[time-nuts] Mini-time lab cost and maintenance

[Bob Camp]

Hi

If you go with a combo setup (OCXO + GPS or Rb + GPS) you will also need a counter or a scope to compare the frequency source
to the pps out of the GPS over a long period of time. In the case of the OCXO you *might* want a divider on the output.  The GPS / GPSDO
will require some sort of antenna. 

All this stuff (and more) adds up. If it’s truly a start from scratch sort of thing there are more items. I’d include a DVM and a couple of power
supplies. It’s well worth it to look at a fairly complete list if the budget it tight.

Bob

> On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:00 PM, Tom Van Baak <tvb at LeapSecond.com> wrote:
> 
> Adam,
> 
> A well-aged quartz oscillator will hold 1e-9 for many days, or even weeks.
> 
> But your 1e-10'ish requirement is more easily met by using a cheap surplus Rubidium oscillator (< $100 on eBay) or by using a GPSDO (< $200 on eBay). Depending on how you're using the frequency reference you might get by with just a Rubidium oscillator and a $20 to $40 GPS/1PPS source (e.g., https://www.adafruit.com/products/746) with monthly or yearly checks of frequency drift.
> 
> /tvb
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Adam Blakney 
> To: Tom Van Baak 
> Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 10:34 AM
> Subject: Re: Mini-time lab cost and maintenance
> 
> I was thinking maybe something with an uncertainty of around 1e-9 or 1e-10. Are there simple quarts oscillators that are good enough for that or is more equipment necessary?
> 
> Thank you,
> Adam
> 
> On Apr 6, 2015, at 1:24 PM, Tom Van Baak <tvb at LeapSecond.com> wrote:
> 
> Adam,
> 
> Please be more specific. Where in the spectrum between sundial and atomic clock are you interested in?
> 
> /tvb
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Adam Blakney" <akblakney at gmail.com>
> To: <time-nuts at febo.com>
> Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 9:30 AM
> Subject: [time-nuts] Mini-time lab cost and maintenance
> 
> 
>> I was wondering how expensive it would be to have even a small and lower
>> level time lab. What are some less expensive models of machinery i would
>> need, and how much maintenance is required?
>> 
>> Thanks, Adam
> 
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