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Re: Testing Iridium's STL for timing

ZC
Zdenek Chaloupka
Sat, May 25, 2024 5:01 PM

Hi

has anybody been able to test Iridium’s STL signal for PNT (https://satelles.com/technology/stl-complements-gps/)? There is a nice evaluation from NIST here (https://www.nist.gov/publications/measuring-timing-accuracy-satellite-time-and-location-stl-receivers), from what I can tell from the graphs in the document the peak-to-peak variation is about 320ns with OCXO, and around 80ns with Rb oscillator.

It also seems that the STL’s time scale can drift from UTC(NIST) over time: adding some 50 ns in 100 days before being steered back.

There are apparently only two companies making modules now: Viavi’s STL-2600 (from Jackson Labs), or Oscilloquartz/Adtran’s OSA 5400 STL.

I am trying to get one of those STL receivers, but it seems to be near impossible. Is there someone, who knows someone who knows you-know-who who knows where to get the STL receiver?

Appreciate any pointers!

Best regards
Zdenek

Hi has anybody been able to test Iridium’s STL signal for PNT (https://satelles.com/technology/stl-complements-gps/)? There is a nice evaluation from NIST here (https://www.nist.gov/publications/measuring-timing-accuracy-satellite-time-and-location-stl-receivers), from what I can tell from the graphs in the document the peak-to-peak variation is about 320ns with OCXO, and around 80ns with Rb oscillator. It also seems that the STL’s time scale can drift from UTC(NIST) over time: adding some 50 ns in 100 days before being steered back. There are apparently only two companies making modules now: Viavi’s STL-2600 (from Jackson Labs), or Oscilloquartz/Adtran’s OSA 5400 STL. I am trying to get one of those STL receivers, but it seems to be near impossible. Is there someone, who knows someone who knows you-know-who who knows where to get the STL receiver? Appreciate any pointers! Best regards Zdenek