[time-nuts] What outdoor antenna for Tbolt?

[Didier Juges]

The first sentence was confusing, replace with:

"I have tried several models, the original Trimble Bullet... "

Didier KO4BB

> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com 
> [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On Behalf Of Didier Juges
> Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 9:02 AM
> To: dtmspam at techemail.com; 'Discussion of precise time and 
> frequency measurement'
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] What outdoor antenna for Tbolt?
> 
> I have tried three models the original Trimble Bullet, the HP 
> 58532A and several pucks, including a nice Trimble mag-mount 
> unit. Two of the pucks are designed for marine use, with a 
> decent waterproof case and mounting, but they are in an all 
> plastic case. There have no part number that I could see, I 
> need to look closer to see if there is a manufacturer's mark. 
> They were obtained on eBay from a long forgotten vendor...
> 
> I am not sure how Trimble rates the mag-mount antenna, but it 
> probably was not designed for permanent outdoor installation, 
> even though it is heavy and looks very well made.
> 
> They were compared by plugging them into my main Thunderbolt 
> receiver and checking the time to complete self-survey. 
> Because of the constantly changing constellation, it is 
> difficult to compare antennas otherwise over a short time. I 
> felt the self-survey was a useful indicator even though I am 
> perfectly aware it is just that. Self survey takes several 
> hours (2 to 8 in my experience, depending on the combination 
> of antenna and receiver).
> 
> It seems my main Thunderbolt receiver (original OEM design 
> with built-in
> supply) is more sensitive than the two Group-buy Thunderbolts 
> I also have, as it does complete self-survey faster and seems 
> to report more satellites, even though I have not yet 
> attempted to log that information over a period of time to 
> give an objective result. Another project for the winter.... 
> That could also be due to a different internal configuration 
> of the receivers, even though I have not seen any difference 
> in look-up angle settings and such.
> 
> All antennas were compared while inside the house, in the 
> upstairs ham shack/office/lab, so pretty close under the 
> shingles covered roof and facing south.
> 
> The Bullet I have is less sensitive than the others. I 
> receive fewer satellites with it and it takes much longer for 
> the self-survey to complete, I do not use it. I got it with 
> my main Thunderbolt receiver and it was not new when I got 
> it. All other antennas were bought new.
> 
> The HP and the pucks seems to give about the same signal 
> strength and take about as long to complete the self survey. 
> The HP will go outside when I have a chance to install it, 
> it's still way too hot over here to do anything outside that 
> you don't HAVE to do...
> 
> I bought the HP on eBay, new, for $50 with shipping, compared 
> to about $25 each for the pucks, including shipping costs. 
> Unless you are satisfied with an indoor antenna (in which 
> case I would say: "What are you doing on time-nuts?"), I 
> can't justify saving $25 by using a puck compared to the 
> wonderful piece of design and technology that the HP 58532A 
> is. By the pound, you get much more with the HP :-)
> 
> Didier KO4BB
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com
> > [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On Behalf Of David Medin
> > Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2008 3:28 PM
> > To: time-nuts at febo.com
> > Subject: [time-nuts] What outdoor antenna for Tbolt?
> > 
> >    What outdoor bullet antenna are people using for their Tbolts
> >    (manufacturer and model number), where did you find it, 
> >    and how much did you pay for it? I'm looking at several eBay 
> >    antennas and the like crossing my fingers that the bias 
> >    voltage and current will work, but I'd rather get some 
> >    advice from those of you that have actually done
> >    the deed. I'm only really interested in antennas designed 
> >    for permanent outdoor or marine installation.
> > 
> >    Thanks!
> > 
> >    Dave Medin
> 
> 
> 
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