Jackson Labs LC-XO-Plus GPSDO

Tom Porada

Is there any experience out there using this GPSDO? It is external, small and has low power consumption. Their kit has everything needed (assuming the antenna performs well).

Thinking about using one with my new 6500.

http://www.jackson-labs.com/index.php/products/lc_xo_plus_kit

WA2SQQ

Interesting unit, wonder how much? Honestly, I think my 6500's accuracy is more than adequate for the operating I do. Perhaps I'm missing something? I can't think of any situation where an error of even a few Hz is going to present any problems.

Tom Porada

I just got an email from Jackson. $605 delivered to Carson City.

Do I need it, probably not. Do I want it - YES.

When I got into the hobby in '61 in NJ with a few xtals and an SX85 Hallicarafters receiver, I never really knew where I was. This is simply a 'want' item for me so I never have to think about it again! The panadapter in the Flex is my second 'want'.

Hey, only go this way once!!

WA6HTP - Juan Rivera

During boot the Flex looks at the external 10 MHz input to see if there is a signal. If no signal is present it checks the internal GPS and then the crystal oscillator. This test is only done once. Providing an external 10 MHz reference after the Flex boots will have no effect so you would need to insure that your GPSDO was not only powered up, but locked and providing a stable output before booting up the 6500. The time required for a GPSDO to provide a stable and accurate reference from power-up can be quite lengthy. Unless you leave it powered up continuously that might be an issue.

Paul Bradbeer

Tom, surely with such a small price differential to the internally mounted (and fully software integrated) GPSDO by Flex, wouldn't you see more **** for your buck with the Flex GPSDO? Paul M0CVX

WA2SQQ

I might be wrong, but I seem to recall that Jackson Labs makes it for Flex.

Tom Porada

Yes, Jackson makes it for Flex. Not this model but a similar PCB model. I talked with Flex about it. This model (per specs) has lower power consumption and slightly better phase noise.

Paul Bradbeer

Quite possibly, I seem to recall a post saying that some time ago. I've actually got a Flex GPSDO on order (not being able to buy direct from Flex is somewhat irritating for me in UK....Elecraft do it without any problems). For me, the internal fit and integration with 6500 software/firmware makes it worth the £££. Paul M0CVX

Martin AA6E

Unfortunately, Flex only gives you half the possible value of a GPS system -- frequency control.  The other half is accurate time.  I think I've heard some Flex noises about some day providing NTP service out of the 6500/6700 using the GPS plugin.  That would be way cool. 

The Jackson Labs device seems to provide a USB interface so could you run NTP on your PC. That's a reason you might choose it.

k3Tim

I would (and did) go with the built-in GPS from FRS because IF (a big capital letters IF) they ever timestamp (TS) I/Q packets the time signal will have to be dead on and I believe the TS will have to be done in the radio and not outside the box by the PC. 

_..--
k3Tim

Tom Porada

Decisions decisions...the external unit can, I believe, provide SNTP when used with GPSCON software http://www.realhamradio.com/gpscon.htm but I haven't fully explored that possibility. Don't know if I need it - doubt  it - but it does sound cool!

Since the unit only draws 1/2 w or less, leaving it on all the time for stability would be the way to go.

The external unit seems to me to be more flexible in that it can be used elsewhere when, for example,  I upgrade to the Flex 10000 or some other rig in a few years (if I live that long!)

Flex did mention that they might do timestamping in the future. Not really sure what that is myself, and I haven't a clue about whether or not it has to be done local to the rig.

Whether internal or external it should open up the possibility of entering some of the frequency measurement tests.

William Hein

We (Force 12) are importing the Leo Bodnar GPSDO, its quite a bit less than the Jackson unit and its not a kit.

Many people are using it with QS1R radios for RBN operation

http://www.force12inc.com/products/gps-locked-precision-frequency-reference-low-jitter-gps-clock-450...

Sorry for the plug, but I thought this was relevant

Bill AA7XT
Force 12

Paul Bradbeer

Ooh err...thanks for this.  Made in UK and substantially cheaper than anything else I've seen...  Hmmm...worth considering.  Okay Flexers, any ideas how this compares in performance to the Flex GPSDO?  Is it me, or does the phase noise look high? Grateful for some opinions....Paul M0CVX

Reg

The post by Bill, AA7XT, stated in part, "Leo Bodnar GPSDO, is quite a bit less than the Jackson unit and its not a kit."  The Jackson Labs LC-XO-Plus GPSDO is assembled and tested by Jackson Labs in the USA.  It is available as either an assembled and tested GPSDO or as a kit which includes accessories.  The RF connectors on the LC-XO-Plus are MMCX female.  The LC-XO-PLUS GPSDO Kit includes 2 each MMCX to BNC-F adapter cables, a 110V to 5V power source, a USB cable and an antenna.

For the record, I own a FLEX GPSDO in my FLEX-6700, a Jackson Labs LC-XO-PLUS GPSDO Kit, and a Leo Bodnar GPS-Locked Frequency Reference.  Leo Bodnar does not use the term GPSDO.

Tom Porada

Reg - is there any comparison or opinion you can provide between the units? Especially interested in what you have to say about the Flex GPSDO and the LC-XO.