Two Christmases ago, my fiance asked me what I wanted for a gift. On a whim,
without too much study, I said a Bodnar GPSDO. I emailed Leo and inquired about
using the unit as a reference for my SDR-IQ (66.6666 MHz) and a 10 MHz source
for my DG8SAQ network analyzer which can also operate as a frequency counter.
He sent me a screen shot of the software display that showed the variables that
determine the two frequencies. Unfortunately, the calculations to set different
frequencies are obscure. After several inquiries (after the purchase) he sent
me a link to the internal device data sheet (Silicon Labs Si5328) for me to
decipher. QST had this to say about that:
"A couple of caveats: there is currently
no documentation for the unit other than
what Bill Hein has provided on the Force
12 website, and no schematic. Bodnar is
working on an improved version of the
setup software, and documentation may
follow, but I was not able to test the updated
software...."
In reality, there is no updated software and Force 12 is gone.
Summary:
I believe the hardware is fine, however the documentation and communication with
Leo, after the purchase but not before, is iffy.
When locked to GPS it's an excellent frequency reference. When unlocked, it's a
TCXO and not so good. Phase noise isn't stellar.
It's a frequency standard and not a time standard. If you want to set your clock
use WWV or NTP.
Wes N7WS
On 5/9/2017 1:41 AM, Richard Lamont wrote:
If you want a good quality 10 MHz GPSDO, I recommend the one made by Leo
Bodnar M0XER. It was reviewed in QST, June 2016.
https://leobodnar.com/
73,
Richard G4DYA
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