[time-nuts] Neat little cesium box
SAIDJACK at aol.com
SAIDJACK at aol.com
Fri Jun 14 03:11:25 EDT 2013
Greg,
the only power source I am aware off that can provide the ~5W power
required by that Novus box for 10-12 years with 20lbs weight limit without any
external power sources or maintenance is a radioisotope thermoelectric
generator (RTG) such as those used on Spacecraft. The Russians used to use those
also in light houses.
Maybe the atomic decay could be counted and used for improving timing some
how?!
That said the radiation would probably have a very negative effect on any
electronics near it for long-term stability. I would also not call that
solution "disposable" anywhere on earth.
Definitely not hobby level stuff..
bye,
Said
In a message dated 6/13/2013 17:15:45 Pacific Daylight Time,
engineering at mt.net writes:
Tom,
Thank you for your concern. I unfortunately cannot disclose many details
about the proposed project only to say that the application transcends much
of the typical "Time-Nuts" areas of normality. At present we are
evaluating typical frequency references to see if they will fit into this project.
What I can say is that phase noise is of little interest but log-term
frequency drift is. The completed unit will unfortunately not see GPS signals
during most of its lifetime, be constrained to a weight not exceeding 20
lbs, be considered non-recoverable (disposable) due to areas of deployment
thereby require a relatively cost-conscious design, have no access to a
source of power let alone any natural power-producing resources and have an
expected lifetime of 10-12 years without maintenance access.
Most of the problems have been solved including the power source. This is
not your typical kitchen table project. And, as new frequency references
are developed and the design feasibility phase is still open, small and
minimal power-consuming products such as the Novus unit will garner our
attention.
Thanks for your offer,
Greg
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