Black Box Auto-Sync ASTC3000 User manual

The Auto-Sync Time Clock is a validated time system
with a Web interface and auto discovery.
ASTC3000 provides validated time for an accurate time stamp,
ASTC3000POEK Kit option provides Power over Ethernet with Full
Power Reserve, and the ASTCBK Kit option provides Full Power
Reserve.
Auto-S
y
nc Time Clock
July 2010
ASTCRCR
ASTCKEY
ASTC3000
ASTC3000POE
ASTCBK
ASTCPOEK
ASTCRCB
ASTCRCG

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation, Inc.
XP, VISTA, IE, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Bonjour is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
Safari is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
Digi Connect ME is a registered trademark of Digi International, Inc.
Firefox is a registered trademark of the Mozilla Foundation.
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and Auto-Sync
is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.

Table of Contents
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1. Auto-Sync Time Clock ................................................................................1-1
1.1. How This Manual is Organized..................................................................... 1-1
1.2. General Information.................................................................................. 1-1
1.2.1. What is OATS Compliance?................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2. Features............................................................................................ 1-3
1.2.3. Benefits............................................................................................. 1-4
1.2.4 Hardware Features.............................................................................. 1-4
1.2.5 Requirements..................................................................................... 1-4
1.3. Auto-Sync Time Clock Installation & Operation Guide..................................... 1-5
1.4. Time Servers General Information............................................................... 1-5
2. Installation Basics ..................................................................................... 2-1
2.1. Auto-Sync Time Clock External View............................................................ 2-1
2.2. Components............................................................................................. 2-1
2.3. Removing the Cover.................................................................................. 2-1
2.4. Unpacking the Clock.................................................................................. 2-2
2.5. Installing the (ASTCBK) Optional Full Power Reserve (FPR) ............................. 2-2
2.6. Installing the (ASTCPOEK) Optional PoE with FPR .......................................... 2-7
2.7. Normal Startup Sequence ........................................................................ 2-11
2.8. Wall Mounting ........................................................................................ 2-12
2.9. Printing ................................................................................................. 2-12
2.9.1. The First Printout................................................................................. 2-12
2.9.2. Acceptable Print Media.......................................................................... 2-13
2.9.3. Adjusting the Print Margin..................................................................... 2-14
2.9.4. Available Print Methods......................................................................... 2-14
2.10. Front Panel Reset Button....................................................................... 2-15
2.11. Specifications...................................................................................... 2-16
2.12. Power over Ethernet Overview............................................................... 2-17
3. Getting Started .......................................................................................... 3-1
3.1. Connecting to the Auto-Sync Time Clock using Zeroconf.............................. 3-1
3.2. First Time Set up of the Auto-Sync Time Clock ........................................... 3-4
4. General Information .................................................................................. 4-1
4.1. Auto-Sync Time Clock Web Interface ........................................................... 4-2
4.1.1. Auto-Sync Time Clock Web Page.............................................................. 4-2
4.1.2. Login ................................................................................................... 4-3
4.1.3. How to Create Users............................................................................... 4-4
4.1.4. Normal Login......................................................................................... 4-5
4.1.5. How to Custom Configure the Auto-Sync Time Clock................................... 4-5
4.1.6. How to Set the Print Options ................................................................... 4-8
4.1.7. How to Set Time Synchronization........................................................... 4-12
4.1.7.1. Time Sync Settings ........................................................................... 4-12
4.1.7.2. Time Server Setup............................................................................ 4-13
4.1.7.3. DNS Server Setup............................................................................. 4-15
4.1.8. How to Setup E-Mail and SNMP Trap Notification ...................................... 4-16
4.1.8.1. E-mail Setup.................................................................................... 4-16
4.1.8.2. SNMP Trap Setup.............................................................................. 4-19
4.1.9. How to Setup Time Synchronization Schedules......................................... 4-20
4.1.10. How to Setup Report Schedules .......................................................... 4-22
4.1.11. How to Setup Backup Schedules ......................................................... 4-23
4.1.12. Auto-Sync Time Clock Utilities ............................................................ 4-23
4.1.12.1. Utility Settings for FTP Server.......................................................... 4-24
4.1.12.2. Performing Backup and Restore ....................................................... 4-25
4.1.12.3. Reports Utility ............................................................................... 4-28

