Re: [time-nuts] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Nigel Thanks for your information. The data given by Bert seems to be getting more sensible, and I think you will agree that of all the items that have been purchased and discussed on Time-Nuts, this one is hands down for confusion. One of the reasons for my trusting and buying from Bob (Fluke I) is that he is well informed, , has good electronic knowledge and has always provided good items of gear. It would seem that the number of Chinese sellers has increased in the recent past and many of them would seem to have little knowledge of the products and even less English to answer questions. Again it would seem that if you buy the cheapies then you probably have the basic, non programmable model. I guess the guys at FE are all falling about when they see our predicament ! Roy -- From: gandal...@aol.com Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 3:49 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features Hi Roy If your unit is generating an output as you report, without 5 volts to pin 4, then I'd leave well alone. On the current batches of cheaper units, that do require a 5 volt supply to pin 4, they won't lock or provide an output without it. Removing that 5 volt supply from a unit that's already up and running, on two that I've tested so far anyway, causes it to lose lock and the 10MHz output collapses, which would seem to be a fairly strong indication that on these units it is needed:-) regards Nigel GM8PZR In a message dated 08/01/2012 12:57:57 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Somebody on the list has suggested that it could do damage to this variant, to connect 5 volts to pin 4, to date I have not done this, Can any member confirm these details. ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Hi Roy There's some very good stuff coming out of China via Ebay, but some does come with confusion attached and it's probably best never to place too much reliance on descriptions unless for items reasonably well known or with relevant documentation available. Just to add to the confusion, quite a few sellers seem to use multiple IDs, sometimes blatantly obvious but sometimes not, and also exhibit almost paranoid behaviour at times when it comes to not sharing information with those considered to be local competitors. The paranoia, of course, might be well founded:-) Probably best not to assume either that any of these sellers are too well informed electronically. If you think it can be confusing with the surplus commercial gear, just wait until you see what they can do when they start to dabble with design, either their own or those borrowed from elsewhere:-) The FE5680A has certainly been one of the confusing items, firstly just because there are a number of variants that aren't publicly documented but not helped again by some sellers providing incorrect information. I wouldn't necessarily describe the current batch of cheaper FE5680As as basic though, or even non programmable. They provide both 10MHz and 1PPS outputs, I've identified a well defined 1uS 5V pulse available on pin 6 despite doubts in some quarters, and are programmable to the extent that the output frequency can be trimmed under computer control with a fair degree of accuracy and without any of the possible longer term problems sometimes associated with variable resistors. They certainly beat at least one of my FE5660As, an FRS-C compatible unit, where the internal trimmer fell off the PCB in transit:-) regards Nigel In a message dated 09/01/2012 11:57:22 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Nigel Thanks for your information. The data given by Bert seems to be getting more sensible, and I think you will agree that of all the items that have been purchased and discussed on Time-Nuts, this one is hands down for confusion. One of the reasons for my trusting and buying from Bob (Fluke I) is that he is well informed, , has good electronic knowledge and has always provided good items of gear. It would seem that the number of Chinese sellers has increased in the recent past and many of them would seem to have little knowledge of the products and even less English to answer questions. Again it would seem that if you buy the cheapies then you probably have the basic, non programmable model. I guess the guys at FE are all falling about when they see our predicament ! ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
On 1/9/2012 7:21 AM, gandal...@aol.com wrote: Hi Roy There's some very good stuff coming out of China via Ebay, but some does come with confusion attached and it's probably best never to place too much reliance on descriptions unless for items reasonably well known or with relevant documentation available. Just to add to the confusion, quite a few sellers seem to use multiple IDs, sometimes blatantly obvious but sometimes not, and also exhibit almost paranoid behaviour at times when it comes to not sharing information with those considered to be local competitors. The paranoia, of course, might be well founded:-) One other aspect of their paranoia is that many of the Chinese sellers make all their auctions private. It makes me wonder what they're hiding. Maybe their paranoia is a bit contagious. :-) Private auctions really annoy me because if I see some negative ratings, I can't tell what item they were complaining about. Maybe it was the item I was interested in, maybe not. But since I can't tell, I'm likely to take my business elsewhere. Probably best not to assume either that any of these sellers are too well informed electronically. I asked one of