so reworking was no problem, and resisted moisture remarkably well. problem solved:-) Nigel GM8PZR In a message dated 14/05/2012 23:10:30 GMT Daylight Time, arnold.ti...@gmx.de writes: The only solutions I think: Apply air pressure tight boxes having a breathing hole an the bottom, mount the box that no rain and water can penetrate from the top or sides. If the hole is big enough, eg. 2mm, no pressure difference is possible and no pumping effect will occur. (If the hole is too wide, small animals may penetrate). Or, when using a pressure tight box, it must be stiff and sealed to withstand under all temperature conditions more then 1 bar/ 100 kPa. Do not forget that all feed throughs must be of real hermetic type, normal coaxial connectors are not tight! Don't route cables directly in, because no cable braid or mesh is vapor tight. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] 60 KHz Receiver
All All of this design and mod info is wonderful and great to fill an engineering project workbook. You can spend about $500US and get a complete HP working system including GPS antenna which I have been monitiring to 10-12 for 14 mos now and it is stable Dr Joe In a message dated 10/4/2010 3:12:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, sandee...@yahoo.com writes: Gents, Thanks for all the input on the HP 3586B and the Austron Loran C receiver. I’ll try to distill what’s been said. It appears that using the HP 3586B for a WWVB receiver isn’t a good idea unless I would use my HP 3336B or some other method to phase lock the BFO. Since this seems to be way out of the KISS principle, I will go to plan B. I appreciate the clever circuit to convert the Austron to a phase detector but the effort required to get just a phase detector alone isn’t cost effective for me. Opening up the Austron shows that there is a great deal of space. If the three Loran boards are gutted one of my Lucent Rubidium or Xtal standards will just fit in their place. The power supply appears to be robust for the power required. If not, there is space to add on. So to try to maximize the salvage of my purchase it looks like I should do the following. 1. Gut the Loran boards and get a Lucent unit installed and working. 2. Build a big honkin’ quality 60 KHz loop antenna. I live in the country so I can put up any size I can afford. 3. Convert the Austron RF amp boards to 60 KHz if I can get a schematic and get lucky. Does anyone have one or know where I could download it? 4. If I don’t get lucky, build a TRF receiver in place of the Austron RF boards. 60 KHz crystals are cheap from Mouser. Does anyone have experience building a ladder or similar crystal filter? 5. After I get a good working 60 KHz signal, I‘ll divide it by six and apply it to a Talbot 10 KHz phase detector. The Talbot circuit divides the 10 MHz reference oscillator to 10KHz using 74HC390 decade dividers. It then provides a correction circuit to the reference oscillator from its phase detector. Since the Talbot circuit on uses about six IC’s it will fit nicely in the rear chassis area. The goal, when completed, is to have a WWVB phase locked oscillator (yes I have to figure out what to do about diurnal shift) a reference frequency output and perhaps add a second Talbot phase detector circuit and meter for calibrating other oscillators. Yes, the GPS is more accurate more quickly but the issue is to have a second independent source for cross-checking. Though highly unlikely, GPS satellites can be shot down, disabled or turned off or have their outputs modified at any time. Comments? Regards, Perrier ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If goggle HP 8285a spec, you will get HP spec which say this unit is 800 Mhz up. The 8920, 8921, 8025 will go down to ham freq. Regards, Dr. Joseph G. Palsa P.E. Director, Sales Marketing Clary Corporation Phone: 888-442-5279 Phone: 804-674-0364 Fax: 804-674-0714 Cell: 804-350-2665 jpa...@clary.com djpa...@yahoo.com k3...@aol.com k3...@arrl.net This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain privileged, proprietary, or confidential information. The information may also contain technical data subject to export control laws. In a message dated 2/1/2010 8:42:56 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, li...@cq.nu writes: Hi The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much stuff. I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do. Bob On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote: Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning curve, but am looking forward to using it. I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-) Don Bob Camp Hi I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down. Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with. How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of test gear these days. Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) Bob On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote: Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen... I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least reach a Real Person who will talk to me. I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with better, once I master Instrument Basic :-). Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on Epay for as little as $10 Don Bob Camp Hi I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM To: john.fo...