Tekron NTS 01 User manual

NTS 01
NETWORK TIME SERVER
User Manual
1st Edition: Mar 2006

NTS 01 Rev 1
–
User Manual March 2006
______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 31
Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
1 INTRODUCTION – NTS01 FEATURES 3
2 INSTALLATION 4
2.1 Packing list 4
2.2 Mounting 4
2.3 GPS Antenna Mounting 4
3 SPECIFICATIONS & CONNECTIONS 5
3.1 Plugs – Inputs & Outputs 5
3.2 Dimensions 8
3.3 Identification 8
4 OPERATION 9
4.1 Time Display 9
4.2 GPS / Satellite Tracking Status 11
4.3 Front Panel LEDs: 12
4.4 Time Server Ports: NTS1-NTS5 13
5 NTS01 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE 14
5.1 General 14
5.2 Installation 14
5.3 Clock Setup Page 15
5.4 Time Servers Page 18
5.5 GPS Set-Up Page 22
6 TIME SERVER PORT (NTS) CONFIGURATION OVER ETHERNET 24
7 FACTORY HARDWARE / FIRMWARE OPTIONS 25
7.1 Opt. 1 – NTS01E Extension unit. 25
7.2 Opt. 2L, Opt. 2M, Opt. 2H - Power Supply Options 25
7.3 Opt. 3 - Local Time Display / Output 25
7.4 Opt. 4 - Lightning Protection Kit 25
8 CERTIFICATION & TESTING 26
APPENDIX A – ANTENNA DETAILS 27
A.1 Antenna Cable Specification 27
A.2 Antenna Assembly 28
WARRANTY STATEMENT 29
ENDNOTES 31
WARNING 31

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–
User Manual March 2006
______________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 31
Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
1 Introduction – NTS01 Features
NTS01 Network Time Servers provide precision time references for synchronising Ethernet
networks. The NTS01 features multiple independently-addressed Time Server Ports each
supporting NTP protocol. Up to five Time Server Ports can be accommodated in a single NTS01
1U Rack. Each NTS01 base unit has a built-in GPS-synchronised master clock which provides
the source reference time used by all of the Time Server ports. It follows, therefore, in terms of
Network Time Protocol (NTP) definitions, that the NTS01 Time Server Ports are Stratum 1 NTP
sources.
The NTS01 product is ideally suited for use in industrial environments and can provide NTP
server functions to multiple independent Ethernet networks. Each Time Server Port is
independently configurable, and provides status reporting over Ethernet using SNMP.
Each NTS01 1U rack includes a sync status relay to allow integration with other station alarm
monitoring functions via RTU. Each unit also includes an expansion facility (both input and
output ports for IRIG-B code) enabling multiple racks of NTS01 units to all share a single GPS
antenna. When connected in this way, the total number of NTP Stratum 1 Ethernet Time Server
Ports that can be realised from a single GPS antenna is limited only by the rack-space available,
with each successive 5-port unit occupying a further 1U space.
All NTS01 base units feature a front panel display, giving users visual feedback of time and
date, with LED indicators providing “at a glance” status information.
Fig 1. NTS01 Front Panel
The optimised Receiver / Antenna system employed in NTS01 derives time information from up
to 12 GPS satellites simultaneously. The result is sub-millisecond timing precision on all
Ethernet Time Server outputs, and sub-microsecond precision on the IRIG-B output.
It is supplied complete with all hardware and software required for installation, including rack-
mount kit, connectors, 30m lead-in antenna cable, and antenna.

NTS 01 Rev 1
–
User Manual March 2006
______________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 31
Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
2 Installation
2.1 Packing list
Each NTS 01 kit is shipped with the following:
NTS 01 Network Time Server unit (optionally with NTS01E or Multiport module)
19” Rack mounting Plate & fasteners
User Manual (TEKRON NTS01) – this document
Pipe Mount GPS Antenna (optimised for stationary applications)
30m of antenna lead-in cable (fitted with matching connectors)
2M USB cable for configuration via PC
Configuration Software
2M UTP Ethernet drop-leads leads (one for each network port fitted)
2.2 Mounting
The NTS01 is designed to be mounted in a 19” rack, but may be used on a bench. The unit
attaches to the supplied rack-mount front plate via the four screws shipped installed in the four
corners of the front panel. If ordered with an expansion module, (either the NTS01E, or the
Multiport) then the unit is supplied already fitted into the 19” rack-mounting front plate together
with the expansion module.
2.3 GPS Antenna Mounting
Detailed antenna mounting instructions are contained in Appendix A.2 p28. The antenna should
be located in a position with as clear a view of the sky as possible, over as wide an angle as
possible. The antenna should also be mounted in a “lightning-protected zone” as far as is
possible. In practice, this means ensuring that there is at least one other earth-bonded structure
located in the same rooftop area (e.g. another antenna, or a lightning rod) that reaches
significantly higher than the top of the GPS antenna. The GPS Antenna should be mounted so
that it lies within a 45-degree angle “skirt” from the top of the other earth-bonded structure. The
GPS antenna mount itself should also be securely bonded directly to the building protection
earth – and not connected via any of the other earthed structures.
A lightning protection kit is available for installation in the antenna lead-in cable for additional
protection of the equipment. (See section 7.4 p25 for details.)
All NTS 01 antenna installations should follow the guidelines above.

