[sdiy] A Frequency Standard for Poor People?

[Magnus Danielson]

From: Glen <mclilith at charter.net>
Subject: RE: [sdiy] A Frequency Standard for Poor People?
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 05:22:16 -0500
Message-ID: <4.1.20031216050347.02c94b80 at mail.charter.net>

> At 10:32 PM 12/15/03 , Eric Greenwood wrote:
> 
> >I'm new to all this SDIY jazz...
> >Why would you want a frequency standard from an external source?  What
> >applications does this have in the synthesizer world?
> 
> First, you might want an external frequency source if you want to make
> certain a frequency counter or timer is accurately calibrated. As has been
> mentioned, it's possible to tap into signals that are referenced to an NIST
> "atomic clock" standard, for use in precision calibration.
> 
> Second, what one does with a precisely calibrated frequency counter or
> timer in the course of Synth-DIY activities, within the privacy of their
> own home, is their own business.  :)

Thank you! ;O)

> Okay, I admit that most people don't need a frequency counter at all for
> Synth-DIY. I could imagine few unusual Synth-DIY purposes for one, but most
> people will never need one for Synth-DIY.

Indeed, only a few really need it, but if you can put your hands on one, it
may be very handy never the less. If we should list the items in order of
importance I would put them like this:

1) DMM
2) Oscilloscope
3) Function generator
4) Frequency counter/tuner

....

x) GPS diciplined Oven Oscillator clock

y) GPS diciplined Rubidium clock

and there is a whole lot of stuff which comes before x, and the level you are
before you reach x is quite extreme and you probably made yourself a name for
that by other means prior to that anyway.

Cheers,
Magnus