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Zap-Tech GPS / GNSS Surge Protectors for Timing & Sync

Zap-Tech® GPS & Multi-GNSS Surge Protection for Timing & Sync

Zap-Tech surge protectors safeguard GPS/Multi-GNSS timing antennas and sync interfaces used in broadcast master clocks (Evertz 5601MSC), public-safety simulcast (Zetron 600/620), and timing cards (e.g., Spectracom/Spirent TPRO/TSAT/PCI). Units are offered for active GPS feeds and equipment-side sync ports, with connector options spanning Trimble Acutime 12-pin, Trimble Bullet (coax variants), BNC, TNC, N, SMA, FME, F-type, DB-9/15/25, and hard-wired screw terminal.

Not sure what surge protector you need?

Here are some use cases and matching products.

Use Case Location RF/Signal Type Connector Recommended Zap-Tech Model
Roof-mounted GPS / Multi-GNSS timing antenna (e.g., Protempis (Trimble) Bullet) At equipment entry (rack or wall) Active GPS DC-pass N-F/F or TNC-F/F (coax) CX-NFF or CX-TFF
GPS pigtail to receiver (lab/indoor) Near instrument Active GPS DC-pass SMA-F/F CX-SFF
Protempis (Trimble) Acutime smart antenna Antenna end DC feed + data in 12-pin 12-pin circular 40-422-001 (Acutime)
Evertz 5601MSC sync I/O Equipment sync end Serial/TTL as specified DB-9 / DB-15 / DB-25 40-422-095 / 40-422-153 / 40-422-250
Zetron 600/620 simulcast Equipment sync end Serial/TTL as specified DB-15 40-422-153
Spectracom / Spirent TPRO / TSAT / PCI Equipment sync end Serial/TTL as specified DB-25 40-422-180 / 40-422-252 (per model)

 

Installation & grounding

Here are some tips and guidelines for getting the most out of your surge arrestor.

  • Place arrestors at the point where the coax enters the building/equipment rack, and bond them to the same single-point ground as the receiver/chassis.
  • Ground wire: 14 AWG (or heavier), short and straight to the bonding bar; avoid coils/sharp bends.
  • DC-pass vs DC-block: Timing antennas (Trimble Bullet, many GNSS pucks) require DC-pass to feed LNA power. If your antenna is DC-open, pair it with a protector that provides a bleed path (or a load) to prevent static buildup.
  • Both ends? Outdoor masts often get a protector at the entry + a secondary protector at the equipment port when runs are long or buildings are noisy.
  • Weatherproofing: Use self-amalgamating tape and UV boots on outdoor connectors; keep drip loops below the entry point.

Frequency coverage for GPS/Multi-GNSS

All options below cover DC to ≥1.6 GHz, which includes GPS L1 (1.575 GHz) and GLONASS/GNSS bands around 1.60 GHz used for timing/synchronization. If you need coverage above 1.6 GHz (e.g., L2/L5 testing), tell us and we’ll match a higher-band unit.

Connector genders

  • N-F/F = N female on both sides (mates to N-male cable ends).
  • N-M/F = N male on one side, female on the other (inline adapter + protector).
  • Same logic for TNC, SMA, and F-type (splitter feeds, set-top gear) connectors.
Model Use Case Frequency Coverage Signal Connector Gender Typical Mating
CX-NFF Rack/entry protection for roof-mounted GPS / Multi-GNSS antennas DC – ≥1.6 GHz (covers GPS L1 & GLONASS) DC-pass (for active antennas) N-F/F (N-female ↔ N-female) Mates to N-male cable ends from antenna/splitter
CX-NMF Inline where one side must be N-male DC – ≥1.6 GHz DC-pass N-M/F (N-male ↔ N-female) Mates to N-female bulkhead on gear + N-male cable
CX-TFF Compact protection for TNC-based GPS antennas/splitters DC – ≥1.6 GHz DC-pass TNC-F/F Mates to TNC-male cable ends
CX-TMF Inline TNC where one side must be male DC – ≥1.6 GHz DC-pass TNC-M/F Mates to TNC-female panel jack + TNC-male cable
CX-SFF Bench/instrument protection near GPS receiver DC – ≥1.6 GHz DC-pass SMA-F/F Mates to SMA-male patch leads
CX-FFF F-type GPS timing feeds (splitter/IRIG gear) DC – ≥1.6 GHz DC-pass F-F Mates to F-male coax jumpers
40-422-001 Trimble Acutime antenna end (12-pin circular) DC + data lines (Acutime pinout) Equipment-specific 12-pin circular In-series at antenna end, bond to mast ground
40-422-095
40-422-153
40-422-180
40-422-250
40-422-252		 Equipment sync port protection (Evertz 5601MSC, Zetron 600/620, Spectracom/Spirent TPRO/TSAT/PCI) DC + signal lines on DB-style connectors Equipment-side protection DB-9 / DB-15 / DB-25 / Screw terminal At device sync I/O; short ground to rack bar

 

 

FAQ

Q: How do I know if I need DC-pass?
A: If your antenna spec says it’s active or has an LNA and expects +3–5 V from the receiver, choose DC-pass.

 

Q: Where exactly does the ground go?
A: To the nearest bonding bar or equipment ground—short, straight, same ground reference as the receiver.

 

Q: What if I have multiple receivers fed by one antenna?
A: Put the arrestor at the splitter input (and ensure the splitter passes DC if your antenna requires power).

 

Written by: Scott Deyoe, VP Engineering at Novotech, specialist in GNSS timing for utilities, public-safety simulcast, and broadcast facilities across CA/US.
Updated: 2025-10-23

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