Masterclock NTP100 -SERIES User manual

NTP100 -SERIES
NETWORK TIME PROTOCOL SERVER
USER MANUAL
Masterclock, Inc. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
2484 W Clay St,, St Charles MO 63301 © Masterclock, Inc. Dec-04 Printed in USA

DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Masterclock, Inc. (hereinafter MC) makes
no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. MC shall not be liable for errors contained here in or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
See important limited warranty information at the end of this document.
ADVISORY NOTICE
CONCERNING GPS SATELLITE SYSTEM AND THE NTP100-GPS
Depending on many factors beyond the control of MC, the signals that are received from the GPS satellites are subject to
interference, fading, satellite failure and other influences that could cause the NTP100-GPS to provide erroneous time
and/or date information and, under some conditions, could prevent it from providing time/date information.
It is the responsibility of the user to determine the adequacy and suitability of this device for the intended use.
CONCERNING TIME CODE INPUT AND THE NTP100-TC
Depending on many factors beyond the control of MC, the signals that are received from the Time Code Input Source are
subject to interference, noise, loading effects and other influences such as time code format that could cause the
NTP100-TC to provide erroneous time and/or date information and, under some conditions, could prevent it from providing
time/date information.
It is the responsibility of the user to determine the adequacy and suitability of this device for the intended use.

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 © Masterclock®, Inc.
Table Of Contents
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................1
Introducing the NTP100 Family....................................................................................................................................1
UTC/Greenwich Mean Time.........................................................................................................................................1
NTP (Network Time Protocol)......................................................................................................................................1
GPS Satellites (model NTP100-GPS only)....................................................................................................................2
Installation...........................................................................................................................................................................2
Operating Environment....................................................................................................................................................2
GPS Antenna and Cable (model NTP100-GPS only).........................................................................................................2
Antenna Location.........................................................................................................................................................2
Pre-Installation Checklist .................................................................................................................................................3
Network Security/Topology Considerations..................................................................................................................3
Quick Start Information....................................................................................................................................................3
Initial I/O Connections and Operation...........................................................................................................................3
Start-Up and GPS Satellite Acquisition (model NTP100-GPS)......................................................................................6
Start-Up and Time Code Acquisition (model NTP100-TC)............................................................................................6
Input Impedance.......................................................................................................................................................6
Input Level...............................................................................................................................................................6
Time Code Input Select ............................................................................................................................................6
Front-Panel Behavior .......................................................................................................................................................7
Major Feature Overview...................................................................................................................................................7
DHCP/BOOTP Auto-Configuration..............................................................................................................................7
NTP Broadcasts............................................................................................................................................................8
Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................................8
Battery Backed RTC and Configuration............................................................................................................................8
Reset Factory-Default Configuration ................................................................................................................................8
Default Password.............................................................................................................................................................8
Configuration Methods.....................................................................................................................................................8
WinDiscovery..............................................................................................................................................................9
Potential Communication Problems ..........................................................................................................................9
Using WinDiscovery................................................................................................................................................9
Properties...............................................................................................................................................................10
Network Settings....................................................................................................................................................11
Device Settings.......................................................................................................................................................11
Set Password..........................................................................................................................................................14
Set Time/Date.........................................................................................................................................................15
Status.....................................................................................................................................................................18
Telnet Terminal Configuration....................................................................................................................................19
Set Device Name....................................................................................................................................................20
Set IP Configuration ...............................................................................................................................................20
Set/Reset Password.................................................................................................................................................21
Set Display Intensity...............................................................................................................................................21
Set NTP Stratum Levels..........................................................................................................................................21
Set NTP Server Port................................................................................................................................................22
Set NTP Broadcast Options.....................................................................................................................................22
Configure Telnet Interface......................................................................................................................................22
Set Reference Identifier ..........................................................................................................................................23
Set RTC Backup/Time Dissemination Options........................................................................................................23
Set Time/Date Options............................................................................................................................................23
Exiting Telnet.........................................................................................................................................................24
RS-232 Terminal Configuration (specific to models NTP100-GPS and NTP100-OSC only) ........................................25
NTP Client Information......................................................................................................................................................25
Dimension 4...............................................................................................................................................................25
TimeSync...................................................................................................................................................................25