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
3 Specifications & Connections
3.1 Plugs – Inputs & Outputs
All connections to the NTS01 are made via the rear panel.
Fig 2. Rear Panel – NTS 01 base unit
P1/P2 Power is applied to the unit via either or both of these plugs. Maximum power
consumption is 6 watts. Despite the markings on P1 and P2, the polarity of the power connection
is not important and the unit is fully isolated internally from the power source. Mating
connectors are supplied with the unit, suitable for wiring sized up to 1.5mm2. The provision of
two power inputs allows the NTS01 to be used in environments operating with redundant power
supplies. NTS01 has several power supply options covering the range of 12Vdc through
300Vdc/230Vac. All options include surge protection. (See Section 7.2 p25 for full details on
power supply options)
Check the option label on the unit base for power supply voltage ratings!!
Ant The antenna input, (SMA jack located above P1) provides an interface for an external
active antenna via low-loss coaxial cable of 50Ω impedance. 3V DC is supplied (Imax=100mA)
to power the high-gain active GPS antenna supplied with the NTS01 kit.
Care should be taken to ensure that the connector is not cross-threaded when attaching the
antenna lead-in cable.
The total combined gain of the antenna system (antenna plus cable and connectors) should fall in
the range of 10 to 35 dB, the optimum being 22dB. The antenna and 30M cable supplied with
the kit provides a near-optimum combination, but if necessary, the lead-in cable can be reduced
to 15m or extended to 60m using the same type of cable without the need for any additional
amplification. For lead-in lengths longer than 60m, either amplification and/or larger diameter,
lower loss cable can be supplied to order.
A Lightning Protection device may be inserted into the antenna lead. A suitable device complete
with additional cable connectors, a connector crimping tool and mounting hardware is available
as an option (see section 7.4 p25). Introduction of the Lightning protector does not degrade the
performance of the antenna system.

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User Manual March 2006
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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
P3 Configuration input. This is a USB port. The configuration software supplied with the
NTS01 runs on a Windows-based PC which connects to the NTS01 via this port. A matching
USB cable is included with each NTS01 kit to facilitate configuration of the unit. See Section 5
p14 for details of the configuration procedure.
P4 IRIG-B input port. This port is an RS422 receiver, and accepts an unmodulated IRIG-B
time signal (B002/B003 + IEEE1344 extensions). If the NTS01 is configured appropriately, it
can obtain synchronised time from this source rather than the internal GPS receiver, thus
operating as a slaved device from another NTS 01 Master source. Connection of the incoming
RS422 line (ideally a 120ohm impedance twisted pair) is to pins “+” and “-“ of the pluggable
connector. Pin “T” provides a standard RS422 terminator load, and is activated by linking pins
“T” and “-“ together in the mating connector. Maximum wire size in mating connector is 1mm2.
P5 IRIG-B output port. This port provides an unmodulated IRIG-B output signal in 5V RS422
format on pins “+” and “-“ of the pluggable connector. It can be used as the Master Source
signal to drive the P4 input of one or more Slave NTS01 units. Pin “0V” provides an earth for
the shield of a 120ohm impedance twisted pair data cable. Maximum wire size for mating
connector is 1mm2. The precision on the IRIG-B timing pulses (both leading and trailing edges)
from this port is typically to within 100nS of UTC. Note that a TTL format signal (earth-
referenced) can be obtained if required by connecting between “+” and “0V” instead of between
“+” and “-“.
P6 Sync status relay contacts in Type “C” form. The contacts are capable of switching up to
2A at 230VAC or 1A at 280VDC. A mating connector is supplied which will accept wire size to
1mm2. Minimum isolation of the relay contacts to earth or internal electronics is 2.5kV.
If the Time Server is not powered, or not operating in synch, then the “NC” and “C” pins are
connected. If the Time Server is synchronised, (either via GPS or via the P4 input) the “NO” and
“C” pins are connected. The sync relay can be configured to remain active (indicating “in sync”)
for a period following the loss of satellite signals. The default period is one minute, but this can
be altered up to a maximum period of 42:30 (2550 seconds).
NTS 1, NTS 2 These Time Server Port Ethernet interfaces each consist of an RJ45 standard
connector, 4 status LED’s and a recessed reset button. Protocols supported independently on
each interface are NTP, ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, DHCP, SNMP and BOOTP.
See section 4.4 p13 for further details.
NTS 3, NTS 4, NTS 5 These Time Server Port Ethernet interfaces are identical in form
and function to NTS1 and NTS2 above. They are located on the NTS01E expansion option that
fits in the same 1U rack as the NTS01 base unit. (See Factory Options - 7.1 p25 and fig 3 below)

