Meinberg DCF600USB User manual

SETUP GUIDE
DCF600USB
USB Radio-Controlled
Clock/DCF77 Receiver
November 29, 2021
Meinberg Funkuhren GmbH & Co. KG

Table of Contents
1 Imprint 1
2 Introduction 2
2.1 HowtheDCF600USBWorks........................................ 2
2.2 GeneralInformationaboutDCF77..................................... 3
3 Important Safety Information 4
3.1 Important Safety Instructions and Protective Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 UsedSymbols................................................. 5
3.3 SafetyduringInstallation.......................................... 7
3.4 CleaningandCare.............................................. 8
3.5 Return of Electrical and Electronic Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 DCF600USB: Connectors and LEDs 10
4.1 Antenna Input: DCF77 Reference Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 StatusLEDs.................................................. 12
4.3 USB2.0High-SpeedInterface....................................... 12
5 Before You Start 13
5.1 Unboxing.................................................... 13
5.2 DisposalofPackagingMaterials...................................... 14
5.3 Downloading the Monitoring Utility (MbgMon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 Installation of the DCF77 Antenna 15
7 System Installation 21
8 Configuration of the DCF600USB 22
8.1 Configuring the DCF600USB as the Reference Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8.2 StartingtheTimeService.......................................... 24
9 DCF600USB Technical Specifications 25
10 We Care About Your Opinion 26
11 RoHS and WEEE 27
12 Declaration of Conformity 28
Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

1 Imprint
1 Imprint
Meinberg Funkuhren GmbH & Co. KG
Lange Wand 9, 31812 Bad Pyrmont, Germany
Phone: + 49 (0) 52 81 / 93 09 - 0
Fax: + 49 (0) 52 81 / 93 09 - 230
Website: https://www.meinbergglobal.com
Email: [email protected]
Date: November 29, 2021
Manual
Version: 2.02
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 1

2 Introduction
This Setup Guide provides you with step-by-step guidance on how to set up your Meinberg product for the
first time.
The individual chapters address topics such as the general features of the DCF600USB, the proper instal-
lation procedure, and the main technical specifications. This Setup Guide also describes the main parameters
needed to quickly set up and configure your product using the Meinberg Monitoring Utility (MbgMon).
2.1 How the DCF600USB Works
This compact unit is integrated into a plastic housing which also includes receiver and power supply compo-
nents. Four LEDs are used to provide status information such as the successful demodulation of time markers
and the synchronization status.
The DCF600USB radio-controlled clock is designed to be operated on a USB interface and can therefore
be used to synchronize the clock of the PC to which it is connected. This is especially useful on PCs that have
no RS-232 interface and no available PCI slot. The USB port is used to supply the module with the necessary
power, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
The signal from the DCF77 transmitter is received by the integrated ferrite antenna and passed to a narrowband
direct receiver, which in turn transfers the demodulated time markers to the DCF600USB’s microcontroller. The
microcontroller decodes the time markers provided by the receiver circuit and uses this data to generate accurate
date and time information. If the integrity check of this time information is successful, the information is also
subjected to a plausibility check using two consecutive time strings. If this plausibility check is also successful,
the internal software clock is adjusted to the decoded time.
2 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

