TEKRON NTS 02-G Satellite Clock With Oscillator User Manual

May 15, 2024
Tekron

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TEKRON NTS 02-G Satellite Clock With Oscillator

TEKRON-NTS-02-G-Satellite-Clock-With-Oscillator-
product

Introduction

Welcome to the NTS 02-G user manual! This document contains everything you need to know about the key features, hardware, and installation process of the NTS 02-G.

Product Overview

The NTS 02-G Network Time Server provides a precision time reference for synchronizing Ethernet networks. The NTS 02-G features multiple independently addressed Ethernet ports, each supporting the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Each NTS 02-G base unit has a built-in GNSS synchronized master clock which, in the default operating mode, provides the source reference time used by all Ethernet ports. The NTS 02-G product is ideally suited for use in industrial environments and can provide NTP or PTP server functions to multiple independent Ethernet networks. All NTS 02-G units feature a front panel display (see Figure 1) giving visual feedback about the time data being generated on the outputs. LED indicators provide “at a glance” status information.

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Figure 1 – NTS 02-G front and back panels
The NTS 02-G features an administrative 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port through which the unit’s inputs and outputs can be configured.

Accessories

The NTS 02-G comes complete with an Ethernet cable to allow for customization and easy setup from the Windows™ Configuration software, which is available to download from www.support.tekron.com Optional accessories include an antenna, low-loss antenna cable, antenna pipe mounting components and lightning protection kit.

Front Panel
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The NTS 02-G features two LED indicators on the front panel (see Figure 2), together with a USB port and a 2-line by 16-character backlit LCD.
SYNC LED: This LED shows the current sync status of the NTS 02-G.
ALM LED: This LED shows the alarm status of the NTS 02-G.
ADMIN (USB) Port: This port can be used to configure the NTS 02-G using the Tekron Configuration Tool available for download on the Tekron website www.tekron.com.

LCD Display
On initial power-up, the LCD shows a copyright message, along with the serial number and NTS 02-G firmware version (see Figure 3a). Approximately 10 seconds after power-up, if the NTS 02-G is operating in its default mode as a GNSS synchronized grandmaster clock, then the display changes automatically to indicate that it is waiting for satellites (see Figure 3b).

Once one or more satellites have been discovered, it transitions to the operating default display (see Figure 3c). Figures 3d and 3e show alternative time displays that can be accessed by pressing the button on the front panel between the LED indicators. Successive button-pushes can be used to cycle through all the display screens in turn. Examples of the display screens are shown below:

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“UTC” represents Coordinated Universal Time (approximately equivalent to GMT). The top line of the screen (Figure 3c) shows the time server’s current local time offset from UTC (hours and minutes), together with the local date. The local time day-of-year and time-of-day are on the bottom line. Figure 3c shows that the time server is operating with a local time offset of 12 hours ahead of UTC. The local date is 17th March 2013, and the local time is 11:16:53 in the morning.
Figure 3d shows the same time and date, but also indicates that the time displayed is Local Standard Time and that the day is Tuesday.

“LST” denotes Local Standard Time. If daylight savings time is active, the “LST” in screen 3d changes to“LDT”, denoting Local Daylight Time. Figure 3e shows the UTC and date which is 11:16:53 on the evening of Monday 17th March 2013.
Figure 3g shows the basic Ethernet network settings for the Admin/ETH1 port. In this example, it shows the port has been configured with a fixed/static IP address of 192.168.96.10. The display screens in Figure 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e, each show a three-character status field at the bottom right-hand corner of the display.

When the NTS 02-G is operating in its default mode as a GNSS synchronized grandmaster, this field provides further details about the GNSS function as shown in Figure 4a and Table 1a below. When the NTS 02-G is synchronized from an IRIG-B source, this field directly indicates the sync source. (See example for “SLC” source in Figure 4b). Table 1b shows the alternate sync sources supported by the NTS 02-G.

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LCD INDICATORS Table 1a – GNSS Status

Character Values Description


Satellites in the sky

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“0 – 9”: 0 – 9

“A – E”: 10- 14

“F”: >14

| Represents the total number of satellites currently present in the sky according to the GNSS almanac. “0” in this position means that NTS 02-G has lost its knowledge of the GNSS satellites’ orbit geometries. This occurs if the unit has been in storage for an extended period, or if the GNSS receiver has been reset. It may take up to two hours for the NTS 02-G to operate

normally again.


Satellites tracked

| “0 – 9”: 0 – 9

“A – E”: 10 – 14

“F”: >14

| This digit represents the number of satellites currently being used to compute the time solution. A “0” value means that no updated time solution is available, (“out of lock” condition). If this condition persists for the “Holdover” time the NTS 02-G will indicate “out of sync” as described

under LED Indicators section below.




