[time-nuts] Z3801 replacement

[Jim Sanford]

Bob:
Thanks.
You correctly anticipated that I will use this to lock a 100 MHz 
Oscillator, and either multiply or lock from there.  (I'm considering a 
VCXO at 1GHz as well, it would either be locked to 100 MHz or 10 Mhz.  
Haven't decided yet, also considering multiplying up to 1000 and then 
from there to 2Ghz, 3Ghz, and 5.  Haven't decided about 10 Ghz yet.

Appreciate the info.  The units on ebay are cheaper than the VCXO I was 
considering (first time I looked, they were more), so will probably just 
do that.

Thanks again,
Jim
wb4gcs at amsat.org

On 6/28/2013 10:07 AM, Bob Camp wrote:
> Hi
>
>
> On Jun 28, 2013, at 9:45 AM, Jim Sanford <wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org> wrote:
>
>> All:
>>
>> My Z3801 no longer works, and I've not been able to get any new ideas on it, so am looking for a replacement.
>>
>> I've come across a nice 10 MHz that has very good phase noise (-145db or so at 10 KHz offset), but costs $175 in single quantities (digi-key, I think.)
> The OCXO in the TBolt is about -165 at 10 KHz
>
>>   I was considering using one of W1GHz's boards to lock it to a jupter GPS engine that I already have.  Several people have told me this is overkill, recommending the Thunderbolt.
>>
>> I've read that there are various OXCXs used in Thunderbolts, some OK, some not so good.
>>
>> Looking on ebay right now, I see a Nortel Trimble NTBW50AA, a Symmetricom, NTBW50AA, and another Nortel.
>>
>> Does anybody have experience with these?
> Yes
>
>>    I'm particularly interested in the best phase noise I can get.
> Spurs are what will kill you.
>
> Phase noise is about 10 db worse than the TBolt far removed. It's similar close in.
>
>>   This will be station master frequency reference, and will ultimately lock stations up to 10 GHz.
> Simple answer is to run a clean up oscillator at 100 MHz and then go from there. None of the GPSDO's have low enough spurs to really do an excellent jobs at 10 GHz.
>
>
> Bob
>> Thanks & 73,
>> Jim
>> wb4gcs at amsat.org
>>
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