2 Introduction
2.2 General Information about DCF77
The radio-controlled clocks manufactured by Meinberg receive their signal from the DCF77 long-wave transmit-
ter, which is installed in Mainflingen near Frankfurt in Germany and transmits the reference time of the Federal
Republic of Germany. This time reference will either be Central European Time (CET) or Central European
Summer Time (CEST), depending on the time of year.
The transmitter is controlled by the atomic clocks of the PTB, Germany’s national metrology institute lo-
cated in Braunschweig, and transmits the current time of day, date of the month and day of the week in coded
pulse signals once a second. A complete record of the current time is transmitted once each minute as a 59-bit
signal.
This signal is transmitted over the high-precision 77.5 kHz carrier frequency. At the start of each second,
the amplitude of the carrier wave is lowered to around 15 % for 0.1 or 0.2 seconds. These amplitude reductions
consitute one-per-second markers that contain the binary-coded time information; a marker lasting 0.1 seconds
represents a binary "0", while a marker lasting 0.2 seconds represents a binary "1". The information on the time
of day and the date as well as a number of parity and status bits are provided in the markers from 17 seconds
to 58 seconds in each minute. The absence of the 59-second marker is used to signal the start of a new minute.
The radio-controlled clocks that we produce can receive this high-precision time information from anywhere
in Germany, and also fully reliably in Germany’s neighbouring countries, with reception documented as far
afield as Bilbao in Spain or the town of Umeå in northern Sweden. DCF77 clock modules adjust to summertime
and wintertime changes (Daylight Saving Time) automatically. The provision of this time signal is a public
service that does not require payment of a license fee or registration.
You should generally ensure that the receiver antenna is positioned in such a way as to receive the best
possible signal. It should be pointed at a 90◦angle from the direction of the transmitter (Frankfurt) and be
placed at least 1 meter away from your computer and 20 cm away from any steel structures, metal plates, etc.
A2 Announcement of a Leap Second
S Start of Time Code Information
P1, P2, P3 Even Parity Bits
Z1, Z2 = 1, 0: Daylight Saving Time Enabled
M Start of Minute (0.1 s)
R RF Transmission via Secondary Antenna
A1 Announcement of a Change in Daylight Saving Time
Z1, Z2 Time Zone Identification
Z1, Z2 = 0, 1: Daylight Saving Time Disabled
0
10
20
30
40
50
R
M
1
4
2
1
20
10
8
4
2
1
P2
20
10
8
4
2
1
2
4
8
10
1
2
4
8
10
20
40
80
P3
A1
Z1
Z2
A2
S
1
2
4
8
10
20
40
P1
Minute
(Reserved)
Hour
Day of Month
Day of Week
Last Two Digits of Year
Month of Year
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 3

3 Important Safety Information
3.1 Important Safety Instructions and Protective Measures
The following safety instructions must be observed whenever the device is being installed or operated. Failure
to observe safety instructions and other special warnings and operating instructions in the product manuals
constitutes improper usage and may violate safety standards and the manufacturer’s requirements.
Depending on the configuration of your device or installed options, some information may
not specifically apply to your device.
The device satisfies the requirements of the following EU regulations: EMC Directive,
Low Voltage Directive, RoHS Directive and—where applicable—the Radio Equipment Directive.
If a procedure is marked with the following signal words, you may only proceed with it if you have understood
and fulfilled all requirements. Hazard notices and other relevant information are classified and indicated as
such in this manual according to the following system:
DANGER!
This signal word indicates a hazard with a high risk level . Such a notice refers to a procedure
or other action that will very likely result in serious injury or even death if not observed or
if improperly performed.
WARNING!
This signal indicates a hazard with a medium risk level . Such a notice refers to a procedure or
other action that may result in serious injury or even death if not observed or if improperly
performed.
CAUTION!
This signal word indicates a hazard with a low risk level . Such a notice refers to a procedure or
other action that may result in minor injury if not observed or if improperly performed.
ATTENTION!
This signal word refers to a procedure or other action that may result in product damage or the
loss of important data if not observed or if improperly performed.
4 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

3 Important Safety Information
3.2 Used Symbols
The following symbols and pictograms are used in this manual. Pictograms are used in particular to indicate
potential hazards in all hazard categories.
Symbol
Beschreibung / Description
IEC 60417-5031
Gleichstrom / Direct current
IEC 60417-5032
Wechselstrom / Alternating current
IEC 60417-5017
Erdungsanschluss / Earth (ground) terminal
IEC 60417-5019
Schutzleiteranschluss / Protective earth (ground) terminal
ISO 7000-0434A
Vorsicht / Caution
IEC 60417-6042
Vorsicht, Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages / Caution, risk of electric shock
IEC 60417-5041
Vorsicht, heiße Oberfläche / Caution, hot surface
IEC 60417-6056
Vorsicht, Gefährlich sich bewegende Teile / Caution, moving parts
IEC 60417-6172
Trennen Sie alle Netzstecker / Disconnect all power connectors
IEC 60417-5134
Elektrostatisch gefährdete Bauteile / Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Devices
IEC 60417-6222
Information generell / General information
2012/19/EU
Dieses Produkt fällt unter die B2B Kategorie. Zur Entsorgung muss es an den
Hersteller übergeben werden.
This product is handled as a B2B-category product. To ensure that the product is
disposed of in a WEEE-compliant fashion, it must be returned to the manufacturer.
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 5

