Thunderbolt Monitor Kit Manual v5.0.6
Page 1
3/8/2020
Thunderbolt Monitor Kit
User’s Manual
Version 5.0.6 March 8, 2020
(firmware version 5.0.6 and later)
© 2013-2020, Didier Juges
Check KO4BB.com for updates
Description:
The Thunderbolt Monitor Kit (the kit) is a microprocessor-based device able to capture
the Primary and Supplemental Packets from a Trimble Thunderbolt GPS Timing
Receiver, extract critical operating parameters of the receiver and send them to an LCD
display. It is called a kit because while assembled, it is provided without an enclosure
and therefore the user is expected to provide accommodations for safe installation.
Optionally, the kit may be equipped with a WiFi module which gives it the capability to
operate as an internet server compatible with the Lady Heather [1] control and
monitoring software and the Android app available on KO4BB.com.
When equipped with the optional WiFi module, the kit is also able to send commands
such as a Self Survey for instance to the Thunderbolt via the matching Android app.
The kit contains an independent pulse stretcher circuit which converts the nominally
short (10uS), 0-5V PPS pulse of the Thunderbolt into a ~1mS, RS-232 com/-9V
pulse more appropriate for many applications such as NTP. The Pulse Extender function
is totally independent of the monitor/display function other than it uses the same supply
voltage.
The kit can also optionally monitor and display ambient temperature, captured using a
standard 10k Ohm NTC thermistor (B factor of 3380).
