Primex XR PERSONAL SERIES User manual

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XR Series Transmitter
Troubleshooting Guide
Primex XR 72MHz Synchronized Time Solution

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2XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

Contents
XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting 4
Site and Transmitter Evaluation Procedure 4
Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol is not
displayed on front display 6
Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol
displayed, but no parentheses 8
Red LED flashing and Transmitter has no S symbol with NTP Time
Source 10
Transmitter front display does not light up 12
Transmitter front display time and date are not correct 13
Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not stay synced 16
Overview of Front Display 17
VWSR error code 21
Bad Output Power error, no or low output Transmitter power 23
Bad Output Power error, no or low output Transmitter power 25
Extremely weak or no signal 26
Weak signal and limited coverage area 28
Support 30

XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting
Learn more about common troubleshooting procedures for XR Series Transmitters. Before beginning any troubleshooting be sure
to perform the Site and Transmitter Site Evaluation Procedure.
Site and Transmitter Evaluation Procedure
Before completing any troubleshooting on an XR Series Transmitter, it's recommended to complete the procedure below. Also
learn about the Transmitter Broadcasting Frequency and Clock Signal Search Frequency, and when use to a Transmitter’s
Diagnostic Error Codes.
Procedure
Completing the steps allow you to observe and log the current state of the system clocks and Transmitter(s).
1. Record all issues reported from the system clocks.
lAre all the clocks involved or just some clocks?
lIf just some clocks, where are they installed and how many? Smaller quantities could be clock issues and not Transmitter
related.
2. Once it's determined to check a Transmitter, look it over and take notes of the information below.
lIs the red LED flashing on front display of the Transmitter?
lWrite down all information displayed on the Transmitter front display, including the time displayed. It's recommended to
take a photo of the front display.
lGPS time source: is the GPS communication symbol displayed in the upper right hand corner of the Transmitter's front
display? When the symbol is displayed, this indicates the Transmitter and GPS Receiver are communicating. If the symbol is
not displayed, complete steps in Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol is not displayed
on front display.
lNTP time source: is the NTP communication symbol displayed in the upper right hand corner of Transmitter's front
display? When the symbol is displayed, this indicates the Transmitter is communicating with its NTP time source. If the
symbol is not displayed, complete steps in Red LED flashing and Transmitter has no S symbol with NTP Time
Source.
Transmitter Broadcasting Frequency and Clock Signal Search Frequency
Broadcast (Transmit) Schedule Transmitter with Internal Antenna: broadcasts its synchronized time continuously to the
system clocks and devices.
Broadcast (Transmit) Schedule Transmitter with External Antenna: broadcasts its synchronized time to the system clocks and
devices from the 39th to the 6th minute of the next hour and changes to a standby mode during the 7th to the 38th minute of the
4XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

hour (standard broadcast schedule). During initial power-up, the Transmitter broadcasts for 8 consecutive hours. After the 8 hour
power-up period, the Transmitter reverts to its timed broadcast schedule.
Analog Clock signal search frequency: six pre-scheduled times a day at 10:01, 2:01 and 6:01 a.m. and p.m. lock time (not the
actual time of the day), a clock's receiver turns on to search for a Transmitter signal to receive a time update, starting with the
previously stored channel number.
Digital Clock/Timer signal search frequency: every 10 minutes on the 5's (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 minutes) of the hour, a clock's
receiver turns on to search for a Transmitter signal to receive a time update.
Diagnostic Error Codes
XR Transmitters are able to diagnose some issues, but when troubleshooting these units, it's important to clear up preliminary
issues first before exploring the Diagnostic Error Codes. For additional information on the Transmitter display, Overview of
Front Display.
As a first step in troubleshooting, perform all procedures provided in the troubleshooting topics to resolve any issues. Once
issues are resolved, then review the Diagnostic Error Codes, clear all errors, and determine if the Transmitter logs any new error
codes. If new error codes, refer to the related Error Code troubleshooting topics.
5

Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol is not displayed on
front display
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lRed LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.
lGreen LED may or may not be illuminated. When the green LED is illuminated, the Transmitter is currently broadcasting
(broadcast mode). When the green LED is NOT illuminated, the Transmitter is not broadcasting (standby mode).
lTransmitter front display does NOT display its GPS communication symbol , this indicates it's not communicating with the
GPS Receiver.
lClocks may be displaying a visual signal loss indicator due to they have not received a time update for three days; Analog
Clock second hand is stepping and a Digital Clock/Timer colon is flashing.
Problem
Transmitter is not receiving a time update.
Analyze
1. From the switch panel on the back of the Transmitter, verify switch #1 is set to GPS and switch #2 is set to Local.
2. Reseat all GPS and cable connections, check to make sure they are not wet or corroded, and look for damage to the cable.
3. Is there is a GPS extension cable in use? Identity if it's a factory supplied cable or is not factory supplied. If it's not factory
supplied, is it longer than 200 ft. and/or is the pin out correct? Step 3 will identify if the extension cable is an issue.
4. If the GPS communication symbol is not displayed and extension cables are in use, take the GPS Receiver from its location
and plug it directly into the back of the Transmitter.
If the GPS communication symbol appears, the extension cables are the cause of the issue and are required to be replaced. If
the GPS communication symbol is not displayed, replace the GPS Receiver as the first step.
5. If after replacing the GPS Receiver and/or cable and the GPS communication symbol is NOT displayed, the import on the
Transmitter may be bad, which will require the Transmitter to be replaced.
6. Poor power output at the Transmitter can also be the cause of the Transmitter not being able to pull the time update.
Complete the steps in Extremely weak or no signal
7. From the Transmitter front display screen, verify the GPS communication symbol is present, which indicate it's
communicating with the GPS Receiver. If the symbol is present, watch for parentheses coming towards the GPS
6XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

communication symbol which indicates the GPS Receiver unit is receiving a time update from the GPS satellites. If the
parentheses are not displayed, complete the steps in Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol
displayed, but no parentheses
Solution
1. If the GPS communication symbol is displayed when direct to the Transmitter, replace the GPS extension cables.
2. If no GPS communication symbol is displayed when direct to the Transmitter, replace the GPS Receiver.
3. After replacing all GPS components and the GPS communication symbol is not displayed and the power supply is good, the
Transmitter may need to be replaced. For further assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
7

Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol displayed, but no
parentheses
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lRed LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.
lGreen LED may or may not be illuminated. When the green LED is illuminated, the Transmitter is currently broadcasting
(broadcast mode). When the green LED is NOT illuminated, the Transmitter is not broadcasting (standby mode).
lTransmitter front display has a GPS communication symbol , but does not display the parentheses to the right of the
symbol.
lClocks may be displaying a visual signal loss indicator due to they have not received a time update for three days; Analog
Clock second hand is stepping and a Digital Clock/Timer colon is flashing.
Problem
Transmitter is communicating with the GPS Receiver, but is not receiving a time update from the GPS satellites.
Analyze
1. Is the GPS Receiver inside? If it’s mounted to a window or mounted where its signal has to go through the roof, the GPS
Receiver may need to be relocated outdoors. A GPS Receiver located indoors may not allow for an adequate signal. Low-E
glass windows are coated with a transparent metal layer that reflects infrared heat rays; which can also reflect the GPS signal.
2. Check the GPS Receiver mounting location. Verify its mounting did not slip or change and it has a clear view of the sky.
Resolve any obstructions.
3. There may be local interference affecting GPS signal reception. Try moving the location of the GPS Receiver to improve
reception. Weather conditions, solar flares, time of day, and exact satellite position may also effect signal reception; however,
these conditions are normally of a short duration.
4. Poor GPS cable connections or a faulty GPS Receiver can cause the unit not to pick up a signal. If steps 1 and 2 do not resolve
the issue, replace the GPS Receiver and its extension cables.
5. Poor Transmitter power output can also result in the Transmitter not being able to pull the time update. Check voltage at the
Transmitter by completing the steps in Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not stay synced
Solution
8XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