the Fe-5680A sellers if his unit had the 1 PPS output on pin 6. If he had been testing the units, it would have been trivial for him to check. I never received a response from him. I won't be buying anything from him in the future. If you think it can be confusing with the surplus commercial gear, just wait until you see what they can do when they start to dabble with design, either their own or those borrowed from elsewhere:-) The FE5680A has certainly been one of the confusing items, firstly just because there are a number of variants that aren't publicly documented but not helped again by some sellers providing incorrect information. I've noticed that they often copy their competitor's information - particularly amusing when you know that all of them are wrong! Ed I wouldn't necessarily describe the current batch of cheaper FE5680As as basic though, or even non programmable. They provide both 10MHz and 1PPS outputs, I've identified a well defined 1uS 5V pulse available on pin 6 despite doubts in some quarters, and are programmable to the extent that the output frequency can be trimmed under computer control with a fair degree of accuracy and without any of the possible longer term problems sometimes associated with variable resistors. They certainly beat at least one of my FE5660As, an FRS-C compatible unit, where the internal trimmer fell off the PCB in transit:-) regards Nigel In a message dated 09/01/2012 11:57:22 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Nigel Thanks for your information. The data given by Bert seems to be getting more sensible, and I think you will agree that of all the items that have been purchased and discussed on Time-Nuts, this one is hands down for confusion. One of the reasons for my trusting and buying from Bob (Fluke I) is that he is well informed, , has good electronic knowledge and has always provided good items of gear. It would seem that the number of Chinese sellers has increased in the recent past and many of them would seem to have little knowledge of the products and even less English to answer questions. Again it would seem that if you buy the cheapies then you probably have the basic, non programmable model. I guess the guys at FE are all falling about when they see our predicament ! ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
In some cases they have been cough having some one bid up the price. Bert Kehren In a message dated 1/9/2012 11:05:01 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, ed_pal...@sasktel.net writes: On 1/9/2012 7:21 AM, gandal...@aol.com wrote: Hi Roy There's some very good stuff coming out of China via Ebay, but some does come with confusion attached and it's probably best never to place too much reliance on descriptions unless for items reasonably well known or with relevant documentation available. Just to add to the confusion, quite a few sellers seem to use multiple IDs, sometimes blatantly obvious but sometimes not, and also exhibit almost paranoid behaviour at times when it comes to not sharing information with those considered to be local competitors. The paranoia, of course, might be well founded:-) One other aspect of their paranoia is that many of the Chinese sellers make all their auctions private. It makes me wonder what they're hiding. Maybe their paranoia is a bit contagious. :-) Private auctions really annoy me because if I see some negative ratings, I can't tell what item they were complaining about. Maybe it was the item I was interested in, maybe not. But since I can't tell, I'm likely to take my business elsewhere. Probably best not to assume either that any of these sellers are too well informed electronically. I asked one of the Fe-5680A sellers if his unit had the 1 PPS output on pin 6. If he had been testing the units, it would have been trivial for him to check. I never received a response from him. I won't be buying anything from him in the future. If you think it can be confusing with the surplus commercial gear, just wait until you see what they can do when they start to dabble with design, either their own or those borrowed from elsewhere:-) The FE5680A has certainly been one of the confusing items, firstly just because there are a number of variants that aren't publicly documented but not helped again by some sellers providing incorrect information. I've noticed that they often copy their competitor's information - particularly amusing when you know that all of them are wrong! Ed I wouldn't necessarily describe the current batch of cheaper FE5680As as basic though, or even non programmable. They provide both 10MHz and 1PPS outputs, I've identified a well defined 1uS 5V pulse available on pin 6 despite doubts in some quarters, and are programmable to the extent that the output frequency can be trimmed under computer control with a fair degree of accuracy and without any of the possible longer term problems sometimes associated with variable resistors. They certainly beat at least one of my FE5660As, an FRS-C compatible unit, where the internal trimmer fell off the PCB in transit:-) regards Nigel In a message dated 09/01/2012 11:57:22 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Nigel Thanks for your information. The data given by Bert seems to be getting more sensible, and I think you will agree that of all the items that have been purchased and discussed on Time-Nuts, this one is hands down for confusion. One of the reasons for my trusting and buying from Bob (Fluke I) is that he is well informed, , has good electronic knowledge and has always provided good items of gear. It would seem that the number of Chinese sellers has increased in the recent past and many of them would seem to have little knowledge of the products and even less English to answer questions. Again it would seem that if you buy the cheapies then you probably have the basic, non programmable model. I guess the guys at FE are all falling about when they see our predicament ! ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Well done Bert, at last some sensible information regarding the multiplicity of models of this Rb. I obtained my example from Fluke I for the higher price - but he assures me that it is the RS232 programmable unit. I have not had the opportunity to investigate it fully, but it would seem not to require the additional 5 volt supply. The power requirements are 15 volts, at initially 1.9 Amps, reducing to 680/700mA. Without any programming, it provides a 1pps. signal from pin 6 of the 9-pin D connector. According to my 53131A (locked to the GPS standard), the 1 pps is 1.000,000,001 s. The modifications to the unit made by an earlier owner, suggests bringing the (selected) signal out form the case, to a separate BNC, and another 9 pin D for the RS232. Somebody on the list has suggested that it could do damage to this variant, to connect 5 volts to pin 4, to date I have not done this, Can any member confirm these details. Thanks. Roy -- From: ewkeh...@aol.com Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 12:25 AM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features Sorry I ever started this. In the past the FE5680's started out with a 50.255 MHz XTAL, some time in the 2002 2003 timeframe they switched to 60 MHz using a DDS in the loop. All of these units can only be stepped in 7 E-13 steps limited by the resolution of the DDS. Having followed all the listings on this subject is it safe to assume that 99% of the units sold in the $ 40 range are identical in that respect. At prior times there was and still is a unit available that from the 50.255 drives a DDS and a programmable output is available at a premium price. All seem to be above $ 100. Claims that the 60 MHz units can be set in 1 E-13 is bogus and misleading. Maybe if you dither the input, but since the loop is most likely digital I do not know what that will do. Accept 7 E -13 or do as I will do, use the C field. Pin 8 and 9 are RS 232. Bert Kehren In a message dated 12/11/2011 5:46:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, snapp...@gmail.com writes: Like many of you, I have seen these advertised on Ebay at good prices. Also, like many of you, I am confused about the 'programmability' and connections. Many of them advertise these connections:- PIN 1: INPUT +15V to +18V PIN 2: GROUND PIN 3: LOCK/UNLOCK (high = unlock) PIN 4: INPUT +5V PIN 5: GROUND PIN 7: OUTPUT ( 10MHz sinewave ) Many of them also say Digitally programmable to 1x10-13, with the above connections. (Many of the sites seem to have the same descriptive text.) On questioning one of them about how the programming was done, they replied Not with this model; only with the more expensive one he sells ! But from what I read in some of the time-nuts contributions, there is sometimes (?) or often (?) also these connections:- Pin 6 1 pps out Pin 8 RS-232 Rx (into rubidium) Pin 9 RS-232 Tx (from rubidium) Can anyone tell me if they ALL have the MAX level shifter/driver chip fitted, even though it may not be connected to the connector ? I don't want full programmability, just 10 MHz frequency correction. Perhaps I just have to take pot luck when I buy ? What are my chances of getting one with the 'hidden' RS232 and 1PPS output ? All advice appreciated. Thanks. ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Hi Roy If your unit is generating an output as you report, without 5 volts to pin 4, then I'd leave well alone. On the current batches of cheaper units, that do require a 5 volt supply to pin 4, they won't lock or provide an output without it. Removing that 5 volt supply from a unit that's already up and running, on two that I've tested so far anyway, causes it to lose lock and the 10MHz output collapses, which would seem to be a fairly strong indication that on these units it is needed:-) regards Nigel GM8PZR In a message dated 08/01/2012 12:57:57 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Somebody on the list has suggested that it could do damage to this variant, to connect 5 volts to pin 4, to date I have not done this, Can any member confirm these details. ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Nigel Thanks for your comments - - the plot thickens. Would this indicate that the 5 volt supply required for general internal use is obtained by an internal Vreg. from the basic 15 volt supply - - I would guess so because the overall current requirement would seem to be similar ? What is for sure, is that the manufacturers offered this product in various bespoke styles without any external (case) indication. We await those of you that are keen and able to investigate in depth. By the way, I gave the Russian Rb unit, which came out of my Quartzlock 10A-R, to a new Time-nut in my locality. I note that another Quartzlock 10A-R is currently being offered by one of our popular websites - I wonder if it has the same Rb unit ? Regards Roy -Original Message- From: gandal...