Empathy List Archives

RD

Robert DiRosario

Thu, Aug 19, 2021 10:55 PM

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box
with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time
code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency
marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no
information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like
how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power,
ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver
is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the
DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. Thanks Robert

BK

Bob kb8tq

Thu, Aug 19, 2021 11:23 PM

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

Hi It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years later …..) who knows …. Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. Bob > On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. > > Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. > > One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. > > Thanks > > Robert > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

RD

Robert DiRosario

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 1:09 AM

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to
complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet
is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in
2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. Robert On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: > Hi > > It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms > of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years > later …..) who knows …. > > Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new > modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. > > Bob > >> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >> >> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >> >> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >> >> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >> >> Thanks >> >> Robert >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

BK

Bob kb8tq

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 1:19 AM

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

Hi The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with any WWVB claims. The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. Bob > On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from > Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. > > Robert > > > On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >> Hi >> >> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >> later …..) who knows …. >> >> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >> >> Bob >> >>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>> >>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>> >>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>> >>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Robert >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

RD

Robert DiRosario

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 2:12 AM

This is just a little "fun" project. I"m sure any of my GPS receivers
will be more accurate by several orders of magnitude.

So does anyone know how to "decode" the Isotemp model numbers, assuming
there is some pattern to them?

Robert

On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

This is just a little "fun" project. I"m sure any of my GPS receivers will be more accurate by several orders of magnitude. So does anyone know how to "decode" the Isotemp model numbers, assuming there is some pattern to them? Robert On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: > Hi > > The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from > the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s > (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, > you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with > any WWVB claims. > > The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. > It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. > > Bob > >> On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >> >> I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from >> Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. >> >> Robert >> >> >> On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >>> Hi >>> >>> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >>> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >>> later …..) who knows …. >>> >>> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >>> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >>> >>> Bob >>> >>>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>>> >>>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>>> >>>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>>> >>>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>>> >>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> Robert >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

KL

Keelan Lightfoot

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 6:01 AM

Internet Archive to the rescue!

https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm

According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50
MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version.

From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz
OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a
pinout:

http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box
with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time
code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency
marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no
information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like
how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power,
ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver
is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the
DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send
an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

Internet Archive to the rescue! https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50 MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version. From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a pinout: http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box > with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time > code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. > > Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency > marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no > information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like > how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, > ground and output, with no EFC input. > > One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver > is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the > DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. > > Thanks > > Robert > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send > an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >

BK

Bob kb8tq

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 12:48 PM

Hi

OCXO59 package. Likely the 11th OEM version in that package done in 2002. Specs could
be just about anything. Like pretty much all oscillator companies, they would build to the
OEM’s custom spec. A few OEM’s want their name on the part ( Trimble, Efratom and
Symmetericom come to mind ) most seem to be ok with the OCXO manufacturer’s name
being on it.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 10:12 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

This is just a little "fun" project. I"m sure any of my GPS receivers will be more accurate by several orders of magnitude.

So does anyone know how to "decode" the Isotemp model numbers, assuming there is some pattern to them?

Robert

On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
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Hi OCXO59 package. Likely the 11th OEM version in that package done in 2002. Specs could be just about anything. Like pretty much all oscillator companies, they would build to the OEM’s custom spec. A few OEM’s want their name on the part ( Trimble, Efratom and Symmetericom come to mind ) most seem to be ok with the OCXO manufacturer’s name being on it. Bob > On Aug 19, 2021, at 10:12 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > This is just a little "fun" project. I"m sure any of my GPS receivers will be more accurate by several orders of magnitude. > > So does anyone know how to "decode" the Isotemp model numbers, assuming there is some pattern to them? > > Robert > > > On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >> Hi >> >> The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from >> the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s >> (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, >> you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with >> any WWVB claims. >> >> The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. >> It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. >> >> Bob >> >>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>> >>> I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from >>> Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. >>> >>> Robert >>> >>> >>> On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >>>> Hi >>>> >>>> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >>>> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >>>> later …..) who knows …. >>>> >>>> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >>>> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >>>> >>>> Bob >>>> >>>>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>>>> >>>>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>>>> >>>>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> Robert >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

PS

paul swed

Fri, Aug 20, 2021 1:12 PM

The chip will still work. Its just a AM receiver and you get the AM
timecode bits out. It has no value as some sort of reference without
removing the BPSK signal that NIST put on. Lots of posts on that stuff back
in 2012-2015.
Good luck.
Paul
WB8TSL

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 9:09 PM Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to
complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet
is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in
2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way

better in terms

of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency

(however many years

later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put

in the new

modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the

device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net

wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box

with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time
code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency

marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no
information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like
how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power,
ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver

is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231
RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