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K (actually, $2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a communications service monitor like the HP 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing). You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope, and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator, too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding. None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go. The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?) of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about $1500 this summer. A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some Agilent 8285As as a hobbyist special with spec an and tracking generator for $650. That looks like a deal.) John john.fo...@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM: Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM. Sent via BlackBerry by ATT -Original Message- From: J. Forster j...@quik.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11 To: did...@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re:
[time-nuts] Check out RE: [Repeater-Builder] HP E-8285A Service Monitor
_Click here: RE: [Repeater-Builder] HP E-8285A Service Monitor_ (http://www.mail-archive.com/repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com/msg59646.html) Additional info on monitor history. Joe k3wry This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain privileged, proprietary, or confidential information. The information may also contain technical data subject to export control laws. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] [OT] Ikea Lamp
lamps ? boy you all ran out of something to talk about Joe This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain privileged, proprietary, or confidential information. The information may also contain technical data subject to export control laws. In a message dated 1/29/2010 3:22:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, dave.martind...@gmail.com writes: There are multiple versions, including wall-mount and one that clamps onto the edge of an object like a bookshelf. Here is the family: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=jansjo They all probably have the same LED head. If you don't need a long gooseneck, the wall and clamp versions are the cheapest way to get the head plus a short gooseneck. They give a circle of light with a fairly sharp cutoff at the edge of the circle. Think of it as something that will fit into many of the places where you would really like to have a fiber optic light source, but at 1/5 the cost. The little wall wart is a regulated constant-current supply (not constant voltage), which ought to make the light output relatively constant despite LED temperature changes and wire resistance changes. However, I find that the cheap inline switch has contacts that tend to get dirty or oxidize, and the LED flickers until I flip the switch on and off a couple of times to clean the contacts. If you're going to modify it anyway, install a better switch. I have two of these. One clamp-base is mounted on my computer desk, up high, where it illuminates my keyboard without washing out the monitor. The other has the weighted desk base, and it's useful as a reading lamp as well as illuminating things under the stereomicroscope, and looking inside cluttered equipment chassis. Dave On Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 8:59 AM, Brooke Clarke bro...@pacific.net wrote: Hi Poul: Can the base be hung on a wall? http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10128734 Have Fun, Brooke Clarke http://www.PRC68.com ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Heath Most Accurate Clock
Bill I had heard of this clock, but I was never able to locate info and model of the clock as I was also interested in locating one. Could you please at least send me the information on the clock. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks Joe Regards, Dr. Joseph G. Palsa P.E. Director, Sales Marketing Clary Corporation Phone: 888-442-5279 Phone: 804-674-0364 Fax: 804-674-0714 Cell: 804-350-2665 jpa...@clary.com djpa...@yahoo.com k3...@aol.com In a message dated 5/11/2009 6:16:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, b...@iaxs.net writes: Talked to someone on this list last winter about a Heath WWV clock, but then couldn't find the clock. Now I've found it, but lost the name of the interested party. Bill Hawkins ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Off Topic question...
To the best of my knowledge and my traveling to Canada as well as the UK, she should not require any inoculations. Regards, Dr. Joseph G. Palsa P.E. Director Sales Marketing Clary Corporation Phone 804-674-0364 Phone 800-442-5279 Fax 804 674-0714 Cell 804-350-2665 jpa...@clary.com djpa...@yahoo.com k3...@aol.com In a message dated 1/19/2009 1:25:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, dave.g0...@tiscali.co.uk writes: Sorry for the off topic question, but my partner, Kate, is off visiting friends in Canada and USA on Friday and is in 'panic' mode. The problem is that she has now got it into her head that she might need to get innoculated for 'something', but she doesn't know what and I don't think she needs any jabs... However, as the US immigration people are on holidays for the Presidential inauguration, she can't get a reply until it's too late to do anything about arranging to go to see the Dr. to get any jabs she 'might' need. So, can anyone tell me what jabs, if any, visitors to Canada or the USA might be asked if they have had recently? Thanks - Dave ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
