[time-nuts] Dual GPSDO - any advantage?

With regard to two GPSDOs, it is an interesting experiment. I have two Tbolts, both 2.2 firmware, both fed from the same antenna, both with factory default settings, and I see differences. They are about 2 feet apart on my bench and everything is pretty stable, +/- 20 nS or so until the heat kicks

[time-nuts] Tbolt temperature sensitivity.

I don't use what LH says about temperature. I compare the 10 MHz output to something else. With two Tbolts sitting about 2 feet apart on my bench, both fed from the same antenna, both with factory settings, when the heat kicks on, I see a change in the difference between the two. Comparing a Tbolt

Re: [time-nuts] QRZed.... OT: 16 Khz VLF, Rugby, England

Fascinating! Thanks for posting. On Fri, Apr 6, 2018 at 7:19 AM, D. Resor wrote: > I am sure some have seen this, however. > > 16 Khz VLF, Rugby, England > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unlg2gY2Zrs > > > > > > > > Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co. > >

Re: [time-nuts] Environmental sensor recommendations.

Why has no one mentioned thermocouples? I had some experience with thermistors a few years back designing thermal attenuators and equalizers for CATV. NTC thermistors can have a large change of resistance for a unit change in temperature. They aren't linear, but there are formulas for computing

Re: [time-nuts] Looking for information on True Position GPSDO.

Mark, Yes, I saw that. My main interest at the moment is just getting the thing working properly. It isn't. On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 11:39 AM, Mark Sims wrote: > When I dumped the flash rom from one of the TruePosition units, we found a > couple of commands that seem related

[time-nuts] RE; True Position GPSDO.

Thanks to all who replied. You pointed me to a wealth of good information. Seems lately that I have been getting let down in my Google searches. I didn't find any of the stuff you led me to, but I should have. Hmmm. it may be because I have been using Ecosia for searches instead of actually using

[time-nuts] Looking for information on True Position GPSDO.

There is a small, about 3.5" by 4.5", GPSDO board being offered by several sellers on eBay. I bought one from what looks to be the only US based source. It is identified as True Position, Inc., and had a small CTS OCXO and Furuno GT8031 on board. I found hook up information in one of the Asian

Re: [time-nuts] While we are talking about Z3801's

When I removed it from storage, communication was gone. It took a very long while to lock, but did so and maintained lock for a couple of weeks before going into holdover. It then locked back for a while. I definitely need to do more trouble shooting on it before I give up completely. It was the

Re: [time-nuts] While we are talking about Z3801's

Hal, I can't communicate with it. That has been gone for a while now. On Sat, Mar 3, 2018 at 9:05 PM, Hal Murray wrote: > > Mine has quit achieving lock. > ... > > After reading about someone else's trouble, i wonder if my OCXO has aged > > out. > > Have you checked the

[time-nuts] While we are talking about Z3801's

Mine has quit achieving lock. It goes back a ways. I had it in storage for a while. When I got it out of storage, It took about 2 weeks to lock. It would go into holdover sometimes for no reason I could ever discover. I lost the ability to communicate with it. Then, one of the Lucent DC/DC

[time-nuts] Need Oncore connector info.

I need the part number of the connector that the Motorola Oncore series GPS receiver plugs into. Does anyone have that info at hand? Thanks in advance. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to

[time-nuts] Chinese made eBay antenna breakdown.

I didn't mean to imply that all Chinese made products are garbage. But, some of them are. And, has been said, that is because people want to pay the absolute lowest prices for stuff. The company I recently retired from has a long history with Chinese competition. We had a product that had but one

[time-nuts] Teardown of Chinese made eBay GPS antenna.

For those who have been following the saga of the Chinese made, eBay purchased antenna that failed, I may have an answer as to why it failed. I had to destructively disassemble it. I just could not get it apart any other way. I used a Chinese version of a Dremel tool with a metal saw blade. After

Re: [time-nuts] Furuno GT-8031 breakout board

Maek Sims wrote: I have several Motorola compatible GPS receivers... and not one of them does a perfect emulation of the Motorola devices. Some are quite close and not likely to cause problems... others are superiorly craptastic. Are there any readily available boards that will substitute for

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test.

