XTERNA Module
Issue 2 (01 October 2018)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
- 3 -
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 About the XTERNA Module
XTERNA is our new concept for s nchronising time and capturing
outdoor temperature for displa on our clock and thermometer kits.
Driven b a PIC microcontroller with advanced low power modes, the
XTERNA captures time from GPS satellites ever 6 to 24 hours, and
stores in an on-board Temperature Controlled Cr stal Oscillator
(TCXO). Further, the device captures outdoor temperature ever 10
minutes from an on-board DS18B20 digital temperature sensor.
Ever 10 minutes XTERNA transmits the time and temperature data,
which can be received b our XTERNA compatible clocks.
Additional data is transmitted such as batter voltage and GPS fix
time.
Supplied as a complete hobb kit of parts (For shipping reasons,
batteries are not included), the kit takes approx 30-40 minutes to
comfortabl assemble. The TCXO IC is pre-soldered, so there is no
fiddl SMD soldering to worr about.
Naturall , XTERNA is sealed against rain ingress. Batter life is
estimated between 6 to 12 months. We recommend high qualit
branded batteries for the longest operation between batter
changes.
The module should be placed outdoors, but as close as possible to
the indoor clock or thermometer. Avoid direct sunlight and shelter
from rain as far as possible.
1.2 Specification
Working Temperature Range: -40 °C to +60 °C. (-40 °F to
+140 °F)
T pical Reception Range: 10 to 30 Metres (30 to 100 ft).
