Re: [time-nuts] HP 113BR manual scanned
I have a 103AR I got about a year ago which doesn't oscillate. I got the manual scans from someone out there, so it has been done, but is not widely available. Mine is a series of separate files, so a unified file might be useful to others in the future. -Dave -- Original message -- From: David Forbes [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another one from the old 36 foot NRAO telescope files - the HP 113BR analog clock unit. http://www.nixiebunny.com/hp113br.pdf Enjoy. Does anyone think Agilent is interested in a manual for something this old, or is this more of an HP Archives sort of boatanchor? I also have a 103AR manual to scan if anyone's interested in this ancient stuff. Let me know. -- --David Forbes, Tucson, AZ http://www.cathodecorner.com/ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
Hello all Thunderbolt enthusiasts, I follow with great interest all the comments and remarks. I have as well a Thunderbolt and I am running it successfully since a few days under WinXP SP2 directly on Com1 and with several USB/RS232 converter I/Fs. Of course all the necessary drivers for my USB/Ser adapters (Prolific v. 2.0.0.18 and CH341PT.DLL CH341SER.SYS from winchiphead.com/cn) are installed. Most of the day it runs with 6 to 8 satellites, the antenna not yet on the roof. Fortunately Trimble designed the I/F protocols quite straight in line and one can use some features of programs for other models which are not in Tboltmon.. I tried severals and found, beside - Tboltmon.exe (v2.60, Thunderboltmonitor program) as well very interesting and helpful : - DSPMon.exe (v1-53) DSP GPS Timing Monitor - TR_MON.exe Timing Receiver Monitor (the only one with instructiv help file) - trimblemon.exe (v1-06-0) Trimble GPS Monitor with instruction file as pdf explaining Installing the FTDI USB/Serial Driver Software. The new Trimble GPS Monitor (TGM) application is a tool that can replace many of the previous monitor and chat programs used for Trimble Embedded and Resolution T products. A nice gimmick is eg. the real time Google on line Sat map etc. Attention: I don't know if it is possible to upset the Thunderbolt with incorrect instructions uploaded, but I do not think so, pse do not make me responsible! Digging around I found a good helper for the ser. interface connection and setting problems: You do not know how to find the right com port setting? There is a way with 'Trimble GPS Monitor' v. 1.06.0 : it does run a test with all possible parameters on the selected port of the list. Connect the GPS RX to the desired Com Port eg. via an USB/RS232 converter, Start 'Trimble GPS Monitor 1.06.0 _07/2008 .exe' (no installation necessary), 'Initialize',: 'Detect Receiver', Select a COM Port out of the list, tick 'Protocols': 'TSIP' 'Check even parities', follow instruction at 'Status' to start, start 1st com port and repeat it with next port no.until the program does report the successful detection of the GPS-Receiver showing port parameters of receiver. Accept to connect to it and start monitoring. In fact, the default parameters for Thunderbolt seem to be 9600-8-Odd-1. These parameters may then be modified under 'Configure', 'Receiver Configuration', 'Port Configuration' to eg. Parity 'None' (usual) and saved with 'Set and Save Configuration' into non volatile memory. Now you can exit this program and start 'Thunderbolt Monitor' (v. 2.60/1999), you are then asked to set the the now known port no (eg. 13), the program communication should start nominal. As I understand, once properly configured the Thunderbolt does run without the need of the PC, if the position is not changed. The Oscillator continue to run with the (last?) afc value stored in memory. The details for best configuration I don't know yet, I hope there will be more hints given by the experts here in the group. I keep watching ! I am running the TB with a prolific USB to Serial adapter (result: com9) and a cheap ftdi based USB2 adapter (com13) very smooth. Naturally it does work as well directly connected to the db9pin port com1 on the PC, always using a direct 1:1 wired 9p-9s connection and not a wire crossing (null modem) cable! I connected both USB/RS232 adapters simultaneously to my Laptop getting 3 free serial ports available for the GPS Receivers, com1, com9 and com14 (attention, the port numbers may change when plugging in and out, sometimes you may have to search for new devices). Thunderbolt Monitor does show all the assigned ports at the right side column for com ports 1 to 16. Clicking in the empty fields the assigned ports turn yellow (and remain on, the designated and selected GPS-port turns green. That way it is possible to run several GPS devices with different control software. I hope that I could help somebody with these small hints for the first