COMMUNICATION VZ2 User manual
css-design.com
POW
LOCK
SEC
1. Introduction
2. Installation
2.1 Location
2.2 Connections
2.2.1 Antenna
2.2.2 Power
2.2.3 Network
2.2.4 Front Panel Indications
3. Configuration
3.1 Web Page
3.2 Default IP Address
3.2.1 Settings Page
3.2.2 VZ2 Name
3.2.3 IP Address
3.2.4 Broadcast
3.2.5 Netmask
3.2.6 Gateway
3.2.7 Time Zone Pull down
3.2.8 Password
3.3 Status Page
3.3.1 Location
3.3.2 Date/Time
3.3.3 Time Zone
3.3.4 Satellites Used
3.3.5 GPS Fix
3.3.6 MAC
3.3.7 Uptime
3.3.8 Version
3.3.9 Satellites
3.3.10 Clients
3.4 Updates Page
3.5 Diagnostics Page
3.5.1 Diagnostics
3.5.2 Download Log Files
3.5.3 Reboot System
3.6 NTP/PTP Settings Page
3.6.1 NTP Server
3.6.2 NTP Holdover Accuracy
3.6.3 PTP Transmission Method
3.6.4 Authentication Lease Time
3.7 About Page
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 GPS Lock
4.2 Resetting to Factory Defaults
5. Specifications
5.1 Time Server Features and Specifications
5.2 GPS Module Specifications
5.3 Antenna Specifications
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
PAGE 1
Installation and Operation Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
The VZ2 PTP Network Time Server is a simple to use GPS sourced time server that will supply accurate time
for all computers and time keeping devices on the network. By placing a time server on the local network,
PTP and NTP time packets are provided without requiring systems to go to the Internet to get a Stratum 1 time
synchronization. The system uses an active GPS antenna to maintain the current time as broadcast by
United States GPS satellites. With this device installed on your local network, there is no longer the worry
that if the Internet connection goes down, time synchronization is lost across the network. In addition, the
VZ2 includes a high precision internal clock based on an OCXO (Oven controller oscillator) that allows the
unit to serve accurate time beyond loss of the GPS antenna signal. The unit is small and can be placed
anywhere within the network layout. The built in high sensitivity GPS receiver is able to lock multiple
satellites from within many buildings or from a window location, removing the requirement that outdoor
antennas be installed. Setup and use of this time server is straightforward. Simply connect both the included
power supply and the GPS antenna to the base unit and then connect the base unit to the local network. Go
to a computer on the network and browse to the device at its default address to enter the soware setup
within the control box. Set parameters to match your network and the system will start to send out time
packets to any device on the system that asks for an update from it. Two servers can be setup to provide
redundancy and more capacity. When paired with our digital Power Over Ethernet (PoE) or WiFi clocks,
synchronized time is assured no matter the state of your network, or the state of the internet time server the
clocks are pointed to. Accuracy is also improved because the network delay of the internet is highly
variable, while the local LAN connection is likely sub-millisecond delay. The VZ2 GPS based time servers are
suited to any application where coordination of events at multiple locations is required. Without coordinated
network time, searching for problems across multiple system logs becomes much more difficult. Education,
industrial facilities, military installations, public safety command rooms, government, broadcasting, and
hospitals are all candidates for synchronized time systems.
2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Location.
To receive GPS signals the Time Server's antenna must be located in a location where it can “see” the sky.
The GPS module itself is highly sensitive and able to “see” the GPS satellite signals from within many
structures. Multi-Story or metal structures may block the GPS signals such that the antenna must be located
elsewhere. In these cases, the GPS antenna may be located in a window. The Time Server box can be located
anywhere on the network. All that is required is power and a wired network connection. In the worst case, an
outdoor antenna may be required.
