NGEN/XG-2 Project

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NGEN/XG-2 Project

Paul T. Rubin
Hello All:

 

I'm putting a NGEN and an XG-2 in a small project case. Assuming that both
devices would not be on at the same time, would there be some way to couple
the outputs to a single BNC connector, without using a switch, and without
degrading the performance of the XG-2?

 

Also will I have any problems with stability by extending the leads for the
crystal switch a few inches?

 

Also does anyone know of a source for a small three position single gang
rotary switch to mount on the case to replace the switch on the XG-2 board?

 

On a totally different question. Does anyone have any experience with
internal lithium polymer battery packs for the K1 or KX1?

 

As always, thanks in advance for all the information I learn on this
reflector.

 

Paul N8NOV

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RE: NGEN/XG-2 Project

Don Wilhelm-3
Paul,

I have thought about doing the same thing here, and have not yet done it -
for several reasons, time being a major one (but have since decided not to
do it that way).

I would hesitate to attempt to combine the BNC output jacks because you may
loose the calibrated output of the XG-2.  If you want to do the job
properly, you should use an isolating hybrid combiner which will introduce 6
dB loss in the path.

Really good stiff leads would be required if the 3 position switch for the
XG-2 is re-located, any change in stray capacitance due to lead movement
during operation will result in a frequency shift.

I regard these mini-modules as pieces of test equipment rather than as part
of the ham station (operating position), so I don't mind having one BNC
output for each oscillator because it makes the test setup more controlled.
The XG-1 (and I assume the XG-2 as well) could benefit from the isolation of
a total enclosure.  The last time I tried to use it for measurements on an
open receiver on the workbench, the response with added external attenuation
did not track when the attenuator exceeded 30 dB indicating RF leakage.
Rather than modifying my XG-1, I will be building separate oscillators each
in an RF-tight enclosure for very low level receiver testing.  As it is, the
XG-1 is just too handy for the task it was intended to do, quick and easy
measurements at two output levels, 1 uV and 50 uV, and it does that job just
fine.

As for sources of a 3 position switch, look at Mouser, Circuit Specialists,
DigiKey, Dan's Small Parts, Newark, Jameco, and other suppliers of
electronic parts.

73,
Don W3FPR


> -----Original Message-----
>
> I'm putting a NGEN and an XG-2 in a small project case. Assuming that both
> devices would not be on at the same time, would there be some way
> to couple
> the outputs to a single BNC connector, without using a switch, and without
> degrading the performance of the XG-2?
>
>
>
> Also will I have any problems with stability by extending the
> leads for the
> crystal switch a few inches?
>
>
>
> Also does anyone know of a source for a small three position single gang
> rotary switch to mount on the case to replace the switch on the
> XG-2 board?
>
>

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RE: NGEN/XG-2 Project

Ron D'Eau Claire-2
Consider avoiding an enclosure.

I've got dozens of gadgets built on a scrap of PCB. It's historic. The first
radios were built on a plank of wood! Hams historically bought (or borrowed
or otherwise appropriated) a kitchen bread cutting board on which to build a
new circuit. Guess where the phrase "breadboard" came from?

One legitimate use for an enclosure is to protect the PCB and components
from damage. That shouldn't be an issue when it's in use on the bench, but
it certainly can be when transporting it to some other QTH or while it's
being stored. I have a collection of plastic boxes: small ones of various
sizes. I get mine from TAP Plastics - a chain of stores that sells Acrylic
in sheet and in a variety of prefabricated shapes including finished small
boxes with lids. I keep my PC "breadboard" projects in those when they
aren't in use. If the fit is very loose, a bit of padding provided by some
foam or a layer of bubble pack on the bottom makes it tighter. They stack
neatly on the shelf or in a larger box, and it's easy to see through the lid
and identify the unit I want when it's needed.

Ron AC7AC

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Re: NGEN/XG-2 Project

Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU
Administrator
Alan WB6ZQZ showed me that he uses "Viewtainer" brand clear plastic
tubes with caps for holding small boards.  I put Alan's step-up balun
and Elecraft's BL2 in them when I am concerned about accidental
contact.  They come in a variety of sizes and are sold for holding
screws etc. At hardware stores.
73,
Leigh/WA5ZNU
On Thu, 17 Aug 2006 9:47 am, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> I have a collection of plastic boxes: small ones of various sizes.
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Re: NGEN/XG-2 Project

Stuart Rohre
In reply to this post by Paul T. Rubin
I would be concerned about impedance mismatch caused by paralleling two low
impedance sources.

That would lead to degraded performance. What is so difficult about
providing a single pole, double throw switch to swap one BNC between the two
outputs?  Or just mounting two BNC's?  There are very tiny switches that
would do the job of switching one connector, but they would take up about
the room of the second BNC.  You can get short nib BNC chassis mount
receptacles that only require a lock washer and nut to mount in one hole.

Stuart
K5KVH


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Re: NGEN/XG-2 Project

Joe-aa4nn
Under the Kiss principle, it would seem
two BNC connectors, one for each unique
function, would be appropriate and not at
all inconvenient.  Keep 'em separated.
de Joe, aa4nn
--------------------------------------------
> There are very tiny switches that would do the job of switching one
> connector, but they would take up about the room of the second BNC.  You
> can get short nib BNC chassis mount receptacles that only require a lock
> washer and nut to mount in one hole.
>>

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