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 © Masterclock®, Inc.
XNTP ........................................................................................................................................................................25
Win32Time (W32Time) .............................................................................................................................................25
Disclaimer..................................................................................................................................................................26
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................................................................................................................26
Problem: You have lost your password .......................................................................................................................27
Problem: The UTC date/time is incorrect and the unit does not retain configuration settings when powered up. ...........27
Time Code Decoding Issues ...........................................................................................................................................27
Problem: The UTC time (&/or date ) is incorrect.........................................................................................................28
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................................29
Communications –Protocol............................................................................................................................................29
Communications –I/O...................................................................................................................................................29
Time Code Input –(model –TC).....................................................................................................................................29
Power Requirements ......................................................................................................................................................29
Physical .........................................................................................................................................................................29
Pre-Amplified Antenna (required for model NTP100-GPS only) ................................................................................29
Operating/Storage Temperature & Humidity...............................................................................................................30
LIMITED WARRANTY .......................................................................................................................................................31
Exclusions.......................................................................................................................................................................31
Warranty Limitations.........................................................................................................................................................31
Exclusive Remedies ..........................................................................................................................................................31

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 1© Masterclock®, Inc.
Introduction
Introducing the NTP100 Family
The NTP100 is a family of high-precision Ethernet network time servers, utilizing the Network Time Protocol (NTP).
The NTP100 family of NTP time servers, consists of the following NTP100 members:
MODEL Primary Reference Secondary Reference
NTP100-GPS External GPS satellite signal
•internal GPS receiver
•requires external GPS antenna
Internal TCXO & RTC
NTP100-TC External Time Code signal using
•internal time code decoder
•requires external SMPTE 30/25/24 fps or
IRIG-B/B(1) time code source
Internal TCXO & RTC
NTP100-OSC Internal TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal
Oscillator) , & RTC (real-time clock) reference. None
Each NTP100 device can operate on a local area network (LAN) or act as an enterprise-wide source for traceably
accurate time and date distribution, depending upon your network configuration.
Each NTP100 device includes the WinDiscovery configuration & management software, as well as a Telnet interface
for configuration and maintenance. Other common features include:
•Internal clock with temperature controlled oscillator (TCXO), retains time during loss of power (all models) ,GPS
satellite signal (model –GPS), or time code signal (model –TC).
•Supports NTP broadcast and/or query mode.
•Fully configurable network settings, including DHCP/BOOTP or Static IP addressing support
•Security features include password protection of configuration, encrypted communication, and the ability to disable
telnet management access
•Adjustable time display brightness
•Status display to remotely monitor status and behavior
•Selectable Stratum Identification levels
UTC/Greenwich Mean Time
UTC is a time standard which is the basis for the worldwide system of civil time. This time scale is kept by time laboratories
around the world, including the U.S. Naval Observatory, and is determined using highly precise atomic clocks. The UTC
scale is coordinated in Paris by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
UTC runs at the rate of the atomic clocks, but when the difference between this atomic time and one based on the Earth
approaches one second, a one second adjustment (a "leap second") is made in UTC.
UTC is the local time at the prime reference meridian at Greenwich, England. At a given location on the planet, local time
can be displaced (referenced to UTC) by -11 to +12 hours. North and South America are from -3 to -11 hours delayed; most
of Europe and Africa and all of Asia and Australia are advanced by +1 to +12 hours. Because the NTP time distribution
standard operates with UTC-reference time only, time zone and/or daylight savings (summer) time are not used.
UTC is sometimes colloquially referred to as "Greenwich Mean Time" (abbreviated GMT).
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
NTP is an open-standard time synchronization protocol designed for precision synchronization and maintenance of
time/date on computers and other devices attached to TCP/IP networks. NTP itself is transported with the UDP/IP
(User Datagram Protocol), and is usually served on port 123. NTP time/date is UTC-referenced, as the protocol has no
provisions for representing time zones or daylight savings (summer) time.

