worldtime Syncbox GPS Time Server User Manual

User Manual for worldtime models including: Syncbox GPS Time Server, GPS Time Server, Time Server, Server

Syncbox User Manual v4-1

File Info : application/pdf, 26 Pages, 988.62KB

Syncbox user manual 4-1 eng

Syncbox
GPS Time Server
User Manual
Version 4.1

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To reduce the risk of fire, or electric shock, DO NOT allow the Syncbox to be exposed to rain or moisture. To avoid the risk of electric shock, DO NOT open the enclosure. To prevent damage to the unit, clean ONLY with a dry cloth. Use this product ONLY with the supplied power adapter. If the power adapter becomes damaged, consult a qualified electrician for advice. The supplied power adapter is intended to serve as a disconnect device. The socket-outlet should be installed near the equipment and should be easily accessible.
CERTIFICATION
Copies of the UK Declaration of Conformity and EU Declaration of Conformity are available for download from our web site at:
www.worldtimesolutions.com
RoHS COMPLIANCE
World Time Solutions Limited works with it's suppliers to ensure all products comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.

COPYRIGHT
© 2014 - 2025 World Time Solutions Limited. All Rights Reserved. All information contained within this document is the property of World Time Solutions Limited and cannot be used or reproduced by any person or company without written consent from World Time Solutions Limited. World Time Solutions Limited reserves the right to make periodic amendments to the information in this document without notice.
TRADEMARKS
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
SOFTWARE LICENCE
This product contains proprietary World Time Solutions Limited software. This proprietary World Time Solutions Limited software is supplied under the World Time Solutions Limited Software Licence Agreement. To obtain further information and/or a copy of the software licence please visit:
www.worldtimesolutions.com

DISPOSAL
Please dispose of this unit properly. To minimize pollution and help protect the environment, this unit should be recycled.

LIMITED WARRANTY
The Syncbox GPS Time Server is guaranteed against failure due to faulty parts or workmanship for a period of five (5) years from date of purchase.
In the event of product failure due to faulty parts or workmanship within the warranty period, World Time Solutions Limited, at its own discretion, will either (a) repair the product, (b) supply a replacement product, (c) supply a functionally equivalent replacement product, or (d) refund the purchase price of the product.
The limited warranty will not apply if (a) the product has not been installed or operated as per our instructions, (b) the product has been modified in anyway.
In the event of failure, the Syncbox should be returned to the manufacturer for inspection and repair. Please visit our support pages for further details:
www.worldtimesolutions.com/support.html

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
To obtain help with the installation or operation of the Syncbox, please visit our web site at:
www.worldtimesolutions.com/support.html

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Contents
1 - Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 1.1 - Quick start guide...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 - What's in the box? ................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 - Getting to know your Syncbox................................................................................................. 2 1.4 - The status LED........................................................................................................................ 3
2 - Installing your Syncbox.................................................................................................4 2.1 - Physical installation ................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 - Connecting and installing the GPS antenna............................................................................ 4 2.3 - Power connection .................................................................................................................... 6 2.4 - USB setup port ........................................................................................................................ 6 2.5 - Ethernet port (version dependent)........................................................................................... 6 2.6 - RS-232/RS-485 output (version dependent) ........................................................................... 7
3 - Syncbox Control software.............................................................................................8 3.1 - Installing the USB drivers ........................................................................................................ 8 3.2 - Installing the Syncbox Control software .................................................................................. 8 3.3 - Using the Syncbox Control software ....................................................................................... 9
4 - The Ethernet port .........................................................................................................10 4.1 - Programming the Ethernet port ............................................................................................. 10 4.2 - DHCP operation .................................................................................................................... 10 4.3 - NTP Broadcast ...................................................................................................................... 11
5 - RS-232/RS-485 output..................................................................................................12 5.1 - Connecting to the RS-232/RS-485 output ............................................................................. 12 5.2 - Programming the RS-232/RS-485 output.............................................................................. 12 5.3 - Serial data message format and repetition rate..................................................................... 13 5.4 - Reference time zone ............................................................................................................. 13 5.5 - PPS (pulse per second) output.............................................................................................. 13
6 - Software updates .........................................................................................................14 6.1 - Installing the Syncbox Software Update Utility ...................................................................... 14 6.2 - Downloading the updated software version........................................................................... 14 6.3 - Applying a software update ................................................................................................... 14
A - Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................16
B - Serial message formats ..............................................................................................17
C - Serial output time zones ............................................................................................. 18
D - Specifications ..............................................................................................................20