Bob wrote: Hi Just so people don’t get to down on eBay antennas: I have gotten some deals on eBay I just couldn't have gotten elsewhere. That is a nice looking antenna. A bit pricey for my budget. I thought just north of $100 for a used Leica choke ring job was about it. The Trimble antenna I

[time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test.

Bob wrote: Sitting here casually reading the data sheets for some of the modern Trimble survey receivers - they have gone to 7.2V (just below your 7.5V trigger point) as an antenna supply voltage. Who knows what that might imply relative to this antenna. After getting my refund, I sent the

[time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test results.

They have issued a refund. The seller said that my antenna was defective. This is kind of a strange outfit. They are in Russia selling Chinese goods, shipped from China. Since I don't have to return it, I will disassemble it to see what went bad. I replied that if he could assure me that it would

[time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test results.

I opened a "Not as listed" case and heard back from the seller. They said that the antenna is definitely 3.3 to 18 volts and have sold several that are in operation. They wanted to know specifically how I tested the antenna, why I thought it shorted, and if I actually ever hooked it to a GPS

[time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test results.

Bob wrote: Is it labeled 3.3 to 18V on the antenna? No, the writing on the antenna is all Chinese. The specs published on eBay state that it is. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna test results.

To those who doubted that the antenna was actually a 3.3 to 18 volt design, it seems you were correct. Today, I hooked it up to a variable power supply and slowly raised the DC voltage fed to the antenna. It began to pull current at about 2.9 volts and at 3.3 volts, took about 40 mA. I continued

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna discussion.

Dr. David Kirkby wrote: Another RF engineer, who I don't know from working with antennas, said to me that antennas are a still a charlatan's paradise. Those words rang true to me. I have yet to see a yagi type antenna that, in practice actually produced the gain it was specified to produce. True,

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna.

I kind of have to believe the specs. The two survey grade antennas I already have, a Leica and a Trimble, both have regulators in the preamp sections. The Leica has an 8 volt one and the Trimble has a 5 volt one. I intend to hook it up to a variable supply and watch the current as I increase

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna.

It should work with a T bolt since its range is 3.3 to 18 volts. I also have a good bias T and GPS type splitter that only passes power to one port that I can also use. I hope the gain isn't a problem. I live in the country, so local RF shouldn't be an issue. I can scrounge up some pads if need

Re: [time-nuts] eBay GPS antenna.

Thanks for the responses. It looks similar to but not exactly like the two antennas referenced. They say the preamp is 3 to 5.5 volts, whereas the eBay antenna says its preamp is good from 3.3 to 18 volts, indicating I can run it off 12 volts. Regarding the internals, I must have somehow missed

[time-nuts] Anyone have experience with this antenna?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Precision-L1-L2-GNSS-GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou-RTK-CORS-survey-antenna/162718512935?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 Listed on eBay as a L1/L2 antenna with decent specs. They seem to indicate it is as good as a choke ring antenna. I suspect it is

[time-nuts] Looking for information regarding Trimble 33429-00 microcentered GPS antenna.

I have been gone for a good while, but now that I am officially retired, I thought I would get back into the time/frequency hobby. I recently bought a Trimble 33429-00 antenna off eBay. I can't seem to find much on the internet about it. Google has not been my friend. First, I assume the "micro

Re: [time-nuts] Meaning of MTBF (was: Reliability of atomic clocks)

We make some thick film, plastic molded , plug in attenuators for the cable TV industry. We have been asked on several occasions to provide MTBF data. Being a small company with limited resources, we have never been able to provide that data. The parts we make will easily outlast the equipment

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801A recovering

Joe, I'd be interested in knowing what you find out. My Z3801 is acting a lot like yours. It is currently locked, but. On Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 8:15 AM, Joseph Gray wrote: > Dave, > > I power cycled it about 20 days ago, which did no good. That is the > 496 hours holdover time.

