[LinuxPPS] Refclock for Rodolpho

[Hal V. Engel]

As most of you know Rodolpho does not have a reference clock to use for 
testing.  In November I acquired some additional Oncore UT+ modules (ebay for 
$15 each plus shipping which totaled about $18 each) and I sent an email to 
Rodolpho offering to build him a reference clock from one of these units.  
However I could not supply him with an antenna or serial cable for the unit.   
With all of the components involved (Oncore, TTL to RS232 converter, wire, ply 
wood for the box, connectors ...) it costs me about $40 to build one of these 
not including my labor. 

He replied that he was interested but did not have an antenna although he did 
have a serial cable.  Because he did not have an antenna he could not accept 
the unit at that time.  The unit I was working on for Rodolpho is now 
connected to my step son's computer and is working nicely. 

I have more modules and a supply of most of the components and materials 
needed to build another unit.  And I will be putting together another refclock 
over the next week or so.  Again if Rodolpho wants this unit it is his but if 
not it will be a spare unit for me.  However he still needs an antenna to be 
able to use it.  If anyone here has an antenna that will work that they would 
like to donate to Rodolpho please let it be known since I would like to get 
Rodolpho a working reference clock at some point.  

The Oncore needs an amplified antenna with an MCX connector but I can also put 
an MCX to BNC pigtail on the refclock's rear panel if that is what someone 
has.  Actually using the BNC connector would be preferred since this would 
also create a build in strain relief since the connector would be anchored to 
the rear panel.   The gain at the receiver connector needs to be between 10db 
and 33db according to the Oncore manual.  Almost any amplified antenna with 
the right connector should work even one of those patch antennas if it can be 
placed near a south facing window or, better still, outside with a clear view 
of the south sky.

Hal