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

III

What is Syncbox Control?
Syncbox Control is the Windows software application that you will use as the control panel for your Syncbox.
To change any settings on your Syncbox, open Syncbox Control and connect the Syncbox to your PC using the USB connection. Any changes you make will be stored in your Syncbox. (Note that you only need to open Syncbox Control or connect the USB cable if you wish to check or change any settings).
See also... `The Syncbox Control software' (section 3)

1 - Introduction
The Syncbox GPS Time Server is the ideal timing solution for industrial control networks and CCTV installations. When synchronised to the GPS satellites, the Syncbox provides highly accurate time information; both as serial and PPS (pulse per second) data, and for devices on an Ethernet network using NTP (Network Time Protocol). (Note: outputs available are model dependent).
1.1 - Quick start guide
Complete the following for rapid installation of your Syncbox: · Install and connect the GPS antenna (see section 2.2). · Connect the Syncbox to a suitable 100-240 VAC mains power supply using the supplied power adapter (see section 2.3). · Install the Syncbox Control software application (see section 3). · Configure the Ethernet port using the Syncbox Control software (see section 4 - Ethernet versions only). · Configure the RS-232, RS-485 and PPS outputs using the Syncbox Control software (see section 5 - Serial versions only).
1.2 - What's in the box?
Your Syncbox is supplied with the following items: · Syncbox GPS Time Server · GPS patch antenna (or optional anti-jam GPS antenna) · Power adapter · USB, CAT5 and RS-232 serial cables (model dependent) · Wall mounting brackets

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 1: Introduction
1.3 - Getting to know your Syncbox
The drawings below show the front and rear of the Syncbox. 1.3.1 - Syncbox front view

SYNCBOX
GPS TIME SERVER

STATUS

SETUP

ETHERNET

World Time Solutions

No.

Function

1 Status LED

2 USB setup port

Table 1.1 - Front panel functions

No.

Function

3 Ethernet port (Ethernet versions only)

4 Removable bracket fixing point

1.3.2 - Syncbox rear view

www.worldtimesolutions.com

5V DC

RS-232 / RS-485 OUTPUT

GPS ANTENNA

No.

Function

No.

Function

5 Power input

7 Software update switch

6 RS-232, RS-485 and PPS

8 GPS antenna connection

outputs (Serial versions only)

Table 1.2 - Rear panel functions

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 1: Introduction
1.4 - The status LED
The status LED shows the general status of your Syncbox GPS Time Server. When the Syncbox is operating normally, the LED will be green and flashing once per second (the flash indicates the second edge). Table 1.3 below lists the different modes of operation of the status LED and what each mode indicates.

LED operation Green (flashing once per second)
Red (flashing once per second) Red (not flashing) Red (flashing fast)
Yellow

Status The Syncbox is synchronised to the GPS satellites and is operating normally. (The flash indicates the start of the second).
The Syncbox is not synchronised to the GPS satellites.
The Syncbox is booting up.
There is an error. Your Syncbox will automatically reboot.
The Syncbox is in software update mode.

