[time-nuts] Spectracom NetClock 9483

[Bruce Lane]

Fellow Time-Tickers,

 Â Â Â  My 'old faithful' Spectracom/Orolia/Safran 9383 finally bit the 
dust last week. A little hunting on Ebay turned up a decent deal on its 
successor, the 9483.

 Â Â Â  After verifying good basic operation, of course, I had to open it 
up for a physical exam. Doing so, I'm reminded of why I like Spectracom 
hardware (at least the later series): Fairly easy to do hacks and mods, 
and Safran tech support is very easy-going about answering questions. My 
plans include:

 Â Â Â  --Retrofit the unit for 48VDC operation (there's an unpopulated 
spot for an eighth-brick DC/DC converter on the mainboard).
 Â Â Â  --Upgrade the GPS receiver from the original Trimble to the Ublox 
M8T (Found what looks like a drop-in replacement module on Ebay).
 Â Â Â  --Bring the unit's operating software up to the current level (6.00).
 Â Â Â  --(Optional): Design a dual DC operation option, switchable for 
either 12V or 48V input.

 Â Â Â  With that out of the way... Are there any other 9483 owners on the 
list, preferably who have a unit already equipped for DC power 
operation? If so, a photo of the innards featuring the DC/DC block would 
be most helpful.

 Â Â Â  And -- If any other owners of these units want me to investigate 
something specific, during my upgrade efforts, just ask!

 Â Â Â  Thanks much.

-- 
Bruce Lane, ARS KC7GR,
kyrrin at bluefeathertech.com
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)