steps. I find it a good idea to design some (small?) h/w to command the Thunderbolt without the need of a PC. good luck and fun experimenting, Thank you Tom and all the others involved here in the group buy of Thunderbolt together with the adequate power supply! regards, Arnold T. On Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:56:45 +0200, Jeroen Bastemeijer wrote: Dear All, More and more people are starting to play with the Thunderbolts. I already received mine :-) Now playing around with them. First I powered it up and connected it to the normal serial port of the PC. The Thunderbolt behaved fine, self survey took some time, because the antenna is inside a concrete building with very limited view to the sky. However, next I did a test with the same Thunderbolt but now it was connected to a USB to Serial converter (brand is Sweex). After switchinhg it off and on, I expected the same behaviour as when it was connected to the real serial
Re: [time-nuts] TAPR now open for Thunderbolt orders
Hi Richard John is on vacation for a few more days, but my understanding is that they sold out pretty much that first day. (there was a HUGE response!) I suspect that's why the account info doesn't work now. Daun N8ASB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Richard Dabney Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 10:48 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: [time-nuts] TAPR now open for Thunderbolt orders Hi John. The user name and password given do not work. I hope someone didn't screw it up. I would sure like to order one.tnx.de Dick W5UFZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt Power Question
On Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 10:44 PM, Tom Clifton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: As I sit here reviewing the power requirements for the Thunderbolt, I note that the -12v is only 10ma. Does this indicate that it is only used for the RS232 output and if so for a battery backup I can cheat and only service the +12v (750ma)and +5v (400ma)? I'm not sure, but it may be (also?) used for an op-amp as -Vs. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
I find it a good idea to design some (small?) h/w to command the Thunderbolt without the need of a PC. Why? Is anything needed? What happens if you just apply power with no PC? I'd expect it would power up and self-survey and after a while, make a good clock. I'm pretty sure mine was working correctly before I got the software working. -- These are my opinions, not necessarily my employer's. I hate spam. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
Hal Murray wrote: I find it a good idea to design some (small?) h/w to command the Thunderbolt without the need of a PC. Why? Is anything needed? What happens if you just apply power with no PC? I'd expect it would power up and self-survey and after a while, make a good clock. I'm pretty sure mine was working correctly before I got the software working. It is designed to run just fine without operator intervention. The only problem, is it has no way of informing the user that it is actually working, other than through the RS-232 port. -Chuck Harris ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
On Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 11:57 AM, Arnold Tibus [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello all Thunderbolt enthusiasts, Thunderbolt Monitor does show all the assigned ports at the right side column for com ports 1 to 16. A tip for anyone that might be designing software. Don't put a fixed limit on the USB virtual COM ports like 1 to 16. Make a pull down that show what ports are really populated via the SetupDI API. The next new USB COM port I plug into my development machine is going to be assigned COM44! Anyone know where in the registry to reset the ever incrementing new COM number? -- http://www.wearablesmartsensors.com/ http://www.softwaresafety.net/ http://www.designer-iii.com/ http://www.unusualresearch.com/ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] Thunderbolt controllers
The Thunderbolt default config is to not save the survey position. Unless you use some software to save the position, every time you power it up it will do a new survey. This takes from 1 hour to several days to complete. After that you really don't need a controller except for peace of mind that it is working. Mayby once or twice a week I have noticed mine going into holdover mode because of really crappy satellite geometry and signal levels. Without a controller giving a realtime display you would never know your oscillator is undisciplined. A very minimal controller might be an AVR Butterfly. It only has a 6 character display and joyswitch. Rather not up to the task, but dirt cheap (around 20 bucks). It could display a minimal go/nogo type