@aol.com Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 3:49 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features Hi Roy If your unit is generating an output as you report, without 5 volts to pin 4, then I'd leave well alone. On the current batches of cheaper units, that do require a 5 volt supply to pin 4, they won't lock or provide an output without it. Removing that 5 volt supply from a unit that's already up and running, on two that I've tested so far anyway, causes it to lose lock and the 10MHz output collapses, which would seem to be a fairly strong indication that on these units it is needed:-) regards Nigel GM8PZR In a message dated 08/01/2012 12:57:57 GMT Standard Time, phill...@btinternet.com writes: Somebody on the list has suggested that it could do damage to this variant, to connect 5 volts to pin 4, to date I have not done this, Can any member confirm these details. ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 7:49 AM, gandal...@aol.com wrote: Hi Roy If your unit is generating an output as you report, without 5 volts to pin 4, then I'd leave well alone. On the current batches of cheaper units, that do require a 5 volt supply to pin 4, they won't lock or provide an output without it. If you look inside, on some units there is a voltage regulator and on other units there are bare solder pads where the regulator and some capacitors would go.My guess is that if you got the bare pads you need to supply 5V. The reverse may not be true, I've read a report of a regulator that was installed but disconnected. I think these FE5680 units were all built to customer specs and each batch of a few thousand units is different. I wish there were some rule that when you change a product to have to change the part number but there is no such rule Chris Albertson Redondo Beach, California ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
In a message dated 12/12/2011 04:00:17 GMT Standard Time, smit...@c-c-i.com writes: But you can query the unit and it will reply with the programmed offset value. If you get it wrong, it won't accept the programmed value. Just query it with: 2d 04 00 29 to verify the offset value. - Yes I know, that's in the manual anyway, but if you do get it wrong and there's no response it might not be immediately obvious where the problem lies, wrong software, wrong settings, or wrong connection for example, so was just trying to offer some quick start up information for anyone who might need it. regards Nigel GM8PZR ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Realterm is a good one too: http://realterm.sourceforge.net/ Cutecom works perfectly: http://cutecom.sourceforge.net/ inline: image001.gif___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
alex mclaggan wrote: Like many of you, I have seen these advertised on Ebay at good prices. Also, like many of you, I am confused about the 'programmability' and connections. Many of them advertise these connections:- PIN 1: INPUT +15V to +18V PIN 2: GROUND PIN 3: LOCK/UNLOCK (high = unlock) PIN 4: INPUT +5V PIN 5: GROUND PIN 7: OUTPUT ( 10MHz sinewave ) Many of them also say Digitally programmable to 1x10-13, with the above connections. (Many of the sites seem to have the same descriptive text.) On questioning one of them about how the programming was done, they replied Not with this model; only with the more expensive one he sells ! But from what I read in some of the time-nuts contributions, there is sometimes (?) or often (?) also these connections:- Pin 6 1 pps out Pin 8 RS-232 Rx (into rubidium) Pin 9 RS-232 Tx (from rubidium) Can anyone tell me if they ALL have the MAX level shifter/driver chip fitted, even though it may not be connected to the connector ? I don't want full programmability, just 10 MHz frequency correction. Perhaps I just have to take pot luck when I buy ? What are my chances of getting one with the 'hidden' RS232 and 1PPS output ? For what it is worth, this unit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=270870764984 appears identical to the one I purchased four weeks ago. Same seller, same cut off PCB, same extras thrown in, same price. My unit has the pins and functions you list above (including the 1PPS and the rs-232 connections. I have been able to adjust the frequency in a restricted range around the nominal 10MHz. The results from my experiments can be seen here: http://c-c-i.com/image/tid/4 Bob S. attachment: smither.vcf___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
Sorry I ever started this. In the past the FE5680's started out with a 50.255 MHz XTAL, some time in the 2002 2003 timeframe they switched to 60 MHz using a DDS in the loop. All of these units can only be stepped in 7 E-13 steps limited by the resolution of the DDS. Having followed all the listings on this subject is it safe to assume that 99% of the units sold in the $ 40 range are identical in that respect. At prior times there was and still is a unit available that from the 50.255 drives a DDS and a programmable output is available at a premium price. All seem to be above $ 100. Claims that the 60 MHz units can be set in 1 E-13 is bogus and misleading. Maybe if you dither the input, but since the loop is most likely digital I do not know what that will do. Accept 7 E -13 or do as I will do, use the C field. Pin 8 and 9 are RS 232. Bert Kehren In a message dated 12/11/2011 5:46:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, snapp...@gmail.com writes: Like many of you, I have seen these advertised on Ebay at good prices. Also, like many of you, I am confused about the 'programmability' and connections. Many of them advertise these connections:- PIN 1: INPUT +15V to +18V PIN 2: GROUND PIN 3: LOCK/UNLOCK (high = unlock) PIN 4: INPUT +5V PIN 5: GROUND PIN 7: OUTPUT ( 10MHz sinewave ) Many of them also say Digitally programmable to 1x10-13, with the above connections. (Many of the sites seem to have the same descriptive text.) On questioning one of them about how the programming was done, they replied Not with this model; only with the more expensive one he sells ! But from what I read in some of the time-nuts contributions, there is sometimes (?) or often (?) also these connections:- Pin 6 1 pps out Pin 8 RS-232 Rx (into rubidium) Pin 9 RS-232 Tx (from rubidium) Can anyone tell me if they ALL have the MAX level shifter/driver chip fitted, even though it may not be connected to the connector ? I don't want full programmability, just 10 MHz frequency correction. Perhaps I just have to take pot luck when I buy ? What are my chances of getting one with the 'hidden' RS232 and 1PPS output ? All advice appreciated. Thanks. ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
