28-11-2017, 07:50 AM
with the XRef-FT no longer in production, I wonder what others have used to lock their FT-8x7 rigs to an external reference, most likely GPS?
I have a 897D running an XRef but now have a FT-857 which I'd like to do the same too.
I've had a couple of thoughts -
Use a Leo Bodnar programmable GPS reference - he makes two versions, one with a single output and one with a dual output.
The dual output is limited in generating different frequencies on it's respective outputs as it uses the one PLL chip, but if you wanted to lock two Yaesu radios using the same reference it should be possible.
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?...cts_id=301
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?...cts_id=234
The Ref-Unit in the radios just have 5V, GND and REF. I imagine it's as easy as that, feed in the reference directly from the GPS via a cap and away you go? Whilst a workable solution, it's not the cheapest.
I noticed another thread on here using the ProgRock and a 1PPS signal from GPS. This would be an incredibly cheap way of locking a rig.
https://www.qrp-labs.com/progrock.html
https://www.qrp-labs.com/qlg1.html
How have others gone about this with their rigs?
I have a 897D running an XRef but now have a FT-857 which I'd like to do the same too.
I've had a couple of thoughts -
Use a Leo Bodnar programmable GPS reference - he makes two versions, one with a single output and one with a dual output.
The dual output is limited in generating different frequencies on it's respective outputs as it uses the one PLL chip, but if you wanted to lock two Yaesu radios using the same reference it should be possible.
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?...cts_id=301
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?...cts_id=234
The Ref-Unit in the radios just have 5V, GND and REF. I imagine it's as easy as that, feed in the reference directly from the GPS via a cap and away you go? Whilst a workable solution, it's not the cheapest.
I noticed another thread on here using the ProgRock and a 1PPS signal from GPS. This would be an incredibly cheap way of locking a rig.
https://www.qrp-labs.com/progrock.html
https://www.qrp-labs.com/qlg1.html
How have others gone about this with their rigs?