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16.8Mhz Xtal Generic Replacement?

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:59 pm
by Victor Xray
Regarding the P1225-series:

Is there a generic replacement for the 16.8Mhz crystal, part# 4802081B71, that can be obtained through a distributer like Mouser? That particular part is NLA from Motorola, and our local shop is using 4880114R02 in its place, at a cost of $18 a pop. So I'm looking for a cheaper and preferably off-the-shelf alternative.

Thanks

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:28 pm
by 440roadrunner
Assuming this is in licensed radio, using some junk crystal may void the type acceptance--frequency stability and accuracy

However, I'd think that contacting one of the crystal suppliers like International Crystal, along with the details of the circuit, would be acceptable

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 6:52 pm
by Larry Page
This crystal is the "heart" of your radio and determines almost everything about its basic operation. It provides the reference for the transmit frequency, the local oscillator for the receiver, and the communications link between the "radio" section and the controller section. I strongly suggest that you stick with the recommended replacement crystal. A lower cost crystal that comes anywhere close to the required accuracy and stability is likely to save you very little money under the $18 from Motorola and will most likely cause you much heartburn (if not heartache) in the future. Elsewhere on this board I have described how I was able to bring a brand new RR Spectra that was almost completely dead back to life simply by replacing the crystal equivalent to the one you describe.

Regards,