The product manuals are provided on a USB flash drive delivered with the system. The manuals can also be
downloaded from the Meinberg website at https://www.meinbergglobal.com, where you can enter your system
name into the search box at the top of the page to find the relevant manual. Alternatively, contact Meinberg
Support for further assistance.
This manual contains important safety instructions for the installation and operation of the
device. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device.
This device may only be used for the purpose described in this manual. In particular, the
specified operating limits of the device must be heeded. The person setting up the device is
responsible for safety matters in relation to any larger system in which the device is
installed!
Failure to observe these instructions may have an adverse impact on device safety!
Please keep this manual in a safe place.
This manual is only intended to be used by qualified electricians, or by persons who have been appropriately
instructed by a qualified electrician and who are familiar with applicable national standards and with safety
rules & regulations. This device may only be installed, set up, and operated by qualified personnel.
6 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

3 Important Safety Information
3.3 Safety during Installation
WARNING!
Pre-Operation Procedures and Preparation for Use
This device has been designed and examined in accordance with the requirements
of the standard IEC 62368-1 "Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology
Equipment - Part 1: Safety Requirements".
The device has been developed for use in the industrial sector or in home environments and may
only be used in such environments. In environments at risk of high environmental conductivity
("high pollution degree" according to IEC 60664-1), additional measures such as installation
of the device in an air-conditioned electrical cabinet may be necessary.
Transport, Unpacking, Installation
If the unit has been brought into the usage area from a cold environment, condensation may
develop; in this case, wait until the unit has adjusted to the temperature and is completely dry
before setting it up.
When unpacking & setting up, and before operating the equipment, be sure to read the information
on installing the hardware and the specifications of the device. These include, for example,
dimensions, electrical characteristics, or necessary environmental conditions.
Fire safety standards must be upheld with the device in its installed state.
The device must not be damaged in any way when mounting it. In particular, holes must not be
drilled into the housing.
The device must be protected against mechanical & physical stresses such as vibration or shock.
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 7

Connecting Data Cables
Do not connect or disconnect data cables during a thunderstorm, as doing so presents a risk in
the event of a lightning strike.
The device cables must be connected or disconnected in the order specified in the user
documentation for the device. Cables should always be held by the connector body when
connecting or disconnecting them. Never pull a connector out by pulling on the cable. Doing so
may cause the plug to be detached from the cable or cause damage to the plug itself.
Cables must be installed so that they do not represent a health & safety hazard (e.g., tripping)
and are not at risk of damage (e.g., kinks).
3.4 Cleaning and Care
ATTENTION!
Never clean the device using liquids! Water ingress is a significant safety risk for
the user (e.g., electric shock).
Liquids can cause irreparable damage to the electronics of the device! The ingress of
liquids into the device chassis may cause short circuits in the electronic circuitry.
Only clean with a soft, dry cloth. Never use solvents or cleaners.
8 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

3 Important Safety Information
3.5 Return of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
ATTENTION!
WEEE Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2012/19/EU
(WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Waste Separation
Product Category: According to the device types listed in Annex I of the WEEE Directive,
this product is classified as "IT and Telecommunications Equipment".
This product satisfies the labeling requirements of the WEEE Directive. The product symbol on
the left indicates that this electronic product must not be disposed of in domestic waste.
Return and Collection Systems
When disposing of your old equipment, please use the national return or collection systems
available to you. Alternatively, you may contact Meinberg, who will provide further assistance.
The return of electronic waste may not be accepted if the device is soiled or contaminated in
such a way that it potentially presents a risk to human health or safety.
Return of Used Batteries
The EU Battery Directive prohibits the disposal of batteries marked with the WEEE trashcan
symbol above in household waste.
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 9