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5. Getting Started .......................................................................................... 5-1
5.1. Installing the Auto-Sync Utility................................................................. 5-1
5.2. Using the Auto-Sync Utility...................................................................... 5-2
5.2.1. How to Discover & Connect to a Auto-Sync Time Clock............................. 5-3
5.2.2. How to Create a Centralized Transaction Report ...................................... 5-6
5.2.3. Advanced Function of Downloading to Auto-Sync Time Clocks ................... 5-8
5.2.4. Auto-Sync Time Clock Menu Selections .................................................5-11
6. Auto-Sync Time Clock Diagnostics ............................................................. 6-1
6.1. How to Display Clock Configuration ............................................................. 6-1
6.2. How to Manually Time Sync the Clock.......................................................... 6-2
6.3. How to Perform LCD Display Clock Diagnostics.............................................. 6-3
6.4. How to Reset the Clock.............................................................................. 6-3
6.5. How to Perform Remote Connection Test...................................................... 6-5
6.6. Display Messages...................................................................................... 6-6
6.6.1. Normal Startup...................................................................................... 6-6
6.6.2. Colon Status ......................................................................................... 6-6
6.6.3. Time Synchronization Validation............................................................... 6-7
6.6.4. Error Messages...................................................................................... 6-7
6.7. How to Replace the Ribbon Cartridge......................................................... 6-10
6.7.1. Ribbon Cartridge Removal..................................................................... 6-10
6.7.2. Ribbon Cartridge Installation ................................................................. 6-10
7. Wide Area Service Discovery...................................................................... 7-1
7.1. Wide Area Service Discovery Setup ............................................................. 7-1
7.2. Wide Area Clock Discovery ......................................................................... 7-2
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)........................................................... 8-1
A. Appendix....................................................................................................A-1

Chapter 1: Introduction
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1. Auto-Sync Time Clock
1.1. How This Manual is Organized
The installation, setup and operation procedures in this manual are provided for
user assistance.
Chapter 1 provides general information with a brief overview of features, and
benefits.
Chapter 2: provides an overview of system components with step-by-step
procedures for installing your Auto-Sync Time Clock.
Chapter 3 provides step-by-step procedures for quick startup using a Web
browser.
Chapter 4 provides detailed step-by-step procedures for operation of the Auto-
Sync Time Clock using a Web browser.
Chapter 5 provides installation information and how to use the Auto-Sync Utility
for discovering and connecting to your clock.
Chapter 6 provides a description of how to use the clock diagnostics, basic
maintenance procedures and error code analysis.
Chapter 7 provides a description of Wide Area Network service discovery
information.
Chapter 8 provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Auto-Sync Time
Clock.
Appendix provides a character table for guidance in selecting print characters,
default NIST information and a glossary of used terms.
1.2. General Information
The Auto-Sync Time clock is a system with a web interface which provides users an
accurate time stamp. This clock will run on its own using elaborate scheduling time
synchronization with a backup system that can send alerts (SNMP traps & e-mail
notification) plus reports to designated recipients on time sync events for potential
audit.
The Auto-Sync Time Clock utilizes Zero Configuration Networking (Zeroconf), a
set of techniques that will automatically create a usable network IP address without
configuration or special services. This allows users to connect Auto-Sync Time
Clock’s together and expect them to work automatically. Without Zeroconf, a user
must either set up special services, like Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS), or set up each device’s network settings
manually. This may be challenging for non-technical or novice users.

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The Auto-Sync Time Clock can be synchronized from a National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) NTP (Network Time Protocol) time server, or
internal time server via Ethernet®connection (see Figure 1-1).
All communication with the Auto-Sync Time Clock is via a network TCP/IP
connection. The Auto-Sync Time Clock auto discovery and configuration can be
accomplished via simple instructions (see Chapter 3: Quick Start).
End-users may never need to change the configuration settings after the initial
configuration setup. However, it is recommended that all configuration settings
should be recorded in the event that the setup needs to be repeated in the future.
Figure 1-1. Auto-Sync Clock Time Synchronization.
During the configuration process, both the event logger and scheduler use the same
supporting configuration files located in the clock. The event logger runs in the
clock with a scheduler that runs in the background as a service.
The Auto-Sync Time Clock can optionally obtain power from a Full Power Reserve
(FPR) or Power over Ethernet (PoE) (see Figure 1-1). Power over Ethernet or PoE
technology describes a system to transfer electrical power, along with data, to
remote devices over standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network.
1.2.1. What is OATS Compliance?
The Auto-Sync Time Clock has been specially designed to be in compliance with the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Order Audit Trail System (OATS)
rule 7430 (formerly NASD OATS Rule 6953 & NYSE Rule 132A), Synchronization of
Member Business Clocks described as follows:
Rule 7430 requires any FINRA member firm that records order, transaction or
related data required under the By-Laws and Rules of the Association to
synchronize all business clocks used to record the date and time of any market
event. Clocks, including computer system clocks and manual time stamp machines,

