[time-nuts] Re: As there a hobby application of precise time or frequency measurement except for being a time nut?

[Bob Camp]

Hi

I’d say that the most common things that pop up here on a regular basis are:

1) I have a stand alone frequency source (XO,TCXO,OCXO,Rb,Cesium,Maser ….) that I bought from (fill in the blank) and I want to see if it works properly. 

2) I’ve decided to set up a time server (NTP or something else) and I want to check it out.

3) I’ve bought a GPSDO and want to check it out.

4) I have a mechanical clock (yes the do exist) and want to see how it does

5) I’m monitoring the phase of the local power grid.

6) I’ve decided to design and/or  build from scratch items 1, 2, 3 or 4

No, that’s not an exhaustive list. I think it’s enough for right now.

What you need is going to depend a *lot* on which of those rabbit holes you head down. Inevitably the first step is a “reference source” that is better than (or at least as good as) your “target”.  Even there the “better than” depends on what characteristic of the target you are looking at. Then the measurement approach comes in. 

Many many many rabbit holes to wander down. Each one of them is a bit unique. 

Bob

> On Apr 11, 2025, at 6:46 AM, Erik Kaashoek via time-nuts <time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:
> 
> Maybe the subject line is a bit clickbait but this is a serious question.
> Hobby VNA are used to measure impedance for antenna, amplifiers, filters, PCB's and cables. Many applications for a VNA outside the professional world.
> Hobby spectrum analyzers are user for hunting RFI, measuring harmonics of active devices, assessing what part of the spectrum is still available for wireless devices, etc... Again many applications.
> But for time and frequency measurement the situation seems to be different. What are hobby applications for accurate assessment of stability, time or frequency?
> For radio amateurs that operate in the GHz bands the accurate assessment of the frequencies of their generators is such an application but what other applications do exist and what are their requirements regarding accuracy?
> I'm purposely excluding the applications where the accuracy is the goal instead of some usage for accuracy.
> Any input is welcome.
> Erik.
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