[time-nuts] Neat little cesium box

[Scott McGrath]

Sounds like a space based system    Perhaps those mining probes

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 14, 2013, at 2:11 AM, SAIDJACK at aol.com wrote:

> 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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