Chapter 1: Introduction
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must record time in hours, minutes and seconds with to-the-second granularity and
must be synchronized to a source that is synchronized to within three seconds of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) atomic clock. Clocks
must be synchronized once a day prior to the opening of the market, and remain in
synch throughout the day. In addition, firms are to maintain a copy of their clock
synchronization procedures on-site. Clocks not used to record the date and time of
market events need not be synchronized.
1.2.2. Features
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) compatibility for IP address
management and other parameters (Subnet Mask and Gateway) from the DHCP
server, which ensures each IP address, is unique.
Optional PoE (Power over Ethernet) accessory, which includes Full Power
Reserve (FPR option).
Automatic time synchronization to an official time source.
Event notification through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) traps.
This feature enables network administrators to centrally manage time clock
performance, find problems and solve them in a timely manner.
NTP (Network Time Protocol) syncs clocks to a time reference over a data
network.
Direct synchronization to the time source rather than to a computer.
Log-in security for two (2) separate users.
Synchronization transaction data maintained per FINRA Rule 7430 requirements.
Full OATS compliance with stand-alone units not linked to a PC.
Complete solution without the need for individual trader computers.
Report for transaction log (time sync).
Maximum Sync of once every 2 hours for improved accuracy with up to 12 time
validations a day per schedule. The clock can store 5 years of data utilizing one
normal sync schedule of 2 syncs per day for OATS compliance.
Compatible with IE, Safari, and Firefox Web browsers.
Employs Windows Services to perform synchronization.
E-mail notification of clock failure to synchronize the time, configurable to send
e-mail notification to chosen recipients.

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1.2.3. Benefits
Assures financial institutions’ compliance with OATS Rule 7430 as per
FINRA/SEC.
The Auto-Sync Time Clock will continue to function and maintain time as a
stand-alone unit, even if it does not receive synchronization from an NTP time
server.
The Auto-Sync Time Clock is the highest quality OATS-compliant time stamp
available.
Time sync transaction files are automatically maintained in the Auto-Sync Time
Clock and can be saved to file, viewed, or printed as desired.
Visible alarms on time stamp imprint and LCD display provide notification of
time synchronization failure (see Figure 6-8).
Provides a solution for industry sectors that require strict adherence to good
time keeping practices.
No server software required, which means minimal IT staff involvement and
lower support costs due to streamlined setup.
1.2.4. Hardware Features
Maintains accurate time to within four tenths of a second over a 24-hour period
once synchronized.
Time imprint format includes seconds as per FINRA OATS 7430 requirements.
Prints through up to 6 multiple-part carbonless copies.
Capable of printing alphanumeric characters in two separate lines.
Optional Full Power Reserve permits clock operation and/or stamping in the
event of power outage.
Quick and easy ribbon cartridge replacement.
Time validation via Ethernet connection to internal or external time servers.
Optional PoE accessory, which includes the FPR option.
1.2.5. Requirements
A Web browser and Ethernet connection is required to setup and time synchronize
the Auto-Sync Time Clock.

Chapter 1: Introduction
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1.3. Auto-Sync Time Clock Installation & Operation Guide
The Auto-Sync Time Clock Installation & Operation Guide was designed to assist
you in the daily operation of your clock and to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the Auto-Sync Time Clock. This Guide can be found on the Auto-
Sync Utility CD that came with your clock.
1.4. Time Servers General Information
A time server is a server computer that reads the actual time from a reference
clock and distributes this information to its clients using a computer network. The
time server may be a local network time server or an Internet time server.
The most important and widely-used protocol for distributing and synchronizing
time is the Network Time Protocol (NTP), though other less-popular or outdated
time protocols continue to be used.
The time reference used by a time server could be another time server on the
network or the Internet, a connected radio clock or an atomic clock. The most
common true time source is a GPS or GPS master clock. Time servers are
sometimes multi-purpose network servers, dedicated network servers, or dedicated
devices. All a dedicated time server does is provide accurate time.
An existing network server (e.g. a file server) can become a time server with
additional software. The NTP homepage provides a free and widely-used reference
implementation of the NTP server and client for many popular operating systems.
The other choice is a dedicated time server device.
The term "stratum" is used to label the closeness to a central or high quality time
server. The stratum indicates the place of a particular time server in a hierarchy of
servers. The scale is 0 to 16 where 0 is the most accurate and likely a highly
specialized physical hardware device. Some time clients will reject a time update
from a server whose stratum is too high, and most will prefer lower strata time
sources to higher ones. This can be a pitfall for administrators setting up an in-
house time server with no true time source.

