[time-nuts] Using HP5071A with dead tube along with GPS

[Tom Van Baak]

Taka,

Check your inbox from 10/2/2019:

"A fun (and actually very useful) project would be to turn it into a 
GPSDO. There are SCPI commands to slew the rate of the internal 
synthesizer so you wouldn't even need to remove any parts, break any 
wires, or solder anything".

There are copies of the 5071A "Operating and Programming Manual" (p/n 
05071-90041) on the web. The SOUR:PTIM:SLEW command lets you set the 
phase to within 50 ns. And the SOUR:ROSC:STEER command lets you adjust 
the oscillator with 6.4e-15 resolution. Note that is better resolution 
than a traditional DAC/EFC-based GPSDO.

All you need is a GPS/1PPS board and a TIC. Would make a fun Arduino 
project. In fact, since your Cs tube is dead, take the tube out and 
there's plenty of room for the GPS, TIC, and Arduino.

/tvb

On 12/18/2019 7:13 PM, Taka Kamiya via time-nuts wrote:
> I can't quite remember who gave me this idea...  but I'm pretty sure he was a member of this mailing list.
> I have an HP5071A high performance version with a dead tube.  But rest of the unit, as far as I know, works just fine.  I know it has a PPS INPUT on it.  I also know it has a very good OCXO in that, too.  Would it be possible to steer this OCXO using GPS when Cs tube is completely dead and unlocked?  I do not want to take this apart, just in case nice usable tube lands in my hand in future.
> The reason I ask...  I can just do it and see, but I have no way to verify the performance.  I have an old Cs with no characterization, and rest are Rbs and T-bolts.  Seems like what I propose would result in OCXO pulled by two different servos.  (and even if the results were awful, I wouldn't know it)
>
> Happy holidays!
>
> ---------------------------------------
> (Mr.) Taka Kamiya
> KB4EMF / ex JF2DKG
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