[TenTec] HP GPS Receiver

[Eric Scace K3NA]

Al wondered:

> I'm curious. Now that we can achieve absolute frequency
> accuracy to within plus or minus one hertz, of what benefit
> is that to day-to-day ham operating?

   I have three answers:

1)  Accurate time of day distributed across my local area network for the contest logging computers.  (I use Tardis/K9 software for
the distribution of time of day.)  Since the station that I use is not connected to the internet, I can't get time of day off the
internet.

2)  During contests I sometimes find it useful to be able to place a CW signal close to the band edge.  In this situation I want to
be SURE that my signal is where I want it (including keying sidebands).

3)  This is a hobby.  It's fun to be able to measure accurately with modest investment of money and effort these days.  The GPS unit
replaces a surplus Western Electric (that will give its age away!) double-oven 10 MHz crystal standard for which my father
home-brewed a WWVB receiver.  With a chart recorder, we were able to track the daily aging of the crystal as well as maintain an
accuracy of far less than 1 Hz across the HF spectrum.  My dad and I learned a lot building and debugging the VLF receiver and
comparator system, and observing the changes in VLF propagation (especially when the terminator lay between our house and WWVB).
While I'm a bit nostalgic for that big old rack-mounted system, the new little package is compact, cute, and more reliable.

-- Eric K3NA