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The chip will still work. Its just a AM receiver and you get the AM timecode bits out. It has no value as some sort of reference without removing the BPSK signal that NIST put on. Lots of posts on that stuff back in 2012-2015. Good luck. Paul WB8TSL On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 9:09 PM Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to > complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from > Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet > is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in > 2012. > > Robert > > > On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: > > Hi > > > > It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way > better in terms > > of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency > (however many years > > later …..) who knows …. > > > > Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put > in the new > > modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the > device you have. > > > > Bob > > > >> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> > wrote: > >> > >> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box > with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time > code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. > >> > >> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency > marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no > information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like > how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, > ground and output, with no EFC input. > >> > >> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver > is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 > RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. > >> > >> Thanks > >> > >> Robert > >> _______________________________________________ > >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe > send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > > _______________________________________________ > > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe > send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send > an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

RD

Robert DiRosario

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 5:45 PM

This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already
have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give
IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would
guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB,
and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most
Accurate Clock, which uses WWV.

To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm
happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my
GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz.

I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing
the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that
would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB, and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most Accurate Clock, which uses WWV. To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz. I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation. Robert On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: > Hi > > The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from > the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s > (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, > you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with > any WWVB claims. > > The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. > It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. > > Bob > >> On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >> >> I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from >> Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. >> >> Robert >> >> >> On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >>> Hi >>> >>> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >>> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >>> later …..) who knows …. >>> >>> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >>> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >>> >>> Bob >>> >>>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>>> >>>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>>> >>>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>>> >>>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>>> >>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> Robert >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

BK

Bob kb8tq

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 6:10 PM

Hi

The WWVB transmitters are military surplus. I suspect they got them at a very
low cost to NIST. The proposal they kept floating was to set up a second LF
time signal for the east coast. That way they could do better coverage over
the entire county without going to higher power. My guess is the same
surplus transmitters would have been dropped into someplace in New York.
It would also let them go to a frequency that was not as heavily impacted by
MSF.

Nobody ever really got behind the idea. It came up again and again. It just
never got any traction. Finally they went with this phase mod stuff.

Bob

On Aug 21, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB, and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most Accurate Clock, which uses WWV.

To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz.

I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

Hi The WWVB transmitters are military surplus. I suspect they got them at a very low cost to NIST. The proposal they kept floating was to set up a second LF time signal for the east coast. That way they could do better coverage over the entire county without going to higher power. My guess is the same surplus transmitters would have been dropped into someplace in New York. It would also let them go to a frequency that was not as heavily impacted by MSF. Nobody ever really got behind the idea. It came up again and again. It just never got any traction. Finally they went with this phase mod stuff. Bob > On Aug 21, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB, and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most Accurate Clock, which uses WWV. > > To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz. > > I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation. > > Robert > > > > On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >> Hi >> >> The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from >> the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s >> (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, >> you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with >> any WWVB claims. >> >> The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. >> It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. >> >> Bob >> >>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>> >>> I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from >>> Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. >>> >>> Robert >>> >>> >>> On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >>>> Hi >>>> >>>> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >>>> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >>>> later …..) who knows …. >>>> >>>> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >>>> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >>>> >>>> Bob >>>> >>>>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>>>> >>>>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>>>> >>>>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> Robert >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

RD

Robert DiRosario

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 7:14 PM

I found that very late the other night. I don't think that's it because
the
physical construction is different. I've attached some photos. I think
this
Time Code Translator thing is very old, the device is made from 68 SSI LS
TTL chips, wire wrapped!

I suspect this OCXO predates their website, and the internet. I guess I
just need to test it and see what it does. I suspect the screw on the top
covers a frequency adjustment resister or capacitor or something.

Robert

On 08/20/2021 02:01 AM, Keelan Lightfoot wrote:

Internet Archive to the rescue!

https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm

According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50
MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version.

From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz

OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a
pinout:

http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box
with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time
code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency
marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no
information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like
how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power,
ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver
is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the
DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send
an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

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I found that very late the other night. I don't think that's it because the physical construction is different. I've attached some photos. I think this Time Code Translator thing is very old, the device is made from 68 SSI LS TTL chips, wire wrapped! I suspect this OCXO predates their website, and the internet. I guess I just need to test it and see what it does. I suspect the screw on the top covers a frequency adjustment resister or capacitor or something. Robert On 08/20/2021 02:01 AM, Keelan Lightfoot wrote: > Internet Archive to the rescue! > > https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm > > According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50 > MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version. > > >From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz > OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a > pinout: > > http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf > > On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > >> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box >> with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time >> code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >> >> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency >> marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no >> information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like >> how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, >> ground and output, with no EFC input. >> >> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver >> is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the >> DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >> >> Thanks >> >> Robert >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send >> an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >

BK

Bob kb8tq

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 7:24 PM

Hi

I’d bet that OCXO was made in the 48th week of 1990.

