[time-nuts] PM6680 or 53131A for TimePod

[Bob Camp]

Hi

At leas on the spec sheet I found, both counters have a single shot of 500 ps. The
6680 “improves” as the averaging goes up. 

http://isurplus.com.au/specifications/Philips%20PM6680%20Specifications.pdf

Section 13-8 has a lot of “500 ps / sqrt(N)" in it. If N=1 (single shot) you get 500 ps. HP stops the
process when resolution and random bounce are roughly equal. Fluke gives you another bit of 
noise to possibly average out under some conditions. 

At least the way I read the data sheets, the two counters are very similar. 

Bob

> On Nov 15, 2015, at 6:10 PM, Scott McGrath <scmcgrath at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thanks Bob
> 
> I'm using the actual time pod for paying activities.  This would be a counter for time nuttery using the time pod software.  In those cases Where I don't want to fire up the 5071.  
> 
> I'm familiar with the Keysight counters and I have a lot of them into the high Ghz ranges
> 
> The 53131 is spec'd to 500ps and the  6680 is spec'd at 250ps 
> 
> I've also been leaning in the 53131 direction but I'd like to have the best tool for the job at hand
> 
> Content by Scott
> Typos by Siri
> 
>> On Nov 15, 2015, at 1:59 PM, Bob Camp <kb8tq at n1k.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi
>> 
>> I guess the first question would be - If you have a Time Pod, what do you need a counter for?
>> 
>> Based on a guess that you need extended frequency range, either would do pretty well. My vote
>> would go to the HP for a couple of reasons:
>> 
>> 1) It’s more broadly supported in terms of driver software (which may or may not matter to you).
>> 
>> 2) It’s a more common item on the auction sites, so parts are easier to find.
>> 
>> 3) It shares some parts (like the power supply) with the (cheaper) 53181
>> 
>> No those are not great big reasons to go for one over the other. They are very similar devices. One
>> has an LCD that has a finite life. The other has a VFD that also has a finite life. Both are custom, that’s 
>> a tie. Some like the command (button) arrangement on one over the other. I think it’s more a “what
>> are you used to” thing than anything else. On the 53131 you need to hit the Run button in some cases. 
>> 
>> I have not watched the prices on the Fluke. I have kept track of the 53131’s. A “good price” on one
>> these days is below $600 ( = you may need to shop a bit, but they do show up). 
>> 
>> Bob
>> 
>>> On Nov 15, 2015, at 1:45 PM, Scott McGrath <scmcgrath at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi
>>> 
>>> Which counter would be best for use with time pod I have a chance to buy each at a reasonable prices i.e. < 1000 US
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance Scott
>>> 
>>> Content by Scott
>>> Typos by Siri
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