Re: [time-nuts] Instrument BASIC

The one we have was part of a big DOCSIS rack that came from Scientific Atlanta. On Wed, Mar 2, 2016 at 11:57 PM, Gerhard Hoffmann wrote: > Am 02.03.2016 um 19:04 schrieb John C. Westmoreland, P.E.: > >> Magnus, >> >> This was the best answer I got so far - I am sure this isn't

Re: [time-nuts] SoftMark USB to GPIB converter

I noticed some US made ones on the auction site for cheap. They say they offer a 30 day money back guarantee. Hmmm On Thu, Mar 3, 2016 at 12:27 AM, gonzo . wrote: > No - Please don't. > No more of us need be burnt by that POS. > > Once you've bought it, you discover all

[time-nuts] SoftMark USB to GPIB converter

I have a desire to do some data collection and storage from my Racal 1992, and I need a USB to GPIB converter. We have a National Instruments converter at work, but I want to do this at home. The SoftMark unit is considerably less expensive than the NI one. Does it work? Specifically, would it

Re: [time-nuts] I am a nut

I don't think I would go messing with it just yet. If the reference is powered as long as it is plugged in, leave it plugged in for a couple of weeks and then check it. I adjusted the reference on an 8920 once, and best I remember, it moves in steps. I don't think I ever got it dead on. It might

[time-nuts] Small Symmetricom GPSDO

I have been playing with one of those small, 2.75"by 4.5" GPSDOs that are being sold on that auction site. Most of the ones I have seen any discussion about have been Trimble, but this Symmetricom one looks similar but is about half price. I have hooked it up a few times to see how fast it can

Re: [time-nuts] HP Reliability

We have had mixed results with HP/Agilent/Keysight over the years. Our experience with their repair and customer service has been less favorable. One area where my experience has been unfavorable has been with the Genesys software. We bought it back when it was still owned by Randy Rhea, and I

Re: [time-nuts] Cheap GPSDO's

That last one sure looks interesting. I have one that is similar to the Trimble units that have been discussed, but was made by Symmetricom. About all I can say right now is that it *seems to work. I'll know more after I have compared it to the Z3801.* On Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 1:13 AM, Joseph Gray

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

Charles, The OCXO has always been pretty warm to the touch. Except now, it is barely warm. I tried the antenna first with a card sized Symmetricon GPSDO and it locked up OK. I have a small uBlox GPS that gives the signal levels of the satellites it sees. I need to hook that up and check. The

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

out. Only 'cost' I ask is it work > let me know. > > -pete > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Feb 1, 2016 at 6:52 AM, John Green <wpxs...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > After a couple of days of GPS lock, it went into holdover. I briefly > > powered it d

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

After a couple of days of GPS lock, it went into holdover. I briefly powered it down and it attained lock again in about 15 minutes. But, a while later, it was back in holdover. I finally coaxed that Sager laptop into working and after connecting to it with genuine RS232, I still can't communicate

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

Charles, The place isn't out of the way. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if it got a power interruption sometime. In addition, the temperature isn't stable either. It will be at least a couple of weeks before I am ready to attempt to use it for anything, and then it won't matter so much about

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

Tonight I got a GPS Lock light. Bravo! ___ 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] Working with surface mount components

I have been reading the posts regarding working with surface mount components with great interest. One thing I think I should caution against. That is soldering capacitors with a soldering iron. Some years ago, when the folks I work for were just changing over to surface mount from through hole, I

Re: [time-nuts] Z3801 misbehavior

Thanks guys. I'll hook it up to the regular power supply and let it cook for a while. I have a uBlox board I want to check for jitter, but I'll need that '3801 to check it against. The fun part will just have to wait. ___ time-nuts mailing list --

