Tekron NTS 01 User manual

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

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]
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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
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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

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The NTS outputs always operate with UTC time.

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4.2 GPS / Satellite Tracking Status
Display screens fig 5: [b,c,d] all show a three-character status field at the bottom right-hand side
of the display. (The examples shows values 8 7 A.) The three-character field provides visual
feedback on the most important parameters affecting the operation of the internal GPS receiver.
The meaning of each character is as follows:
1st character: (Hexadecimal1number: range of values is 0-D, or decimal value range 0-13)
This shows the total number of satellites that are possibly able to be “seen” at this physical
location, based on the internal GPS receiver’s knowledge of the orbit parameters of each GPS
satellite (the GPS “Almanac”). A value of zero means that NTS01’s GPS receiver has no stored
almanac data. This condition can occur if the unit has been in storage for an extended period, or
as a result of the embedded GPS receiver being reset. Under these circumstances, the NTS01
starts searching the sky randomly to find satellites, and the time required to obtain
synchronisation can be much longer than usual – up to several hours in the worst case. As soon
as a satellite is detected, the NTS01 begins updating its almanac record from data down-loaded
from the satellite. This task typically takes about 20 minutes, after which the status digit changes
to a non-zero value to show that the stored almanac is now valid. The display example in fig5 b
indicates that 8 satellites are present in the hemisphere of sky overhead.
2nd character: (Hexadecimal1number: range of values is 0-C, or decimal range 0-12)
This shows the number of satellites currently being used to compute the time solution. “0”
indicates that no updated time solution is available – the “out of lock” condition. If this condition
persists for the “Sync Hold” time, (See section 5.3 p15) the clock will go to “Warning State 2”
described below. The display examples in fig 5 show that the signals from 7 satellites are
currently in use to form the time solution.
3rd character:
Possible values are:
ANTS01 in Acquisition mode -attempting to get satellite fixes
GPoor satellite geometry – can occur when multiple satellites are tracked, but are positioned
in almost a straight line, degrading the ability of the unit to calculate accurate time. If the
unit has achieved a 3-dimensional (see “3” below) fix at some point in the past,
synchronisation will be maintained under this condition
2A 2-dimensional position solution is in use. (No height calculation). If the unit has achieved
a 3-dimensional (see “3” below) fix at some point in the past, synchronisation will be
maintained under this condition.
3A 3-dimensional position solution is in use, which includes a height calculation. 4 or more
satellites are being tracked. This condition is required before the NTS01 first enters a
synchronised state after switch on.
*
The NTS01 unit is configured to operate in Slave mode, where a precision time signal is
expected on the IRIG-B input P4. (RS422 signal IRIG-B with IEEE1344 extensions).
1A Number system with 16 characters instead of 10, with “A”-“F” having decimal values 10-15.

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4.3 Front Panel LEDs:
The GPS LED shows the status of the internal GPS receiver, while the SYN LED shows the
status of the time synchronisation to UTC reference time derived from the GPS satellites.
By default, all outputs (NTP and IRIG-B) become active within a few seconds of initial
power-up even when the unit is not synced to GPS satellite time! Output time data is not
precise until the unit is synced to the GPS satellites (or to incoming IRIG-B signal when
operating in “Slave” mode).
Warning Status Indications – (SYN LED not illuminated)
The sync relay is deactivated (“C” connected to NC”). The accuracy of the clock outputs is not
guaranteed to be correct for syncing purposes! The GPS LED shows warning states as follows:-.
Warning Status 1:
GPS LED flashing with a four-flash “burst” pattern, repeating each second: Either the antenna
is not connected, or it is short or open-circuited. When the antenna is operating correctly, this
sequence will not be seen. When the NTS01 is configured to operate in Slave mode
(synchronising to IRIG-B input signal on P4) this flash pattern indicates that the IRIG-B signal
is not present, or is unreadable.
Warning Status 2:
GPS LED flashing with a two-flash “burst” pattern, repeating each second: The unit is
searching the sky for satellites to begin the sync process. In Slave mode (synchronising to IRIG-
B input signal on P4) this flash pattern indicates that the incoming signal has been recognised,
but that the unit has not yet synchronised to it. In practice, the NTS01 slave sync algorithm is
extremely rapid, so that this status signal will rarely be seen when operating in Slave mode.
OK Status indications – (SYN LED is illuminated continuously)
The GPS LED flashes with a single flash each second, with the “ON” period much longer than
the “OFF” period. The sync relay output is activated, giving both visual and electrical
indications that the system is operating normally. All of the output time data is then accurate and
usable for sync purposes.
The Time Server first shows this status after obtaining satellite sync (with 4 or more satellites
being tracked) and maintains this status indefinitely for as long as at least one satellite is being
tracked successfully. (The 2nd status character on the LCD display shows the number of
satellites actually being tracked at any given time.) In Slave mode (synchronising to IRIG-B
input signal on P4) this flash pattern indicates that the unit is synched to the IRIG-B signal, and
that all outputs are operating correctly.

