[time-nuts] Can somebody give me a lesson in OCXOs?

[Hal Murray]

I'm primarily interested in temperature stability.  I want to make my PC keep 
good time rather than wander around when the box warms up because I started 
reading my mail.

I've been thinking of something for a PCI card. I'm willing to cheat and 
leave the adjacent slot empty if the OCXO is a bit too tall.  So 12V or 5V is 
more interesting than higher voltages.  But I'm also generally curious and 
might do something else if I get a good idea that uses a different part.


Is there some obvious inexpensive surplus/recycled part I should be looking 
for?

EBay often has Isotemp OCXO134-10 at 10 MHz.  Currently they are $75 
buy-it-now, none for auction.  The data sheet is available at Isotemp's web 
site.  It says 5ppb over -30C to +60C.  (Anybody know what sort of shape that 
curve has?)

I've also seen smaller 3 MHz units, currently buy-it-now at 4 for $25.  I 
don't have data sheets.  Description says 27V.  I can read the part number 
off one of the pictures, but Isotemp doesn't have anything on their web site.

Is anybody familiar with either of those?


Any vendors known to be hobbyist friendly?  I'm not in a hurry.  I'd be 
willing to wait until their next batch if that saves significant $.

Any sweet spots on the price/performance curve?  I expect commercial units 
are more expensive than I want to pay for but I might do something a bit 
crazy if I get in the right mood.

Digikey has a few small Conner-Winfield units at $100-$200.




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