2.2 Connections.
2.2.1 Antenna.
The GPS antenna is connected through the circular female SMA connector on the rear of the Time Server. By
default, the GPS antenna connection provides 5.0V to power the LNA in the GPS antenna. This is correct for
the supplied GPS patch antenna with the magnetic base. This voltage can be changed with a jumper on the
inside of the Time Server. The Time Server has to be opened up and a jumper moved.
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Installation and Operation Manual
Jumper J8 A: 3.3V B: 5.0V (default)
The only time this jumper would changed would be to allow use of a different antenna that requires +3.3V
max for the LNA in the antenna.
2.2.2 Power.
A +12V power supply is supplied with the unit. Connect to your local power outlet and the barrel connector
to the rear of the Time Server. The time server will begin trying to find the GPS satellites. On power-up,
synchronization to the GPS satellites will take several minutes. No battery backup of position is provided to
allow for a warm start so the Time Server is always starting from scratch in determining its location to
achieve GPS lock.
2.2.3 Network.
Connect the 10/100 RJ45 port on the back of the Time Server to a network connection. Verify that the network
settings are correct for your system. See the configuration section of this manual for more information on
doing this.
2.2.4 Front Panel Indications.
The front panel of the Time Server is very basic in its appearance. Three LEDs show the current status of the
unit. The “POW” LED indicates that the unit is receiving power through its wall power supply. To serve time,
an accurate GPS lock is required beyond just location information. The GPS lock process proceeds through
several steps and can be followed by watching the two front Yellow LEDs, LOCK and SEC. Initially, when no
lock is present, the Yellow LEDs will be OFF. When a 2D lock is achieved, the LOCK LED will begin to BLINK. This
is the first stage of GPS lock process. When the LOCK LED goes to a solid ON state, the GPS now has a 3D lock.
The last stage of the GPS lock is the timing lock. This signifies that the GPS has the most accurate time base
available for use in serving time. To achieve the greatest PTP accuracy, this is required. Once the timing lock
has occurred, the SEC LED will begin to blink once per second. It is also possible for the LOCK LED to turn off,
or blink, aer a GPS timing lock has occurred and the SEC LED continues to blink. This signifies that the VZ2
has an accurate internal time and is serving time, but is trying to re-establish the timing lock because it was
lost for some reason.
3. CONFIGURATION
3.1 Web Page – Default Username: admin / Default Password: tmachine
3.2 Default IP address is 192.168.1.20
All Time Server parameters are accessed on the configuration web page. The page can be accessed by
pointing any web browser at the IP address of the Time Server. The initial IP address is 192.168.1.20 from the
factory.
3.2.1 Settings Page.
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Installation and Operation Manual
3.2.2 VZ2 Name.
This is a generic entry that has no effect on the VZ2 operation other than to allow the user to enter a name
for the device to help recognize it when parameter updates are required.
3.2.3 IP Address.
The IP address of the unit set to by entering a standard IPv4 dotted quad in this field. 192.168.1.20 or 10.10.0.96
are examples of acceptable formats for this field. Clicking the Submit button will set the entered IP
parameters.
3.2.4 Broadcast.
The Broadcast entry is used to control the propagation of network broadcast packets on the network and to
what level they will propagate from the device. This is frequently opposite of the Netmask setting. This is
used by the PTP functions to advertise the presence of the server. Clicking the Submit button will set the
entered IP parameters.
3.2.5 Netmask.
The Netmask entry determines what addresses are on the local network and what addresses are reached
through the Gateway. Typical Netmasks are 255.255.0.0 or 255.255.255.0. Consult the network administrator
for more information on how this entry should be set. Clicking the Submit button will set the entered IP
parameters.
3.2.6 Gateway.
The Gateway IP address is used when a destination address is determine to not be on the local network.
Consult the network administrator for this setting. Clicking the Submit button will set the entered IP
parameters.
3.2.7 Time Zone Pull down.
Setting the time zone pull down allows the unit to know what time zone it is placed in. Clicking the Submit
button will set the entered IP parameters.