1. Move the GPS Receiver into a better location; outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
2. Replace the GPS Receiver and its extension cables.
3. After replacing all GPS components and still no parentheses, the Transmitter may need to be replaced.
4. If none of the above steps resolved the issue, the import on the Transmitter may be bad and need replacing. For further
assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
9

Red LED flashing and Transmitter has no S symbol with NTP Time Source
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lRed LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.
lGreen LED may or may not be illuminated. When the green LED is illuminated, the Transmitter is currently broadcasting
(broadcast mode). When the green LED is NOT illuminated, the Transmitter is not broadcasting (standby mode).
lTransmitter front display does NOT display its NTP communication symbol (upper right hand corner of front display
screen) - indicates it's not communicating with its NTP time source.
lClocks may be displaying a visual signal loss indicator due to they have not received a time update for three days; Analog
Clock second hand is stepping and a Digital Clock/Timer colon is flashing.
Problem
Transmitter is not receiving a time update.
Analyze
1. From the switch settings on the back of the unit: verify dip switch #1 is set to NTP and dip switch # 2 is set to LAN.
2. Verify an Ethernet cable is connected to the Transmitter Network LAN Port and the cable is properly inserted into an active
LAN port.
3. Verify the Ethernet cable and network port drop does not have any damage or degradation.
4. Verify the Transmitter Network LAN Port is indicating an active network connection - 1 flashing LED and 1 solid LED.
5. Contact the facility's IT staff to inquire as to what may have changed on the system or their site's designated NTP time source
(server), that may be causing the unit to not see its configured NTP time source.
6. Request assistance from the facility's IT staff to access the Transmitter to verify the configured NTP server. You will need a
laptop with the Firefox web browser for this process.
7. Poor power output, can result in the Transmitter not being able to pull the time update. Check voltage at the transmitter by
completing the steps in Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not stay synced
8. If none of the above steps resolved the issue, the import on the Transmitter may be bad and need replacing. For further
assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
Solution
10 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

1. Validate and correct NTP time source switch settings.
2. Replace defective cables.
3. Obtain Transmitter NTP server details and update Transmitter NTP configuration as required.
4. Replace power supply if bad output.
5. After replacing all defective components, the power supply is good, and still no “S” symbol, replace the Transmitter. For
further assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
11

Transmitter front display does not light up
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lTransmitter front display does not light up or has light black boxes across it.
lRed LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.
lNo information is displayed on the Transmitter front display.
lClocks may be displaying a visual signal loss indicator due to they have not received a time update for three days; Analog
Clock second hand is stepping and a Digital Clock/Timer colon is flashing.
Problem
This may be due to a power issue or communication between the EPROM chip and the front display screen.
Analyze
1. Using a multimeter, check for 9V at least 2.0A output from the power supply to the Transmitter.
2. Verify the power coming to the Transmitter power supply is 120 volts.
3. If the power to the Transmitter is not correct, complete steps in Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not
stay synced
Solution
1. Correct all 120 volt issues.
2. If power output is not correct, replace the power supply.
3. From the Transmitter front display, verify the correct time, day, date and channel number is displayed.
4. If these steps do not resolve the problem, the Transmitter may be required to be replaced. For further assistance, contact
Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
12 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

Transmitter front display time and date are not correct
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lTime and date is not correct on the Transmitter front display.
lRed LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.
lGreen LED may or may not be illuminated. When the green LED is illuminated, the Transmitter is currently broadcasting
(broadcast mode). When the green LED is NOT illuminated, the Transmitter is not broadcasting (standby mode).
lGPS communication symbol may not be displayed on the Transmitter front display. GPS communication parentheses
symbol may not be displayed on the Transmitter front display.
lNTP communication symbol may not be displayed on the Transmitter front display.
Problem
This may be due to the Transmitter switch position(s), bad or lacking information from the GPS Receiver or loss of NTP time
source.
Analyze
1. Verify the GPS communication symbol and parentheses are present or the NTP communication symbol is present.
2. From the switch panel on the back of the Transmitter, verify dip switch’s #1 through # 8, which they may be in the wrong
position.
Switch Function Up Position Down Position
1 NTP/GPS Receive time from NTP server. Receive time from a GPS Receiver.
2 LAN/Local LAN network connection is enabled.
Required for use of NTP time source.
Local USB and/or serial port
attached to unit is enabled.
13