GNSS

Receiver Mode

| “A”| NTS 02-G in Acquiring mode – attempting to get satellite fixes.


“G”

| “Bad geometry”: Satellites are positioned in almost a straight line so best accuracy cannot be obtained, but the unit will still attempt to synchronize

to UTC.


“S”

| Site Survey in progress. NTS 02-G is synchronized and is refining the position calculation for higher precision. Once complete the mode will

change to Position hold.

“P”| “Position hold”: Position is now known precisely, and the NTS 02-G is

providing its most accurate time, typically within 40 ns of UTC.

LCD INDICATORS Table 1b – Alternative Sync Source

Character Values Description



Alternate Sync Source

| “PTP”| The NTS 02-G is synchronized to a PTP grandmaster
“NTP”| The NTS 02-G is synchronized to an NTP server
“SLC”| The NTS 02-G is synchronized to an IRIG-B source on P2 input “Slave:Copper”
“SLF”| The NTS 02-G is synchronized to an IRIG-B source on the Fiber input The

“Slave:Fiber”

“TST”| The NTS 02-G is operating with manually set time.

If the time server is configured to synchronize to IRIG-B only (ignore GNSS) then “SL?” will be displayed in the status field if there is no IRIG-B signal input or an invalid signal input.

Contrast Adjustment Mode
The LCD contrast can be adjusted by entering the Contrast Adjustment Mode. This mode is entered by holding down the button on the front panel for approximately 3 seconds. Once in Contrast Adjustment Mode, pressing the button will lighten the contrast and decrease the contrast by one level. The LCD will cycle from the darkest to the lightest if the button is pressed when on the lightest setting. To exit the Contrast Adjustment Mode, hold down the button on the front panel for approximately 3 seconds again. The button will return to normal operation after this.

LED Indicators

The SYNC LED shows the status of the sync source. The various states are shown as follows: –

  • Off: The NTS 02-G has no power.
  • On: The NTS 02-G is synchronized to the source indicated by the LCD
  • Slow Flash (1 flash per second): The NTS 02-G is operating in the “holdover” state (holdover timer running) or is operating in the “tuning” state (timer server is gaining synchronization)
  • Fast Flash (5 flashes per second): The NTS 02-G is not synchronized. “Out of Sync” condition

The ALM LED indicates the internal alarm status of the NTS 02-G. It has only two operating states: –
Off: The NTS 02-G is operating normally, i.e., there are no alarms.
Fast Flash (5 flashes per second): At least one alarm is active. Refer to the alarm window in the Clock tab of the Configuration Tool to find the name of the active alarm(s). A shorthand version of the alarm name will also appear on the LCD. Refer to the Specification Alarm table below for the details on each alarm by name.

Table 2 – Alarm Specification

LCD Alarm Alarm Name Specification
Sats Satellites Low The number of satellites currently being used for time

and position calculations is below the threshold.
Sync| No Sync| The NTS 02-G is not synchronized to any source, or holdover period has

expired, or the timing output inaccuracy has been exceeded.

Hold| Holdover| The NTS 02-G has lost synchronization to any source and is now in

holdover.

AntL| No Antenna| The antenna circuit current drain is low (typically under 3mA). This could be caused by:

·         poor connections

·         the connected antenna having a lower current drain specification

·         a component in the antenna system providing power to the antenna and therefore the time server is not seeing a connected load

·         there being no antenna connected

AntH| Antenna Short| The antenna circuit current drain is high (typically over 100 mA). This is caused by a short in the antenna circuit, or by moisture ingress in the circuit, or if the antenna connected has a higher current drain

specification.

N/A*| Antenna

Fault

| This alarm is generated if there is high current or low current detected on

the antenna input.

Factory Reset Cycle

Power

| Factory Reset Armed| This alarm is generated if the Forgotten Password Reset (Factory Reset Process) is enabled and has been initiated by the user.
IRIG| No IRIG-B

Input

| No valid IRIG-B source is detected on the NTS 02-G input. This message

only appears if the NTS 02-G is configured with IRIG-B monitoring enabled.

N/A*| Overcurrent| The NTS 02-G supports output current monitoring and has detected excessive current on one or more outputs. Check the I/O tab to identify

which output is experiencing the fault.

IPeX| ETHx

Address Fault

| This alarm comes up when the DHCP server is unavailable or when the IP address is assigned to some other node in the network and cannot be assigned to the port. Under such situations the port defaults to a link local address.

eX represents the port number which has the alarm. For example, IPe1 indicates address fault alarm on ETH1.