3.2.8 Password.
The Password of the unit can be changed in this field. The existing password is not displayed for security
purposes. Enter the new password and click the “Change Password” button to update. The VZ2 will then
prompt for the new password to be entered to continue access to the web pages.
Default Username: admin / Default Password: tmachine
3.3 Status Page.
The status page is an information only page. It shows the various pieces of information about the current
working state of the device.
3.3.1 Location.
Location shows the latitude and longitude of the device itself based on the GPS receiver.
3.3.2 Date/Time.
The Date/Time entry shows the current UTC date and time of the device. This is not the local time and is not
updated real time. Refreshing the page will update this time.
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Installation and Operation Manual
3.3.3 Time Zone.
Shows the time zone from the settings page as an offset from GMT. Subtracting this from the Date/Time
display will show the current local time.
3.3.4 Satellites Used.
This shows the current number of satellites that are in view and locked by the GPS receiver.
3.3.5 GPS Fix.
This displays the level of the current GPS lock. No GPS Fix – Check cable connections. If connected correctly,
likely the antenna needs a better view of the sky. Obstructions, building materials, window tinting can all
cause possible signal issues. 2D - GPS satellites found. 3D – Required for serving time.
3.3.6 MAC.
This is an information only field and displays the MAC address of the Time Server.
3.3.7 Uptime.
Time elapsed since last boot up.
3.3.8 Version.
Displays current soware version running on device.
3.3.9 Satellites.
This table shows the current list of locked satellites, their signal strengths (SNR), as well as their current
location over the planet. Refreshing the web page updates the table to their current values.
3.3.10 Clients.
This area is used to show the current PTP clients.
3.4 Update Page.
The update page is used to update firmware of the unit. The firmware updates will be archived and available
for download from the css-design.com website. Save the file to the local computers drives. Most likely the
file will need to be unzipped. The file type that is used for the update is a .img file. Browse to it using the
Choose File button on the Update Page. Once the file is found the update can begin. This process takes 20 to
25 minutes and power should not be removed during the process or the device may be unrecoverable. There
are periods of time where there may be little or no indication of the update process occurring, so its
important to give it plenty of time. Once completed, the unit will reset and resume operation. Login to the
device with a web browser to confirm the version update.
3.5 Diagnostics Page.
3.5.1 Diagnostics.
The button and check box associated with this portion of the web page is used to turn on and off NMEA string
dump into the log file. Turning this option on and leaving it on for long periods of time is not recommended
as it will increase the size of the log files dramatically.
3.5.2 Download Log Files.
Clicking the Download button will cause the VZ2 to create a binary format log file and initiate an HTTP
download. The binary log can be used by CSS as an aid in troubleshooting.
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Installation and Operation Manual
3.5.3 Reboot System.
Clicking the Reboot button will cause the VZ2 to do a soware based reset. This is a full kernel reset of the
unit and takes several seconds to complete.
3.6 NTP/PTP Settings Page.
The setup page can be used to turn and off the two major time server features. The current status of each is
shown in its section.
3.6.1 NTP Server.
The NTP daemon can be started and stopped from this page. By default, NTP support is enabled once 3D lock
is achieved. Click the desired option and then click the Submit button.
3.6.2 NTP Holdover Accuracy.
This slide bar is used to set your required accuracy during holdover when 3D lock is lost. This will range from
1ms @ 80 hrs to 10ms @ 250 hrs. The device will change to Stratum 16 when the set holdover time is expired
and 3D lock is not achieved.
3.6.3 PTP Transmission Method.
The PTP transmission method can be set to either Multi-cast or Unicast. Select the desired mode of operation
and click the Submit button.
3.6.4 Authentication Lease Time.
This slide bar is used to set your desired authentication lease. This can range from 8 hrs to 72 hrs.
3.7 About Page.
The About Page shows contact information and soware version of the device.
4. TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 GPS Lock.
Getting GPS lock on the Time Server is required for it to function. Most GPS lock issues come down to issues
with Antenna location, or cabling. If there are problems getting GPS lock (I.e. the Lock LED doesn't turn on
and the 1 PPS LED doesn't flash each second) trying moving the antenna outside and see if that resolves the
issue. If it does, try a window and see if lock is maintained. If that works, move the antenna back to its
original location and see if lock is lost. This will help determine where lock can be received and where it
cannot. If no lock is achieved outdoors, then something is either wrong with the cabling or the Time Server
itself. Contact CSS for help.
4.2 Resetting to Factory Defaults.
Front Panel Button - Push and hold the front panel button with a small object for 5 seconds. This will cause
the VZ2 to reset to factory default settings.
The front panel button, accessible with a paper clip or other small object, accessible from the front panel of
the VZ2 is used to reset the units soware settings to factory original. This is useful when a password is
forgotten or the IP address cannot be determined. To do this, insert a paper clip or ball point pen end through
the hole in the front of the unit until you feel the button depress. Hold this button down for a few seconds
and release the button by extracting the paper clip/pen. It should now have the factory default password and
IP address information.
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Installation and Operation Manual
5. SPECIFICATIONS
5.1 Time Server Features and Specifications.
• Receive time information from GPS satellites anywhere on the surface of the earth.
• RFC1119/1305 NTP Protocol to serve time (Network Time Protocol).
• RFC1769/2030/4330 SNTP Protocol (Simple Network Time Protocol).
• Server Time Level: Stratum 1.
• NTP Server Time Precision: better than 1mS + network jitter.
• PTP Server Time Precision: better than 3uS + network jitter.
• All networked computing platforms support time synchronization either natively or with add on drivers
including: Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. Many other devices can access the device as well including VoIP
phones and digital clocks.
• 10M/100M adaptive network interface.
• Unit is capable of serving 750+ NTP synchronizations per second. That provides support for over 600,000+
devices updating every 15 minutes on the network.
• Active Patch GPS antenna included. Magnetic base.
• Compliant with FCC Part 15B, and CE marked for radiated emissions and is a lead free product.
• Power Requirements: 5W at startup and 2.5W continuous at 12V DC.
• Environmental Requirements: Commercial temperature range, 0-70C, 95% humidity non-condensing.
Altitude -304m to 18,000m.
• Networking: Static or DHCP IPv4 addressing. Standard browser interface for setup.
• Indications: Power, GPS Signal Lock, and 1PPS indications.
• Rear Connections: Power, Cat5 Ethernet, Serial (NOT FOR CUSTOMER USE), and GPS antenna via SMA
connection. Supports +3.3V and 5V active GPS antennas with internal jumper setting.
• Serial port outputs data every two seconds, including the following items: - IP, Time, GPS fix, Time known,
ptpClockClass, ptpClockAccuracy, ntpStratum.
• Mechanical Dimensions: 5 in. x 4.2 in. x 1.3in.
5.2 GPS Module Specifications.
• Based on MediaTek MT3339 Chipset.
• 22 channel low power receiver module.
• Sensitivity: -165dBm.
• GPS Time Precision: +/- 10ns RMS jitter.
• Antenna Connection: 1575.42MHz (L1 Band).
• TTFF (Time To First Fix).
• Cold start @-125dBm typically 33 seconds.
• Re-acquisition (<10s obstruction) typically 1 second.
5.3 Antenna Specifications.
• Active patch antenna with magnetic base.
• Size: 1.57 in. x 1.89 in. x 0.51 in thick, 43 grams.
• Amplifier: LNA +20dB Noise: 1.5dB VSWR: 2.0 Voltage: 2.7-6.0V.
• Cable: RG174, 5m length, SMA male.
• Environmental: -40 to +85C.
• Waterproof to IPx6
(Specifications are subject to change without notice)
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