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SIMPLE TIME-DISTORTION DETECTOR - JoeLag - 09-19-2023
SIMPLE TIME-DISTORTION DETECTOR
Several inventions in the realm of alternative science have claimed to distort local space-time, affecting either the speed of light or the flow of time. Detecting these anomalies is nontrivial, but there are a few proposed methods. Optical distortions could be observed through the use of Schlieren or Foucault mirror test systems, while deflections in a laser beam can be identified using an "optical lever." However, these methods may not be sensitive enough to capture extremely subtle effects.
Here’s an alternative yet sensitive approach: Construct two crystal oscillators. Utilize one as a reference and the other as a probe. Beat their outputs together and monitor the difference frequency, either through instrumentation or even by ear. Place the reference oscillator at a significant distance and use the probe to examine the area around a device suspected to produce time anomalies. Any local changes in time would manifest as fluctuations in the beat frequency.
A rudimentary version of this apparatus using a CD4049 CMOS inverter and 32KHz digital watch crystals. I discovered that power supply coupling caused phase-locking between the oscillators, an issue mitigated by using independent power supplies and buffer stages.
Frequency synchronization can be achieved by altering the power supply voltage or adjusting the bias point of the CMOS inverter's input pin. Note that these crystals are temperature-sensitive, so temperature stabilization measures such as "crystal ovens" are advisable for a robust setup.
Subsequent experiments with 30MHz 5-volt oscillators revealed more stable behavior, although temperature compensation was still needed. Multiple display methods were explored, ranging from oscilloscopic visualizations to direct frequency measurements using commercial frequency counters.
Let's delve into the construction details.
Crystal Oscillators
Use a CD4049 CMOS inverter IC for each oscillator. This chip will form the heart of your oscillator.
Connect a 32KHz digital watch crystal between the input and output pins of one of the inverters in the CD4049. This forms a simple oscillator circuit.
Use a capacitor (say, 22pF) on either side of the crystal to ground to improve the stability.
Power the IC using an LM78L05 voltage regulator to give a stable 5V power supply. Use separate regulators for each oscillator to minimize interference.
Buffering and Isolation
To eliminate phase-lock between the oscillators, use a buffering stage, perhaps another inverter from the CD4049, connected to the output of the oscillator.
Use separate power supplies for each oscillator to minimize coupling. Isolate the ground lines as much as possible.
Frequency Synchronization
To fine-tune the oscillators, you can use LM317 adjustable regulators. Connect them to the VCC pin of the CD4049 and adjust the voltage to slightly alter the frequency.
Temperature Compensation
House each oscillator circuit, including the CD4049 IC and the crystal, inside a small metal can.
Add a PTC thermistor within each can. The thermistor will act as a rudimentary "oven," stabilizing the temperature.
Output Analysis
You can use a simple mixer circuit to combine the outputs and listen to the difference or "beat" frequency.
Alternatively, use an oscilloscope to visually monitor the oscillators. Trigger the oscilloscope with one oscillator and display the output of the other.
Optional Enhancements
For even better results, you may opt for 30MHz 5-volt oscillators that come in shielded cans. These oscillators usually include buffering and some power supply regulation internally.
As we tread these less-traveled paths of scientific exploration, let's not forget the minutiae. They may very well hold the key to unlocking the secrets we seek.