In a message dated 11/12/2011 23:01:14 GMT Standard Time, smit...@c-c-i.com writes: Can anyone tell me if they ALL have the MAX level shifter/driver chip fitted, even though it may not be connected to the connector ? I don't want full programmability, just 10 MHz frequency correction. Perhaps I just have to take pot luck when I buy ? What are my chances of getting one with the 'hidden' RS232 and 1PPS output ? For what it is worth, this unit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=270870764984 appears identical to the one I purchased four weeks ago. Same seller, same cut off PCB, same extras thrown in, same price. --- The FEI part number you are looking for is 217400-30352-1, it is often clearly visible in the auction photos and can be seen in at least one of the photos in the above link. I'm sure all will do what you ask but the biggest problem I found was actually getting to talk to the unit, it doesn't give you any feedback if you get it wrong, just sits there looking at you. Data connections are as per the manual, pin 8 of the 9 pin connector on the module goes to pin 3 of the 9 pin RS232 port at the PC, and pin 9 at the module goes to pin 2 at the PC. Add the ground connection and that's it. You will need some software to send the HEX 32 bit signed integer values plus checksum to the unit. Programs such as Hyperterminal aren't much help here but I found the RS232 Hex Com Tool from Virtual Integrated Design to be ideal. A demo version can be downloaded from _http://www.viddata.com/_ (http://www.viddata.com/) The demo version times out after 5 minutes but can be restarted immediately so that isn't really a problem. Settings are 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Flow Control. There's plenty of utilities online to convert decimal to HEX, I used.. _http://www.binaryhexconverter.com/decimal-to-hex-converter_ (http://www.binaryhexconverter.com/decimal-to-hex-converter) The checksum is just the XOR of the four 8 bit words and I used Windows calculator in programming mode for this, not sure if this is relevant to all calculator versions but it is in Win7. My unit came with an offset of zero, and I'm guessing most others will too as they probably weren't ever adjusted in use. I followed Jose Camara's advice for initial offset testing, and used offset values of +4095 and -4096 to calibrate the frequency adjustment range with the zero offset as a confidence check. The commands to send these offsets, without storing them, plus the immediate effects they had for me, are as follows.. +4095 -- 2E 09 00 27 00 00 0F FF F0 -- 10.000,000,023,00 MHz approx -- 2E 09 00 27 00 00 00 00 00 -- 9.999,999,995,00 MHz approx -4096 -- 2E 09 00 27 FF FF F0 00 F0 -- 9.999,999,967,00 MHz approx Gaps in the command string are for clarity, and not needed when sending, and all marked as approx because I was just looking for ballpark figures and didn't wait too long for them to settle. From these results it was easy enough to calculate an initial adjustment with corresponding offset,that would get me close to 10MHz, followed by a further correction and offset that got me to 10.000,000,000,1 MHz, give or take all sorts of variables, including the phase of the moon on the next Thursday followingish:-) Which I decided wasn't too bad for a first try, and close enough anyway to use the adjust and store command for the same value:-) Regards Nigel GM8PZR ___ 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] Ebay FE-5680A Rb: Connections and Features
gandal...@aol.com wrote: snip The FEI part number you are looking for is 217400-30352-1, it is often clearly visible in the auction photos and can be seen in at least one of the photos in the above link. I'm sure all will do what you ask but the biggest problem I found was actually getting to talk to the unit, it doesn't give you any feedback if you get it wrong, just sits there looking at you. But you can query the unit and it will reply with the programmed offset value. If you get it wrong, it won't accept the programmed value. Just query it with: 2d 04 00 29 to verify the offset value. Data connections are as per the manual, pin 8 of the 9 pin connector on the module goes to pin 3 of the 9 pin RS232 port at the PC, and pin 9 at the module goes to pin 2 at the PC. Add the ground connection and that's it. You will need some software to send the HEX 32 bit signed integer values plus checksum to the unit. Programs such as Hyperterminal aren't much help here but I found the RS232 Hex Com Tool from Virtual Integrated Design to be ideal. Cutecom works perfectly: http://cutecom.sourceforge.net/ -- = Bob Smither, PhD Circuit Concepts, Inc. The purpose of government is to rein in the rights of the people. -- Bill Clinton, President of the United States smit...@c-c-i.comhttp://www.C-C-I.Com281-331-2744 = attachment: smither.vcf___ 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.
