Dual standards -- Datum PRS-50 Cesium & Kvarz CH1-76 hydrogen maser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Oldtestgear
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 05:18:39 pm
content: I bought the datum PRS-50 last week & it arrived today. Possibly the worst packing I have ever seen from an eBay seller but it has at least got here. Overall a very disappointing experience. I am now very doubtful that it can be coaxed into life once I get a 48V PSU as it has been banging around with poor packing during shipment & has a rather nasty rattle from deep inside.As consolation, I managed to acquire the Kvarz passive hydrogen maser which also has issues but has been well looked after but needed a new home.If anyone has any information on either of these, especially service information then I would be grateful for any knowledge that you can point me to or share. These new toys are well outside my comfort zone. I hope to take a proper look at these in the next few weeks & see if it is possible to get either or both working again.Phil

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 05:39:59 pm
content: yeah, no, that cesium, you should give up on it now and sell it to me, I'll take it off your hands for scrapVery much looking forward to seeing how you get on with them and hells, hydrogen maser?Incredible toys.I would suggest that you head on over to timenuts mailing list if you haven't already.

author: guido
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:19:44 pm
content: I've contacted Microsemi for the PRS-45A user guide, but they are not helpful. Only when you buy stuff from them or from channel partners they are willing to help. So there is only the internet and the timenuts list as starters. As mentioned in the other thread, the user guide for the PRS can be found on a manuals site. Also check the CsIII 4310B user guide as it has more details. And try the monitor software, it will show the condition. There is also more info in the thread in the metrology section on these Datums. I made some posts on mine there, but at the moment i don't have much time (work)Would be interesting to see the insides of the PRS-50, wonder how much they match with the PRS-45. Powersupply for the 50 can be -36V to -62, 2A is plenty. Maybe you have something suitable.The maser is something else. You can adjust the PRS if you get both working...One of my PRS boxes has a big dent on the bottom. Must have been dropped or so. But no rattle and it just works. I did have a look inside before powering it up. Found bugs inside, but those were of the dead kind.By the way, this thread should really be in the metrology section.... Probably would have been the first maser in there.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 10:04:48 pm
content: Buys two epic standards and can make a slam dunk by calling this thread "Double standards". Blows it.I'm looking forward to further reports on these.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2017, 02:57:01 am
content: I'm also looking forward to hearing more about these items.Regarding the Hydrogen Maser, if you can get it working, how are you going to confirm that it's meeting spec? Guess you'll have to buy an active Hydrogen Maser since that's almost the only thing that's better than a passive Maser.Ed

author: Oldtestgear
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2017, 07:16:17 am
content: QuoteNow that is a good idea. Trouble is funds will not stretch to an active maser, however hard I might try to raise cash. OTOH I never expected to acquire a passive maser.Reality has intervened & my immediate plans for these are "on hold" until early November as I have to sort out some kit to dispose of at the Kempton Park Electronics Fair in London. This is really urgent as I have too much stuff & not enough space to actually work in.Note "work" is a relative concept as I have retired & now have the time to spend collecting test kit. This takes up an awful lot of time as stuff seems to just find me. Still every man (or woman) needs a hobby.Phil