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How can I get a 10 MHz reference output?

K2BLA
K2BLA Member ✭✭
in Aurora

I started using MSK144 recently on six and many of the stations I contact claim my frequency is about 80Hz low. MSK 144 is frequency sensitive as FT8 and CW are not so I only became aware of the situation when I started using MSK144. I wanted to verify that my 10MHz reference either locked to GNSS or the TCXO is right on frequency. I cannot figure out how to get a 10MHz output or is it so low my counter can't see it? I can't find a spec on what level the 10 MHz reference output should be and/or what the impedance of the reference output is. Or have I not turned it on?

Answers

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    The 8000 series radios with GNSS do not have 10 MHz output.

    Look at Settings/Radio Setup/GPS. Verify how many satellites you have visible and how many are tracked.

    Currently I have 32 visible and 17 tracked on my 8600. Frequency error is -181.7 ppb

    Make sure under Settings/Radio Setup/RX that Reference Source is set to Auto and should show GNSS Lock if you have enough satellites tracked. If you have 5 or fewer satellites tracked, you might want to relocate the GNSS antenna. I bought an SMA male to female 15 foot cable and located my GNSS antenna outside.

    73 Dave wo2x

  • K2BLA
    K2BLA Member ✭✭

    I usually have 12 or more satellites visible and frequency error of 100ppb or so. Reference source is set to auto.

    The radio is locked to GNSS but I want to measure the 10MHz reference on the back panel but there is no signal there.

  • John KB4DU
    John KB4DU Member ✭✭✭✭

    That's for a 10Mhz reference input if no GPS attached.

  • Mick W8BE
    Mick W8BE Member ✭✭✭

    The 8600 had a 10Mhz output. See image below. You can clearly see it.

    image.png

    Unfortunately It did not work. See the Oscilloscope output. I was told it was a software bug.

    image.png

    Then the radio bricked twice in 2 days. 1st time I could recover it using a image from Flex. Next day it bricked again and I had enough and sent it back.

  • Geoff AB6BT
    Geoff AB6BT Member ✭✭✭

    Mick…That's interesting. I have an 8600 and there is a hole plug where the 10MHZ Out connector is in your photo.

    Do you have the GNSS installed or the optional GPSDO? The stock GNSS does not offer a 10MHz output but the GPSDO does.

  • Mick W8BE
    Mick W8BE Member ✭✭✭

    I had the GPS installed

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    I wonder if the 2 cables are misconnected. Try testing the 10Mhz in Port and see if there is a signal on it.

  • Mick W8BE
    Mick W8BE Member ✭✭✭

    Mike, I sent the radio back. It was the 2nd radio that had problems and I decided to keep my 6600.

    thx.

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