Masterclock TCDS Series User manual

TCDS Series Digital Clocks
User Manual

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.2 Page 2
Table of Contents
Forward ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Disclaimer..............................................................................................................................................................................5
Copyrights .............................................................................................................................................................................5
Trademarks ...........................................................................................................................................................................5
Icons Used In This Manual ....................................................................................................................................................5
Printing..................................................................................................................................................................................5
Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 6
CE Marking ............................................................................................................................................................................6
FCC Statement.......................................................................................................................................................................6
WEEE .....................................................................................................................................................................................7
RoHS......................................................................................................................................................................................7
Introduction................................................................................................................................... 8
IRIG-B ....................................................................................................................................................................................8
SMPTE ...................................................................................................................................................................................8
Features ................................................................................................................................................................................8
General Use Precautions.......................................................................................................................................................9
Unpacking and Installation ........................................................................................................... 10
Supplied (Ship Kit) ...............................................................................................................................................................10
Connections ........................................................................................................................................................................11
Mounting.............................................................................................................................................................................12
Wall Mount Bracket ............................................................................................................................................................12
Rack Mount Bracket............................................................................................................................................................14
Swivel Mount Bracket .........................................................................................................................................................14
Operating Environment ................................................................................................................ 16
Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................16
Time Zone Offsets ...............................................................................................................................................................17
Daylight Saving Time ...........................................................................................................................................................17
Pre 2007 Standard – U.S.A. and Canada .........................................................................................................................17
Post 2006 Standard – U.S.A. and Canada........................................................................................................................17
EU Standard – European Union.......................................................................................................................................17
Freewheeling Accuracy .......................................................................................................................................................18
TCXO and RTC circuit.......................................................................................................................................................18
Maintenance-free Rechargeable Battery........................................................................................................................18
Default Configuration..........................................................................................................................................................18
TCD-Set ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Installation ..........................................................................................................................................................................20
USB Device Driver ...............................................................................................................................................................21
Installing the Device Driver .............................................................................................................................................21
Device Manager ..................................................................................................................................................................21
Using TCD-Set, USB Configuration Utility............................................................................................................................22
Time Zone Offset.............................................................................................................................................................24
Daylight Saving Time .......................................................................................................................................................24
Time Code Settings..........................................................................................................................................................25
Display Properties ...........................................................................................................................................................25
Set Date Time..................................................................................................................................................................26
Set To Default Configuration...........................................................................................................................................26

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.2 Page 3
Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 27
Communications I/O........................................................................................................................................................... 27
Power Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
AC.................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Internal Battery Circuit ....................................................................................................................................................... 28
Maintenance Free Rechargeable Battery ....................................................................................................................... 28
Operating/Storage Temperature and Humidity ................................................................................................................. 28
Size and Weight .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Care and Cleaning......................................................................................................................... 29
Job Site Precautions............................................................................................................................................................ 29
Stainless Steel Case............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Compatible Cleaners and Polish ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Washing to Minimize Scratching ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Minimize Hairline Scratches ............................................................................................................................................... 30
"Don't" - Very Important .................................................................................................................................................... 30
Cleaning the Lens................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Foreign Substance Removal................................................................................................................................................ 30
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................... 31
Clock is displaying dashes (- - - - ) and/or colon’s are flashing (i.e. unable to “lock” to time code)................................... 31
Not displaying the correct local time and/or date. ............................................................................................................ 32
Clock did not properly negotiate the DST........................................................................................................................... 32
UTC time and/or date is incorrect. ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Limited Warranty ......................................................................................................................... 33
Exclusions ........................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Limitations .......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Exclusive Remedies............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Service Information ...................................................................................................................... 34
RMA Policy.......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Contacting Us...................................................................................................................................................................... 34

