[time-nuts] Used Hydrogen Maser

[Ole Petter Ronningen]

Asked and answered before I think, but as far as I know a new maser is in
the 2-300K euro range, a used one you can perhaps expect to pay about a
tenth of that - if you can find one. Not that many around, but some of the
older ones on VLBI sites are getting a bit long in the tooth. If you are
serious, I would contact the manufacturers and signal interest - perhaps
they can broker a deal when they replace an old one. Keep in mind theres
usually a reason they get replaced..

Long term cost are not insignificant, ion pumps cost a bit (a few hundred
dollars a year, say), and you need some equipment to change them, unless
you can borrow it. Ultra high vacuum pumps and high voltage powersupplies.
Then there is the cost for electricity, and temperature control etc.
Depending on the type, hydrogen cartridges are pricey, ultra pure H2 in a
bottlenless so, but still. Probably more I forgot..

Ole

On Wednesday, July 10, 2019, Perry Sandeen via time-nuts <
time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:

> Yo Bubba Dudes!,
> OK, I'll finally ask the question that probably a lot of list members
> wanted to know but were reticent to ask.
> First, what is the price of one of a new Hydrogen Maser? (This is
> important if I win the lottery.)
> Second, what would be prices for used Hydrogen Maser in *reasonable*
> working condition and what might be the long term costs to keep it running?
> Thirdly, what are the chances of finding a used one?
> Then again, might it be better, money wise just to limp along with used HP
> Cs?
> Regards,
> Perrier
>
>
>
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