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4.4 Time Server Ports: NTS1-NTS5
General
The following section applies to each Time Server Port equipped on the NTS01. Each Time-
server Port has its own IP address and operates independently of any other port. Operation is
completely automatic once the port it is correctly configured for the network. Section 5 gives
details on configuring Time Server Ports using the supplied Configuration utility, while Section
6 covers methods of configuring the Time Server Ports via Ethernet using Telnet. Telnet access
is controlled by password, but can be inhibited completely if more stringent security is required.
Individual Time-server Port configuration info is retained indefinitely when the NTS01 is not
powered (as is all other NTS01 configuration data). Each Time-Server Port responds to time
requests from multiple clients using either SNTP or NTP protocol. If the appropriate option is
configured for a particular port, then the server will also broadcast time messages on a regular
basis. The most common protocol in use is SNTP.
SNTP Client Software
Correct operation of a Network Time Server Port can be verified by installing an SNTP client on
any Windows-based PC attached to the network. Windows XP contains an NTP client as part of
the operating system. Alternatively, and for earlier Windows Versions, a very simple and
effective client, “Dimension 4” is included with the NTS01 package (3 licenses are provided.
Additional licenses may be purchased from Thinking Man Software www.thinkman.com)
After installing “Dimension 4” on the PC to be synched, add the IP address of the Time Server
Port to “Dimension 4”’s list of Time Servers, and select it. “Dimension 4” will then use this
address to fetch time information and sync the PC’s internal clock. “Dimension 4” installs
complete with a large list of internet time server addresses. To avoid any confusion, it is
suggested that the user remove all of these pre-installed addresses, leaving only the local Time
Server Port IP address(es) in the list.
Time Server Port LED Indications
Along with an RJ45 Connector, each Time Server Port features a group of four LED indicators.
The green lnk LED indicator lights steadily when a network cable (UTP drop lead) is correctly
connected between the RJ45 Connector and the local network hub/switch.
The other green LED, the lck indicator, lights up steadily when the NTS Port is correctly
synchronised with UTC time. Provided that NTS01’s front panel SYN Led is on, then the lck
indicator should stabilise and remain on. If the lck indicator does not stabilise “on”, even though
the NTS01 is synchronised, then the most likely problem is that the “Visible Satellites”
parameter for the Time Server Port (see p.20) is set at too high a value.
The two lower LED indicators err and sec may flash for up to 30 seconds immediately
following power-on. They also flash while the Time Server Port is being accessed by the
configuration utility software. At all other times, the err and sec LED indicators remain off.

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5 NTS01 Configuration Software
5.1 General
A proprietary software configuration program ships with all NTS01 units. It provides the user
access to all of NTS01’s programmable system operating parameters. If preferred, parameter set-
up can be carried out ex factory to customer specification. In addition to the descriptions below,
the various configurable parameters are also described within the program’s on-line help.
Clicking on the “?” icon in the top RH corner of any window activates the help cursor. Moving
the help-cursor over an option and clicking activates on-line help for that parameter. The on-line
help can also be activated by pressing F1 while holding the mouse over a parameter.
5.2 Installation
The configuration utility requires a Windows PC (2000, NT and XP are supported) with a USB
port available. The program has the required USB drivers built-in. Installation procedure is as
follows:
a) Create directory (e.g. C:\Tekron) and copy the files “NTS.exe” and “NTS.hlp” to it.
b) Optionally, create a shortcut to “NTS.exe” and place the shortcut where convenient.
c) Connect the NTS01 unit using the supplied USB cable. (NTS01 must be powered)
d) Run the configuration utility by clicking on NTS.exe (or the shortcut)
When an NTS01 unit is first connected via a USB port, Windows will identify the NTS01 as
new hardware. Provided that the program is installed as indicated above, Windows will,
automatically make the NTS01 hardware ready for use. However, because the Tekron Software
has not been registered with Microsoft, Windows will open warning screens during the
installtion process. This may occur several times. Each time this happens, please choose to
“continue anyway.”
The configuration utility can be run without an NTS01 connected for training purposes.
On starting, the utility opens on the “Clock Setup” screen. At the base of this window, a bar
shows that a port scanning process is taking place to “discover” any NTS01 connected via a
USB port. When an NTS01 is found, the screen updates to show the current parameter values,
together with a live time display. If the scan reports that no NTS01 is present, check the cable
connections and try the operation again by pressing the “Refresh Data” button in the lower left
hand part of the screen.
The configuration utility has several pages of data, accessed via click-tabs at the top of the
screen.