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Chapter 2: Installation
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2. Installation Basics
2.1. Auto-Sync Time Clock External View
Figure 2-1. Auto-Sync Time Clock External View.
2.2. Components
• 2 Keys (Important!! - Please store these keys in a safe place as you will need
them to remove the cover). One unit with attached AC power adapter [not
included with PoE model] and Ethernet cable.
• An Auto-Sync Utility CD for the clock (copy configuration to clocks, auto
discovery, reports, etc.), which also contains the Installation and Operation
Guide in PDF format. Also, Quick Start Guide (printed).
Auto-Sync Time Clock (1 unit),
Power Adapter (not used with PoE -
1 unit), Ethernet Cable, and Quick-
Start Guide
Auto-Sync
Utility CD
(1 copy)
Keys (one pair,
2 keys)
2.3. Removing the Cover
Insert and turn the key clockwise to remove the upper cover. Note – the upper
cover must be removed to change the ribbon and access the reset button (see
Chapter 6, How to Replace the Ribbon Cartridge).

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Figure 2-2. Auto-Sync Time Clock Cover Removal.
2.4. Unpacking the Clock
After removing the upper cover, lift up the Printer Block (A) and remove the
Packaging Spacer (B).
Figure 2-3. Auto-Sync Time Clock Packaging.
NOTE: The serial number can be found on the bottom of your clock.
2.5. Installing the (ASTCBK) Optional Full Power Reserve (FPR)
1. Disconnect the clock AC adapter from the power outlet.
NOTE: Failure to do so could result in a hazardous shock.
2. Insert the key, turn the key clockwise, and remove the upper cover of the Auto-
Sync Clock (see Figure 2-2).
3. Remove one small Phillips head retaining screw from the right and left front
sides of the top plate (see Figure 2-4).

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Figure 2-4. Top Plate Removal.
4. Disconnect the Ethernet cable at the RJ-45 network connector (see Figure 2-4).
You DO NOT have to remove the cable from under the wall mounting plate on
the back – just disconnect it at the RJ-45 connector.
5. Lift up the top plate by pulling upwards and
towards the back of the clock to remove it.
Temporarily set aside. Note the alignment of the
top plate during removal – especially the front and
rear tabs (see figure to the right).
6. Carefully lift the front PCB up and out of its
retaining slot (see Figure 2-6). This is the PCB with
the coin battery on it. Just lift the PCB up enough
to provide adequate clearance for the FPR
mounting bracket to be inserted into its side
retaining slots on the right and left sides of the
main clock frame (see Figure 2-6).
7. Carefully insert the FPR mounting bracket with the
FPR battery pack (see Figure 2-5). It will fit only
one way as it must slip over the rectangular shaped
network connector (see Figure 2-7).

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Figure 2-5. FPR & Mounting Bracket.
8. After the FPR mounting bracket is in its proper position, return the front PCB to
its original position seated in its retaining slot. In this position the top rear of the
PCB will fit close alongside the FPR mounting bracket (see Figure 2-6).
Figure 2-6. Front PCB & FPR Mounting Bracket in Position.
9. Install the two plastic rivets (1 per each side) as illustrated in Figure 2-7 through
the side of the clock frame into the proper locating hole in the FPR mounting
bracket (see Figure 2-5).

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Figure 2-7. Auto-Sync Time Clock Rear View.
10. With the FPR battery pack in the holder alongside the network RJ-45
connector, plug in the FPR battery cable (the connector with the black and red
wires) into the open brown connector (see Figure 2-7) located just under the
battery pack on the PCB at CN4.
Figure 2-8. Rear View Showing Cable/Connector Location.
Insert
Plastic
Rivet
Insert
Plastic
Rivet