Bob

On Aug 21, 2021, at 3:14 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I found that very late the other night. I don't think that's it because the
physical construction is different. I've attached some photos. I think this
Time Code Translator thing is very old, the device is made from 68 SSI LS
TTL chips, wire wrapped!

I suspect this OCXO predates their website, and the internet. I guess I
just need to test it and see what it does. I suspect the screw on the top
covers a frequency adjustment resister or capacitor or something.

Robert

On 08/20/2021 02:01 AM, Keelan Lightfoot wrote:

Internet Archive to the rescue!

https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm

According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50
MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version.

From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz

OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a
pinout:

http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box
with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time
code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency
marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no
information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like
how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power,
ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver
is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the
DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

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<IMG_5403s.jpg><IMG_5405s.jpg><IMG_5407s.jpg>_______________________________________________
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Hi I’d bet that OCXO was made in the 48th week of 1990. Bob > On Aug 21, 2021, at 3:14 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > I found that very late the other night. I don't think that's it because the > physical construction is different. I've attached some photos. I think this > Time Code Translator thing is very old, the device is made from 68 SSI LS > TTL chips, wire wrapped! > > I suspect this OCXO predates their website, and the internet. I guess I > just need to test it and see what it does. I suspect the screw on the top > covers a frequency adjustment resister or capacitor or something. > > Robert > > > On 08/20/2021 02:01 AM, Keelan Lightfoot wrote: >> Internet Archive to the rescue! >> >> https://web.archive.org/web/19990506093727/http://www.isotemp.com/ocxo59.htm >> >> According to that page, the OCXO59 series is available in 5 MHz to 50 >> MHz... So a 1MHz version may have been an OEM version. >> >> >From a later archive of their site, here's a PDF datasheet for a 50 MHz >> OCXO59 series oscillator which includes a drawing for the 59 series with a >> pinout: >> >> http://www.isotemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Legacy59-21.pdf >> >> On Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 3:56 PM Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >> >>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box >>> with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time >>> code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>> >>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency >>> marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no >>> information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like >>> how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, >>> ground and output, with no EFC input. >>> >>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver >>> is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the >>> DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Robert >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send >>> an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> > > <IMG_5403s.jpg><IMG_5405s.jpg><IMG_5407s.jpg>_______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

E

ew

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 7:52 PM

I remember in the early 90's I used a HP receiver and a Tracor M 100 with no problem in Miami. Junghans came to Miami to test their clocks and watches using a R&S handheld device for accurate signal evaluation. They had determined that Miami was the most distance from the 60 KHz transmitter in the USA. Bert Kehren In a message dated 8/21/2021 2:11:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, kb8tq@n1k.org writes:
Hi

The WWVB transmitters are military surplus. I suspect they got them at a very
low cost to NIST. The proposal they kept floating was to set up a second LF
time signal for the east coast. That way they could do better coverage over
the entire county without going to higher power. My guess is the same
surplus transmitters would have been dropped into someplace in New York.
It would also let them go to a frequency that was not as heavily impacted by
MSF.

Nobody ever really got behind the idea. It came up again and again. It just
never got any traction. Finally they went with this phase mod stuff.

Bob

On Aug 21, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB, and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most Accurate Clock, which uses WWV.

To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz.

I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from
the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s
(or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach,
you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with
any WWVB claims.

The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver.
It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from
Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012.

Robert

On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote:

Hi

It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms
of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years
later …..) who knows ….

Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new
modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have.

Bob

On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario ka3zyx@comcast.net wrote:

I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock.

Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input.

One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it.

