BRG Precision Products DuraTime RC100 Quick start guide

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Wireless Clock System
Technical Guide
BRG Precision Products
600 N. River
Derby, Kansas 67037
http://www.DuraTimeClocks.com
[email protected]
316-788-2000
Fax: [phone]
(Patents Pending)
Updated: 8/7/2020
Our mission is to offer innovative technology solutions and exceptional service.

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Table of Contents
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
DURATIME FEATURES AND OPTIONS .............................................................................................................. 6
PLANNING .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................................................... 9
OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 17
ALARM CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................................................. 21
ALARM CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET ....................................................................................................... 25
MASTER CLOCK CONFIGURATION MENU .................................................................................................... 30
ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL ...................................................................................................................... 55
WIRELESS GPS AND ETHERNET GPS TIME RECEIVERS .......................................................................... 56
WARRANTY AGREEMENT .................................................................................................................................. 58
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................................ 63

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Overview
The DuraTime wireless clock system is specifically designed for applications where precision
and reliability are of great importance. In most cases, external time updates are not required. The
RC100 includes an oven controlled oscillator with an accuracy of one second in 20 years (2 Parts
per Billion). The RC100 is factory calibrated with the U.S. Atomic clock. It will maintain time
during shipping and power outages. If greater accuracy is required, then external time updates
are required. However, the master clock is more reliable when operating solely from the internal
high precision oscillator.
If external time updates are desired, the RC100 includes an Ethernet interface to obtain NTP time
updates. An optional wireless GPS receiver is also available.
All clocks in the system will not only display the same time, but the true legal time. Any
combination of clock shapes, style or size may be synchronized. DuraTime clocks are designed
for organizations that require reliable and accurate synchronized time.
The DuraTime multi-path wireless clock system is highly reliable. The system operates on the
license-free 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical band. Spread Spectrum radios are used
to enhance signal coverage, along with AES 128 bit encryption to enhance security and
reliability. Multi-path wireless communications are used to propagate the time signal
throughout any size facility. The failure of any single clock will not affect the remaining clocks
in the system. Supervision is available to automatically check the operation of all wireless
devices on the system.
The system can be configured to use multiple, simultaneous time sources. For example, NTP,
GPS and the internal high precision oscillator time sources can all be used at the same time. The
standard RC100 is accurate to about 1 second in 20 years without NTP or GPS time corrections.
An optional Rubidium atomic oscillator is available that eliminates the need for NTP or GPS
updates and maintains split accuracy for the life of the system. Multiple master clocks may be
used so that if one master clock is down or loses sync, the system automatically continues to
function normally from the secondary master clock. DuraTime digital clocks include an internal
battery that will maintain the time for up to 10 years. DuraTime battery powered clocks utilize a
redundant parallel battery configuration that allows the clock to function even if a battery fails.
No other system on the markets offers this level of reliability and ease of operation.
Each master clock may be configured for a variety of time zone and Daylight Saving Rules,
including UTC (Zulu) Time, Any World Time Zone, Half-hour time zones, Enable or Disable
Daylight Saving Time, and selectable 12 or 24 hour display formats with digital intensity control
on digital clocks.