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5.3 Clock Setup Page
This tab contains General Options and parameters relating to time format. (See fig 6)
Fig 6. Config. Utility: Clock Setup Page
General Options
Sync Hold Time
The time with no satellites visible (or – in the case of synching via IRIG-B input – the time with
no signal) that will pass before the NTS01 releases the “sync” relay, and indicates loss of sync.
In areas with poor GPS coverage there may be rare times when no satellites can be tracked. The
Sync Hold feature allows the NTS01 to maintain its outputs under these conditions. Accuracy is
maintained to within a few micro-seconds for black-out periods of around a minute, and to
within 200uS for periods up to the maximum settable time of 42.5 minutes.
In typical Network Time Synchronisation situations using NTP, time syncing to better than
0.5mS is not practical due to network constraints, so setting the Sync Hold number to the
maximum tolerance (representing 42.5 minutes) would be quite in order, as even in this worst
case, NTS01 performance is more than adequate.

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Antenna Cable Delay Compensation
Measured in nanoseconds. All antenna systems introduce delay due to the characteristics of the
antenna cable. NTS01 compensates for this delay to optimise the precision of the output signals.
The standard 30m cable supplied with NTS01 introduces 120nS of delay, so for this cable, the
Antenna cable delay is set as “120”. In most practical situations, external factors such as
network topology will have much greater effect on the precision of overall system
synchronisation, so that precise setting of this parameter becomes irrelevant. When the NTS01 is
operating in Slave mode (synched to incoming IRIG-B on P4), this parameter has no meaning,
and is shown greyed out.
Mask Angle
The elevation above the horizon below which specific satellite signals will not be used in time
and position calculations. Factory default value is 5 degrees. Range: 0-90.degrees.
Where the antenna view of the sky is severely restricted, in rare circumstances, altering this
value may give some fine improvement in stability of the time signal. Increasing the angle
reduces the likelihood of errors being introduced by multi-path signals from low elevation
satellites (typically caused by reflections off land-based obstacles), but narrows the overall field
of view. When the NTS01 is operating in Slave mode (synched to incoming IRIG-B on P4), this
parameter has no meaning, and is shown greyed out.
Test Mode
Test Mode forces NTS01 to provide all outputs as if it is in sync at all times, even if there is no
antenna attached, or no sync source on P4. The sync relay will be on at all times, regardless of
the true sync state. During test mode the NTS01 display will flash a warning.
This mode should NOT be used during normal operation.
Suppress Out of Sync Indications
A similar mode to “Test” mode, but if this option is selected, the Sync Relay will still indicate
the true sync state of the NTS01 unit. All other outputs will operate as if the unit is synchronised
at all times.
Suppress Outputs When Out of Sync
The Network Time Server Ports (NTS) and the code output on P5 are normally active at all
times, even when the NTS01 unit is not synchronised. Selecting this option will cause all of the
outputs to be suppressed. NTP clients polling the Time Servers will still receive responses, but
the responses will contains null time stamps, and the “sync” status flag in the responses will not
be asserted.
Sync to IRIG-B Input
If an IRIG-B signal (with IEEE1344 extensions active) is input on P4, (RS422 signalling
protocol required!) then the NTS01 will synchronise to it if this option is selected. The usual
source of such a signal would be from the P5 output of another NTS01 unit.

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Time Settings
Time Display
When an NTS01 is connected, this clock-face will be active, and is a preview of the current time
as kept by the NTS01. The standard NTS01 unit operates in UTC time exclusively. In these
units, the clock-face on this page shows UTC time, while in units with “Local Time Functions”
firmware option, the clock-face shows Local Time.
The local Time Settings described below will all be shown “greyed out” unless the NTS01 unit
has the “Local Time Functions” firmware option installed. (See Section 7.3 p25)
Local Standard Time (LST) is UTC +
Local Daylight Time (LDT) is UTC +
The time offsets settable here define the number of hours (and, in rare cases, minutes) that the
local time differs from UTC time. A positive offset means that the local time is ahead of UTC. If
automatic Daylight Saving Time operation is not required, both of the offsets should be set to the
same value. The time that results is the time that is used in the LCD display
Choose City
The “Choose City” button provides a convenient way of selecting time offset and daylight
savings parameters using a the host PC's time-zone database.
Set Daylight Time Using
This allows configuration of Automatic Daylight savings time changes based either on a fixed
date, or a fixed rule for calculating a date that will be differ from year to year. Accurate
information specifying the date and time that daylight savings “Starts” and “Ends” are required
for correct observance.
In the absence of specific instructions at the time of order of NTS01’s with the “Local Time
Functions” firmware option, then the factory default settings for UTC offsets and Daylight
Savings Calculations will match the published time conventions of the shipping destination

