[time-nuts] Re: Power and heat re: Heathkit WWV clock / where are the good oscillators?

[Brooke Clarke]

Hi:

I think it is simply that the voltage regulator is a linear type that dissipates the difference between it's input and 
output.  I don't see it as a problem.
https://prc68.com/I/HeathkitGC1000.shtml

-- 
Have Fun,

Brooke Clarke
https://www.PRC68.com
axioms:
1. The extent to which you can fix or improve something will be limited by how well you understand how it works.
2. Everybody, with no exceptions, holds false beliefs.

-------- Original Message --------
>> I've seen numerous reports of the flawed power supply and regulator, and the
>> intense heat it generates in the chassis, and I'm stumped. Why does it need
>> so much power that it's getting hot?
> Wikipedia doesn't have a page on the Heathkit GC-1000, but it is mentioned on
> their Radio clock page and says 1983.
>    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_clock
> and that has a link to:
>    https://www.pestingers.net/pages-images/heathkit/radio-equipment/gc1000/gc100
> 0.htm
> which has a set of pictures, one shows "13w max"
>
> 10 watts in a plastic box.  I'm not surprised it gets hot.
>
> Why does it need so much power?  You are comparing 40 year old technology with
> with your expectations calibrated on modern technology.
>
> A couple of differences:
>    CMOS technology
>    LCD vs LED
>    WWVB vs WWV
>    Switching power supplies
>
> It would be fun to see a plot of the power needed to run a watch over the
> years.
>
> Initial GPS receivers were $250K.  They came out about the same time.
>
>
>