[time-freq] Assembled RefLock II availability?

[Randy]

Hi Steve:
Glad to hear it is still on track.  I might suggest there just may be
about as many folks interested in a 10 MHz reference as 1 PPS these
days.  It would be great if there were a simple way to select between at
least select these two options (without the need to deal with chip
jumpers).  Appreciate your efforts!

de Randy, W7HR

*******************************************


-----Original Message-----
From: time-freq-bounces at lists.tapr.org
[mailto:time-freq-bounces at lists.tapr.org] On Behalf Of Steven Bible
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 5:46 PM
To: TAPR time and frequency projects
Subject: RE: [time-freq] Assembled RefLock II availability?

Hello Randy,

I am still working on it.  Sorry for the delay.  What I've learned is
that
even if we take the existing Reflock II kit and assemble it, there is
still
much you need to do to get it up and running.  For example, the recent
questions on the list on how to configure the Reflock II.  You configure
the
Reflock II by jumpers and customize by programming the CPLD.

Presently, the jumpers are solder on zero-ohm resistors that are 0603
size.
The reason why I designed the solder on jumpers is to make a solid
connection given that your Reflock II is to be rugged and reliable.  I
was
worried that jumpers could become intermittent over time.

Then there's the programming of the CPLD - and programming depends on
what
you want to do with the Reflock II.  And it requires a special
programmer -
I've created a low-cost kit or you can buy one from
http://www.minford.ca/
(also look on eBay and search for Altera ByteBlaster).

What I have decided to do is to learn from the Reflock II's that are out
there.  So far everyone is happy (except for those that want an
assembled
one :-).  I think I'll go ahead and add the jumpers and preprogram the
CPLD
with the GPS 1PPS (as this seems to be the most often used mode).  Then
the
assembled units will be easier for you to integrate.

I am always open for suggestions and ideas.

73,

- Steve, N7HPR
 (n7hpr at tapr.org)