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
5.4 Time Servers Page
General
On entry into the “Time Servers” page via the program tab, the utility displays a summary of the
IP address information for each of NTS01’s Time Server Ports (NTSs), together with the
Firmware Version installed and the MAC Address of the Port’s Ethernet Interface. Five panels
are shown – one for each of the five NTS’s supported by the NTS01. (NTS’s 3-5 are found on
the NTS01E expansion unit). The current Network Addressing information for each NTS is
shown together with the installed firmware version and date. Non-equipped NTS panels are
labelled accordingly.
It is beyond the scope of this document to discuss TCP/IP addressing concepts in detail. The
configuration information that follows assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of
TCP/IP, IP addressing, and associated protocols and utilities such as DHCP (Server and Client)
Configuration of the Time Server Ports involves setting each NTS’s basic TCP/IP networking
parameters (IP Address, NetMask and Gateway IP Address) along with a set of parameters that
customise the Time Server function for each port.
Fig 7 Configuration Utility – Time Servers Screen

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Each NTS Panel has two action buttons on the right-hand side. Clicking on the “Expand” button
expands the associated panel to show all of the current parameter settings for that port. Clicking
on the “Edit” button opens the Setup screen for that NTS.
Fig 8: NTS Edit Mode - Main Menu
The NTS Edit Mode menu displays the current configuration summary followed by a list menu
and a User Prompt, as shown in Fig .
0 - Basic Parameters
This option allows permanent values to be assigned to the basic address parameters of the NTS.
The parameters that can be edited under this menu are described below
IP Address: The IP address is set by keying four 3-digit values representing the 4 octets of the
IP address. Range of each value is 0-254. If the IP address is set to 0 in all four octets (the
factory default) then the NTS will automatically operate in DHCP/BOOTP/AutoIP mode. In this
mode the NTS will search the network for a DHCP Server so that it can obtain an IP address
automatically. Tekron recommends that the user sets a specific IP address for each NTS rather
than allowing automatic address allocation via DHCP. The address should match the network
address definition (usually the first 3 octets) with the unique address of the NTS occupying the
last octet.

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Tekron International Ltd PO Box 31 285 Lower Hutt 6009 New Zealand
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Gateway IP Address: If the Time Server is required to operate over more than one Ethernet
sub-net, then a Gateway IP Address must be specified. The Gateway Address is the IP Address
of the network router or bridging device that connects the subnets together. When using DHCP,
the network’s DHCP Server will automatically provide the Gateway Address if required.
Netmask: The Netmask tells the Time Server the number of bits (counting back from the end
of the IP address) that are allocated for addressing individual host devices on the network. As the
NTS01 is normally used on small closed networks, the default value is 8, meaning that the last
octet of the IP address is used to address individual hosts. When using DHCP, the DHCP Server
automatically provides the correct Netmask.
Telnet Access Password: A four-character password may be set to hinder unauthorised access
to the Time Server Port’s Setup screen over the network. Default is no password.
The simple password provides only basic security. If absolute security is required, Telnet
Access should be disabled. Access is disabled if the password is set to ****.
Change DHCP Device Name: This option only appears if DHCP operation has been selected
(by setting the IP address value to all 000). The default DHCP host name for an NTS01 Time
Server Port is Cxxxxxx where xxxxxx denotes the first six digits of the NTS’s MAC address. For
example, a NTS with MAC address:- 00:20:4A:72:DB:2B will appear on DHCP Server lease
listings as host: C72DB2B.
Tekron strongly recommends that, if DHCP addressing is to be used, then the NTS Name
should NOT be changed from the default.
1 - NTS configuration
Selecting this option brings up prompts to set up the parameters required to operate the Time
Server function. For most applications, the default settings will be appropriate. The parameters
that can be set are as follows:-
Broadcast Mode: Defaults to “N”. If “Y” is selected, the unit prompts for a poll interval. The
unit will then broadcast time packets at the interval specified. Note that, while in broadcast
mode, the unit will still respond to NTP/SNTP client requests in the usual manner. In most
applications, Broadcast Mode is not used, so the default is the appropriate setting.
Encryption: Defaults to “N”. Most users will not use encryption. The NTS01 supports fully
encrypted requests from up to 6 clients simultaneously on each Time Server Port. If the answer
“Y” is selected here, the unit then prompts for six encryption MAC strings. A good rule is – if
you do not already know what MAC data to use – don’t attempt to use encryption at all, and
leave the option at “N”.
Visible Satellites: Defaults to “1”. Range 0-8. If there are not this many GPS satellites being
tracked for time, a SNMP message “low satellites” is generated. As the NTS01’s clock accuracy
when tracking just a single satellite is at least two orders of magnitude better than what can be
practically handled on the network, the default value of “1 ” is sufficient for detection of this
condition.