It's interesting.
I'm using a Pluto HW version C, FW version 0.35
And my external reference clock frequency is 38.880MHz.
In my case, entering these variables does not work.
fw_setenv refclk_source external
fw_setenv ad936x_ext_refclk "<38880000>"
The Pluto DOES switch to using the external clock, but the default setting for ad936x_ext_refclk persists after a reset.
(In my case 40000115)
So the Pluto is off frequency.
To make it work, I have to enter:
fw_setenv refclk_source external
fw_setenv ad936x_ext_refclk_override "<38880000>"
Then all is good, and the correct ref frequency setting is used by the Pluto.
AB6RF