Arbiter Systems 120A User manual

MODEL 120A
GNSS SYNCHRONIZED CLOCK
USER MANUAL
ARBITER SYSTEMS, INC. PASO ROBLES, CA 93446
U.S.A.
WWW.ARBITER.COM

Model 120A
GNSS Synchronized Clock
Operation Manual
Chapter 1
General
Chapter 2
Specifications
Chapter 3
Physical Configuration
Chapter 4
Operation
Chapter 5
Instrument Configuration
Chapter 6
Firmware Updates
Appendix A
IRIG-B Time code
Appendix B
Serial Communications and Command Set
Appendix C
GPS Antenna Placement
Copyright Arbiter Systems Incorporated August 2021 All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Publication number: PD0058200A
Reorder number: AS011700

Description This manual is issued for reference only, at the convenience of Arbiter Systems. Reasonable effort
was made to verify that all contents were accurate as of the time of publication. Check with Arbiter Systems at the
address below for any revisions made since the original date of publication.
Contact Information:
Arbiter Systems, Inc.
1324 Vendels Circle, Suite 121
Paso Robles, CA 93446
[phone]
www.arbiter.com
[email protected]om
[email protected]m
What This Manual Covers
This manual describes the set up and operation of the Model 120A series GNSS synchronized clocks.

LIMITED WARRANTY Arbiter Systems makes no warranty, expressed or implied, on any product manufactured or
sold by Arbiter Systems except for the following limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
on products manufactured by Arbiter Systems.
Products manufactured by Arbiter Systems are guaranteed against defective materials and workmanship under
normal use and service from the date of delivery for a period five years. The responsibility of Arbiter Systems
under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement, at Arbiter Systems’ option, of any product found to be
defective. Arbiter Systems shall have no liability under this warranty unless it receives written notice of any
claimed defect.
For warranty service or repair, products must be returned to a service facility designated by Arbiter Systems.
Buyer shall prepay all shipping charges to Arbiter Systems, and Arbiter Systems shall pay shipping charges
incurred in returning the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties and taxes for
products returned to Buyer in a country other than the United States of America.
THE WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN CONSTITUTES THE ONLY WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS OF ARBITER SYSTEMS,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY, BY OPERATION OF LAW, OR OTHERWISE. ARBITER SYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND BUYER EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES.
This limited warranty does not extend to any product, which has been subject to:
1. Improper use or application, abuse, or operation beyond its rated capacity, or contrary to the instructions
in the operation and maintenance manuals (if any);
2. Accident;
3. Repair or maintenance performed by Buyer, except in accordance with the operation and maintenance
manuals, if any, and any special instructions of Arbiter Systems;
4. Modification without the prior written authorization of Arbiter Systems (whether by the substitution of
non-approved parts or otherwise). The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
In no event shall Arbiter Systems be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
(including loss of profits), whether based on contract, tort, or other legal theory.
FOR THE FASTEST POSSIBLE SERVICE, PLEASE PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Notify Arbiter Systems, Inc., specifying the instrument model number and serial number and giving full
details of the difficulty. Service data or instrument-return authorization will be provided upon receipt of
this information.
2. If instrument return is authorized, forward prepaid to the manufacturer. If it is determined that the
instrument is not covered by this warranty, an estimate will be made before the repair work begins, if
requested.

Table of Contents
1 General ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Equipment Included ................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2.1 Model 120A GNSS Synchronized Clock............................................................................................... 10
1.2.2 Antenna Assembly (AP015700) .......................................................................................................... 10
1.2.3 Antenna Cable Assembly (CA0034700).............................................................................................. 10
1.2.4 Mounting Flanges (HD0089800)......................................................................................................... 10
1.2.5 Input / Output Connectors (CN0019202)........................................................................................... 10
1.2.6 Input / Output Connectors (CN0019204)........................................................................................... 10
1.2.7 Setup Guide (PD0058300) .................................................................................................................. 10
1.3 Equipment Available................................................................................................................................... 11
1.3.1 Micro USB Cable (CA0033700) ........................................................................................................... 11
1.3.2 BNC (Male) Breakout to 100 mm Wires (AP0003400) ....................................................................... 11
1.3.3 BNC (Female) Breakout to 100 mm Wires (AP0008900).................................................................... 11
1.3.4 BNC (Female) Breakout to Screw Terminals (AP0014900)................................................................. 11
1.3.5 BNC (Male) Breakout to Screw Terminals (AP0015000) .................................................................... 11
2 Specifications...................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Receiver Characteristics ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.1 Input Signal......................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.2 Time Accuracy..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.3 Satellite Tracking ................................................................................................................................ 12
2.1.4 Acquisition.......................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.5 Antenna .............................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.6 Antenna Cable .................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Interface ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Antenna Input..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2 LED Annunciators ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.3 Communication Ports......................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.4 Outputs............................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.5 Relay ................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.6 Reset Function.................................................................................................................................... 13
2.3 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1 Power Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.2 Dimensions ......................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.3 Weight ................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.3.4 Temperature....................................................................................................................................... 14