[time-nuts] Z3801 misbehaving

After running continuously for about 3 years at work, I stored my Z3801 for a little over a year. I recently took it out of storage and when I hooked it up, all I get is a power on light. The front panel LEDs light in sequence and the 6 inside blink red once and then the last one blinks

[time-nuts] TBolt interference

In reading the posts regarding a TBolt being interfered with by a close by GPS antenna/preamp/receiver, I don't have experience with Tbolts and interference but I do have some with the Z3801. I had my Z3801 running for a couple of years here at work. The antenna was a marine antenna mounted about

[time-nuts] Leica AT-303

I've been away for a long time. So, I guess that makes me the new guy, all over again. I have long coveted a choke ring GPS antenna. Oh, I have several so called timing grade ones but I have always wanted a choke ring. After watching them on eBay for a long time and seeing them in the $600 range,

[time-nuts] Info on Hamilton Railroad watch?

I know there are those who have a lot of knowledge about pocket watches and railroad watches so, I know someone with a 992B Hamilton Railroad Special, 21 jewel, lever set, with a Montgomery dial. He seems to think this is a special watch. Is it? ___

Re: [time-nuts] 992B Hamilton

Thanks Chuck. That kind of information was exactly what I was looking for. Special is in the eye of the beholder. It does sound like a watch he would fancy because it would have probably been the kind of watch an engineer would have carried. Plus, it is a pretty good watch. I saw it briefly.

Re: [time-nuts] Am I the only Time Nut who doesn't wear a watch?

I haven't worn a wristwatch in maybe 30 years. I generally use my cellphone or whatever timepiece that's handy. Or, I just guess. I don't wear my wedding ring either. Jewelry of any kind bothers me. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To

Re: [time-nuts] TV White Spaces and wasted spectrum

Quote: That is the white space plan. It is still active. It is an attempt to use wasted TV bandwidth. TV bandwidth is a waste. It is not a growing business. However, the MS scheme is kind of dumb. The gear would sniff the ether and automatically use the spectrum. They should really just refarm

[time-nuts] Light Squared, etc.

Yes, what about L5? I thought that was going to be the new civilian frequency that was going to revolutionize GPS. If the FCC is hellbent on approving Light Squared's request, L5 might be our only option. Of course the transition would be very nasty and expensive. Regarding nuclear powered

[time-nuts] OT Interesting microwave assembly

Sorry for the Off Topic nature of this but things haven't been too on topic of late. Anyway, I digress. I stumbled across an interesting microwave assembly and I know there are some microwave nuts around here, I think some of our European friends. It has a Delphi (I could find no trace of them)

[time-nuts] Another Frequency divider requirement

I recently bought an old EF Johnson 900 MHz repeater to try to convert to Amateur frequencies. It uses, but did not include, a 1.25 MHz reference. I need a divide by 8 circuit in order to use a LPRO as reference. Phase noise isn't an issue so a regenerative divider is out. I am not sure if the old

Re: [time-nuts] Ovenaire OCXOs

Interesting. I have several Ovenaire OCXOs of differing models. I used to think they were pretty stable until I compared them to my Z3801. Compared to a '3801, they stink. But then, a rubidium stinks compared to a 3801. Most have a voltage input for frequency adjustment but one has a trimmer cap

Re: [time-nuts] FE-5680A

Interesting to read the comments of others who have these. I have one I got years ago, gave up on. I knew it worked because I could see the 50 something MHz inside moving around and then locking up. I finally found out how to hook RS232 up to it and reset the frequency. It couldn't be set to

[time-nuts] OT question Mini Circuits MAR-5?

Please excuse the off topic nature of this question, but I knew you guys would know. Is there, or was there a MAR-5 mmic? I thought I had some but when I look for specs, everything I am finding seems to skip over the MAR-5. If not, I'll have to dig into my mmic repository to see just what I do

Re: [time-nuts] MAR-5?

