4.3 GNSS Surge Arrester
15
4.3
GNSS Surge Arrester
The clock has an internal surge arrester to protect the GNSS receiver from voltage spikes. It uses
a gas discharge tube and high voltage capacitors.
Arbiter also sells an external surge arrester for additional protection. Figure 4.4 illustrates the
GNSS surge arrester kit, which is mounted in line with the antenna cable. The surge suppressor has
two female F connectors, which are bidirectional, and two mounting holes and a ground attachment
point. It comes with hardware for connecting to a solid ground. The surge arrester passes power
to the GNSS antenna, but does not draw power.
Figure 4.4: GNSS Surge Arrester
4.3.1
Using the GNSS Surge Arrester
Before installation, review the documentation on this device found in Appendix A. The surge
arrester is weatherproof except for the F connectors, which may be sealed with rubber port seals
or GE Silicone II compound.
4.4
Technical Details of GNSS Antennas and Cables
4.4.1
Length and Loss Considerations
Standard Antenna Cable
The standard antenna cable assembly included with the clock is constructed using a 15 m (50 ft)
length of RG-6 type low-loss coaxial cable, terminated with male Type F connectors. Optional
lengths of RG-6 coax are separately available for longer runs; see Table 4.2, Cable Data and
Accessory Information.
Effects of Cable Parameters
To receive GNSS signals and properly operate the clock, the type and length of the cable are
important. Due to their effect on specific parameters described in the following paragraphs, any
changes to the length and/or type of antenna cable should be made carefully. Damaged cables may
also affect performance.
Cable and Antenna Delay
Two factors must be compensated for to assure the best accuracy from the clock, cable delay and
antenna group delay. Together they are called System Delay. These two values are added together
and configured in the clock. Firmware uses these values to counteract the effect that the combined
delay has upon GNSS timing accuracy. Cable delay is calculated from the velocity factor and
physical length of the cable. Antenna group delay is fixed at 40 nanoseconds, and is contributed