GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) review and teardown

In this video I'll be taking an in-depth look at a GPSDO that I bought on ebay a while ago. I'll review its performance, take some measurements and then take it apart to see how they built it.

[InssiAjaton]

A couple of “I think” comments. In my books the date code 1205 more likely is year 2012 and week 5. And the R01 resistor marking is likely to mean 0.01 ohm, i.e. 10 milliohms. Generally the location of the “R” signifies the location of the decimal point.

[mgeo]

For anyone that finds this video first, there's a lot more detailed information about the module in the following two links:

The unit talks SCPI and can be made to report status, diagnostic information, etc.

[donpalmera]

You have to give them credit for finding that module inside a shipment of e-waste or whatever and turning it back into a product they can sell.

[Mr_Meowingtons]

i have had mine running for half an hr. but ACT light never flashes that fast! how long do you have to have it running to get full lock?

[johnwest]

The thin, pale-blue wires are wire-wrap wire, very likely old stock and dirt cheap, since only a few elderly hobbyists are still doing wire-wrapping, although it is still used in the electronics industry for rework on PCB's to correct small layout problems or circuit design errors.

[priestblood]

Could you connect a LCD screen to the 50 pin connector, you might get more options to alter the ocxo .

[simonbaxter]

Why did you take the SMA connector off the rear panel when the extruded case just splits top/bottom? Just needed to take the screws out of the front panel!!

[kuro]

The 7806 is a 6V linear regulator. the module is probably a switching regulator/linear regulator combo or something like that. Rather than design one they just bought a module with known, extensively tested characteristics.

Enjoyable video, thanks. Might get one of these.

[freelancer]

Could you measure the tuning voltage at the OCXO to determine if it is operating at the limit of the tuning range? (end of life)
Or did you conclude from your investigation of the serial port that it is still working ok?

[basketballjones]

I'm guessing you mean "Temperature Compensated" and not "Temperature Controlled". HUGE difference.