Trimble ThunderBolt Series Manual

ThunderBolt™ GPS Disciplined Clock Manual

VERSION 3.0

Part Number: 35326-30

September 2000

Tri mble Navigatio n L i mi ted
Mobile and Timing Technologies
645 North Mary Avenue
Post Office Box 3642
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642
U.S.A.

[phone] in North America
[phone] International
FAX : [phone]

U.S. Technical Assistance and Repair

+1-800--SOS-4-TAC in North America
[phone] International
FAX : [phone]

European Technical Assistance and Repair

[phone]

Copyrights

© 1998 Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable
form without prior written consent from Trimble Navigation Limited.

Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper.

Revision Notice

This is the third release of the ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock Manual, Part Number 35326­30, September 2000.

Tra demarks

ACE GPS, SVeeSix, SVeeSix-CM3, Lassen-SK8, Acutis, Acutime, AcutimeII, ThunderBolt, and
TSIP are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. IBM is a registered trademark of International
Business Machines, Inc. MS-DOS and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Intel is a
trademark of Intel Corporation. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Disclaimer of Warranty

EXCEPT AS INDICATED IN “LIMITED WARRANTY” HEREIN, TRIMBLE HARDWARE, SOFTWARE,
FIRMWARE AND DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT EXPRESS OR
LIMITED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY EITHER TRIMBLE OR ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN
INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DISTRIBUTION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK, AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TRIMBLE
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE AND DOCUMENTATION, IS WITH YOU. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT WILL TRIMBLE OR ANY PERSON INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION,
OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE TRIMBLE PRODUCT BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ACCOUNT OF ANY
CLAIM FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY DAMAGES ASSESSED AGAINST OR PAID BY YOU TO ANY THIRD PARTY,
RISING OUT OF THE USE, LIABILITY TO USE, QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH TRIMBLE
PRODUCT INCLUDING HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE, AND DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF
TRIMBLE OR ANY SUCH PERSON OR ENTITY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
SO, THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Software and Firmware Limited Warranty

Trimble warrants that Software and Firmware products will substantially conform to the published
specifications provided it is used with the Trimble products, computer products, and operating
system for which it was designed. For a period of ninety (90) days, commencing thirty (30) days
after shipment from Trimble, Trimble also warrants that the magnetic media on which Software and
Firmware are distributed and the documentation are free from defects in materials and
workmanship. During the ninety (90) day warranty period, Trimble will replace defective media or
documentation, or correct substantial program errors at no charge. If Trimble is unable to replace
defective media or documentation, or correct program errors, Trimble will refund the price paid for
The Software. These are your sole remedies for any breach in warranty.

Hardware Limited Warranty

Trimble Navigation Limited products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one year. The warranty period shall commence thirty (30) days after shipment from
Trimble’s factory. Warranty service will be provided at a designated Trimble Service Center.
Trimble will at its option either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. The Customer
shall pay all shipping charges for products returned to Trimble for warranty service. Trimble shall
pay all shipping charges for the return of products to the Customer.

This warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from one or more of the following:

•Improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer

•Buyer-supplied software or interfacing

•Unauthorized modification or misuse

•Operation outside of the environmental specifications of the product

•Improper installation, where applicable

•Lightning or other electrical discharge

•Fresh or salt water immersion or spray

•Normal wear and tear on consumable parts (for example, batteries)

No other warranty is expressed or implied. Trimble Navigation Limited specifically disclaims the
implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability.

This page is intentionally left blank.

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.

Limited Warranty

Trimble Navigation Limited warrants the ThunderBolt™ GPS Disciplined Clock against
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of factory
sale. During the warranty period, Trimble Navigation Limited will, at its option, either
repair or replace products which prove to be defective.

Buyer shall prepay shipping charges for products returned to Trimble Navigation Limited
for warranty service and Trimble Navigation Limited shall pay for return of products to
Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products
returned to Trimble Navigation Limited from outside the United States.

This warranty shall not apply to damage resulting from:

• Improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer

• Buyer-supplied software or interfacing

• Unauthorized modification or misuse

• Operation outside of the product environmental specifications

• Improper installation, where applicable

No other warranty is expressed or implied. Trimble Navigation Limited specifically
disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Remedies provided herein are Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. Trimble Navigation
Limited shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special incidental, or consequential
damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock v

Limited Warranty

This page is left intentionally blank.

vi Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

Table of Contents

Limited Warranty

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Preface

Manual Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-1

Note –Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-2

Note – Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-2

Note – Worl dwi de We b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-3

Note –Reader Comment Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-3

Note –Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-3

Note –Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-4

1Introduction

1.1 ThunderBolt Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.2 Starter Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

1.2.1 Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.2.2 Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.3 The Global Positioning System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

2Getting Started

2.1 ThunderBolt Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

2.1.1 Connecting the ThunderBolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

2.1.2 Antenna Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

2.1.3 Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

2.1.4 Terminating the Antenna with the EZF Connector Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Preparing Antenna Cable and Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

2.1.5 Preparing Cable for Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Exposing the Center Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock vii

Attach the EZF Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Secure the EZF Connector to the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

2.1.6 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

2.1.7 Computer Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Default Serial Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

2.2 Software Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

2.2.1 Windows Control Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

2.2.2 TSIPCHAT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

TSIPCHAT Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Receiver COM Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.2.3 TSIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.3 Basic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.3.1 Cable Delay Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.3.2 Timing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.3.3 Elevation Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

2.3.4 Signal Level Mask. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

2.3.5 Reference Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Entering a Reference Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

2.4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

3 Hardware Integration

3.1 ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

3.2 Interface Connector Pin-out Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

3.3 Antenna Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

3.3.1 Routing/Securing Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

3.4 Power Supply and Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

3.5 Bullet II HE Antenna Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

4 Software Interface

4.1 Firmware Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

4.2 Firmware Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

4.3 Firmware Evolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

4.4 Windows Control Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

5Operations

5.1 General GPS Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

5.1.1 Oscillator Disciplining Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

5.1.2 Kalman Filtering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

5.1.3 Timing Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

viii Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

Selective Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

5.1.4 Oscillator Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

Allan Variance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

Other Conditions Affecting Oscillator Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Allan Variance of GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

5.2 Timing Between Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32

5.3 GPS Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32

5.3.1 Timing Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33

UTC vs. GPS Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33

Timing Pulse Output (PPS) and 10 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34

5.3.2 System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36

A. Trimble Standard Interface Protocol for ThunderBolt

A.1 Interface Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

A.2 Automatic Output Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

A.3 Customizing ThunderBolt Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

A.4 Packets Output at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

A.5 Changes to ThunderBolt Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

A.6 Report Packets: ThunderBolt to User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

A.7 Command Packets: User to ThunderBolt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

A.8 PacketStructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9

A.9 Packet Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

A.9.1 Command Packet 0x1E Initiate Cold or Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

A.9.2 Command Packet 0x1F Request Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

A.9.3 Command Packet 0x20 Request Almanac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

A.9.4 Command Packet 0x24 Request GPS Satellite Selection List . . . . . . . A-11

A.9.5 Command Packet 0x25 Initiate Warm Reset & Self Test . . . . . . . . . . A-11

A.9.6 Command Packet 0x27 - Request Signal Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

A.9.7 Command Packet 0x29 - Request Almanac Health Page . . . . . . . . . . A-11

A.9.8 Command Packet 0x31 Set Accurate Initial Position (XYZ Cartesian ECEF)A-11

A.9.9 Command Packet 0x32 Set Accurate Initial Position (Lat, Long, Alt) . . . A-12

A.9.10 Command Packet 0x34 – Set Satellite Selection For One-Satellite Mode . A-12

A.9.11 Command Packet 0x35 Set or Request I/O Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

A.9.12 Command Packet 0x37 Request Status and Values of Last Position . . . . A-13

A.9.13 Command Packet 0x38 Request Satellite System Data . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

A.9.14 Command Packet 0x39 Set or Request SV Disable and Health Use . . . . A-14

A.9.15 Command Packet 0x3A Request Last Raw Measurement . . . . . . . . . A-15

A.9.16 Command Packet 0x3B Request Current Status of Ephemeris Data . . . . A-15

A.9.17 Command Packet 0x3C Request Current Satellite Tracking Status . . . . . A-15

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock ix

A.9.18 Command Packet 0x3F-11 Request EEPROM Segment Status. . . . . . . A-15

A.9.19 Report Packet 0x42 Single-precision Position Fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

A.9.20 Report Packet 0x43 Velocity Fix, XYZ ECEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

A.9.21 Report Packet 0x45 Software Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

A.9.22 Report Packet 0x47 Signal Level for All Satellites Tracked . . . . . . . . A-17

A.9.23 Report Packet 0x49 - Almanac Health Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

A.9.24 Report Packet 0x4A - Single Precision LLA Position Fix . . . . . . . . . A-18

A.9.25 Report Packet 0x55 I/O Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

A.9.26 Report Packet 0x56 Velocity Fix, East-North-Up (ENU) . . . . . . . . . . A-20

A.9.27 Report Packet 0x57 Information about Last Computed Fix. . . . . . . . . A-20

A.9.28 Report Packet 0x58 GPS System Data from Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

A.9.29 Report Packet 0x59 Status of Satellite Disable or Ignore Health . . . . . . A-25

A.9.30 Report Packet 0x5A Raw Measurement Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-25

A.9.31 Report Packet 0x5B Satellite Ephemeris Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-26

A.9.32 Report Packet 0x5C Satellite Tracking Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-26

A.9.33 Report Packet 0x5F-11 EEPROM Segment Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-28

A.9.34 Report Packet 0x6D Satellite Selection List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-29

A.9.35 Command Packet 0x70 Filter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-29

A.9.36 Report Packet 0x70 Filter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-30

A.9.37 Report Packet 0x83 Double Precision XYZ ECEF Position Fix . . . . . . A-31

A.9.38 Report Packet 0x84 Double Precision LLA Position Fix . . . . . . . . . . A-31

A.9.39 Command Packet 0xBB Request or Set GPS Receiver Configuration . . . A-32

A.9.40 Command Packet 0xBC Set or Request Serial Port Configuration . . . . . A-33

A.10 TSIP Superpackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-35

A.10.1 Command Packet 0x8E-41 - Request Manufacturing Parameters . . . . . A-35

A.10.2 Command Packet 0x8E-42 - Request Production Parameters. . . . . . . . A-35

A.10.3 Command Packet 0x8E-45 - Revert Segments to Default Settings . . . . . A-35

A.10.4 Command Packet 0x8E-4A - Set or Request PPS Characteristics . . . . . A-36

A.10.5 Command Packet 0x8E-4C - Save Segments to EEPROM . . . . . . . . . A-37

A.10.6 Command Packet 0x8E-A0 - Set DAC Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-37

Command Packet Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-37

A.10.7 Command Packet 0x8E-A1 10 MHz Output Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-38

Command Packet Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-38

A.10.8 Command Packet 0x8E-A2 UTC/GPS Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-38

A.10.9 Command Packet 0x8E-A3 - Issue Disciplining Command . . . . . . . . A-39

A.10.10 Command Packet 0x8E-A4 Test Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-39

Test Mode 0 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-39

Test Mode 1 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-40

Test Mode 3 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-40

xThunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

A.10.11 Command Packet 0x8E-A5 Set or Request Packet Broadcast Mask . . . . A-41

A.10.12 Command Packet 0x8E-A6 Issue Self-Survey Command . . . . . . . . . A-42

A.10.13 Command Packet 0x8E-A8 – Set or Request Disciplining Parameters . . . A-42

Type 0 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-42

Type 1 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-42

Type 2 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-43

Type 3 Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-43

A.10.14 Command Packet 0x8E-A9 – Set or Request Self-Survey Parameters . . . A-45

Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-45

A.10.15 Command Packet 0x8E-AB Request Primary Timing Packet . . . . . . . A-46

A.10.16 Command Packet 0x8E-AC Request Supplemental Timing Packet . . . . A-46

A.10.17 Report Packet 0x8F-41 - Stored Manufacturing Operating Parameters. . . A-47

A.10.18 Report Packet 0x8F-42 - Stored Production Parameters . . . . . . . . . . A-48

A.10.19 Report Packet 0x8F-4A - PPS Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-48

A.10.20 Report Packet 0x8F-45 – Revert Segments to Factory Defaults . . . . . . A-49

A.10.21 Report Packet 0x8F-4C - Save Segments to EEPROM . . . . . . . . . . . A-49

A.10.22 Report Packet 0x8F-A0 DAC Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-50

Response Packet Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-50

A.10.23 Report Packet 0x8F-A1 10 MHz Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-51

A.10.24 Report Packet 0x8F-A2 UTC/GPS Timing Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-51

A.10.25 Report Packet 0x8F-A4 Test Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-52

A.10.26 Report Packet 0x8F-A5 - Packet Broadcast Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-53

A.10.27 Report Packet 0x8F-A7 - Individual Satellite Solutions . . . . . . . . . . A-53

Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-53

A.10.28 Report Packet 0x8F-A8 - Disciplining Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-55

A.10.29 Report Packet 0x8F-A9 - Self-Survey Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-56

A.10.30 Report Packet 0x8F-AB Primary Timing Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-56

Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-56

A.10.31 Report Packet 0x8F-AC Supplemental Timing Packet . . . . . . . . . . . A-59

Data Fields: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-59

A.11 Reference Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-63

B. TSIP User's Guide

B.1 TSIP Terms/Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

C. Specifications and Drawings

C .1 Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

C .2 Specifications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

C 2.3 Performance Specifications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock xi

C 2.4 Environmental Specifications:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

C 2.5 Interface Specifications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

C 2.6 Physical Characteristics:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1

Index

Reader Comment Form

xii Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 Mounting the Bullet Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Figure 2-2 Satellite Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Figure 2-3 Expose the Center Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Figure 2-4 Cutting the Cable Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Figure 2-5 Fold Back the Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Figure 2-6 Attaching the EZF Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Figure 2-7 Attaching the EZF Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Figure 2-8 ThunderBolt Monitor Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Figure 3-1 ThunderBolt Clock Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Figure 3-2 ThunderBolt Clock Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Figure 3-5 RG-59: Loss vs. Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Figure 3-6 RG-8: Loss vs. Length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Figure 5-1 ThunderBolt Disciplining State Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Figure 5-2 White Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

Figure 5-3 Random Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

Figure 5-4 Allan Variance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

Figure 5-5 Allan Variances with GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Figure 5-6 PPS with rising edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34

Figure 5-7 PPS with falling edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34

Figure 5-8 10 MHz with positive zero crossing (shown with rising edge) . . . . 5-35

Figure 5-9 10 MHz with negative zero crossing (shown with rising edge) . . . . 5-35

Figure 5-10 ThunderBolt System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36

Figure C-1 ThunderBolt Case, Clock, and Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Figure C-2 ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock xiii

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xiv Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

List of Tables

Table 1-1ThunderBolt Starter Kit Components and Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Table 1-2 ThunderBolt GPS Antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Table 3-3 Digi tal D ata Conn ecto r Pin outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Table 3-4 RG-5 9 Ca ble S peci fica t ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

Table 3-6 Pow e r Su pply Ma t ing Con n ecto r (A MP P art Num b ers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 21

Table 3-7 Bull et II HE Ante nna P art Num bers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Table 3-8 Phys ical Cha r act erist i cs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Table 3-9 Envi ronm ental Spe c ific ation s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Table 5-1 GPS Erro r Sou rces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32

Table A-1 Auto mati c O u tput Pac k ets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Table A-2 Rece iver Con figur atio n - S egm ent 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 4

Table A-3 Pack et I / O C ontro l - Segm ent 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Table A-4 Seri al Po rt C onfi gurat ion - Se gmen t 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -4

Table A-5 Timing Out p uts - Se g men t 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Table A-6 Accu rate Pos ition - Se gmen t 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Table A-7 Self -Sur vey - Seg men t 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Table A-8 Osci llat or D iscip lin i ng - Seg m ent 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Table A-9 Pack ets Outp ut at Pow er-u p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Table A-10 Ob s olet e Pa ckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Table A-11 R epo rt Pa ckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Table A-12 Co m man d Pa c kets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Table A-13 Co mman d Pa c ket 0x1E Dat a Fo r mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -10

Table A-14 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x31 Data Fo rmat <<se gmen t 7>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 11

Table A-15 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x32 Data Fo rmat <<se gmen t 7>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 1 2

Table A-1 6 Co mma n d Pa cket 0x3 5 Da te F orma t << seg m ent 3>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -13

Table A-17 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x38 Data Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -14

Table A-18 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x39 Data Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -14

Table A-19 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x3A Dat a Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

Table A-20 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x3C Dat a Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -15

Table A-21 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 42 D ata Form a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -16

Table A-22 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 43 D ata Form a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -16

Table A-23 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 45 D ata Form a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -17

Table A-24 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 47 D ata Form a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -17

Table A-25 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 49 D ata Form a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -18

Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual xv

Table A-26 Report Pa c k e t 0 x 4A Single Precision LLA P o si tion Fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 1 8

Table A-27 Report Packet 0x 5 5 D ate Format << segment 3 > > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

Table A-28 Report Packet 0x56 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

Table A-29 Report Packet 0x57 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

Table A-30 Report Packet 0x5 8 D at a F ormat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -21

Table A-31 Report Packet 0x58 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-22

Table A-32 Report Packet 0x58 A lm a n ac Health Data (Type 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-23

Table A-33 Report Packet 0x 5 8 I o no sphere Data (Type 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-23

Table A-34 Report Packet 0x58 U TC D ata ( Typ e 5 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-23

Table A-35 Report Packet 0x58 Ephe m e r i s Data (Type 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-24

Table A-36 Report Packet 0x59 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-25

Table A-37 Report Packet 0x5A D at a F o r mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 25

Table A-38 Report Packet 0x5B D at a F o r mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 26

Table A-39 Report Packet 0x5C D at a F o r mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 26

Table A-40 Report Packet 0x5F-11 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -28

Table A-41Report Packet 0x 6 D Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 29

Table A-42 Command P ac k e t 0x 7 0 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-30

Table A-43 Report Packet 0x70 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-30

Table A-44 Report Packet 0x83 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-31

Table A-45 Report Packet 0x84 D at a F o r m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-31

Table A-46 Command P ac k e t 0x BB Data Format (to request) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-32

Table A-47 Command and R e po rt Pac ket 0xBB Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -32

Table A-48 Command P ac k e t 0x BC Data Format (request) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3 3

Table A-49 Command and R e po rt Pac ket 0xBC Field Data Form at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3 4

Table A-50 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-45 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-35

Table A-51Comm a n d Packet 0x8E-4A Data F o r m a t < <se gment 6>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-36

Table A-52 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-4C Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-37

Table A-53 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A0 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-38

Table A-54 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A1 Data Format <<segm e n t 6> > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3 8

Table A-55 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A2 Data Format <<segm e n t 6> > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3 9

Table A-56 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A3 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-39

Table A-57 0x8E-A4 Test Mod e 0 D a ta Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -40

Table A-58 0x8E-A4 Test 1 Mo d e 1 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-41

Table A-59 0x8E-A4 Test M o d e 3 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -41

Table A-60 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A5 Data Format <<segm e n t 4> > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 4 2

Table A-61 Command P ac k e t 0x 8 E-A6 Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-42

Table A-62 Command P ac k et 0x 8E-A8 Type 0 Data Fo rm at <<segment 9>> . . . . . . . . . . . A-43

Table A-63 Command P ac k et 0x 8E-A8 Type 1 Date Fo rm at <<segment 9>> . . . . . . . . . . . A-44

xvi Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual

Table A-6 4 Co mma n d Pa cket 0x8 E -A8 Typ e 2 D ate Form at < <seg m ent 9>> . . . . . . . . . . . A -44

Table A-6 5 Co mma n d Pa cket 0x8 E -A8 Typ e 3 D ate Form at < <seg m ent 9>> . . . . . . . . . . . A -44

Table A-66 Co m man d Pa c ket 8E-A 9 Da ta F orma t <<s egme n t 8> > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 45

Table A-67 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x8E - AB Data Form at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 46

Table A-68 Co m man d Pa c ket 0x8E - AC Data Form at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 47

Table A-69 Sto red Manu f actu ring Ope r atin g P a ram e ters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 47

Table A-70 Sto red Prod uctio n Par ame t er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-48

Table A-71 Set PPS Cha racte rist i cs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-48

Table A-72 Sav e Se gmen ts t o EE PROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -49

Table A-73 Sav e Se gmen ts t o EE PROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -49

Table A-74 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 0 Da t a Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -50

Table A-7 5 Re p ort Pack et 0 x8F- A1 D escr iptio n << segm ent 6>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 51

Table A-7 6 Re p ort Pack et 0 x8F- A2 D ata Form at < < seg m ent 6>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -51

Table A-77 0x8 F-A 4 Exi t Tes t Mo de 0 Data Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- 52

Table A-78 0x8 F-A 4 Test 1 M ode 1 Da ta F o rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 52

Table A-79 0x8 F-A 4 Test Mo d e 3 Data Form at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -52

Table A-8 0 Re p ort Pack et 0 x8F- A5 D ata Form at < < seg m ent 4>> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -53

Table A-81 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 7 Fo r mat 0 D ata F orm a t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 54

Table A-82 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 7 Fo r mat 1 D ata F orm a t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 54

Table A-83 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 8 Ty p e 0 Data For m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -55

Table A-84 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 8 Ty p e 1 Data For m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -55

Table A-85 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 8 Ty p e 2 Date For m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -55

Table A-86 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 8 Ty p e 3 Date For m at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -55

Table A-87 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A 9 Da t a Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -56

Table A-88 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A B Da ta Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -58

Table A-89 Rep ort Pack e t 0x 8F-A C Da ta Fo rmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -62

Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual xvii

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xviii Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual

Congratulations on your selection of the ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock.

This manual will answer your questions about ThunderBolt, whether you are setting up
and running a unit for the first time or if you are writing code to use advanced features.
Reviewing and understanding the organization of this manual will help you in searching
for specific information. Please read this preface before proceeding to other chapters.

As you read through this manual you may find terms which are unfamiliar. For a
comprehensive list of terms and definitions, please see the Glossary.

Manual Overview

This manual includes all the information required for integration and operation of the
ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock. The manual is organized as follows:

Preface, (this chapter), gives you an overview of the specific information groups in
each chapter. It also introduces you to the conventions used throughout the manual.

Preface

Chapter 1, Introduction, introduces you to the new ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined
Clock and gives you a brief overview. You will find a Starter Kit section that shows
you what you need to set up your new unit and a review section of the GPS system.

Chapter 2, Getting Started, describes how to quickly install, connect and operate
ThunderBolt. You will see how to:

• Setup ThunderBolt

• Mount the Bullet II HE Antenna

• Compensate for Antenna Cable Delay

• Use ThunderBolt Monitor Program

• Determine a Reference Position

• Use a Basic TSIP Command Set

Chapter 3, Hardware Integration, gives you specific information on Interface
Connectors and Cables, Cabling Recommendations for custom sites, the Bullet II
HE Antenna, the Power Supply, Pin-out Tables, and Interface Power.

Chapter 4, Software Interface, describes the Firmware Upgrade procedure,
Bandwidth Adjustment, Parsing Packets, and Advanced Windows Interfacing.

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock -1

Preface

Chapter 5, Operation, describes the details of the GPS Satellite Message, Timing
Accuracy, Differential Performance Characteristics (including loss of signal and
reacquisition), Serial Data Communication, GPS Timing, and an overview of the
system architecture.

Appendix A, Tr i m bl e Standa rd In t e r fa ce Pro tocol (TSIP), defines the TSIP protocol
and the structure of message packets. Custom ThunderBolt commands are included.

Appendix B, TSIP User's Guide, describes the TSIP interface programs included
with the GPS Tool Kit program disk.

*

Note – The GPS Tool Kit program disk is included with the Developer's Starter Kit. It can
also be ordered separately for use with other smart antennas.

Appendix C, Specifications and Drawings, includes the specifications and
mechanical drawings for the ThunderBolt synchronization board and its associated
interface cables.

Appendix D, Troubles hooting, where you will be presented with problems and their
solutions.

Glossary, an explanation of terms.

Index

Reader Comment Form

Technica l Ass istance

If you have problems and cannot find the information you need in this document, call the
Trimble Technical Assistance Center (TAC). The phone numbers are:

+1-800-SOS-4TAC (North America)

[phone] (International)

[phone] (FAX)

Yo u ca n c al l th e Te ch ni ca l A ss is ta n ce C en te r ph on es b et we en 6 A M (0 60 0) t o 5: 30 PM
(1730) Pacific Standard Time. A support technician will take your call, help you
determine the source of your problem, and provide you with any technical assistance you
might need.

Email

Yo u ca n s en d em ai l to t he Te ch ni c al A ss i st an ce C en te r at a ny t im e . A s up po rt t ec h ni ci an
will respond to your email questions or comments. The email address is:

[e-mail].

-2 Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

Worldwide Web

Check the Trimble worldwide web site on the Internet (http://www.trimble.com) for the
latest news on new products and releases.

Reader Comment Form

A reader comment form is provided at the end of this Manual. If this form is not available,
comments and suggestions can be sent to:

Trimble Navigation Limited
Software & Component Technologies
Marketing Department
645 North Mary Avenue
Post Office Box 3642
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642

All comments and suggestions become the property of Trimble Navigation Limited.

Document Conventions

Preface

Italics Software menus, menu commands, dialog boxes and fields.

SMALL CAPITALS DOS commands, directories, filenames, and filename extensions.

Courier

Courier Bold

[Return]

computer keyboard.

Helvetica Bold represents a software command button.

or

[Ctrl]

+

Represents what is printed on the computer screen.

Information to be typed in a software screen or window.

[C]

Identifies a hardware function key or key combination that must be pressed on a

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock -3

Preface

Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings

Notes, tips, cautions, and warnings are used to emphasize important information.

*

F

I

M

Note – Notes give additional significant information about the subject to increase your
knowledge, or guide your actions. A note can precede or follow the text it references.

Tip – Indicates a shortcut or other time or labor-saving hint that can help you make better
use of the product.

Caution – Cautions alert you to situations that could cause hardware damage or software
error. A caution precedes the text it references.

Warning – Warnings alert you to situations that could cause personal injury or
unrecoverable data loss. A warning precedes the text it references.

-4 Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

1Introduction

This chapter introduces you to the new ThunderBolt Disciplined GPS Clock and gives you
an overview of the unit, the starter kit, and all its content. This chapter also provides a
review of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

1.1 ThunderBolt Overview

Trimble applied its GPS expertise to the problem of GPS disciplined clocks and came up
with the ThunderBolt™ solution.

ThunderBolt takes GPS disciplined clocks to a higher level. A typical GPS disciplined
clock compares the 1 pulse per second (PPS) from a GPS receiver to the 1 PPS derived
from an oscillator. This requires a GPS receiver, an oscillator, a microprocessor, and the
RAM, ROM, and glue to manage steering of the oscillator. ThunderBolt provides time and
frequency via an 8-channel GPS receiver and a high-quality ovenized quartz oscillator
integrated onto a single PCBA. This tight integration reduces the number of components,
permitting smaller size and simplicity.

Tightly integrating GPS chips into the clock design lets ThunderBolt eliminate the piggy­backed GPS receiver. And, instead of comparing a 1 PPS derived from an oscillator to a 1
PPS derived from an autonomous GPS receiver, ThunderBolt uses the GPS measurements
of bias and bias rate to steer the oscillator. This ovenized quartz oscillator is used as the
local clock for GPS and the reference for the down-converting of the GPS signal. Better
reliability, a smaller form, and a cost advantage in high volumes are the results of
ThunderBolt’s compact and simplified design.

Encased in ThunderBolt is the GPS board and a 24V power supply. This power supply
ensures clean, robust power to the GPS. However, in high volume, integrating the GPS
board can be done without the case or power supply. This GPS board can support several
different oscillators for applications having stringent holdover requirements.

ThunderBolt is ready to use out of the box for most applications ThunderBolt is plug and
play. With the oscillator warmed up and a GPS fix, ThunderBolt begins outputting a 1 PPS
and a reference frequency. It then begins a self-survey mode which allows use of an
overdetermined time solution. This overdetermined time solution reduces selective
availability (see Operations, Section 5.1.1) by the square root of the number of viewable
satellites.

Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual 1-1

Introduction

To g et the m o st fro m your ti me ref e ren ce, you ca n cus tomi ze Thun derB olt us ing Tr imb le’s
binary interface, TSIP (Trimble Standard Interface Protocol). TSIP and its power to make
ThunderBolt an even more powerful tool is discussed further in Appendix A.

Trimble’s ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock features:

• A quality ovenized oscillator on a single board

• An 8-channel GPS Receiver

• An Oscillator disciplined from GPS Bias and Bias Rate

• Low Phase Noise

• 10 MHz Reference Signal

• 1 PPS output with an overdetermined solution synchronized to GPS or UTC time

• Self-Survey Mode (reducing the SA (Selective Availability effect)

• Signal Integrity through a T-RAIM (Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity

Monitor) algorithm

• Easy integration with Trimble’s Bullet II™ HE Antenna

1.2 Starter Kit

Yo ur T h un de rB ol t St ar te r K it i s de si gn ed f or a q ui ck a nd e a sy i ns ta ll at io n. I nc l ud ed i n t hi s
kit is everything that you will need to install and run ThunderBolt.

Table 1-1 ThunderBolt Starter Kit Components and Part Numbers

Component Part Number

ThunderBolt Starter Kit 35349-00

ThunderBolt GPS Disciplined Clock 38223-61

Bullet II HE Antenna 25045-10

75 feet of Cable 14888-00

Cable Termination Kit 16566-00

Cable Termination Instructions 14887-INSTALL

ThunderBolt Design Reference Manual 35326-10

Power Cable 36114

ThunderBolt Toolkit 37357-01

*

Note – Part numbers are shown for reference and are subject to change. Please confirm
part numbers with a Trimble representative before placing any orders.

previously 36204-61

1-2 Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual

1.2.1 Antennas

ThunderBolt is made to match best with the Trimble Bullet II HE Antenna. This antenna
works with the ThunderBolt RF chip to provide high immunity to jamming.

It is important that your antenna has the fullest possible view of the sky because reducing
selective availability (SA) interference depends upon viewing the greatest possible
number of satellites. To get the clearest view of the horizon in all directions, antennas are
usually mounted permanently on a roof. For engineering purposes this may not be
practical. Temporarily, your bullet antenna can be placed near a window facing the
southern sky (or northern sky in the southern hemisphere). See Chapter 2, pg. 2-2.

See Table 1-2 for a description and part numbers of recommended antennas

.

Table 1-2 ThunderBolt GPS Antenna

Product Description Part Number

Bullet™II HE P/N 25045-10

1.2.2 Cable

Introduction

The Starter Kit comes with 75 feet of cable which is terminated on one end with a male
“F” connector; the other end is unterminated. You can cut it to any length and terminate it
with a male “F” connector from the Cable Termination Kit.

1.3 The Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system operated and
maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). GPS consists of a constellation of
24 satellites providing world-wide, 24-hour, three-dimensional (3-D) coverage. Although
originally conceived for military needs, GPS has a broad array of civilian applications
including timing, surveying, marine, land, aviation, and vehicle navigation.

As a satellite-based system, GPS is immune from the limitations of land-based systems
such as Loran. Loran navigation is limited in coverage and is encumbered by adverse
weather. In addition, the accuracy of Loran navigation varies with geographic location
and, even under ideal conditions, cannot compare with GPS.

By computing the distance to GPS satellites orbiting the earth, a GPS receiver can
calculate an accurate position. This process is called satellite ranging. A 2-D position
calculation requires three satellite ranges. A 3-D position calculation, which includes
altitude, requires four satellite ranges. GPS receivers can also provide precise time, speed,
and course measurements which are beneficial for marine navigation and other
applications, such as precise timing.

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Introduction

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1-4 Thunderbolt Disciplined Clock Manual

2Getting Started

This chapter tells you how to install and operate ThunderBolt, including:

• Antenna Placement

• Antenna Cable Preparation

• Hardware Interface

• Overview of Basic Features

2.1 ThunderBolt Setup

2.1.1 Connecting the ThunderBolt

Before trying to connect the ThunderBolt take a minute to consider the placement of the
various components. The antenna requires a line of site to the satellites. The cable will
need a port to reach an outside antenna. The ThunderBolt will also require a power supply,
a PC running Windows 95, and any equipment needed to analyze the 10MHz and 1PPS.
Review this chapter for tips on setting up and running the ThunderBolt for the first time.

