Best AM FM Stereo RF Generator for a Newbie
- Thread starter Peter S
- Start date
Yes, as do I. Looked at the HP units prior. Very, very, nice stuff. Settled for a project. Almost went with one of the slightly newer Microsemi XLi SAAS (ex DOD?) boxes. They bought out Symmetricom True Time.
Actually the best solution for me is one of these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2830646388...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
But, I just couldn't pull the trigger even after all the excellent reviews and YouTube videos. Just wouldn't learn much using that unit.
Actually the best solution for me is one of these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2830646388...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
But, I just couldn't pull the trigger even after all the excellent reviews and YouTube videos. Just wouldn't learn much using that unit.
Makes you wonder how they can build such a unit at that price.
Regarding Spectrum Analyzers, anybody have any thoughts on a Rigol DSA815TG or a Siglent SSA3000X:
https://tinyurl.com/y48cn665
or
https://tinyurl.com/4p5w959p
Regarding Spectrum Analyzers, anybody have any thoughts on a Rigol DSA815TG or a Siglent SSA3000X:
https://tinyurl.com/y48cn665
or
https://tinyurl.com/4p5w959p
Here is a side by side comparison Mark:
EEVblog #891 - Siglent SSA3021X vs Rigol DSA815 Spectrum Analyser - YouTube
I have a Rigol DG4062 Waveform Generator, for the basics, really like it. I have a friend who has the Sigilent SSA 3000X and swears by it as a Spectrum Analyzer.
EEVblog #891 - Siglent SSA3021X vs Rigol DSA815 Spectrum Analyser - YouTube
I have a Rigol DG4062 Waveform Generator, for the basics, really like it. I have a friend who has the Sigilent SSA 3000X and swears by it as a Spectrum Analyzer.
HP Agilent also made versions of these receivers. Very expensive.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1549373995...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1549373995...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Got the True Time XL DC on the bench. A very clean well optioned unit with the low phase error frequency standard output cards.
Unfortunately the unit came configured for long cable runs with the GPS radio built with the integral up converter which runs at 12 VDC and LO at 16.368 KHz. The matching 12 VDC antenna with the built in down converter is rare because most were left on rooftops when these units were retired.
Going to button her up and set it aside until I find the antenna. Just a very nice and clean, lab grade piece.
Unfortunately the unit came configured for long cable runs with the GPS radio built with the integral up converter which runs at 12 VDC and LO at 16.368 KHz. The matching 12 VDC antenna with the built in down converter is rare because most were left on rooftops when these units were retired.
Going to button her up and set it aside until I find the antenna. Just a very nice and clean, lab grade piece.
Attachments
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Found the info for bypassing the receivers up converter and changing the antenna voltage from 12 VDC to 5 VDC so I can use a Trimble Bullet 3 antenna.
Also did a lot of digging on The Wayback Machine and found Symmetricoms govt support files including manuals and firm ware downloads.
Need to order a few SMD pieces to make the modifications, so going to recap the power supply while I'm at it.
Also did a lot of digging on The Wayback Machine and found Symmetricoms govt support files including manuals and firm ware downloads.
Need to order a few SMD pieces to make the modifications, so going to recap the power supply while I'm at it.
Attachments
The low phase noise sine wave and PPM output boards. Some of the BNC connectors have been hit and need remade round.
These oscillators are reported to have a appx 10 year constant use service life before they drift so far out of spec that the DAC is unable to trim them to spec.
It's a gamble if they're still good. We'll find out. No dust in the unit, and it's a late model, so perhaps they're still good.
These oscillators are reported to have a appx 10 year constant use service life before they drift so far out of spec that the DAC is unable to trim them to spec.
It's a gamble if they're still good. We'll find out. No dust in the unit, and it's a late model, so perhaps they're still good.
Attachments
Here's a nice HP, a complete setup. They show some of the software available for these old GPS receivers. Most communicate with a PC through a RS-232 serial port.
Interestingly, the software shows the HP as a Symmetricom product, and the photo shows what appears to be a Trimble bullet antenna.
Check out the photo of the HP counter displaying the receivers output of the 10 MHz frequency standard.
A option for the Symmetricom TrueTime receivers was a HP Cesium oscillator, and most TrueTime use Trimble GPS boards and antennas.
It appears that HP, Symmetricom TrueTime, and Trimble were sharing technology and development.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2749210386...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Interestingly, the software shows the HP as a Symmetricom product, and the photo shows what appears to be a Trimble bullet antenna.
Check out the photo of the HP counter displaying the receivers output of the 10 MHz frequency standard.
A option for the Symmetricom TrueTime receivers was a HP Cesium oscillator, and most TrueTime use Trimble GPS boards and antennas.
It appears that HP, Symmetricom TrueTime, and Trimble were sharing technology and development.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2749210386...NB_S8D7Qg2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY