HP Z3805A Time & Frequency GPS Receiver
by Brooke Clarke
https://www.prc68.com/I/Z3805A.html#OHPGPS

Tim -
Later models of the HP/Symmetricom GPS Time & Frequency models used the 
Motorola Oncore 8-channel GPS receivers (VP or UT+ models).  Those 8-channel 
receivers have same form factor and command responses (Motorola binary, 
plug-n-play).
No firmware upgrades were released by HP or Symmetricom to support later 
internal GPS receivers.  Microsemi/Microchip provides no additional support.
—
Motorola / i-Lotus 12-channel GPS receivers have a smaller form factor (adapter 
board required) and expanded/enhanced command responses (Motorola binary).
—
Art Sepin, at Synergy Systems, has been a long-time support of TAPR and 
time-nuts projects over the past two decades (starting with Tom Clark’s TAC-2 
kit).
Feel free to contact him, to consider options.

Synergy offers a 10% discount to time-nuts, TAPR, and amateur radio 
experimenters.
He has various solutions, based on “what you desire” (multi-GNSS, adapter board 
for M12 receiver, etc.).
https://synergy-gps.com/products/gps/timing-boards-modules/
==
I researched these options, before acquiring a Symmetricom 38305B receiver last 
month.  However, that unit was pristine (~2000 hour operation), used an 
8-channel receiver, and did not require any changes (it worked, after proper 
date setup).

Your Decision, to make.
https://www.prc68.com/I/MOTGPS.html

A.) Operate with the Oncore PVT 6-channel receiver.  Use a good outdoor GPS 
antenna.

B.) Acquire a used (surplus), UT+ 8-channel receiver, and swap out for your 
current Oncore PVT 6-channel receiver.  These used receivers will likely be 
date inaccurate (1024 week rollover).  The Motorola Part numbers determine 
various options: Antenna connector orientation (straight, right angle), backup 
battery, etc.

C.) Acquire a newer GPS receiver (M12+ or Ublox), with Adapter board and 
programmable capabilities to “Emulate” the original Oncore 8-channel command 
set.  
The Synergy SSR-6T may be a receiver to consider for upgrade.
https://synergy-gps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SSR-6T-TN-493-E-053019.pdf

D.) As noted on time-nuts and EEVBlog, the 1024 rollover issue with older GPS 
receivers can be resolved with these HP/Symmetricom 38xxx time/frequency 
receivers by entering specific Setup commands (SCPI commands), BEFORE the GPS 
Antenna is attached.

E.) Mark Sims has Lady Heather correct the 1024 week rollover issue for its 
display.
However, that doesn’t change the Data stream from the GPS receiver.

Good Luck!

greg, w9gb
chicago

==
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:25:21 +1100
From: Tim Tuck
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency (time-nuts)
Subject: [time-nuts] HP Z3805A GPS replacement ?

Hi all,

I've been gifted an old HP Z3805A GPSDO. It took quite some time to get its 
head together since it hasn't been switched on in years.
I see talk about changing out the 6 channel Motorola GPS for something else. 
Suggestions point to the Motorola M12 ONCORE, but I've not found any detail 
from anyone anywhere that has done this.

So...
1.) Can I replace the GPS with an ONCORE M12 ?  Has anyone done this ?
2.) Are there any "gotcha's" I need to be aware of ?

Thanks,
Tim

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