2.1.2 Antenna Mounting

It is important that the ThunderBolt’s antenna has the fullest possible view of the sky.
Getting the maximum number of satellites in view will reduce selective availability (SA)
the most and get the best timing performance from the ThunderBolt.

Typic ally, an t enna s ar e mo unte d pe rman entl y on a h igh poin t su c h as a r oof. Avoi d
overhanging objects such as trees and towers. Also take care to place the antenna away
from low lying objects such as neighboring buildings that may block a portion of the sky
near the horizon. If a full view of the sky is not possible, mount the antenna aiming
towards the Equator to maximize the southern view of the sky (choose a northern view in
the Southern Hemisphere) as shown in Figure 2-1. As a temporary solution the antenna
can even be placed in a southern facing window. Under these circumstances the
ThunderBolt will not have optimal timing performance.

Mounting standoffs for the Bullet II HE antenna are commonly found at marine stores.
Alternatively, your antenna can be mounted on a 3/4” pipe with 14 threads per inch.

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock 2-5

Getting Started

Figure 2-1 Mounting the Bullet Antenna

To wa rd s

Equator

Preferred
Position

Obstructed
position

Improved

visibility

Better

Position

Radio Tower

Poor position

Better position

Avo id placing ant e n na

near interference

Obstructed
position

Place your antenna
as high as possible
to avoid obstructions
and interference

2-6 Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock

Figure 2-2 Satellite Density

Getting Started

*

Note – GPS satellites orbit from 60° North to 60° South. Although the GPS signal covers
the entire earth, satellite density is greater when facing the Equator than the Poles, as
illustrated on the sky plot in Figure 2-2. The curves in this figure represent the GPS
satellites’ path over a 24 hour period. To orient yourself with the diagram imagine lying on
your back facing the sky with your head pointing north. The circle represents the full view
of the sky from horizon to horizon. The ’hole’ in the north part of the sky represents an
area where there are no GPS satellites. The higher the latitude the closer the ’hole’ moves
toward the center of the sky. This graph represents the latitude of Hamburg, Germany. To
obtain a plot for your location, go to the Trimble web site at www.trimble.com and search
for SatNav. Follow the directions to get your data.

2.1.3 Antenna Cable

Both ThunderBolt and the Bullet II HE antenna have female “F” connectors. The 75 foot
cable that comes with the starter kit must be cut to a useful length and terminated. See
“Secure the EZF Connector to the Cable” on page 10 on terminating the cable. When
installing avoid bending the cable sharply.

F

Tip – Trimble recommends RG-59 cable. The maximum practical cable run is just over
100 feet. See Chapter 3 for more information.

2.1.4 Terminating the Antenna with the EZF Connector Kit

Yo ur s tar te r k it c om e s wi th 7 5 fe e t of c ab le . Th is c an b e cu t to a ny l en gt h an d te rm in at ed
using the EZF connector kit. When sizing the length of the cable be sure to include enough
slack for a drip loop and for normal movements of the antenna. When you cut your cable,

Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Clock 2-7

Getting Started

use the EZF Connector Kit to crimp a male “F” connector to the cut end. Be sure that all
contact surfaces are clean and firm before crimping.

Preparing Antenna Cable and Connectors

Instructions for preparing the antenna cable and connector are summarized below and
described on the following pages. Follow these guidelines and instructions to ensure a
successful installation.

• Mount the antenna

• Route the antenna cable

• Cut the cable to the desired length, allowing for a service loop

• Prepare the unterminated end of the cable for the EZF connector (See “Preparing

Cable for Termination” on page 8)

• Attach the EZF connector (See “Attach the EZF Connector” on page 9)

• Secure the EZF connector to the cable (See “Secure the EZF Connector to the

Cable” on page 10)

• Attach the cable to the ThunderBolt

2.1.5 Preparing Cable for Termination

Exposing the Center Conductor

Coaxial cable consists of a center conductor, a dielectric layer, a shield (that is, foil and
wire wrapped around the dielectric), and a weather-resistant cable jacket. The center
conductor supplies 5-volt (45 mA maximum continuous) power to the pre-amp in the
antenna and carries the GPS signal back to the receiver for processing. The first step in
preparing the cable is to expose the center conductor.

a. Using an exacto-knife or razor blade, cut a square 5/16” section off the end of

the cable to expose the center conductor. This will require that you cut
through the cable jacket, the braid, and the dielectric (see Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-3 Expose the Center Conductor

5/16"

8.0 mm

b. Clean the center conductor to ensure that the exposed rim is smooth. If

necessary, remove any residual dielectric or long braid strands that remain
wrapped around the center conductor.

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