[time-nuts] Which Rubidium to Get?

[Ed Palmer]

One nice thing about the older Efratom standards like the FRK and M100 
is that full schematics and circuit descriptions are available.  They 
are easy to service because they're completely analog (no processor) and 
they're built with through-hole components, most of which are readily 
available (other than special things like the crystal, Rb lamp, etc.).  
I bought two units that are about 25 years old.  Neither unit would 
lock.  Both turned out to be simple repairs.  YMMV

Ed

Brent Gordon wrote:
> I'm considering buying a rubidium standard, not that I really need 
> one, just because I'm a Time Nut.  I have some questions on what to 
> look for and what to watch out for.  I'll probably get one from either 
> fluke.l or flyingbest on ePay.
>
> I know that they wear out.  Is there any model I should look for or 
> avoid?  I see both Efratoms and Datums; some of the auctions claim 
> more lamp life left for the Datums.
>
> I know that the mating connector for the rubidiums with an RF inside 
> the d-sub connector are expensive.  Is it really needed or is the 
> header connector good enough?
>
> Some of them come with an output board (290295929282).  Does this get 
> me anything other than a Type-N output and a mating connector for the 
> RF d-sub?  Why is this one cheaper than just a rubidium?
>
> A programmable frequency output, such as this one (eBay item 
> 290301888238), might be useful.  Is it worthwhile or more trouble than 
> it's worth?
>
> Are there any gotchas I should be aware of?
>
> Thanks,
> Brent
>
>
>
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