3 Installation...........................................................................................................................................................15
3.1 Instrument...................................................................................................................................................15
3.1.1 Location...............................................................................................................................................15
3.1.1 Instrument Mounting..........................................................................................................................15
3.1.2 Power Requirements...........................................................................................................................15
3.2 Antenna.......................................................................................................................................................16
3.2.1 Antenna Input .....................................................................................................................................16
3.2.2 Antenna Location................................................................................................................................16
3.2.3 Antenna Mounting..............................................................................................................................16
4 Configuration ......................................................................................................................................................17
4.1.1 Connecting ..........................................................................................................................................17
4.1.2 Permissions .........................................................................................................................................17
4.1.3 Sending Commands.............................................................................................................................18
4.2 Clock Configurable Parameters...................................................................................................................18
4.2.1 GNSS....................................................................................................................................................18
4.2.2 Local Offset..........................................................................................................................................18
4.2.3 DST ......................................................................................................................................................18
4.2.4 Outputs................................................................................................................................................18
4.2.5 SPST Relay Contact..............................................................................................................................19
4.2.6 Serial Port............................................................................................................................................20
4.2.7 Downloading a Configuration File.......................................................................................................20
4.2.8 Uploading a Configuration File............................................................................................................20
5 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................21
5.1 Startup.........................................................................................................................................................21
5.2 Reset............................................................................................................................................................21
5.3 Faults...........................................................................................................................................................22
6 Firmware Updates...............................................................................................................................................23
6.1 Requirements..............................................................................................................................................23
6.2 Procedure....................................................................................................................................................23
6.3 Verifying ......................................................................................................................................................23
7 Appendix .............................................................................................................................................................24
7.1 IRIG-B Timecode..........................................................................................................................................24
7.1.1 IRIG-B IEEE C37.118.1..........................................................................................................................24
7.2 Serial Commands.........................................................................................................................................25
7.3 Constructing a Custom String......................................................................................................................31
7.3.1 Custom Broadcast String Setup Example............................................................................................33
7.4 Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................................34

7.5 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
7.6 Drawings..................................................................................................................................................... 35

1General
1.1 Overview
The Model 120A GNSS Synchronized Clock is a multi-satellite system (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) timing
source. Designed as an economical solution for reclosers and other enclosed installations, includes a rugged, low-
profile, bulkhead-mount antenna with 5 meters of cable.
The Model 120A has a seventy-two channel receiver, capable of tracking up to 3 satellite constellation systems
simultaneously providing a 100 ns rms accuracy. Two pluggable terminal strip outputs provide IRIG-B
unmodulated, 1 PPS, or Programmable Pulse; software selectable. These outputs are configurable to a 50 ohm
driver or a high capacity driver. The Model 120A comes standard with two communication ports, one RS-232 and
one USB. A SPST relay is also included and is configurable to Out of Lock, Fault, Alarm, Stabilized, or
Programmable Pulse. Low-voltage dc power input accepts + 8 Vdc to + 32 Vdc.
1.2 Equipment Included
1.2.1 Model 120A GNSS Synchronized Clock
Instrument comes with 1 four-position and 4 two-position pluggable terminal strip connectors installed and flange
mounts attached.
1.2.2 Antenna Assembly (AP015700)
An active low-profile, weatherproof GPS patch antenna is included. Designed for bulkhead mounting, the antenna
requires 2.5 to 5.5 Vdc on the TNC connector for power.
1.2.3 Antenna Cable Assembly (CA0034700)
A 5 meter (16 foot) RG-174/U cable is provided to connect the Model 120A to the antenna. The cable is
terminated with a female TNC connector on one end and female F connector on the other end and has a
characteristic impedance of 50 ohms.
1.2.4 Mounting Flanges (HD0089800)
The included mounting flanges (2) are pre-attached.
1.2.5 Input / Output Connectors (CN0019202)
Four 2 position pluggable terminal strip connectors for connecting the power, relay contacts and signal outputs
are pre-attached to the Model 120A.
1.2.6 Input / Output Connectors (CN0019204)
One 4 position pluggable terminal strip connector for connecting serial communication port is pre-attached to the
Model 120A.
1.2.7 Setup Guide (PD0058300)
Brief instructions to get started using the Model 120A.