Doh! Never mind. It was the ERA-5SM I was thinking of. Boy, my age is beginning to show. Apologies. ___ 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

Re: [time-nuts] TBOLT Power Supply

I use an International Power IHBCC512 which is overkill but I had it handy. I also use a cheap switcher on another one that serves as a reference for a ham repeater. Based on my somewhat limited experience, they are a long way from a Z3801. They are much cheaper though.

Re: [time-nuts] Lightsquared and the FCC

If the FCC weren't a government entity they would be called whores. This reminds me of the time several years ago when it was taking a year or more to get a grant for a 800 MHz license. The FCC granted thousands, yes thousands of requests from the company that would become Nextel all in one day.

Re: [time-nuts] GPS receiver jamming

The timing grade receiver I have, a Z3801 absolutely lays down at the least possible amount of on frequency signal. My automotive grade Garmin is immune to even high levels. It may be that the slightest degradation is unacceptable to the Z3801. More testing is needed. If these anticipated

Re: [time-nuts] Chinese GPS jammer

Some time back, I posted my experiments with a cheap Chinese made GPS jammer and Z3801. Since then, I have been able to check it on a spectrum analyzer. It sweeps over about 30 MHz centered on GPS L1 frequency. Power looks like about -3 dbM. If I turn it on within 30 feet of the antenna, the Z3801

Re: [time-nuts] Problems with Garmin Nuvi

Quote: Maybe we should cut these cartographers a little slack. When you consider that Garmin will sell you a map update of the entire northern hemisphere for eighty bucks, we perhaps shouldn't get too wadded up if they miss the exact location of my little bungalow by a couple of hundred feet.

[time-nuts] Speaking of problems with Garmin

I just bought a Nuvi 265WT and after I entered my home address, it says home is .2 miles away. I know this is a map error, but the map comes from Garmin. To me, this is unacceptable. I will complain, in vain, I am sure, to Garmin. Sorry to be off topic but when I saw Garmin, I couldn't resist

Re: [time-nuts] Garmin Nuvi troubles

I downloaded a topo map from a source not connected with Garmin and get the same thing. I understand that you get one free update and I already got it. I have only had it a couple of weeks so this should be the latest map. ___ time-nuts mailing list --

Re: [time-nuts] UBLOX GPS boards

Magnus Danielson wrote:I would let the low-frequency PPS act as start and the 10 MHz as stop, unless you want to measure the PPSes directly. I tried that too. Seemed to work perhaps a little better. I ended up using the 1 PPS from the Z3801 instead of the 10 MHz. I am going to have to dig out

Re: [time-nuts] UBLOX GPS board testing

I tried substituting the 1 PPS output from the Z3801 and comparing it to its own 10 MHz output and find the same jumpy behavior as I get with the UBLOX boards. Well, not exactly the same but pretty much. Now I am confused. I expected the 1 PPS to be in lock step with the 10 MHz.

[time-nuts] Ublox GPS board

I recently bought 4 older UBLOX GPS boards on eBay for $15 with free shipping. I hooked one up to my 1992 and comparing it with the Z3801, I am seeing it jump all over the place. I am using the 10 MHz output from the 3801 to start and the 1 PPS from the UBLOX to stop. I will have to bring in a

Re: [time-nuts] FEI-Zyfer GPS Time Frequency Module

They have all sold and all but one for over $100. Seems someone thought they were worth something. ___ 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

[time-nuts] ny information regarding FEI-Zyfer GPS Time Frequency Module

A few of these are currently on eBay at pretty low prices. I have never heard of them and was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them or knows where some information might be found. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To

Re: [time-nuts] GPS jamming susceptibility

I read that Phrack article and their jammer is much more sophisticated than mine. Mine is just a sweeper. I don't even know yet the sweep rate. I was thinking more along the lines of theirs. Something that actually put out a signal that contained at least some aspects of the signal they were

[time-nuts] GPS jamming susceptibility

Given that this is an extremely sensitive topic and completely illegal also, let me just state at the outset that I have no interest in jamming anyone's GPS. A while back, I was looking at one of those Chinese discount electronics websites, I'm sure we all have, and noticed a GPS jammer for sale.

