[time-nuts] Mini-circuits ZFSC-8-1 a a reference distribution

Jerry Hancock jerry at hanler.com
Wed Apr 12 18:43:39 EDT 2017


Hello all, Reading the list so long I thought I was a member until I tried to post today.

I recently purchased the subject device, Mini-circuits ZFSC-8-1 <http://www.ebay.com/itm/122387253110?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT>, for distributing the 10Mhz reference from my Lucent RFTG-u REF0 and REF1 and my intent is to notify the group that these units could be purchased on eBay for $25 with/without shipping depending on how the wind blows.   I had looked at using an amplified unit not unlike those by bg7tbl available all over the place for $120+.  The reason I selected a passive device was that I am running out of power ports on my rack and would prefer to not mess with the reference signal as much as possible.  

One of the advantages of the RFTG-u units is that the reference is pretty strong.  I measure it at 13.2dBm, too high for most of my equipment.  The ZFSC-8-1 has 8 outputs, each of them provide a signal 9.3dB down which would mean there would still be a 3.9dBm signal available at each of the 8 ports.

I tested the unit today and though I am only using three ports it seems to be working fine.  I purchased the version with SMA connectors and there is a version with BNC as well.  Unless someone sees a reason to not use a device like this, I think for $25 it can’t be beat assuming you have the high output from your GPSDO.  I checked the phase and as near as I can tell, the phase of the output channels are identical.


Jerry


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