Switch Function Up Position Down Position
3 Aux 3 (setting
unassigned)
Not applicable Not applicable
4 Aux 4 (setting
unassigned)
Not applicable Not applicable
5 -30M -30 minute offset enabled
Transmitter is installed in Newfoundland or other
countries with a -30 minute off set.
-30 minute off set disabled
(default position)
6 UTC Offset Transmitter is installed in Europe. Transmitter is installed in North
America
7 Daylight Saving
Time
Daylight Saving Time is disabled. Daylight Saving Time is enabled.
8 12-Hour or 24-
Hour Time
Time is displayed in 24 hour time. Time is displayed in a 12 hour time.
3. Verify the time zone selector is set to the correct position. Use a small slotted screwdriver to adjust the rotary switch.
“4” for Atlantic Time Zone, “5” for Eastern Time Zone, “6” for Central Time Zone, “7” for Mountain Time Zone, “8” for Pacific
Time Zone, “9” for Alaska Time Zone, “A” for Hawaii Time Zone
WARNING
Do NOT adjust Rotary Switch A, which is the Channel Switch. The Channel Switch is set to the frequency specified on the
FCC/IC application and is preset by the factory.
A 14000 series Transmitter has 16 available channels and an XR Series Transmitters has 49 available channels.
4. If all switch settings are correct, the time source symbols are present, and the time and/or date are still not correct, it may be
due to a bad GPS cable connection or a bad GPS Receiver.
Solution
1. If the time source communication symbols are not displayed, complete troubleshooting steps in sections 1 through 3.
2. If the switch settings are wrong, correct them, and then power cycle the Transmitter.
14 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

3. If the GPS communication symbol and parentheses are showing and all switch settings are correct, and the time and/or date
are still wrong, replace the GPS Receiver and cable.
4. If the switch settings are correct, the GPS Receiver and cabling have been replaced, and the time and/or date is still not
correct, the Transmitter may be required to be replaced. For further assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-262-
729-4860.
15

Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not stay synced
Symptoms
All or some of the below symptoms may be present.
lTransmitter front display screen is dim.
lTransmitter syncs its time, cycles back to counting up, syncs its time, and then cycles again.
Cause
This may be due to a power issue.
Analyze
1. Verify power is present at the 120 VAC outlet.
2. Verify the power supply connection to the Transmitter and to the 120 VAC outlet is secure.
3. Using a multimeter, check for 9V at least 2.0A output from the power supply to the Transmitter.
4. If there is a UPS (surge protector/battery backup) in use, check the voltage carefully or bypass the UPS it to determine if it has
become defective.
Solution
1. If power to the Transmitter power supply is bad, resolve the issue.
2. If it's determine the UPS (surge protector/battery backup) is defective, replace UPS and bypass until it is replaced.
3. If power to the Transmitter power supply is good, replace the power supply as the first step.
4. If these steps do not resolve the problem, the Transmitter may be required to be replaced. For further assistance, contact
Primex Technical Support at 1-262-729-4860.
16 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