Re: [time-nuts] Losing things

I don't believe there are such things as fairies, etc. Unless you count the 4 foot 10 Filipino fairy that inhabits my house. I was bad enough to take my glasses off to work on something only to spend an hour afterward looking for them. Now, I have someone else to blame. She puts her glasses in the

[time-nuts] Updated Shera controller

Bert, I for one, would be interested in that. ___ 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] Any CW12-TIM users?

I seem to remember someone saying they had actually tried one. I am looking to put another repeater on the air and while I have another TBOLT, I like the fact that the CW12-TIM takes a single supply. Of course, I'll have to have 5 volts to power the antenna but I can get the 3 volts for the CW12

Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt test results

The default parameters are a compromise. The thunderbolt was originally used to provide time and frequency, though I understand not always frequency, for cellsites. Though heated and air conditioned, I suspect they had pretty good temperature swings. Also, the sky view was not always optimum. It

Re: [time-nuts] Agilent Flat Rate repairs

If you decide to let Agilent repair your instrument be aware that flat rate doesn't necessarily mean what you think it does. We sent a network analyzer to them under the flat rate repair program and we were told that certain repairs, anything expensive, wasn't covered and that the repair would be

Re: [time-nuts] Tbolts

I have a couple of TBOLTs as well as a Z3801. If it were me, I would spend the extra and get a Z3801 or something similar. There is a Z3805 on eBay right now for $199. I didn't notice if it was an auction or buy it now. Z3801s seem to vary widely in price. I have seen them for under $200 but right

Re: [time-nuts] Tight PLL method. Is it good enough?

I am a relative outsider to this fine group. I mostly just read the posts. I have learned a lot since I have subscribed. So, I don't have a dog in the fight over whether the tight PLL method is all Warren says it is. I can understand that Warren has researched this method, discovered its weakness

[time-nuts] And you thought you were old

Anyone remember the CK722 transistor? As I remember they were about $7.50, a considerable sum. ___ 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

[time-nuts] Microphonic Inductor?

Said, I assume you are using something like the Coilcraft 0603 LS series which seem to have ferrite cores. You might want to try a 0805 size part since that inductance is available in the CS series which are ceramic only. I don't know if size constraints prohibit using an 0805 but you can try one

[time-nuts] For Brian Kirby

Going to Talladega? I am in Anniston, just a hop, skip away. If you get time, drop by. I am at 1750 Coleman Rd. We don't have a Time Nuts quality lab here but do have some interesting stuff. John Green ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com

Re: [time-nuts] GPS Networking splitter

They work very well. I have a LDCBS1X2 I got off eBay for $15 or so. Do have a look there befor you pay retail. The one I have has one port thru and the other blocked. Also has a load on the blocked side so some receivers won't whine about open antennas. There are lots of options, but these are so

Re: [time-nuts] Measuring frequency difference

Raj wrote: I must again check with a newer GPS for better coordinate accuracy. Initially only two SV's lit green, after I set the co-ordinates then all are green. Now the 10MHz is jumping between 0.1 0.00 ppb. comparing with a a FE5680. I understand that is mostly due to using the default settings

Re: [time-nuts] REFLOCK

Luis, I noticed that TAPR shows the Reflock2 items as no longer available. Is there another source? ___ 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

Re: [time-nuts] High voltage supplies

I worked for a brief spell for a company that made transformers. We had several high voltage parts and I came to appreciate making high voltage stuff is as much an art as a science. One of our products was a 7 kV ferro. The usual way to test one was to grab the silicone output lead and get it near

Re: [time-nuts] Tbolt altitude error

I had a Tbolt and a Z3801 both fed from the same antenna and they indicated 26 meters differenence in altitude. The 3801 seemed closer to right. If geoid error were the cause, it seems that both would indicate about the same. ___ time-nuts mailing list

Re: [time-nuts] Sparkfun

I was going to try to purchase a Prologix GPIB converter but I can't access their site. I sent an e mail informing them but have not gotten a reply. Is it just me? ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to