SYNC

FORCED ON

| Sync Forced| This alarm is generated when the “Never leave Sync (Test Mode)” option

has been selected.

Note: N/A indicates that this alarm does not appear on the LCD.

USB Port
A second Admin port (USB type B) is provided to support local configuration/administration. The USB port has the same configuration options as the Admin Ethernet port 1. The configuration software supplied with the NTS 02-G supports both USB and Ethernet configuration. A USB driver for the NTS 02-G can be downloaded from www.support.tekron.com. The NTS 02-G can be configured through the USB admin port only, to add an extra security layer.

Back Panel
Examples of the NTS 02-G back panel are shown below (see Figures 6 and 7). The unit appearance varies depending on the types of Ethernet modules fitted (orderable factory options).

TEKRON-NTS-02-G-Satellite-Clock-With-Oscillator-fig-
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P1 Power Input

Power is applied to the NTS 02-G via P1, a 5.08 mm 3-pin connector. DC power should be applied to pins L and N. Despite the L and N markings, DC polarity is not critical, but only Pin L is fused internally. Maximum steady-state power consumption is 6 Watts and surge protection is provided. Both the electronics and case are isolated from the power supply input, enabling the use of positive earth, negative earth, or fully floating supplies. The mating connector (supplied) accommodates wire sizes up to 1.5 mm2. The input voltage range is marked on the label located below the P1 connector. Check the label on the unit base for power supply voltage ratings before applying power.

Earth Stud (M4 Nut)

An M4 bolt (to chassis) is provided for earthing of cable shields. It is recommended that the bolt is bonded to the earth using a cable terminated with a ring terminal. This provides a safe discharge path in the event of a short circuit or high-voltage transient.

Ant: Antenna Connector (SMA Connector)

The “ANT” antenna input provides an interface for an external active antenna. The antenna should be connected using a high-quality, low-loss 50 Ω coaxial cable. The centre conductor supplies 5 VDC (100 mA max.) to power an active antenna. Care should be taken to ensure that the connector is not cross- threaded when attaching the antenna lead-in cable. The connector should be tightened firmly by hand only. Do NOT overtighten! Ensure the antenna SMA male connector centre pin is straight before plugging it in.

Antenna Cable Considerations
The NTS 02-G antenna port expects a signal with a gain of at least 15 dB, and no more than 35 dB, with 20 – 35 dB being the optimal gain range. All antenna cables will introduce some signal loss in the antenna installation system, which will be dependent on cable length. The total gain of the antenna installation should fall within the ranges specified below. The total gain is calculated by the gain of the antenna (Tekron-supplied antenna provides 40 dB gain) minus the antenna cable loss.

TEKRON-NTS-02-G-Satellite-Clock-With-Oscillator-fig-
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Note : The above figures are based on an average GNSS signal strength of -130 dBm at sea level, and assume that the Tekron-supplied antenna is used.

  • CNT-240 32.8 dB/100 m (10dB/100ft). Plus 1 dB/connector
  • Approximate optimum length range: 15m to 60m (50 ft – 197 ft)
  • Approximate maximum length range: 15m to 76m (50 ft – 250 ft)
  • CNT-400 16.73 dB/100 m. Plus 1 dB/connector
  • Approximate optimum length range: 30m to 120 m (99 ft – 394 ft)
  • Approximate maximum length range: 30m to 150m (99 ft – 493 ft)

A lightning protection device should 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. The introduction of the lightning protector introduces an additional loss of 0.1 dB and the loss of two connectors. Care should be taken to ensure that the connector is not cross-threaded when attaching the antenna lead-in cable. The connector should be tightened firmly by hand only. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!

P2: IRIG-B Input (3-pin 3.81 mm Connector)

This port accepts an RS422 level un-modulated IRIG-B signal of the following formats:

  • IRIG-B004 with C37.118.1 extensions
  • IRIG-B005 with C37.118.1 extensions
  • IRIG-B006*
  • IRIG-B007*

Note: When no extensions are contained in the incoming IRIG-B signal, the incoming time is assumed to be UTC. When configured appropriately, the NTS 02-G can synchronize to this source rather than the internal GNSS receiver, operating as a slaved device from another master source or other time server. A 120 Ω twisted pair cable is recommended for the incoming RS422 line. The incoming RS422 line should be connected to pins “+” and “-” of the mating connector. An RS422 termination load is provided on pin “T” and can be activated by linking pins “T” and “-” in the mating connector.

P3: Programmable Output (3-pin 3.81 mm Connector)

This port transmits an un-modulated IRIG-B, programmable pulse, or a DCF77 signal using RS422 levels on pins “+” and “-” of the mating connector. The default output is an unmodulated IRIG-B signal (IRIG-B004 with C37.118.1 extensions). It can be used as the master source signal to drive the P2 inputs of one or many slaves NTS 02/03-G units or other end devices.

The IRIG-B timing pulses (both leading and trailing edges) from this port are typically within 100 ns of UTC. A 0 V to +3.3 V output signal (single-ended, 0 V referenced) can be obtained by connecting the signal cable to “+” and “0V” instead of to “+” and “-”. P3 is a programmable RS422 output that may be configured to output in either inverted or non-inverted polarity:

  • A configurable number of pulses per second, minute, hour, and day with an adjustable pulse width and offset.
  • IRIG-B time code (Un-modulated DCLS or Modified Manchester) with option C37.118.1 or AFNOR extensions.
  • Simulated DCF77 receiver time code.

P4: Sync and Antenna Alarm Relays (4-pin 3.81 mm Connector)

The port provides two alarm output channels. The alarm outputs are type “A” (normally open) dry contact types.
Note: the “Normally-Open” (NO) descriptor refers to the de-energized state of the relay.

The NTS 02-G operates with the alarm relays energized during normal operation and de-energized in the alarm state. It follows that, in the event of all power to the NTS 02-G being lost, both alarms default to the “alarm” state (open contact). The “+” and “-” symbols are included for reference purposes only, as the alarm contacts are not polarized. P4 A is a GNSS signal fail (antenna disconnected or antenna short (over-current)) alarm. Activation of the alarm (opening of the contact) is delayed by 10 seconds from the onset of the triggering condition. P4 B is a synchronization fail alarm. This alarm is active (contact open) when the unit is not synchronized and is not in the holdover state.

ADMIN/ETH 1: Ethernet Administration Port (RJ-45)

The Ethernet administration port (ETH1) features an RJ-45 connector and supports 10/100 Mbps, Auto MDI-X and Auto Negotiate. The port indicator LEDs convey the Link (LNK) and Activity (ACT) status for the port. This port is used to
configure NTS 02-G settings and all network ports via the Tekron Configuration Tool, which is available for download from the Tekron website at www.support.tekon.com.

ETH 2 and ETH 3 – Ethernet Communication Ports (RJ-45)

The second and third Ethernet communication ports (ETH2 and ETH3), feature RJ45 (10/100 Mbps, Auto MDI-X and Auto Negotiate). These ports include indicator LEDs that convey the Link (LNK) and Activity (ACT) status for the associated port.

Note
The NTS 02-G features absolute security between all ports so that no Ethernet paths exist between any of the three Ethernet ports. For this reason, the NTS 02-G does not support hub, switch, or router functions.

Software

Configuration Tool
The NTS 02-G can be configured via USB or Ethernet. The configuration tool can be downloaded from the Tekron Support Website: www.support.tekon.com. By default, the unit is shipped with DHCP enabled for automatic IP address assignment, with a fallback to link local addressing (169.254.xxx.xxx) if no DHCP server is present.

  • Default Username: admin
  • Default Password: Password

Note
The user is required to change the default password on the first login.

USB driver
The USB driver can be downloaded from the NTS 02-G product page of the Tekron website (https://tekron.com/productsnetwork-time-server-nts02g/).

Installation

Identification
Each NTS 02-G unit is shipped with identification labels on the base and side of the unit. The labels provide details on the hardware options fitted in the unit during manufacture, as well as the power supply requirements and the unit serial number. Check the identification label on the base or side of the unit to ensure that the correct model has been supplied before proceeding to install!

Location
The unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only using a lock and key or other means of security. Installation is to be done by suitably qualified personnel.

Power Supply
The input voltage range is marked on the product label on the base or side of the unit. Do not apply voltage outside the range noted. DC power should be applied to pins L and N. DC polarity is not critical, but only pin L is fused internally. It is recommended to connect the ‘+’ terminal to L. Pin E is connected to the chassis of the unit to be used for earthing. This power input can be used with an AC supply within the specified input voltage range. Pin E is the Earth connection for the AC supply and the mains phase connection must be connected to the L terminal as this is fused.

Hazardous Voltage

TEKRON-NTS-02-G-Satellite-Clock-With-Oscillator-fig-
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Earthing
The unit must be safely earthed whenever it is powered on, using the earth terminal as pictured above. The cable cross-section must be equal to or greater than 0.75 mm2 (18 AWG).

Mounting the NTS 02-G
The NTS 02-G can be used free-standing or mounted in a 19” rack. Each unit ships with a rack-mount bracket which can be attached by removing the 4 corner front panel screws and attaching the plate as illustrated in Figure 7.

