[time-nuts] Frequency generator and counter on same external reference

[Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX N2469R]

Two rules to follow.  1 - use well shielded cables for the 10 MHz 
distribution
if you wish to receive WWV 10 off the air.  The skinny cables used for 
Ethernet
generally don't cut it.

2.  Most instruments have a high impedance 10 MHz input.  Put them in 
the middle
with T connectors left over from your 10 base T days.  If you have an 
instrument
that terminates the 10 MHz input, it goes last.  Otherwise use a 
terminator at the
end.

I have an Advantest spectrum analyzer,  HP selective level meter, 
Racal-Dana counter,
Flexradio 1500, and Gigatronics generator daisy chained from a 
Thunderbolt.  Plenty
of signal, and the fat (well shielded) cables let me listen to WWV.

On 11/29/2012 07:01 AM, Tom Clifton wrote:
> Good heavens, no.  By doing so, they both have the same reference and the measuremets actually means something. I have a stack of HP stuff (3586, 3386 and assorted counters) all T'd off my Tbolt without issue.  The only caveat is that you don't put too much stuff across the T-bolt output so as to load it down to the point where some device can't get clocking. Before you hit that point, you may need a high quality (low jitter) distribution amp in the timing chain.
> ________________________________
> Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:42:39 +0000
> From: Chris Wilson
>   Subject: [time-nuts] Frequency generator and counter on same external reference?
>   I am  repairing an 18GHz counter and it has a 10MHz external reference port. So does my elderly Marconi 2019A sig gen. Is there any potential issue having them both referenced off my Thunderbolt GPS referenced standard, at the same time?
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-- 
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX N2469R     caf at omen.com   www.omen.com
Developer of Industrial ZMODEM(Tm) for Embedded Applications
   Omen Technology Inc      "The High Reliability Software"
10255 NW Old Cornelius Pass Portland OR 97231   503-614-0430