[time-nuts] Trimble Thunderbolt Rs-232 Levels

[Darrell Robinson]

I've just purchased a Trimble Thunderbolt from e-Bay, and from the various documentation that I've found online I'm still not 100% sure if I can use the RS-232 interface directly with my computer. I'm concerned that I might cook the Trimble interface with the ±12 volts from the computer RS-232. I'm wondering if the Trimble is TTL level only and therefore needs a MAX232 or similar, or does it use the older standard ±12 volt levels?

The box I have does not have the power supply board enclosed. It's the timing board only with 2 BNC, an 'F' connector and a 6-pin power plug. Does the power supply board that comes with the more complete version have a level converter built in?

Darrell