4 DCF600USB: Connectors and LEDs
Top View
Side View
1 2 3
10 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

4 DCF600USB: Connectors and LEDs
4.1 Antenna Input: DCF77 Reference Clock
Receiver Type: Narrowband direct receiver with
gain control for optimized
processing of a DCF77 signal
Reception Frequency: 77.5 kHz
Bandwidth: Approx. 40 Hz
Impedance: 50 Ω
Signal Level: 50 µV–5 mV
Supply Voltage: 3.5 V–5 V
Connector Type: SMB, Male
Cable Type: Coaxial Cable, Shielded
Cable Length: Typically 300 m with RG58 Coaxial Cable
DCF | 77,5 kHz | 5 V
the prescribed safe distance to exposed lines and electrical substations.
Danger of death from electric shock!
- Do not carry out any work on the antenna system or the antenna cable
if there is a risk of lightning strike.
Do not work on the antenna system during thunderstorms!
WARNING!
- Do not carry out any work on the antenna system if it is not possible to maintain
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 11

4.2 Status LEDs
Status Indicators
"SAR" LED: Sync After Reset
"Mod." LED: DCF Signal Reception
"Sync" LED: Synchronization Status
"Init" LED: Initialization Status
The LEDs are used to signal the following status conditions:
SAR:
Red: DCF600USB not yet synchronized
after reset (or may not yet
have acquired an updated time)
Green: DCF600USB synchronized after
reset
Mod.:
Green, Flashing
(once a second): DCF signal reception
Sync:
Green: DCF600USB is synchronized
Red: DCF600USB is not synchronized (clock running solely off internal oscillator)
Init:
Blue: During initialization process
Green: Initialization successful
SAR
Mod.
Sync
Init.
4.3 USB 2.0 High-Speed Interface
Power Supply: 5 V DC via USB
Connection Type: Micro-USB Type B
12 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

5 Before You Start
5 Before You Start
5.1 Unboxing
The DCF600USB as shipped includes the following:
1. 1 x DCF600USB
2. 1 x USB Interface Cable (USB-A - Micro-USB Type B)
3. 1 x USB Flash Drive (Driver Software and Documentation)
Optionally:
4. 1 x RG174 Cable (SMB Female - BNC Female)
5. 1 x AW02 Antenna
Unpack the DCF600USB carefully and place the parts to one side. Check the contents of the delivery against
the enclosed packing list to ensure that no parts are missing. If any of the listed items are missing, please
contact Meinberg Funkuhren.
Check that the product has not been damaged in transit. If the product is damaged or fails to operate upon
set-up, contact Meinberg Funkuhren immediately. Only the recipient (the person or company receiving the
system) may file claims or complaints against the forwarder for damage caused in transit.
Meinberg recommends that you keep the original packaging materials in case the product needs to be shipped
again at a later date.
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 13

5.2 Disposal of Packaging Materials
The packaging materials we use are fully recyclable:
Material Use for Disposal
————————————————————————————————————————
Cardboard Shipping, Paper recycling
packaging of accessories
Plastic Wrapping Shipping, Household waste or recycling depot
packaging of accessories
————————————————————————————————————————
5.3 Downloading the Monitoring Utility (MbgMon)
The DCF600USB is both configured and its status monitored using the Meinberg Monitoring Utility "MbgMon".
Windows:
MbgMon can be downloaded free of charge from the Meinberg website:
https://www.meinbergglobal.com/english/sw/#win
Users of Linux-Based Operating Systems:
When using a Linux-based operating system (a "Linux distribution"), you can download the most up-to-date
Linux drivers from the link below:
https://www.meinbergglobal.com/english/sw/#linux
14 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