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NOTE: For units with the FPR option, disconnect the FPR battery pack cable
connector if the Auto-Sync Time Clock will not be plugged into AC power for
an extended amount of time. Leaving the battery pack connected without
charging for a long time could promote battery harm and damage to the
clock.
11. Carefully reinstall the top plate by first inserting
the rear tabs into the appropriate rear notches,
making sure the rear centering tab is in its notch.
Then push the plate forward (see right-hand
figure) while properly aligning the top plate sides
and front. Finally push the top plate downward to
lock it firmly into position with the front tabs (see
Figure 2-9).
Figure 2-9. Top Plate Installed.
12. Insert the Ethernet connector through the hole in the rear of the top plate into
the RJ-45 network connector (previously disconnected in Step 4).
13. Insert and tighten the two (2) side retaining screws (one on right and left front
sides) for the top plate (see Figure 2-9).
14. Replace the upper cover of the Auto-Sync Time Clock (see Figure 2-2).
15. Connect the clock Ethernet cable to a network connection and plug the AC
power transformer into a wall socket.

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NOTE: After installing the FPR and connecting the unit to AC power for the first
time, allow it to charge the battery pack for 24 hours before printing.
Failure to do so may result in reduced battery life. When using the optional
FPR - keep the clock plugged into an AC power source during normal
operation to maintain an adequate charge. The power reserve battery is
designed to be used only during limited power outages, not as a power
source during normal operation. The FPR can maintain normal operation for
up to 6 hours or 400 print stamps.
2.6. Installing the (ASTCPOEK) Optional PoE with FPR
If your Auto-Sync Time Clock came equipped with the PoE option skip to Step 17.
1. Disconnect the clock AC adapter from power outlet.
NOTE: Failure to do so could result in a hazardous shock.
2. Insert the key, turn the key clockwise, and remove the upper cover of the Auto-
Sync Time Clock (see Figure 2-2).
3. Remove one small Phillips head retaining screw from the right and left front
sides of the top plate (see Figure 2-9).
4. Disconnect the Ethernet cable at the RJ-45 network connector (see Figure 2-4).
5. Lift up the top plate by pulling upwards and towards the back of the clock to
remove it (see Figure 2-4) and temporarily set aside. Note the alignment of the
top plate during removal – especially the front and rear tabs.
6. Carefully lift the front PCB up and out of its retaining slot. This is the PCB with
the coin battery on it. Just lift the PCB up enough to provide adequate clearance
for the PoE/FPR mounting bracket (see Figure 2-11) to be inserted into its
retaining slot.
7. Carefully insert the PoE/FPR mounting bracket (see Figure 2-10). It will fit only
one way as it must slide over the rectangular shaped RJ-45 network connector
(see Figure 2-7). Also, ensure that the mounting frame fits properly in the side
slots (see Figure 2-11).

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Figure 2-10. PoE/FPR & Mounting Bracket.
8. Install the two plastic rivets (1 per each side) through the main clock frame into
the locating holes as illustrated in Figure 2-10 to help align and secure the
mounting bracket.
Figure 2-11. Front PCB & Mounting Bracket.
9. Remove the rear wall mounting plate (see Wall Mounting). Disconnect the AC
power connector from the PCB (red & white wires – see Figure 2-12).

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Figure 2-12. Rear View Showing AC Power Line For Removal.
10. Unscrew the Phillips head screw and remove the black ground wire for the AC
line (see Figure 2-12). Remove the AC power line from the back of the clock
with the transformer at the end. You may have to cut a couple of plastic wire
ties to do this.
11. Reinstall the wall mounting plate (see figure below) on the back of the clock
using caution to verify that the Ethernet cable is properly routed.
12. Plug in the FPR battery pack cable (the connector with the black and red wires)
into the small open connector (see Figure 2-13) located just under the battery
pack on the PCB. Next, plug in the PoE connector to the left of the FPR
connector for the PoE cable (yellow wires). It is keyed and can only fit into the
connector one way. The connection for the PoE cable has a 5-pin connector on
the main PCB and a 5-pin connector at the PoE PCB. Both connector ends are
keyed (can only fit in one way). You may have to temporarily remove the
connector on the PoE PCB to install the top plate.

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Figure 2-13. Rear View Showing PoE & FPR Cables/Connections.
13. Carefully reinstall the top plate by first inserting the rear tabs into the
appropriate rear notches, making sure the rear centering tab is located in its
notch. Then push the plate forward making sure to align the sides and front of
the plate in the proper position. Finally push the plate downward to lock into
position.
14. Insert the Ethernet connector through the hole in the rear of the top plate into
the RJ-45 network connector (previously disconnected in Step 4).
Figure 2-14. PoE & FPR Connectors.