TEKRON-NTS-02-G-Satellite-Clock-With-Oscillator-fig-
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Operation
Check the label on the base for voltage requirements before switching on! Connect the antenna lead and the antenna (with a good view of the sky). Then connect the power source to P1.

The time required to achieve tracking and synchronization given a good view of the sky is typically within one minute and 30 seconds. The NTS 02-G will usually take under one minute to synchronize to the GNSS source, then it will spend an additional 30 seconds at most validating that the sync source is stable before reporting that it is ‘in sync’.

The NTS 02-G performs stability validation on all incoming sync sources before reporting that it is ‘in sync’. As described in the LCD section, the button on the front panel will toggle the display on the LCD and can also enter the contrast adjustment mode. Once powered up, the operator can determine the correct operation of the NTS 02-G by observing the LEDs. The ALM LED should be off and the SYN LED should be solid on. If the LEDs are flashing, refer to the LED Indicators section on page 8 for an explanation of the status.

Factory Reset

The NTS 02-G features the ability to reset to factory default settings if the administrator password is forgotten, or if the time server is rendered unreachable on the network due to incorrect settings, provided that physical access to the unit is available. This feature is disabled by default to maximize security and must be enabled via the Tekron Configuration Tool before it can be used.

When disabled, there is no method to gain full access to the unit without the administrator password, and if the administrator password is forgotten, the unit must be returned to Tekron for reprogramming at the customer’s expense. This feature may be permanently disabled by Tekron on request. For further details on this feature, see the Configuration Tool Manual, which can be downloaded from the Tekron website at www.tekron.com/downloads

Factory Hardware Options

Power Supply Options
This table shows the three different power supply options that can be ordered with NTS 02-G.

Designator Input Range
High Voltage (3 pin) 85 – 250 Vac / 90 – 300 Vdc
Medium Voltage (3 pin) 20 – 75 Vdc
Low Voltage (3 pin) 14 – 36 Vdc

Slave Only Option (Fiber input)
The NTS 02-G can be ordered as a slave-only device in which case, the SMA antenna jack is removed, and an ST Fiber receiver port (multi-mode) is fitted instead. The unit will synchronize to an incoming IRIG-B signal on either P2 (RS422 format signal required) or on the Fiber input.

Appendix
NTS 02-G Specifications

Physical Specifications


Dimensions

| Width| 160 mm
Depth| 155 mm
Height| 40 mm
Weight| 800 g
Operating Temperature Range| -10 to +65 oC
Storage Temperature Range| -40 to +85 oC
Operating Humidity| 10 ~ 95 % non-condensing
Electrical Specifications


Power Supply

| Low Voltage| 14 – 36 Vdc
Medium Voltage| 20 – 75 Vdc
High Voltage| 90 – 300 Vdc / 85 – 250 Vac
Power drain| 6 W max
Protection| Surge and Transient
Isolation| Power In to NTS:          3.0 kV
 | NTS to Alarm outputs: 3.5 kV
 | NTS to Ethernet:          1.5 kV
Input and Output Specifications
Ethernet Port (Administrator)| RJ-45| 10/100 BASE-T|
 | Isolation| 1.5 kV|
Ethernet Ports (2 and 3)| RJ-45| 10/100 BASE-T|
 | Isolation| 1.5 kV|
USB Port| Type B|  |
P2 Input| Voltage level| RS422| Sensitivity 200 mV
P3 Output| Voltage level| RS422| Capable of driving 32 unit loads from 3.3V

(1 V output at 80 mA)

P4 Relay| Isolation| 3.5 kV|
 | Max contact rating| 275 V at 100 mA (AC

or DC)

|
GNSS Receiver

L1/GLONASS (1575.42 / 1598-1606 MHz) Frequency, C/A Code, 32 Channel, parallel-tracking receiver
Position Accuracy| Horizontal| <9 m (90%)
Altitude| <18 m (90%)
Timing Accuracy| <15 ns (1 sigma) to UTC
Sensitivity| Acquisition| -148 dBm
Tracking| -160 dBm
Antenna output voltage| 5 V
Antenna output current| 100 mA (max)

Warranty Statement
For terms and conditions of Tekron’s Warranty, refer to the website http://tekron.com/about-tekron/warranty

WARNING
This product has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device under Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating in a commercial environment.

Notes
The information in this manual may change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual. Ethernet is a trademark of XEROX Corporation. Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 are trademarks of Microsoft™ Corp. Copyright ©2014 Tekron International Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this document may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Tekron International Ltd. Published in New Zealand. This product has been manufactured by Tekron in New Zealand. For more information on Tekron or its products please visit our website at www.tekron.com.

References

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