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 2© Masterclock®, Inc.
A wealth of useful NTP information and resources can be found at http://www.ntp.org
GPS Satellites (model NTP100-GPS only)
The GPS satellites are operated and maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense and allow for the precise determination of
local time and location at any point on (or above) the Earth. This is accomplished via the transmission of very accurate
timing information from a series of satellites that provide coverage of the entire planet.
The NTP100-GPS derives the precision UTC time that it serves from the GPS satellite network using an internal GPS
receiver and requires the connection of a pre-amplified GPS antenna.
Installation
Operating Environment
The NTP100 is not water or moisture proof and is designed for indoor use only. Treat it as you would any other
delicate electronic device and do not expose it to water, excessive heat or physical abuse. Please see the
“Specifications” section.
GPS Antenna and Cable (model NTP100-GPS only)
The NTP100-GPS requires a pre-amplified antenna. It provides 5 VDC via the center pin of the coaxial for remote power.
[WARNING: Attaching a passive (non pre-amplified) antenna to the NTP100 could destroy the GPS receiver module.
This is a major repair cost which is not covered by warranty.]
The unit is tested and shipped with the appropriate cable for the antenna that was ordered. Should you require a longer
antenna cable we recommend that you contact MC so that a properly matched cable and antenna can be supplied.
Although changing the GPS antenna or coaxial cable is not technically difficult, you are on your own should you decide to
make such changes. We do not warrant or support operation with any hardware not installed or supplied by us.
The coaxial cable should not be crushed, crimped or bent at a sharp angle nor should it be strained by pulling. Any damage
to the cable could result in the NTP100-GPS not functioning properly. If the cable is to be coiled for storage, the coil
diameter should be at least 6”.
Antenna Location
Depending on the type of building where the NTP100-GPS is located and obstructions that may block reception of signals
from the GPS satellites, the antenna may have to be located where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. In some cases this
can be accomplished by placing the antenna adjacent to a window. In most cases it will require mounting the antenna outside
of the building or on a roof. In the worse case, the basic requirement for assured system operation is that the antenna module
have a clear and unobstructed view of the sky for initial satellite acquisition and lock. It is possible that the system will
operate indoors and under other obstructions however this can only be determined empirically; it is not guaranteed.
If a longer cable is required, cables of various lengths (up to 500 feet) with pre-amplified antennas are available from
Masterclock, Inc.
[Note: bringing the NTP100-GPS up for the first time with an indoor antenna may prevent or significantly increase the
time to first fix.]

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 3© Masterclock®, Inc.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing an NTP100 one should be prepared with the following basic configuration information that the device will
require. It may be necessary to obtain some or all of this information from a network administrator in your organization.
•IP address
•Gateway (router)
•Net mask
•Domain name servers
-or –
•Confirm availability of DHCP/BOOTP server (for dynamic networking configuration)
All Masterclock, Inc. network appliances can be provided with a verbose name. The name is not used for any internal
purpose by the NTP100 and is arbitrary. It may be useful for organizing and managing devices once installed at a facility.
By default, device names are the product name abbreviation followed by the device’s ethernet address (MAC address).
Customers may wish to designate names relating to their own organizational requirements. It is recommended that a robust
naming scheme be developed before devices are installed to different locations within an organization.
Network Security/Topology Considerations
Networks separated by physical routers will often block UDP broadcasts preventing WinDiscovery from locating
devices on a remote network. Under such circumstances, WinDiscovery must be operated from a computer
within the remote network or routers separating the networks must be configured to pass through (both directions)
UDP broadcasts on port 6163. Consult your network administrator for additional information.
Personal computer firewall applications, such as ZoneAlarmTM or BlackICETM, may also prevent WinDiscovery
from operating correctly. Configure the firewall to allow bi-direction UDP traffic on port 6163.
Quick Start Information
Initial I/O Connections and Operation
Refer to the table below and begin your installation at the step indicated for your NTP100 model number.
MODEL Front Panel View Rear Panel View Begin at
NTP100-GPS STEP 1
NTP100-TC STEP 3
NTP100-OSC STEP 4

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 4© Masterclock®, Inc.
Model NTP100-GPS
1. Locate the antenna in a suitable area so that the top of the antenna module has a clear view of the sky. Do not move it
until after the NTP100-GPS has achieved satellite lock (explained below).
2. Connect the antenna coax to the gold SMA connector on the rear of the unit (labeled Antenna).
Continue at step 4
Model NTP100-TC
3. Connect the time code signal cable to BNC female connector on the rear of the unit (labeled Time Code Input), and then
to a valid UTC referenced time code signal source.
[Note: The NTP100-TC auto-detects and decodes the date encoded incoming time code signal as UTC referenced time and
treats the incoming time code signal as UTC referenced. Non-date encoded SMPTE or IRIG-B/B(1)
Continue at step 4
All NTP100 Models
4. Connect an RJ-45 10-baseT ethernet cable to the female RJ-45 connector on the rear of the unit (labeled Ethernet), and
then to a hub or switch on your ethernet network.
NTP100-GPS Rear View
NTP100-TC Rear View