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TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 5
Forward
Disclaimer
The material in this document is for information only and subject to change without notice. While
reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy,
Masterclock, Inc. assumes no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this document or from the
use of the information contained herein. Masterclock, Inc. reserves the right to make changes or
revisions in the product design or the product manual without reservation and without obligation to
notify any person of such revisions and changes
Copyrights
Copyright © 2011 Masterclock, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of
Masterclock, Inc.
Trademarks
Windows is a registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks mentioned in this
manual are the property of their respective owners.
Icons Used In This Manual
Caution: This icon signifies a potential hazard, and gives tips on how to avoid them.
Important Information: This icon indicates to an important step that must be followed.
Technical Note: This icon describes technical terms and actions.
Helpful Hint: This icon suggests the general setup and practice.
Printing
While optimized for onscreen viewing, the pages of this manual are formatted for printing on
8 1/2” x 11” and A4 sized paper, giving you the option to print the entire manual or just a specific
page or section.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 6
Compliance
CE Marking
Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EC
Tested and Conforms to the following EMC standards :
EN 55024:1998 +A1 +A2
EN 61000-4-2:1995 +A1:1998 +A2:2001 (Electrostatic Discharge)
EN 61000-4-3:2000 +A1:2008 (RF Immunity)
EN 61000-4-4:2004 (Fast Transient Common Mode)
EN 61000-4-5:2006 (Surge)
EN 61000-4-6:2007 (RF Injection Common Mode)
EN 61000-4-8:1993 +A1:2001 (Power Frequency Magnetic Field)
EN 61000-4-11:2004 (Voltage Dips)
EN 61000-6-3:2006 +A1:2009 +A2:2009 (EMC Emissions Generic Commercial)
EN 55022:2006 +A1:2007
CISPR22
EN 61000-3-2:2006 (Harmonic Current Emission)
EN 61000-3-3:2008 (Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker) (TCDS26)
EN 61000-3-3:1995 +A1:2001 +A2:2005 (Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker) (TCDS29)
Low voltage directive 2006/95/EC
Tested and Conforms to the following Safety standards:
EN 60950-1:2006 (Safety of Information Technology Equipment)
Certificated By CELAB®www.celab.com
UCN = 800425240291 (TCDS26)
UCN = 800342569958
(TCDS29)
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a commercial/residential installation.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 7
WEEE
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/95/EC
The TCDS series is considered WEEE Category 9 (Monitoring and Control
Instruments Equipment) as defined by the WEEE Directive and therefore fall within
the scope of the WEEE Directive.
For more information about Masterclock’s WEEE compliance and recycle program,
please visit: http://www.masterclock.com/rohs_compliance.php
RoHS
Compliant
by
Exemption
Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC
The RoHS directive covers the same scope of electrical and electronic equipment
that are under the WEEE directive, except that Category 8, Medical Devices, and
Category 9, Monitoring and Control Instruments, which are under WEEE, are
excluded from the RoHS directive.
The TCDS series fall under the category of Monitoring and Control Instruments
Equipment (Category 9 as defined in Annex 1A of WEEE 2002/96/EC Directive)
which is excluded from the RoHS directive 2002/95/EC (reference Article 2,
paragraph 1) requirements.
These products are manufactured using lead in the soldering process as allowed
for items excluded from the RoHS directive. These units are RoHS Compliant only
in that they are excluded from the RoHS directive under Category 9, Monitoring
and Control Instruments.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 8
Introduction
The TCDS is a precision, multi-featured time code driven digital time display. The TCDS decodes IRIG-B
and SMPTE linear/longitudinal time code formats to function as a clock.
IRIG-B
Defined by the Range Commanders Council, U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range. The format is
used by military, government, power industry and many other commercial and industrial
applications. The TCDS decodes IRIG-B in both a 1 kHz modulated (IRIG-B1) and un-
modulated/pulse width coded/DC level shifted (IRIG-B0) format. All formats of IRIG-B time code
decoded by the TCDS use the time of year information BCD (Binary Coded Decimal). All formats
of IRIG-B time code decoded by the TCDS also use the extended year/date and time zone
information in the control functions as defined by the IEEE 1344 specification. SBS (Straight
Binary Seconds) information is not decoded. Manchester format/encoding is not supported.
The TCDS can be configured for world-wide time zone offset and automatic DST (Daylight Saving
Time) adjustment and allows for reliable, accurate and maintenance free operation. Use of the
automatic DST feature requires that the clock be enabled to accept the time code date encoding,
using the USB port and TCD-Set software application. The time code source must provide date
encoding in the control bits/fields to the Masterclock/Leitch date encoding standard for SMPTE or the
IEEE-1344 year encoding for IRIG-B.
SMPTE
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers format is available in frame rates of 24, 25, and 30
frames second. The TCDS time code clock supports all three formats. All formats of SMPTE time code
decoded by the TCDS use the full date information in the user bits as defined by Leitch, Inc.
The TCDS does not support decoding of SMPTE drop-frame, reverse running, VITC, NTSC,
color frame, blackburst or other video time code formats and synchronization options.
Please refer to the “Specifications” section of this document for additional details on
each model. For available options, visit Masterclock’s website: www.masterclock.com
Features
•Time or Date display
•24 or 12 hour display mode
•DOY (Day of Year) on TCDS29
•AM/PM indicator (12 hour mode)
•+12 to -11 hour time zone offsets
•Programmable time and date when time code not present
•Automatic level adjustment to incoming time code signals
•Automatic detection of time code type and date encoding availability
•Retains time and date during loss of power and/or time code using a battery backed real-time
clock (RTC) and maintenance free rechargeable battery