Overview of Front Display
The front LCD display of the Transmitter displays its current status, a menu that allows you to view its configured settings, and a
diagnostic menu that identifies Transmitter errors. Listed below is a brief overview of a Transmitter's front display screen.
Transmitter Status (Normal)
The front LCD display of the Transmitter in a normal operating status should display the following information.
lTime: current time set in the Transmitter.
lTime Zone: Time Zone set in the Transmitter.
lDaylight Saving Time Status: DST setting. DT (Daylight Saving Time) or ST (Standard Time) is displayed.
lTime Source Connection: indicates the configured time source; GPS ( tower symbol), NTP ( symbol), Repeater
(Satellite) ( symbol).
lTime Source Communication: status of GPS or NTP communication ( parentheses)
lFirmware Version: firmware version of the Transmitter.
lDay/Date: day and date received from the GPS or NTP time source.
lChannel Number: channel number that the Transmitter is set to.
lLED Status Indicator: status and operating condition of the Transmitter unit.
lMenu: view Transmitter settings and Diagnostic Error Codes. For details, see topic Front Display Main Menu - Settings &
Diagnostics.
Transmitter Status (Error)
The front LCD display of the Transmitter in an error status should display the following information.
lTime: may display current time or could be counting up from when the issue occurred.
lTime Zone: Time Zone set in the Transmitter.
lScrolling Error Code Message 1: Call Tech Support
lScrolling Error Code Message 2: Use Diagnostic Error Code Menu.
lTime Source Connection: indicates the configured time source; GPS (tower symbol), NTP (S symbol), Repeater (R symbol), or
Satellite.
lTime Source Communication: Status of GPS or NTP communication.
lFirmware Version: firmware version of the Transmitter.
lDay/Date: day and date received from the GPS or NTP time source.
lChannel Number: Channel number that the Transmitter is set to may or may not be displayed.
lLED: Green transmit light should be on.
17

Front Display Menu
Pushing the right arrow once to access the menu, pushing the down arrow navigates through the categories. When the arrow is
on a category, pushing the right arrow again selects the category, pressing the down arrow again scrolls through information in
that category.
Listed below are the 5 menu categories with a short definition.
Switch settings menu
lDisplays what the eight dip switches, on the back of the unit, are set to
GPS set up menu
lDisplays GPS information and perform a manual reset of the GPS sync.
Diagnostics menu
lDisplays the Transmitter factory setting information, categories listed below.
a. Firmware revision
b. Time since last GPS
c. Hardware Revision
d. GPS/Repeater
e. Last Repeater Update
f. Serial Number
g. Mac Address
h. Radio Call Sign
Diagnostic Error Codes Specifications
There are six Diagnostic Error Codes that identify the cause of the error occurring.
How to view Diagnostic Error Code(s)
1. Move the selection arrow so that it's pointing to the Diagnostic Error Codes, then press the button once.
18 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnostic Error Codes definitions
Bad Output Power: indicates the Transmitter is not transmitting at the appropriate power level.
PLL Diagnostics: indicates the Transmitter is having trouble locking onto a channel; rendering it unable to broadcast time or
schedules.
No GPS or Repeater Connected: indicates the Transmitter is not connected to a time source.
VSWR Errors: indicates there is a problem with either the High Power Antenna (may need repositioning) or the antenna cabling.
No GPS in 48 Hours: indicates the Transmitter has not synchronized to a time source for more than 48 hours.
No 1PPS in 48 Hours: indicates the time on the display has not been synchronized by 1PPS (1 Pulse Per Second) for more than 48
hours.
Clear Error Codes
Clearing an error code stops the yellow and red LEDs from flashing.
How to clear error codes
1. From the front panel, press right arrow button once to access the Main Menu.
2. Use the down arrow button to select Diagnostic Error Codes, then press the right arrow button once.
3. Use the down arrow button to scroll to the error, which is indicated by a preceding dot next to the error.
4. Press the right arrow button once. The display will show when the error was logged. Note the time and data of the
error.
5. Press the right arrow button once.
19

6. Display will read: “Clear all errors?. Press the right arrow button once.
7. “Yes” and “No” are displayed with a selection arrow.
Selecting "Yes" followed by the pressing the ENTER button clears the errors.
Selecting “No” followed by pressing the ENTER button cancels the process and takes you back to the main menu.
8. Wait several seconds for the time/date to be displayed.
NOTE
If the LEDs continue to flash, repeat procedure as there may be additional errors to be cleared. If same errors continue to
be logged, additional troubleshooting may be required. For further assistance, contact Primex Technical Support at 1-
262-729-4860.
20 XR Series Transmitter Troubleshooting Guide