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 5© Masterclock®, Inc.
5. Apply power by inserting the power supply module into an appropriate AC power source and the power connector into
the male Switchcraft-style locking power socket on the rear of the unit (labeled DC IN).
6. If desired the unit can be operated from a nominal 12 VDC battery (9-18 VDC range). Observe voltage polarity as
indicated on the rear panel (the center pin is positive +VDC, and is labeled 9 -28VDC).
7. When power is first applied the initial sequence of the front panel LED is:
•amber and green LEDs on briefly, with time display showing 88:88:88
•all LEDs extinguish briefly
•amber (NTP) LED out, green (Status) LED steady on
•green (Status) LED begins twice per second blink, with time display incrementing the seconds digit once per second
(indicating locked to internal TCXO oscillator , and acquiring lock to an external source, if applicable).
•Green (Status) LED begins to blink once per second and time display increments the seconds digit once per second
when synchronized to an external reference source, if applicable.
[Note: when configured to obtain network configuration through DHCP, the display may hesitate on startup
while DHCP is resolved.]
At this time the NTP100 can be communicated with over the local network using the WinDiscovery application.
WinDiscovery can find and identify the NTP100 through the exchange of broadcast messages even when TCP/IP
networking parameters are not configured on the same network.
Once the NTP100 has a valid network configuration it can also be accessed via Telnet by computers in the same
logical network.
NTP100
-
Rear View , Common to all models
-
NTP100
-
Front Panel, Common to all models

NTP100 –Rev 1.0.1 Dec-04 6© Masterclock®, Inc.
In situations where providing basic network configuration via WinDiscovery application is not practical, the
NTP100-GPS and NTP100-OSC can also be configured through an RS232 terminal interface. To use this feature,
connect an RS232 terminal (or PC serial port) to the DB-9 connector on the rear of the chassis with a straight-
through 9-pin cable. Once connected, press ENTER once to display the login/menu screen. Note this serial port
is not available in the model NTP100-TC.
Start-Up and GPS Satellite Acquisition (model NTP100-GPS)
When the NTP100-GPS is initially powered up, after having been shipped to a new location, the time to first fix (time the
unit takes to acquire satellites and extract correct time) could be up to 25 minutes although it is typically 5 -15 minutes.
Factors such as atmospheric conditions, type of antenna, antenna location, and antenna cable length will affect the time to
first fix.
The NTP100-GPS’s navigation module is connected to a backup battery that maintains startup data when the unit is powered
down. If, when starting up, the location, time and number of satellites that the unit can receive has not changed significantly
since last power down then the unit will start up much faster.
Start-Up and Time Code Acquisition (model NTP100-TC)
When the NTP100-TC is initially powered up, after having been shipped to a new location, the time to first fix (time the unit
takes to detect, acquire, decode, gain adjust time code and extract correct time) could be up to 90 seconds although it is
typically 30 seconds or less. Factors such as the time code input signal level, time code signal type, time code cable length
and type, and system noise, will affect the time to first fix.
Input Impedance
The input impedance for the Masterclock TC time code decoder circuit is considered to be relatively high , typically
>100kOhm. This high input impedance allows for connecting multiple Masterclock TCR load devices in parallel without
loading and/or distorting the time code input signal.
Input Level
The input level is controlled via an automatic gain control circuit. The NTP100-TC firmware will automatically determine
the appropriate gain control setting for your incoming time code dB level.
The NTP100-TC cannot adjust for time code signal levels outside the range of -15 and +20dB.
The NTP100-TC requires up to 30 seconds to complete automatic gain control when decoding SMPTE or IRIG-B/B1. When
proper gain control has been achieved the incoming time code type and raw time code should be read and displayed on the
status screen in WinDiscovery, and the front panel status LED on the card will blink once per second.
Time Code Input Select
The NTP100-TC will automatically detect which format of time code is being provided upon initial power up with a valid
time code source, or if the time code input is varied. No user -programmable hardware or software adjustments are
necessary.
The NTP100-TC contains a time code decoder circuit which is designed to autodetect and decode time code information
along with date information from the following date encoded time code formats:
•SMPTE (30/25/25 fps) to Leitch Date Encoding Standard,
•IRIG-B pulse width coded (unmodulated) DC, to IEEE 1344 standard,
•IRIG-B(1) 1 kHz Amplitude Modulated, IEEE 1344 standard
Note: The time code input and date information is required and expected to be UTC. Time zone and/or Daylight Saving
Offset is not supported.