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 9
General Use Precautions
Do not expose this clock to temperatures outside the range of 0° C to 50° C (32° F to 122° F). Placing
your device in an environment that is too cold or humid may damage the unit. Do not place heavy
objects on top of this clock or use excessive force on it. Never use benzene, paint thinners, detergent
or other chemical products to clean the outside of this clock. Such products will disfigure and discolor
the casing.
Please refer to the “Care and Cleaning” section of this document for details on cleaning and
recommended products.
The Masterclocks's TCDS warranty may be void as a result of the failure to respect the
precautions stated above.
Only qualified persons are authorized to carry out maintenance on this device. Read this User’s
Manual carefully, and follow the correct procedure when setting up the device. Do not open your
Masterclock product or attempt to disassemble or modify it.
Never insert any metallic object into the clocks case, doing so increases the risk of electrical
shock, short circuiting, fire or personal injury.
Never expose your clock to rain or use it near water or in damp or wet conditions. Never
place objects containing liquids on or near this clock, as they may spill into its openings
increasing the risk of electrical shock, short circuiting, fire or personal injury.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 10
Unpacking and Installation
Supplied (Ship Kit)
The list below is for illustration purposes. Refer to your sales order for actual items shipped.
•TCDS digital clock/date display
•Mounting bracket
•CD-ROM (TCD-Set USB Configuration Utility and User Manual)
•Power cord
TCDS29 * shown with optional rack mount brackets
Powder coated steel case
9 Digit Display (Day of Year)
TCDS26
Powder coated steel case
6 Digit Display
CD-ROM IEC power cord (select power option when ordering)

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 11
Connections
Un-balanced Signal: Connect the 50 ohm (Ω)
RG59 coaxial cable (not included) to the BNC
connector, located on the back panel.
Balanced Signal: Secure the wires (not included) to
the terminal block, located on the back panel.
AC: Insert the IEC, AC power cord into the
IEC socket located on the back panel.
UDC-RCU control: Insert the 6P6C cable,
included with UDC-RCU, in to the RJ12 socket.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 12
Mounting
The TCDS digital time display is designed for table, wall or rack mount. Power and low voltage signal
wiring should be installed according to local electrical codes, so to access the back of the clock.
Do not route power or signal cables between the case and the wall (along the exterior of the
wall), which may pinch the power or signal cable and create a hazardous condition.
Wall Mount Bracket
A wall mounting bracket is supplied which has been designed to fit on either a standard 2”x 4” or 4” x
4” conduit box. Mount the bracket on the wall/conduit box, attach the power cord and RG58 coax
cable and secure the clock to the bracket using the supplied retaining screws.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 13

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 14
Rack Mount Bracket
Attach the time code cable and power cord, and then secure the clock to the
equipment rack or cabinet.
Swivel Mount Bracket
Mount both swivel brackets to the wall, attach the time code cable and power cord and secure
the clock to the brackets using the supplied retaining screws.