of indication. Best is a dedicated cheap old laptop. You can get them for 50 bucks or so with a 1024x768 full color screen, keyboard, and real serial port. I have a nice controller program in the works that displays full unit and satellite status, graphs the DAC voltage, temperature, OSC error, PPS error, and Allan variances. Allows you to control and configure the unit. Disadvantage is size. The Thunderbolt and power supply do fit nicely under a laptop and add an inch or so the the height. Next best is a dedicated controller based upon the MegaDonkey microcontroller or similar device. It has a 160x80 monochrome LCD with a touch screen and two real serial ports (see mega-donkey.com). Advantage is it allows the Thunderbolt/power supply/controller to be built into a single enclosure to make a stand-alone freq reference with enough display and user input resources to be quite useable. Disadvantage compared to a cheap laptop is cost and the small display. You would have to page though several display screens to get a full take on the unit status. Also the graphs would not be nearly as nice and there is not enough on-chip RAM to do ADEVs, etc. Once I get the laptop program done I'll probably do a controller on the MegaDonkey. I find it a good idea to design some (small?) h/w to command the Thunderbolt without the need of a PC. Why? Is anything needed? What happens if you just apply power with no PC? I'd expect it would power up and self-survey and after a while, make a good clock. I'm pretty sure mine was working correctly before I got the software working. _ Need to know now? Get instant answers with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_messenger_072008 ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
Hi Bob, A tip for anyone that might be designing software. Don't put a fixed limit on the USB virtual COM ports like 1 to 16. Make a pull down that show what ports are really populated via the SetupDI API. The next new USB COM port I plug into my development machine is going to be assigned COM44! Anyone know where in the registry to reset the ever incrementing new COM number? Control-Panel - System - Tab: Hardware - Device Manager In the device manager, choose View: Show hidden devices. The grayed out devices have once been, but are no longer, connected to your machine. Remove the ones that you no longer care about. You can also remap the comport-numbers in the properties of the serial port devices, use the button Advanced... there. These are the things that make me happy to be using Linux for most of my electronics stuff ;-)... Chris ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] Austron 1250A manual archive?
I have a manual for the Austron 1250A and have answered a couple of questions as to the schematics. I would like to loan my manual to some one that can scan it and make it available on the NET Anyone want that chore. I would want the manual returned after it was scanned. Bill K7NOM ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Austron 1250A manual archive?
Bill, I would be happy to do it and add it to the to-way.com TF manual archive. Had, K7MLR At 02:25 PM 7/6/2008, you wrote: I have a manual for the Austron 1250A and have answered a couple of questions as to the schematics. I would like to loan my manual to some one that can scan it and make it available on the NET Anyone want that chore. I would want the manual returned after it was scanned. Bill K7NOM ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Austron 1250A manual archive?
In a message dated 06/07/2008 22:26:29 GMT Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have a manual for the Austron 1250A and have answered a couple of questions as to the schematics. I would like to loan my manual to some one that can scan it and make it available on the NET Anyone want that chore. I would want the manual returned after it was scanned. Hi Bill, and All I have a scanned copy of the 1250A manual and will be uploading it to Didier's site shortly. regards Nigel GM8PZR ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Austron 1250A manual archive?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 06/07/2008 22:26:29 GMT Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have a manual for the Austron 1250A and have answered a couple of questions as to the schematics. I would like to loan my manual to some one that can scan it and make it available on the NET Anyone want that chore. I would want the manual returned after it was scanned. Hi Bill, and All I have a scanned copy of the 1250A manual and will be uploading it to Didier's site shortly. regards Nigel GM8PZR OK Forget my request as it is already in work. Thanks Nigel I will refer any future requests to Didier's site Bill K7NOM ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Austron 1250A manual archive?
