XRef - 10MHz-Locked Reference Oscillator

[VK3HZ]

As has been mentioned elsewhere, Graham VK3XDK and I (Dave VK3HZ) have developed a board that is a drop-in replacement for the reference board in the FT-817, FT-857 and FT-897.

The board takes a 10 MHz reference signal from a GPS reference or other high accuracy source and generates a precision reference at 22.625 MHz for the FT-8x7. If the 10 MHz reference signal is not available, the board reverts to using its onboard TCXO as its source, giving performance as good as the Yaesu TCXO-9. The board is based on a Silicon Labs Si-4133-family synthesiser and has an onboard Atmel procesor to handle configuration and monitoring.

Information is available on Graham's site: http://www.vk3xdk.net46.net/1_30_XrefFT ... ility.html
We intend to add phase noise and spectral plots once we've finalised the output filters. Preliminary tests using an FT-817 without a filter have given excellent results.

Boards are expected to be available in a week or so. Pricing hasn't yet been finalised, but will be under $150.

In the meantime, here's that sneak picture again (the boards still need some filter components).

[VK2XAX]

Excellent!

I want one

Can hardly wait for them to be available.

Kudos to both you and Graham for this device.

regards

Tim

[VK3HZ]

As also mentioned elsewhere, we're developing another board - the XRef Versatile - that will be a more general add-in 10 MHz-locked reference board for other rigs like the IC-910H, TS-2000(X) and FT-847.

There will be two versions of the board:
- the first will be much the same as the XRefFT with an onboard TCXO. It is intended for rigs that have a poor onboard reference like the FT-847.
- the second won't have the TCXO but instead will have onboard power switching. It is meant for rigs like the TS-2000 or IC-910H (with Hi-Stab option) with a good quality internal reference. With this version, when the 10 MHz external reference is not present, the rig's own internal oscillator will be enabled.

Fitting of the XRef to the rig will require some soldering and perhaps cutting of tracks, something like this for the TS-2000: http://www.vk3hz.net/riglock/TS2000_Ext ... erence.pdf
The difference is that the board will be small enough (approx 20mm x 30mm) to fit inside most rigs, with only a 10 MHz connector on the rear panel.

Currently, we have determined that the XRef Versatile will work with the FT-847, IC-910H and TS-2000(X). The board is capable of generating frequencies from about 15MHz upwards. If you have another rig and want to discuss whether the board will suit your rig, please contact me by email on [mycallsign]@wia.org.au - (Graham already has enough on his plate with his other products).

[VK3ALB]

Hi David,

Do you think this would benefit the FT817?

[VK3ALB]

Hi David,

Do you think this would benefit the FT817?

Best I put my glasses on BEFORE I ask questions.

[VK3HZ]

Do you think this would benefit the FT817?

There's no downside as without 10 MHz connected, the TCXO means the frequency stability will be the same for an ND and much improved for an earlier model.

With a GPS reference connected, I get frequency accuracy of better than 4 milliHz on 2m (determined by the setting accuracy of the FT-817 VFO DDS) and NO drift.

If you want to run WSJT or other weak signal modes on VHF/UHF, then the standard oscillator is not good enough and, personally, I hate being off frequency.

Regards,
Dave.

[VK2GOM]

Hi Dave, do you mean this will only work in an IC910H that already has a CR293 high stability optional oscillator installed? Will it not work with the stock oscillator?

The CR293 hi-stability oscillators alone aren't cheap...

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

[VK3HZ]

do you mean this will only work in an IC910H that already has a CR293 high stability optional oscillator installed?

No, it will work with either Icom oscillator.

What I meant was, if you have the Hi-Stab option, you probably want to install the switching version of the XRef and fall back to the Hi-Stab oscillator when you haven't got an external source connected.
If you've got the standard Icom oscillator, then it's up to you which of the XRef boards you use and whether you want to fall back to the XRef TCXO or the Icom standard oscillator.

[VK2GG]

Hi Guys,
bloody fantastic Dave! Well done to both of you. Can't wait to get one!
Dan VK2GG

[VK7TW]

Fantastic work guys.

Where do I put my name down for both the FT-817 version and the FT847 version??

73, Justin, VK7TW

[VK4UH]

My last posting appears to have evaporated?

Great work Guys!

Please add my call to the list of wanna-be owners! I would like boards for FT 817, TS2000 and my IC910 when available

Kevin VK4UH Brisbane

[VK4FLR]

Yep - interested in one for my FT 847-have fitted a Kuhne precision xtal heater reg to the ref osc but it still drifts around a bit .
Good work Guys
73
Frank
VK4FLR

[VK5APN]

Dave and Graham (and others?)

In a word BRILLIANT.

One for the IC-910H would be nice, even though I have the Hi-Stab option fitted.

Any plans to include other common rigs like the IC-706 flavours etc?? I do have a DB6NT heater for my 706 (to use the same method as Bob ZL1RS uses to mod his 706 for 2m WSJT) but mine is the MK2 not the G version. There is no room to add the heater in mine, I believe the 706MK2G has more room.

Regards
Wayne
VK5APN

[VK4EA]

I'm in for one, nice work.

Sent from my MZ601 using Tapatalk HD

[VK4TIM]

I would be interested too, would be interested inlocking my IC-756 as well.
I'm assuming the reference frequency is programmable?

[VK5LA]

Hi,
Put me down for the 817 and 910H solutions!

Andy

[VK2TS]

I also would look at one for my Icom 910H.

Cheers
Tony
VK2TS

[VK3HZ]

Any plans to include other common rigs like the IC-706 flavours etc??

Yes, the 706 has already been requested. 30 MHz I believe?

[VK5APN]

Yes the reference oscillator is 30.000MHz

[VK4GHZ]

Yes the reference oscillator is 30.000MHz

For 30.0000 MHz, wouldn't it be easier to just triple a 10 MHz reference, with a 30 MHz amp/band pass filter on the output?