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DuraTime Multi-path Wireless Communications
The examples listed on these pages are simplified for communicating system concepts. The number of actual clocks in a system could easily number in the thousands,
either densely located, or spread over a wide area, with complete coordination of all communications.
Signal Paths of an Active Network Installing Battery powered Analog Cocks
When the wireless clock network is active, all clocks are within range of one or
more other clocks. Each clock receives and retransmits time signals.
The wireless network can also be configured as a continuously active network by
adding repeaters and other non-battery powered devices. Simply add radio
devices in areas where the signal absent. A mini-master device can be used as a
signal monitor to determine where the network is active or where additional
wireless devices are needed to extend the network. Once the continuously active
network is configured, the mini-master is no longer required to install or replace
battery powered analog clocks.
Battery powered analog clocks need to conserve power as much as possible, so
the internal radio is put to sleep most of the time. The clock awakens the radio
for ten seconds, seven times a day to obtain and propagate the time signal.
During this on period, the clocks instantly form a wireless network, transferring
data as needed and updating the time display. A hand-held mini-master clock is
used to provide a time signal when the wireless clock network is not active. The
dashed lines indicate the radio range of the active transmitters. The mini-master
provides a time signal for the clock to reference when the batteries are installed.
Once the newly installed clock receives a signal from the mini-master, it is
synchronized with the network and the mini-master is no longer required.
Multiple-redundant Master Clocks Continuously Active Network using Digital Clocks
Multiple master clocks may be used to increase system reliability. Each master
clock can obtain time updates from multiple sources, simultaneously.
The master clocks are designed to nest on top of one another. Or, they may be
spread around the facility. Master clocks automatically communicate with one
another to determine which master clock shall be actively transmitting.
Digital clocks are externally powered and are continuously available to form a
network. Time is distributed to all clocks every other second or 43,200 times
per day. The mini-master clock can be used as a signal detector to determine if
the area to be covered is complete during and after installation. Externally
powered analog wall clocks and wall repeaters can also be used to form a
continuously active network.
Continuously Active Network with Digital and Analog Clocks Alarm/Tone Generator with an Idle Wireless Network
In a hybrid system of externally powered and battery powered clocks, the network
is continuously active between digital clocks as indicated by the heavy dashed
lines. Network communications between battery powered analog clocks is
available for ten seconds, seven times per day.
The mini-master clock is not required to install the analog clocks that are within
range of the mains powered wireless devices. The mini-master clock can be used
as a signal detector to determine if a continuously active network signal is present.
If not, simply activate the time transmissions of the mini-master before installing
battery powered clocks.
The wireless alarm/tone generator must be located with 150 feet of an actively
transmitting component of the network, such as the master clock. Open areas
such as warehouse space or manufacturing facilities may extend this range up to
330 feet.

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Alarm/Tone Generator with a Partially Active Network Wireless GPS Time Receiver
Multiple wireless alarm/tone generators may be deployed. Each alarm/tone
generator must be located with 150 feet of a continuously active component of the
network. Open areas such as warehouse space or manufacturing facilities may
extend this range up to 330 feet.
The RC160 wireless GPS receiver will provide time updates to one or more
master clocks. The GPS translator must be located within 150 feet of one or
more RC100 master clocks (330 feet in open space construction). Each master
clock then transmits time packets to all clocks on the network. In addition, each
master clock can obtain time from public or private time servers on the network
to backup the GPS receiver. Another GPS time receiver model is able to send
time updates over the computer network to one or more master clocks. Set the
GPS receiver and master clock on different channels.
Wireless GPS Time Receiver Ethernet GPS Time Receiver
Above is an example of a dual-redundant master clock system receiving time
updates from a single wireless GPS receiver. In addition to the time updates from
the GPS receiver, each master clock is capable of receiving redundant time
updates from local or public NTP time servers. The master clocks can be stacked
on top of one another, or they may be located in different parts of the building or
campus. Set each master clock and GPS receiver on different channels.
The RC165 Ethernet GPS receiver will provide time updates to master clocks
over the customer provided Ethernet computer network. In addition to receiving
time updates from the GPS receiver, the RC100 master clock is capable of
receiving redundant time updates from local or public NTP time servers.
Ethernet GPS Time Receiver with Redundant Masters Using Wall Repeaters to form a Continuously Active
Network
The RC165 Ethernet GPS receiver is capable of providing time updates to
multiple master clocks located on the same subnet. Master clocks located on
different subnets should use a local or public NTP time server to obtain time
updates. The RC100 master clock is fully capable of obtaining time updates using
NTP. Set the master clocks on different channels.
Inexpensive wall repeaters are available to provide a continuously active
wireless network. This allows wireless relays, tone generators and GPS
receivers to be located anywhere in the facility where the active network is
available. The wall repeaters include an LED activity indicator to confirm that
the network is active. Repeaters are also useful to fill gaps in coverage when
wireless devices are spread far apart. Wall repeaters and analog clocks repeat all
radio channels.

