[time-nuts] New GNSS Antenna Splitter Available

[John Ackermann N8UR]

Dual-frequency GNSS receivers are becoming more common, and you can now 
buy low cost L1/L2/L5 antennas.  But it's hard to find a GNSS antenna 
splitter that handles multiple bands; most of them have SAW filters for 
L1 only.  I ran into that problem and designed a solution: the GUS, or 
"GNSS Unfiltered Splitter", which is what it says it is.  TAPR is now 
offering it for sale.

The GUS has four output ports with SMA connectors and covers L1, L2, and 
L5 (in fact, it's usable from 1 to about 1.7 GHz).  Its LNA makes up for 
splitter losses and provides a net gain of about 7 dB.  The outputs have 
equal time delays within a handful of picoseconds, but are not phase 
matched.

It does not have any bandpass filtering, so might not be suitable for 
use near high power transmitting sites.  But in most applications, 
filtering beyond that provided by the antenna isn't necessary.

The GUS can be powered from a receiver, and voltage is passed through to 
power an antenna LNA.  In addition, it can use external power and can 
handle inputs from 3.3 to 15 volts.  An on-board regulator is available 
if the antenna requires lower voltage than the power source, and antenna 
power can be disabled.  In short, the GUS tries to support just about 
every receiver/power/antenna combination that's out there.

The GUS is available from TAPR now:
https://tapr.org/product/gus-gnss-antenna-splitter/
It's fully assembled except for the RF connectors (which are included), 
and a matching extruded aluminum case with endplates is available.