6 Installation of the DCF77 Antenna
6 Installation of the DCF77 Antenna
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not mount the antenna without an effective fall arrester!
- Ensure that you work safely when installing antennas!
Danger of death from falling!
- Never work without an effective fall arrester!
- Do not carry out any work on the antenna system if it is not possible to maintain
Do not work on the antenna system during thunderstorms!
the prescribed safe distance to exposed lines and electrical substations.
Danger of death from electric shock!
- Do not carry out any work on the antenna system or the antenna cable
if there is a risk of lightning strike.
Selection of the Antenna Location
Before installing any antenna, first consider carefully where to best position it. The location is a key fac-
tor in reception quality and thus in the availability of the DCF77 signal. If the antenna is not precisely aligned,
signal reception and time accuracy will suffer as a result.
The DCF antenna must be aimed towards Mainflingen, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in accordance
with the installation conditions provided below.
DCF77 Transmission Tower
Alignment of DCF77 Antenna
Location: Milan
DCF77 Antenna
Location: Berlin
DCF77 Antenna
Location: Mainflingen, near
Signal: DCF77 Long Wave
The length of the DCF77 antenna (e.g., AI01,
AW02) (see should be (arrow direction)
facing the transmission tower.
Frankfurt am Main
Illustration: Installation of a Meinberg AW02 Antenna Aligned with the DCF77 Transmitter Mast in Mainflin-
gen, Germany (near Frankfurt am Main).
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 15

DCF77 reception inside buildings is possible, but reception quality may be impaired by the shielding and
attenuation effects of the walls.
Factors that can impair reception:
•Installation of the antenna near metallic objects (e.g., reinforced concrete walls, metallic wall coverings,
thermal insulation, glazing, etc.)
•Installation of the antenna near televisions or computer monitors
•Installation of the antenna under or near power lines
Meinberg Funkuhren recommends installing the antenna outdoors. Doing so will generally have the advantage
of maximizing the distance of the antenna from sources of interference, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio
and significantly increasing the chances of successful synchronization.
Installation conditions for optimum operation:
•The antenna should be installed horizontally
•The length of the DCF77 antenna unit should be perpendicular to the direction of the transmission tower
(see example map on previous page and label on AW02 antenna)
•The antenna should be at least 30 cm away from any metal objects
If these installation criteria cannot be met, signal reception may be
impaired.
16 Date: November 29, 2021 DCF600USB

6 Installation of the DCF77 Antenna
Installation
1.
Mount the antenna directly onto a wall in a loca-
tion in accordance with the aforementioned criteria,
using the installation kit included in the delivery.
Then connect the antenna cable to the Type-N fe-
male connector of the antenna.
Type-N (Female)
Type-N (Male)
DCF77 Transmission Tower
AW02
AW02 Antenna Installation
Length of Antenna Facing
the transmission tower
Determining Reception Quality:
The DCF600USB reception quality is indicated visu-
ally by the modulation LED ("Mod."). The modulation
indicator is also displayed in the management utility
MbgMon (under "Mod."), which also allows a sound
signal to be activated so that the signal rhythm is au-
dible.
Procedure for Antenna Alignment - DCF77 Antenna (AW02)
Meinberg Funkuhren recommends that the alignment and signal reception testing be done with the assis-
tance of a second person. An effective method for aligning and testing a long-wave antenna is to have person
1 (who is aligning the antenna) actively communicate with person 2 (who monitors the receiver).
Step 1
Person 1 rotates the antenna until person 2 sees the "Mod" LED flash on the receiver unit (even if it is not yet
flashing rhythmically every second). This determines the approximate direction.
Step 2
Person 1 rotates the antenna slowly in an anticlockwise direction until person 2 sees that signal strength is at
maximum (in MbgMon) or the "Mod" LED flashes rhymthically once a second without erratic flickering.
If no such signal can be found, the antenna should be turned slowly in a clockwise direction from the ap-
proximate direction until person 2 sees that signal strength is at maximum (in MbgMon) or the "Mod" LED
flashes rhymthically once a second without erratic flickering.
Please note that a high signal level alone is no guarantee of good reception, as it can also be caused by
electrical noise in the associated frequency range.
DCF600USB Date: November 29, 2021 17