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DuraTime Features and Options
The DuraTime Wireless Synchronized Clock System offers flexibility and reliability for demanding time display
applications. This clock system will perform flawlessly for any size facility, or campus.
Master Clock Package Contents
1. DuraTime RC100 Master Clock
2. AC Power Adapter with plugs for North America, UK type, Europe and Australia
3. 10 feet (15M) of Cat-5 network cable
4. Quick Start Guide
5. DuraTime User Manual
Standard Features
1. 100% digital radio communications
2. Oven controlled oscillator accurate to 1 second in 20 years (2 parts per billion)
3. Simple installation. No system configuration required. Just insert batteries and hang on the wall.
4. Coverage for any size facility
5. Self-healing network
6. Multiple master clocks are supported for increased reliability
7. All master and secondary clocks throughout the system are synchronized to the U.S. Atomic Clock.
8. AES 128 bit encryption, providing secure and reliable communications
9. Uses the standard 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band for global compatibility
10. Master clock with LED display for time and configuration
11. Secondary clocks continue to maintain time in the absence of a time signal.
12. No FCC License or additional government authorization required. Approved for Government installations.
13. Spread Spectrum technology (DSSS) utilized, developed for the U.S. Government.
14. Electrical and/or network wiring is eliminated when using battery powered wall clocks.
15. Battery powered analog wall clocks will operate five years or longer between battery changes.
16. Daylight Saving rules can be changed at any time.
17. Master clock and Digital Clocks include a 20 year supper capacitor to maintain time during a power outage.
No batteries are used or needed in master clocks or LED digital secondary clocks.
18. Master clocks include an alarm relay output for one zone
19. 999 total alarm settings
20. 12 alarm zones
21. Alarm schedule activation by date range
22. Variable duration for each alarm setting
23. Select audio, tone or relay closure for alarm output
24. Over 70 audio alarm recordings included with optional wireless alarm interface
25. Enable/Disable auto switching between daylight and standard time
26. ABS 1RU enclosure for either desk top or rack mount installation.
Optional Features
1. Rubidium Atomic Clock - split second accurate for the life of the system (no computer network required)
2. Wireless Relay / Audio Player for connecting to bells or paging systems
3. Wireless GPS receiver – no wiring required between the GPS receiver and master clock
4. Wireless serial interface for special communications applications
5. Wireless repeaters to bridge coverage gaps or to provide a continuously available network
6. RC150 Mini-Master Clock ( includes two “AA” Lithium batteries)

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General Specifications:
DuraTime Radios
Frequency 2405 to 2480 MHz
Protocol 802.15.4, Proprietary Mesh Network
Operating Mode ISM
Modulation Direct Sequence, Spread Spectrum, Digital
Data Speed 250 Kbps
Operating Voltage 2.1 to 3.3 Volts
Output Power +20 dBm
Rx Sensitivity -97 dBm
Range 3,000 + feet (900 meters)
Operating Temperature -40C to +85C
Regulatory Certification FCC-ID W7Z-ZIC2410P2, IC 8254A-ZIC24102, CE
Digital Codes Available 65,535
Antenna Type Inverted-F PCB antenna, no external access
RF Channels 16
External controls None
Rx Current 30 mA
Tx Current 200 mA
Collision Avoidance Yes
Channel Busy Detection Yes

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RC100 Master Clock
Environment:
-32 degrees F to 120 degrees F, Humidity: 0% to 95% non-condensing
Internal Time Battery Backup:
10 year NiMH rechargeable battery – uses one millionth of a watt in standby mode
Clock Accuracy:
The RC100 incorporates an ultra-high precision oven controlled quartz oscillator (OCXO) that is
accurate to 2 parts per billion, or about one second in 20 years without NTP. NTP provides an
accuracy up to + or – 0.1 second per year using an NTP and/or GPS time source. An optional
Rubidium atomic clock is available for the rack mounted RC100 that provides split second
accuracy for the life of the system without the need for NTP or GPS time corrections.
Construction:
ABS 1RU cabinet allows the internal antenna to communicate with any number of secondary
devices. The cabinet may either sit on a shelf or mounted in a standard 19” equipment rack.
Power Requirements:
7-12 volts DC, 2 amps
AC adapter input 100-240 VAC, 0.8A, 47-63 Hz (FCC, UL, CE CB, GC)
RC60 Battery Powered Analog Clock Movement
Environment:
32 degrees F to 120 degrees F, Humidity: 0% to 95% non-condensing
Clock Accuracy:
Nominal accuracy provided is + or – one second when updated twice daily.
Construction:
ABS plastic cabinet allows the internal antenna to communicate with any number of secondary
devices.
Power Requirements:
Four LR6 (AA type) Alkaline or Lithium primary batteries