Re: [time-nuts] Sparkfun

I am at work so I couldn't commit the time to trying to get in. I did manage to get something in my cart but could never check out. They didn't answer my e mail yesterday complaining about their site but I am going to send them another reminding them that wasting the time of people who are

Re: [time-nuts] Beginner's Time Reference

As someone relatively new to the precision time/frequency game my viewpoint is a little different to the more seasoned folk. Your statement that you wanted to build your own atomic standard leads me to believe that this is more of a learning experience for you. Even if you want to build it

[time-nuts] Would a Resolution T work?

I always thought the microprocessor in a Z3801 had to talk to the GPS receiver for it to work. Guess not. Anyway, would a Resolution T work to supply 1 PPS? Would it be better or worse than the existing Oncore? By the way, my Z3801 is still stinky. I powered it off yesterday and I am going to

Re: [time-nuts] Stinky Z3801

I lifted the top board and after some sniffing I determined that the smell is coming from the 10811 reference oscillator can. I don't know if I want to open it up but I guess at this point, I don't have much choice. Unless it is normal for them to smell bad. Anyone ever experienced stinky

[time-nuts] Re; Stinky Z3801

I partially disassembled the reference and the smell is coming from the inner oven. After looking at the website that shows a complete disassembly, it looks like the only thing that could be generating the odor is the black foam insulation between the oscillator can and the outer oven. Since the

Re: [time-nuts] Stinky Z3801

Since the oscillator/inner oven can is sealed, how can you smell it? Bill Hawkins The point I was trying to make, perhaps unsuccessfully, was that since the can containing the inner oven was sealed, the smell had to be coming from the insulation between the inner and outer ovens.

Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt reception problems

Warren, Thanks for the Tbolt tips. The power supply was a good linear supply so I doubt that was causing what I see. The room temp was cycling a degree, maybe two, I did sometime see some quick shifts that were not coincident with temperature but they were all less than 10 nS. The largest swings

[time-nuts] Double oven ocxo's was Tbolt reception problems

Warren, Perhaps I am being too hard on the Tbolt. If I never had a Z3801, I am sure I would like the Tbolt a lot more. The Z3801 seems to just sit there and work without having to assure either its voltage or temperature or anything else for that matter. I do believe the things I am seeing are

Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt reception problems

I have been following the discussion regarding Tbolt performance closely. I have 2 of them and have not seen performance even close to what others report. I don't seem to have sensitivity related issues that others have reported. I am feeding Tbolt and Z3801 from a common antenna through a purpose

[time-nuts] 80 MHz Crystal

Do you need 80 MHz exactly? I have a number of tcxos around that frequency but I doubt any that are exactly 80 MHz. By the way, $12 for a good crystal doesn't sound all that high. Seems the last ones I bought from ICM for channel elements which aren't all that precise, were close to $20.

[time-nuts] Speaking of 10544As

I have one that I bought at least 25 years ago. Never been turned on. I believe it was brand new. It had the HP spec sheet with it. I keep saying I am going to power it up and see what it does. Now that I have some equipment that can actually do that, I'll give it a try. Maybe sooner than another

Re: [time-nuts] Trimble Z3801 look alike

I did find this: http://www.realhamradio.com/GPS_Trimble_Receiver.htm Looks kind of like a Tbolt in a fancy case. Article says it doesn't work with Satstat. I'll bet it does work with Tboltmon. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To

[time-nuts] Trimble copy of Z3801

There is what appears to be a Trimble copy of a Z3801 on eBay. number 370234484785. I can't seem to find any info. Is this really a Z3801 copy or just a Tbolt in a fancy case? ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to

Re: [time-nuts] Conical inductors

Just so you know, Colicraft makes them too. http://www.coilcraft.com/bcl-s.cfm#table Probably quite a bit cheaper than Piconics and they are available either with flying leads or surface mount. I don't believe they use any core material but the specifications look like they would be suitable for

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