[time-nuts] Mini-circuits ZFSC-8-1 a a reference distribution

[Bob kb8tq]

Hi

A lot depends on what you are trying to do. The disadvantage of power splitters is isolation. A dirt cheap
logic IC based distribution amp will easily beat them in this regard. That said, the splitters are quite easy to find
and hook up.They also are pretty much indestructible (at least I’ve never seen one that was broken). 

Be careful of the 10 MHz output on the Lucent boxes. It is *really* dirty, that’s in terms of phase noise, harmonics,
spurs, and ADEV. 

Bob

> On Apr 12, 2017, at 6:43 PM, Jerry Hancock <jerry at hanler.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello all, Reading the list so long I thought I was a member until I tried to post today.
> 
> I recently purchased the subject device, Mini-circuits ZFSC-8-1 <http://www.ebay.com/itm/122387253110?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT>, for distributing the 10Mhz reference from my Lucent RFTG-u REF0 and REF1 and my intent is to notify the group that these units could be purchased on eBay for $25 with/without shipping depending on how the wind blows.   I had looked at using an amplified unit not unlike those by bg7tbl available all over the place for $120+.  The reason I selected a passive device was that I am running out of power ports on my rack and would prefer to not mess with the reference signal as much as possible.  
> 
> One of the advantages of the RFTG-u units is that the reference is pretty strong.  I measure it at 13.2dBm, too high for most of my equipment.  The ZFSC-8-1 has 8 outputs, each of them provide a signal 9.3dB down which would mean there would still be a 3.9dBm signal available at each of the 8 ports.
> 
> I tested the unit today and though I am only using three ports it seems to be working fine.  I purchased the version with SMA connectors and there is a version with BNC as well.  Unless someone sees a reason to not use a device like this, I think for $25 it can’t be beat assuming you have the high output from your GPSDO.  I checked the phase and as near as I can tell, the phase of the output channels are identical.
> 
> 
> Jerry
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