[Elecraft] WTB Trimble ThunderBolt for K3EXREF / QS1R

[Dave B]

> From: Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>
> To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] WTB Trimble ThunderBolt for K3EXREF / QS1R
> Message-ID: <201504070731.t377VtGk062316 at ingra.acsalaska.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> 
> A caveat regarding the use of simple "wall wart" 12v PS for supplying
> a OCXO.
> 
> I am using a Morion OCXO as 10-MHz reference for my K3EXREF and for my
> synthesized A32 PLL in my DEMI 1296 transverter.  I got reports of
> 120-Hz sidebands on my signal (-10dBc) turned out to be due to
> excessive AC ripple riding on the 12v coming from my wall wart supply
> that I was using to power the OCXO.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW

Things of note re Trimble Thunderbolt's.

Your going to somewhat stress a regular "wall-wart", if you use one to run a 
Thunderbolt, they are quite juicy in their power requirements, and also need 
multiple DC voltages.  + & - 12V, and +5V   Check the datasheet at Trimbles site 
(Google for it.)   They run quite warm too, so if you put it in a box, make sure it 
has enough cooling, but you don't want the temperature to vary too much over 
time either.

In any case, "Wall-Warts" are the scurge of the earth, most are poorly built, 
many don't conform to all the needed safety and/or EMC regs, many to fail early 
in life, compared to "regular" PSU's.   They are a cheap (and nasty) solution to a 
simple problem, plus many are as some have found, poorly regulated.

Most of the Thunderbolt "Kits from China" come with a suitable wide input range 
fairly quiet SMPS and ready made power cable for that to plug into the 
Thunderbolt.

Note also, that unless you also obtain suitable software to configure and monitor 
the TB (Trimble's or "Lady Heather") it's going to be a bit of an uphill struggle to 
get it all working the first time.   Remember too, that the GPS antenna will need 
a clear view of the sky for the TB to function correctly.

"Have Fun!"

Dave G0WBX.