[DSP-10] GPS Standards

[refmon]

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the list and have yet to build one of the DSP-10 kits,
but have been following the GPS thread with interest.  Probably not a huge
revelation, but also available on ebay is the HP Z3816A, which I have found
more directly convenient than the Z3801A...note that all the software runs
on both units.  The Z3816A requires a 24/28VDC supply (perhaps more likely
to be lying around the shack/lab) and also has qty 2 10MHz outputs, qty 4
1PPS outputs, and qty 4 19.6608 MHz outputs.  Also the Z3816A has RS-232 as
standard...the port must be initialized before running SatStat.  Ebay prices
have been varying between $400 to $550 based on demand, although at least
one source appears to be getting, shall we say, over-confident, and has
jacked the min bid to $500.00.

In any case, all discussion I've seen on the list applies to the 3816A.  My
application thus far is pretty direct:  I use a single 1PPS to drive station
clock/IRIG-B timecode generator AND both 10MHz outputs to act as lab
reference for about 36 items...my 10 MHz reference system consists of two
species of distribution... I feed one 10MHz output to an ANZAC AM-109
amplifier and then split it by 2, then 6 each (total 12 items) using all
ebay-acquired splitters, amps, and cables.  The other 10 MHz output is
distributed via surplus Grass Valley broadcast video distribution amplifiers
modified slightly for 50 ohm (vs original 75 ohm) operation.

Both versions of distribution seem to work fine and every piece of
referenced gear exceeds its stock performance on its own internal
oscillator.  Should the GPS fail, an HP 8568B or similar test equipment can
be patched in to provide an almost-equivalent signal.

thanks, and keep up the great discussions

John Collins
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