In a message dated 07/07/2008 00:12:18 GMT Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: OK Forget my request as it is already in work. Thanks Nigel I will refer any future requests to Didier's site Bill K7NOM -- Hi Bill I'm having some fun uploading it right now but have just realised anyway that mine is a 1250 manual, not 1250A. I'm not sure what the differences are but it might still be well worth while you getting yours scanned, I'd certainly be interested in a copy. regards Nigel GM8PZR ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt and USB to RS232 converters
In the device manager, choose View: Show hidden devices. The grayed out devices have once been, but are no longer, connected to your machine. Remove the ones that you no longer care about. You can also remap the comport-numbers in the properties of the serial port devices, use the button Advanced... there. I'm aware of those, but the next new USB serial device you plug in will still be the next higher number. It is the counter for this number I've not been able to locate. These are the things that make me happy to be using Linux for most of my electronics stuff ;-)... At this very moment I'm wearing a T-Shirt that says Geek by Nature on the front and Linux by Choice on the back. :-) It is only at the day job where IT told me We are a Windows shop, Linux is nothing but a toy that I'm forced to use Windows (Resume anyone?). Funny I thought we were a company that made Fire Fighting equipment, not a shop that made Windows... :- -- http://www.wearablesmartsensors.com/ http://www.softwaresafety.net/ http://www.designer-iii.com/ http://www.unusualresearch.com/ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt controllers
A very minimal controller might be an AVR Butterfly. It only has a 6 character display and joyswitch. Rather not up to the task, There is the newer DB101 with the 128x64 bit map display. http://www.atmel.com/dyn/Products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=4221 I think they really did a botched job on the RS232 interface, but everything else is well buffered. -- http://www.wearablesmartsensors.com/ http://www.softwaresafety.net/ http://www.designer-iii.com/ http://www.unusualresearch.com/ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] Efratom LPRO Rubidium
I have one of the Lucent RFTGm-II-Rb Rubidium cell site standards. It's misbehaving. Knowing the amount of experience on this list, I figured I'd ask before I dive in much deeper where I have no schematics. Initially I believed one of the DC-DC converters was not working after warmup. But after remoting the voltages to test points, they seem to be OK. The system did suffer a lightning strike some years ago, which took out the UT+ GPS receiver in the RFTGm-II-XO. But that's working after the UT+ was replaced. And I doubt the interconnected circuits would have been affected. Power supply for instance was floated across 24VDC of gell cell batteries, which usually can absorb a lightning spike pretty well. The unit powers up about +200 Hz above 10 MHz (mine is modified to no longer put out 15 MHz). After 30 minutes it has dropped slowly to +150 Hz. It briefly shows an online indication then. But a few minutes later that goes off and the fault light comes on. The frequency drops as low as +129 Hz as things continue to heat up. A couple of days later its still in the +129 ~+149 Hz range. I can heat and cool it and move the frequency ( +157 Hz at 90°F inside the Lucent box, +129Hz at 110°F), so the loop definitely isn't in control. I also have its companion RFTGm-II-XO connected to it with the factory wiring harness. The XO is GPS locked and working fine exceeding my ability to read its error accurately but sub-milliHz. Counter is clocked by Z3801A 10 MHz as reference. Lucent diagnostic monitor software says unit failed, oscillator maintenance required. My question then, is there anything one can access that might be adjusted to bring the OCXO back within capture range? +140 Hz seems way beyond where it should be. I thought the OCXO tuning range on something like this was normally +/- a few Hz. The unit is circa 1999 vintage. Low mileage, probably has two years online time to date (so likley not an Rb lamp problem). When I bought it, it was new in the box and still in warranty, victim of a cell site buildup deal gone bust and surplused out. At one time the two units would back each other up, switching from one to the other once as they warmed up. Anything user servicable in the LPRO? I assume a trip to the real service center would cost as much as a good used car. So if its something I can't correct, it'll become a dissection learning experience. One final test I haven't run, is removing the LPRO and powering it up stand alone, just in case the C field input is the problem. I assume it should be capable of locking with those inputs floating if the LPRO is indeed OK? Anyone know what: BITE (Built in Test?), Xtal Mon, Lamp volt, and C-Field should be normally? Thanks, Charles Osborne, K4CSO Duluth, GA ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] Thunderbolt Power Question
As the requirement is for a few milliamps it appears that All Electgonics has an inexpensive DC DC converter http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DC-32/DC-DC-CONVERTER/-/1.html that runs off of +5v. All I have to do is to run the -19v output throught a negative regualtor and its a done deal. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] Thunderbolt controllers
A very minimal controller might be an AVR Butterfly. It only has a 6 character display and joyswitch. Rather not up to the task, but dirt cheap (around 20 bucks). It could display a minimal go/nogo type of indication. Do you actually need a display? How about a LED or 3. My straw man is: off - no power on - OK blink - trouble You can convey a few bits of information with only one LED. Just encode a small integer in the number of blinks. Code 3 would go: blink, blink, blink, pause bling, blink, blink, ... Yes, it's fun to show more information, but if you really want to see more, you probably want to collect that data so you can track things over weeks or months, and you probably have a PC already doing that. -- These are my opinions, not necessarily my employer's. I hate spam. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.