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Planning
All DuraTime wireless devices receive and re-transmit time data to other devices. This includes
master clocks, analog clocks, digital clocks, alarm interfaces, repeaters and sensors. This method
of repeating data allows coverage of any size of facility or campus. The rule-of-thumb for the
placement of wireless devices is to locate them no further than 150 feet (45m) apart for areas
with many wall partitions, such as offices, dormitories and hospitals. For open areas such as a
manufacturing floor or warehouse, locate wireless devices no more than 330 feet (100m) apart.
If wireless devices must be located further apart or areas isolated from radio signals need to be
penetrated, then repeaters or other DuraTime wireless devices may be installed to bridge large
distances or penetrate difficult to reach areas.
Installation
Master Clock Installation
The master clock is accurate to about one second in 20 years, so NTP or GPS is not required for
time updates. For best results, centrally locate the master clock(s) in the facility.
1. Connect the network cable into the back of the master clock.
2. Plug the low voltage cable from the AC adapter into the back of the master clock.
3. Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
The master clock will attempt to automatically register with the computer network using DHCP.
If a network connection is successful, it will then attempt to acquire network time from public
time servers using NTP (Network Time Protocol).
If DHCP is not available, the master clock’s network interface must be configured with fixed IP
address information. If an internal or other time server is to be used in place of public time
servers, then this too will need to be changed in the network interface. See the Ethernet
Communications section later in the manual for more information about configuring the Ethernet
interface.
When the master clock receives a time update from an external time server or the internal high
precision oscillator, an H, E or G sync indicator will appear the right side of the LED display.
An “H” indicates the time source is the internal high precision oscillator, “E” indicates NTP time
source, “G” indicates a GPS time source. When multiple time sources are used, the indicator
will identify the last time source used.
The master clock incorporates a high precision oven controlled quartz oscillator accurate to 1
second in 20 years, so the clock will maintain the time for an extended period without external
time updates.

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An optional GPS receiver is available for the master clock. This receiver sends the time received
from the GPS satellites wirelessly to the master clock. The GPS receiver can be used in addition
to NTP time for a redundant time source.
Configuring the Time Zone Offset
If the time displayed is incorrect after the synchronization indicator appears, then time zone rules
may require reconfiguration. Mode 21-1 determines the time zone offset from universal
coordinated time (UTC).
Configuring Daylight Saving Rules
If Daylight Saving Time is not observed in your area, set Mode 24-1 = 0.
The RC100 Master Clock offers two methods of implementing automatic switching between
Standard and Daylight Saving Time, rule based and fixed day-of-the-year. The rule based
method is preferred because it provides the correct day of the year regardless of whether it’s a
leap year or not. The rule method is configured by entering numeric values that represent the
specific rule for your area. Mode 45-20 (switch to Daylight Saving Time) and Mode 45-21
(switch to Standard Time) are used to store the Daylight Saving Rule.
The format is MMRD, where MM = month (1-12), R = instance of the select day of the week (1-
5 5=last instance), D = day of the week (1-7), where 1=Monday and 7=Sunday. For example,
357 = the last Sunday in March, and 1117 = the First Sunday in November.
If the value >2000 then the right two digits represent the day of the month. The left two digits,
minus 20, equal the month. For example, March 15th = 2315, April 1st = 2401.
To configure a fixed day of the year (example, 15th of the month), then set the modes to 0, and
enter the day of the year to switch into Mode 52-1 (switch to Daylight Saving Time) and Mode
52-2 (switch to Standard Time).
For a list of Daylight Saving Time rules for your area, go to www.timeanddate.com.
Connections on the back of the master clock.