What do you all think of this 10 MHz clock / distribution system? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 01:54:43 am
content: Been wanting to play with a 10 MHz distribution system for some of my test equipment. Has anyone seen this setup on Ebay? If so, what do you think of it?Thanks.10 MHz OCXO & Distribution

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 02:11:58 am
content: $270??? ....It's about $203 dollars overpriced.I wish I had some bridges in stock!

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 02:15:23 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-to-8-BNC-Composite-Video-Splitter-Distribution-Amplifier-CCTV-Surveillance-/191442786349or if you are "sold" on the PCB "faceplate"...here is one for less:http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/111566018794?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 02:25:21 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on March 08, 2016, 01:54:43 amHiYou can build a multi output distribution amp that is at least as good as the OCXO on that board for < 50 cents a channel in surplus electronic parts. The connector will cost you more than the electronics do. Yes, that comes out to $5 for ten channels. If you buy the parts brand new, it's about $1 per channel.Bob

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 02:53:01 am
content: Well I think it looks really nice;With that said..I really don't like test gear that takes an external power supply.Where is the internal power supply??I am also not that fond of FR4 front panels, it makes it look cheap.I would have to agree that it is overpriced.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 03:07:51 am
content: Quote from: DimitriP on March 08, 2016, 02:15:23 am10MHz is way out of the bandwidth of composite video; never mind a 10MHz square wave..."Bandwidth: 50Hz-5.5MHz"But I guess it's easily hacked into that service.

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 03:08:21 am
content: Hi,It is not too clear from the OP's description. I had a quick look on eBay and I found:1) 10 MHz clock distribution amplifiers designed by BG7TBLThis is around $130.00 including a used OCXO.It is difficult to tell from the photographs, steps could have been taken to minimize phase jitter.Have a look at this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/frequency-distribution-amplifier/msg810997/#msg8109972) GPS Disciplined OCXOThis sells for around $150.00 USD.3) And they are sold together for around $270.00 USD.It is a pretty good deal to get the GPSDO and the distribution amplifier for $270.00Regards,Jay_Diddy_B

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 03:09:35 am
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on March 08, 2016, 02:53:01 amI'd wager it's the color, I'd have gone with black soldermask. Seems to me that lately color options are the same price as standard barf-green?

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 03:21:49 am
content: Quote from: Jay_Diddy_B on March 08, 2016, 03:08:21 amThanks for all the responses. Yes, it's not just a 10 MHz distribution amp, it includes the GPS disciplined clock in another unit.

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 05:03:26 am
content: QuoteYou must think this is an electronics forum or something where people actually own soldering irons and know how to order parts and build stuff.And even after you do all that you still don't end up with a cool green PCB "faceplate"....<rant off>

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 11:08:01 pm
content: Quote from: xrunner on March 08, 2016, 03:21:49 amHiActually that's not a very good GPSDO. You can get much better "surplus" units on eBay for less money.Bob

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2016, 01:02:18 am
content: Quote from: uncle_bob on March 08, 2016, 11:08:01 pmOr 27 of your $10 version...(Sorry I couldn't resist...)

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 10:54:55 am
content: I got a used Racal 9480 (nice price from KJDS) for distribution.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fun-with-a-racal-9480-with-ocxo-40-10mhz-outputs-%288x-5-chan%29/It has a build in 10Mhz OCXO , but can also take an ext 10Mhz in , from the Tbolt , Z3801 or PRS10.Finally i have channels enough for the instruments/Bingo

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 11:23:31 am
content: Down East Microwave "10-4CK" is a nice little amplifier along with some filtering and I think the signal path is equal (if you really need that) for $75.Happy owner of one.http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/product-p/10-4.htm

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 03:06:22 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on March 13, 2016, 10:54:55 amHiIf you spend some time shopping, there are 10 MHz distribution boxes designed for low end applications that come up from time to time. They are in 1U rack housings and have a fairly cheap TCXO in them. Typical pricing is in the < $50 range. The magic secret is the little switch that says "internal / external". Throw the switch and the TCXO goes away. You then have 8 to 12 quite good channels of 10 MHz to run off of your GPSDO or other source.Bob

author: FlyingHacker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 05:20:26 pm
content: I just completed a ridiculously hacked conversion of a video distribution amp I got for a few bucks off eBay...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/distribution-amp-(for-reference-frequency-standard-or-otherwise)/Works fine for 10MHz sine. Square wave doesn't look too bad either with termination. A total hack job, but will work for my purposes.

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2016, 01:21:47 am
content: Quote from: FlyingHacker on March 13, 2016, 05:20:26 pmHiHave you put it on a phase noise test set or a good ADEV measurement box? That's about the only way to see how good or bad the gizmo is. Yes, I know, neither sort of test set is very common. You can do a lash up for either one at the < $100 level.Bob