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User Manual March 2006
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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
P11 Part of the Multiport option (See Fig 4 below), this output provides a fixed 1PPS TTL
level output, rated to sink and source 75mA. The Multiport Option fits alongside the NTS01
base unit in the same 1U rack space. As the Multiport Option and the NTS01E Extension option
occupy the same space, one or the other can be specified, but not both.
P12-P15 Part of the Multiport option (See Fig 4 below), these outputs feature IRIG-B code,
and are individually switchable between unmodulated (B002) and AM Modulated (B120) forms
of IRIG-B. In Unmodulated mode, each output will source and sink 20mA.
In AM mode, the output is 120ohm, 9v p-p.
When operating these outputs in AM mode, the signal lines must be correctly terminated
at the distant end for reliable operation. A 150 ohm resistor should be connected across the
line to form the termination.
Fig 4 Multiport Option (See Section 7.5 pError! Bookmark not defined.)
The Multiport unit is an option on a number of different Tekron products. When installed as an
option in an NTS01 rack, Plugs P9 and P10 on the Multiport unit have no function.

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
3.2 Dimensions
NTS01 module: Width: 160mm, Depth: 155mm, Height: 40mm , Weight: 0.8Kg.
NTS01E module: as above.
Rack mount: 19” face plate with cut-out for NTS01 display, 1U high.
Each NTS01 unit is normally supplied complete with antenna, antenna mount, antenna cable and
1U 19” rack-mount hardware. Shipping weight of the complete NTS01 kit is 4.8Kg. If the
NTS01E extension unit is included, shipping weight is 5.6Kg, and the unit is shipped already
assembled in the rack mount.
3.3 Identification
Each NTS01 unit is shipped with an identification label on the base. The label provides details of
the particular options fitted to the unit, including the power supply specifications and the unit
serial number.

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User Manual March 2006
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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
UTC: SUN 16MAR03
076 22:16:53 87A
TEKRO N NTS01-D:0
(C)2003 Sn 02749
UTC+0800 17MAR03
076 06:16:53 87A
LST: MO N 17M AR03
076 06:16:53 87A
4 Operation
Connect the antenna lead and the antenna (with a good view of the sky). Then connect the power
source to P1 and/or P2
Check the option label on the base for voltage requirements before switching on!
The time needed to attain tracking and synchronisation (given a good “view” of the sky) will
vary from just a few seconds to several hours in the worst case – such as reactivating a unit that
was recently synchronised 1000’s of km away from the present position.
4.1 Time Display
The LCD display shows a copyright message, along with the serial number and revision level of
the unit for approximately 10 seconds following power-up, (Fig.5 [a]). The display then
automatically changes to the operating default, (Fig.5 [b]). The top line of screen [b] announces
that the time standard is UTC (formerly known as GMT) and includes the current date. The day-
of-year and time-of-day are displayed on the bottom line. The three-character field at the right of
the bottom line is a status field. See 4.2 following for the definition of each character in this
field.
[a] Start-Up (Clock ID) [b] Operating Default
Fig 5a, b LCD display screens
Following the start-up period, Screens [a] and [b] can be accessed alternately by pushing the
recessed pushbutton located on the front panel between the LED indicators.
The standard NTS01 does not offer local time either on its display or on the IRIG-B output
port. Local time display (and IRIG-B output), complete with automatic daylight savings
operation is available as a factory option, but the NTS outputs always use UTC time.
If the NTS01 is equipped with the “Local Time Display” option, (See 7.3 p25) then the
following two displays are also available by pushing the recessed pushbutton located on the
front panel between the LED indicators.
[c] Local Time (LST/DST) [d] Local Time with UTC Offset
Fig 5c, d LST = Local Standard time, DST = Local Daylight Time

NTS 01 Rev 1
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User Manual March 2006
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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
The NTS outputs always operate with UTC time.