Thanks

Robert

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

I remember in the early 90's I used a HP receiver and a Tracor M 100 with no problem in Miami. Junghans came to Miami to test their clocks and watches using a R&S handheld device for accurate signal evaluation. They had determined that Miami was the most distance from the 60 KHz transmitter in the USA. Bert Kehren In a message dated 8/21/2021 2:11:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, kb8tq@n1k.org writes: Hi The WWVB transmitters are military surplus. I suspect they got them at a very low cost to NIST. The proposal they kept floating was to set up a second LF time signal for the east coast. That way they could do better coverage over the entire county without going to higher power. My guess is the same surplus transmitters would have been dropped into someplace in New York. It would also let them go to a frequency that was not as heavily impacted by MSF. Nobody ever really got behind the idea. It came up again and again. It just never got any traction. Finally they went with this phase mod stuff. Bob > On Aug 21, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: > > This will just be a backup clock in my amateur radio station. I already have a Truetime XL-DC and a XL-AK, both have GPS receivers that give IRIG-B and 1PPS outputs, and drive a couple of IRIG-B clocks. I would guess the GPS time signal will be more accurate and precise then WWVB, and both will be more accurate and precise then my Heathkit Most Accurate Clock, which uses WWV. > > To the human eye, as long as the seconds match on all sources, I'm happy. On the other hand, for my GPS-NTP box and especially for my GPS-DO frequency standards, I want a lot better then 1 Hz. > > I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation. > > Robert > > > > On 08/19/2021 09:19 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >> Hi >> >> The issue you run into is that the fancy devices tried to derive information from >> the phase of the WWVB signal. With an “AM only” receiver accuracy in the 10’s >> (or 100’s … yikes ….) of ms was pretty common. With a phase oriented approach, >> you could get into the 100’s of us. Indeed there is a lot of fine print involved with >> any WWVB claims. >> >> The change over did not impact the typical WWVB watch or an AM based receiver. >> It very much messed up any of the fancy timing stuff. >> >> Bob >> >>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 9:09 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>> >>> I have a MAS6180C AM receiver chip, on a board with a few other parts to complete the receiver. I did not make the board, it came from >>> Universal-Solder Electronics in Canada. The date on the chip datasheet is 2014 and on the receiver board 2016, so after NIST messed up WWVB in 2012. >>> >>> Robert >>> >>> >>> On 08/19/2021 07:23 PM, Bob kb8tq wrote: >>>> Hi >>>> >>>> It’s a good bet that whatever the spec on that Isotemp OCXO, it’s way better in terms >>>> of temperature and aging then the DS3231. Is it still on frequency (however many years >>>> later …..) who knows …. >>>> >>>> Many of the “time oriented” WWVB devices stopped working when they put in the new >>>> modulation scheme. It’s a pretty good bet that this applies to the device you have. >>>> >>>> Bob >>>> >>>>> On Aug 19, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Robert DiRosario <ka3zyx@comcast.net> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> I got a Trak Systems "Time Code Translator" from ebay. It's a 1U box with large LEDs for DOY and H/M/S that translates IRIG-A to NASA-36 time code. I plan on using the case for my WWVB clock. >>>>> >>>>> Unexpectedly it has an Isotemp OCXO in it, model OCXO59-11-2, frequency marked as 1.000 MHz The Isotemp website is more or less dead, it has no information on it. Does anyone have any information on this model, like how accurate it is? It has only three wires, which I assume are power, ground and output, with no EFC input. >>>>> >>>>> One thing that I'm sill note sure about is what to do when the receiver is not receiving WWVB. I was thinking of using something like the DS3231 RTC module. If this OCXO is better, I may use it. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> Robert >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there. _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

PK

Poul-Henning Kamp

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 8:41 PM

Robert DiRosario writes:

I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing
the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that
would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation.

One does not simply increase the transmitter power at 60kHz.

The WWVB antennas are essentially capacitors against ground, around
15nF, and they operate at voltages somewhere in the 30-50kV range.

--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.

-------- Robert DiRosario writes: > I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing > the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that > would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation. One does not simply increase the transmitter power at 60kHz. The WWVB antennas are essentially capacitors against ground, around 15nF, and they operate at voltages somewhere in the 30-50kV range. -- Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20 phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956 FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.

BK

Bob kb8tq

Sat, Aug 21, 2021 9:37 PM

Hi

Another tidbit …..

The antennas are each actively tuned (they are very narrow band). As the wind blows,
you can watch them adjust to the change in “shape”. Very cool …..

Bob

On Aug 21, 2021, at 4:41 PM, Poul-Henning Kamp phk@phk.freebsd.dk wrote:

Robert DiRosario writes:

I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing
the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that
would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation.

One does not simply increase the transmitter power at 60kHz.

The WWVB antennas are essentially capacitors against ground, around
15nF, and they operate at voltages somewhere in the 30-50kV range.

--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.

time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

Hi Another tidbit ….. The antennas are each actively tuned (they are *very* narrow band). As the wind blows, you can watch them adjust to the change in “shape”. Very cool ….. Bob > On Aug 21, 2021, at 4:41 PM, Poul-Henning Kamp <phk@phk.freebsd.dk> wrote: > > -------- > Robert DiRosario writes: > >> I really wish NIST didn't add the BPSK modulation to WWVB. Increasing >> the transmitter power would have been a lot better, but I'm sure that >> would have cost a lot more then just changing the modulation. > > One does not simply increase the transmitter power at 60kHz. > > The WWVB antennas are essentially capacitors against ground, around > 15nF, and they operate at voltages somewhere in the 30-50kV range. > > -- > Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20 > phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956 > FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe > Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@lists.febo.com -- To unsubscribe send an email to time-nuts-leave@lists.febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to and follow the instructions there.

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Isotemp OCXO question