[Elecraft] 10 mHZ external reference VS the K3S's optional KTCXO3-1

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

>From the K3EXREF manual Introduction:

The K3EXREF option locks the K3's reference oscillator frequency to an
external 10 MHz source by
automatically controlling the REF CAL function. While locked to the external
source, the K3's reference
oscillator frequency is maintained within 2 Hz. Since the K3EXREF does not
phase lock the K3's reference
oscillator, the external 10 MHz source has no impact on the K3's phase noise
performance. For best
performance we recommend your K3 be equipped with the KTCXO3-1 high
stability (0.5 ppm typ.) reference
oscillator.

73, Ron AC7AC


I've been following the thread on using a 10 mHZ external reference and the
prospect seems both affordable and at least initially fun BUT I'd like to
ask is it really a practical improvement over Elecraft's available KTCXO3
internal 1ppm reference?  Or is this just a way to achieve more accuracy at
less cost than the KTCXO3 ?  Isn't the K3S better served with its own
oscillator?  What am I missing here?
Thanks,
Doug W5JV / AFA6DL


73, Ed - KL7UW
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