Hi all,

I'm not sure if I'm using the correct terminology here, but I've heard (or rather read) people talking about baking or cooking their crystals...

Can anyone explain this to a simpleton like myself?

It could be that I've just made this up, but it's been bugging me recently as I can't figure what it is.

I'm assuming it's not putting the crystal in an oven for 20 minutes as gas mark 4.

Thanks.

 

Is it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_oven
Keeping the crystal at a constant temperature makes the frequency much more precise.

 

Spot on.

Thanks Mark.

 

There is a chip that attaches to a crystal oscillator, measures the temperature, and allows current flow as needed. It's a self regulating heater to keep the temperature constant. The only requirement in this condition is that you set the crystal temperature higher than any external temperature that might influence it.

Od course I'd have to use my wayback machine to find the part number. It was over 30 years ago that I saw that device.

 

Roman Black posted his "el cheapo" OCXO plans on his website:
http://www.romanblack.com/xoven.htm

Make your own OCXO for about a buck!