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Operating Environment
The TCDS contains microprocessor control electronics designed to operate indoors between 32˚to
140°F (0˚to 60˚C) with 0-90% relative humidity, non-condensing.
The TCDS is not water or moisture proof. Treat it as you would any other delicate electronic
device and do not expose it to water, excessive heat or physical abuse.
Operation
After applying power, the clock will go through an internal check. Time from the RTC backup will be
applied until a Time Code reference is acquired.
Connect a valid time code signal to either the unbalanced BNC connector or balanced terminal block
located on the back of the clock.
The time code input circuit of the TCDS can automatically detect and synchronize to either a
single-ended unbalanced or a differential balanced time code signal.
Once a source of IRIG-B or SMPTE time code is “Locked”, the time should appear on the display. If the
time code signal is lost or disconnected, the TCDS will continue to display time based on its internal
reference until the time code signal is returned.
The colons of the clock display will flash when the time displayed is not locked to time code. When
time code is present and decoding properly the colons will remain steady-on.
If the TCDS is configured for a 12-hour time display mode an AM/PM indicator will appear in the
bottom right corner of the display during the PM hours.
To change the display to/from local time, the user must select the time zone offset for the region of
interest and if desired, the optional DST feature which automatically adjusts according to the
currently entered DST rules.
In the event that a time code source is not present, the unit is designed to operate as a standard
(stand-alone) clock using the built in RTC (Real Time Clock). The RTC is battery backed with a
maintenance free rechargeable battery. When operating in time/date display mode the operator may
program time and date information into the clock.
When time and/or date information is available from the time code source it will always
override any operator-programmed information.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 17
Time Zone Offsets
The TCDS time display maintains time as UTC initially. A time zone offset or bias can be provided to
adjust the time for display purposes. A bias can be set as a positive (+) or negative (-) value with a
resolution of one second.
If the time code being input into the TCDS is different from UTC do not adjust the time zone
and/or DST offset.
Daylight Saving Time
An automatic daylight saving time (summer time for European Union) adjustment can be configured
separately and in addition to a time zone offset.
The incoming time code must have a date encoded in a format recognized by the TCDS
for daylight savings time adjustments to be performed. For best reliability Masterclock
recommends a time code source that encodes full date information, such as
Masterclock’s GPS200A time code generator.
For SMPTE time codes, date must be encoded to the Leitch specification. IRIG-B date decoding is
supported for the IEEE 1344 standard. Masterclock’s master clock system also supports these
specifications.
Pre 2007 Standard – U.S.A. and Canada
Traditional US/Canada daylight/summer time is configured as one (1) hour positive bias. For
the U.S. (through 2006) and Canada, daylight savings time begins on the first Sunday of April
at 2:00AM (Local Time) and ends on the last Sunday of October at 2:00AM (Local Time).
Post 2006 Standard – U.S.A. and Canada
On August 8, 2005, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed. This Act changed the time
change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S, effective in 2007. DST now begins on the
second Sunday of March at 2:00 AM (Local Time) and end the first Sunday of November at
2:00 AM (Local Time).
EU Standard – European Union
In the European Union, daylight change times are defined relative to the UTC time of day
instead of local time of day (like in the U.S.). For the European Union, summertime period
begins at 1:00 AM UTC on the last Sunday of March and ends at 1:00 AM UTC on the last
Sunday of October. European customers, please carefully consult the section entitled Device
Settings for details on setting daylight time.
To ensure proper year-around operation, daylight time adjustments must be configured
using the daylight time option and not with the time zone offset option.

TCDS Series User Manual – Rev. 2.0.1 Page 18
Freewheeling Accuracy
The TCDS has built-in provisions to allow the clock to freewheel and maintain accuracy for extended
periods in the absence of time code. These features also allow the unit to be set manually and run
without time code with precision.
TCXO and RTC circuit
The TCDS contains a precision TCXO ( Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) and RTC
(Real Time Clock) circuit allowing the clock to maintain an accuracy of +/- 1 minute per year to
the last known time code input (+/- 165 mS per day) when time code is not present or cannot
be decoded (i.e. freewheeling mode).
Maintenance-free Rechargeable Battery
The RTC and TCXO are maintained continuously from a rechargeable battery circuit during
periods of power outage. Minimum holdover period is two weeks once the battery is
charged.
Default Configuration
The TCDS digital clock maintains its configuration data in non-volatile flash memory allowing the unit
to retain configuration settings even when power is off. The clock may be configured by using the
Windows software application, TCD-Set configuration utility and a USB cable.
The TCDS ships from the factory with the following configuration as defined below.
SETTING CONFIGURATION SELECTION
Disabled
Time Zone Offset
Disabled
Daylight Savings Time
Enabled
Date information in time code
Enabled
24 Hour format
The TCDS ships from the factory with “Time Zone / Time Offset” options set to off in
order to display UTC time.
The TCDS interprets the incoming time code as UTC.

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TCD-Set
The TCD-Set configuration utility is a program designed to run under the Microsoft Windows
operating system and is supplied with the time code clock.
Installation
To install the software program on your Windows server, workstation or PC, complete the following
steps.
1. Insert the CD, “Time Code Products”, supplied with your time display.
2. Run “Setup_TCD-Set.exe” executable file from the TCDS folder. By default, the setup utility
will install the files to C:\Program Files\Masterclock\TCD-Set\.