> > > If easy means a temporary lashup, takes but one piece of gear. The > Ballantine 6130A time mark generator takes in 10 MHz, produces from > it a synchronous 1Hz to 500MHz selectable in 1-2-5 steps. I've not > tested mine for phase noise, probably > not the best performer... but for $35 not a big concern, given my > needs. > Shameless plug: I'll have another one for sale at the Dayton > Hamvention, flea > market space 1901. There will be other Time Nuts in residence at 1901 > as well. > > Bob LaJeunesse > ________________________________ > From: Chris Wilson <chris@chriswilson.tv> > > >> >> Is there any fairly easy way to multiply the output of a Thunderbolt >> to >> have a 500MHz reference at about 4dBm? Thanks. >> >> -- >> Best Regards, >> Chris Wilson. >> mailto: chris@chriswilson.tv >> > ****************************************** Bob's suggestion to get a Ballantine 6130A Time Mark Gen might be your easiest solution if this is a one-off project. According to the schematic, the 10MHz oscillator is sent through a series of multipliers and filters to arrive at the 500MHz High Freq output. Specifically, it goes through a doubler and two quintuplers. I don't know how the unit is constructed (I only have a schematic, not the complete manual), but if the RF circuitry and the digital dividers are on separate boards, then you might be able to use just the RF board to construct your 500MHz signal. (I'm assuming that your intent is to construct the project into a single enclosure). The only other solution that might be easier would be to find a PLL board that can be programmed to output your 500MHz signal. I looked over eBay and Google without much luck there. Good luck with your project. Dave M

Sorry to say the 6130A is an "all on one board" design. Not really suitable for extracting the multipliers. Shameless UN-plug: Another time-nutter has already taken the 6130A I was going to have at Dayton. Bob LaJeunesse ________________________________ From: Dave M <dgminala@mediacombb.net> To: time-nuts@febo.com Sent: Wed, May 15, 2013 3:42:13 PM Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Trimble Thunderbolt, any easy way to create 500 MHz reference from one? Bob's suggestion to get a Ballantine 6130A Time Mark Gen might be your easiest solution if this is a one-off project. According to the schematic, the 10MHz oscillator is sent through a series of multipliers and filters to arrive at the 500MHz High Freq output. Specifically, it goes through a doubler and two quintuplers. I don't know how the unit is constructed (I only have a schematic, not the complete manual), but if the RF circuitry and the digital dividers are on separate boards, then you might be able to use just the RF board to construct your 500MHz signal. (I'm assuming that your intent is to construct the project into a single enclosure). The only other solution that might be easier would be to find a PLL board that can be programmed to output your 500MHz signal. I looked over eBay and Google without much luck there. Good luck with your project. Dave M