Table 1.3 - Status LED operation modes

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

2 - Installing your Syncbox
The Syncbox is housed in a robust aluminium enclosure. The unit is supplied complete with an active patch GPS antenna (or anti-jam antenna option), a power adapter and associated cables. Please install your Syncbox following the notes below. To configure your Syncbox, please refer to sections 3 (Syncbox Control software), 4 (The Ethernet port) and 5 (RS-232/RS-485 output).
2.1 - Physical installation
The Syncbox should be placed on a flat surface. Alternatively, the Syncbox can be secured to any surface using the supplied removable brackets.
2.2 - Connecting and installing the GPS antenna
As standard, your Syncbox is supplied with a GPS patch antenna. We also offer a range of antenna, lightning arrester and cable upgrades to provide improved GPS decoding performance. If you have not ordered an antenna upgrade, please refer to section 2.2.1 for installation details relating to the standard GPS patch antenna. If you have ordered an optional antenna upgrade, please refer to section 2.2.2 If you have ordered a lightning arrester, please refer to section 2.2.3.
2.2.1 - Installing the standard GPS patch antenna For your Syncbox to operate reliably, the GPS antenna needs to have at least a partial view of the sky (increasing the amount of sky visible will provide correspondingly better performance). The antenna should be mounted either externally (in a protected position) or in an internal position with a view of the sky (for example, on a window ledge). If you choose to mount your antenna internally, best operation will be achieved by choosing a window facing towards the equator (ensure the window is not coated with a metallised film as this may disrupt the GPS signals).
Once installation is complete, you may choose to secure the GPS patch antenna in position using the adhesive tape supplied.
Connect the GPS patch antenna cable to the `GPS ANTENNA' connection on the rear of the Syncbox.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 2: Installing your Syncbox
2.2.2 - Installing the optional anti-jam GPS timing antenna The optional anti-jam GPS timing antenna should be installed externally, with the maximum possible sky visibility. For most installations, the ideal location will be the roof of your building. The antenna has been designed to withstand extreme temperatures, rain, snow and sunlight.
Ideally, the antenna should have a clear uninterrupted 360 deg view of the horizon. For installations where an unobstructed view of the sky is not practical, the antenna should be installed with as large a view as possible of the sky towards the equator. Installing the antenna with a substantially reduced view of the sky will degrade system performance and may increase synchronisation time.
The antenna should be mounted with the top of the dome facing directly upwards and secured using the antenna bracket. Care should be taken to ensure the fixings used (not supplied) as suitable for the application.
The antenna should be connected to the lightning arrester using the appropriate length TNC/TNC coaxial cable (available separately). For installations where a lightning arrester is not used, the antenna should be connected directly to the Syncbox using the appropriate length TNC/SMA coaxial cable (available separately).
WARNING: WHEN INSTALLING THE ANTENNA WITHOUT A LIGHTNING ARRESTER, THE ANTENNA MUST NOT BE INSTALLED IN A POSITION WHERE IT MAY BE SUBJECTED TO A DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKE.
TO PREVENT MOISTURE PENETRATING THE RF CONNECTION, THE COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTION TO THE ANTENNA SHOULD BE SEALED USING THE SUPPLIED SELFAMALGAMATING TAPE. THE TAPE SHOULD FULLY COVER THE COAX HEAT SHRINK AND THE TNC CONNECTOR, AND SHOULD FINISH ON THE ANTENNA MOUNTING THREAD. THE TAPE SHOULD BE SUPPLIED IN SUCCESSIVE HALFLAPPED LAYERS WORKING UP TOWARDS THE ANTENNA. TO ENSURE GOOD SEALING OF THE RF CONNECTION, THE TAPE SHOULD BE GENTLY STRETCHED AS APPLIED.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 2: Installing your Syncbox
2.2.3 - Installing the optional lightning arrester The optional lightning arrester provides surge protection for your Syncbox. It should be connected inline between the external antenna and the Syncbox. The lightning arrester should be installed internally as the point where the antenna cable enters the building. The lightning arrester is supplied with a separate instruction sheet with full installation instructions. Please consult this separate instruction sheet when installing your lightning arrester.
PLEASE NOTE: THE LIGHTNING ARRESTER MUST NOT BE INSTALLED EXTERNALLY.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE LIGHTNING ARRESTER IS GROUNDED TO A LOW IMPEDANCE GROUND SYSTEM FOR PROPER OPERATION.
2.3 - Power connection
The Syncbox is supplied with an external power adapter. The power adapter should be connected to the Syncbox before being connected to a local mains power supply.
2.4 - USB setup port
Please note: The USB drivers should be installed before connecting the Syncbox to your PC.
The USB setup port should be connected to a Windows PC running the Syncbox Control software. Note that you only need to connect the USB cable if you wish to check or change any settings.
2.5 - Ethernet port (version dependent)
Please note: In order to prevent possible network setup conflicts, it is recommended that the Syncbox is not connected to the network before the Ethernet port has been configured - see section 4.
The Syncbox should be connected to an Ethernet switch on a TCP/IP network. The Syncbox has a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX auto-sensing Ethernet port and should be connected to the network using the supplied CAT5 patch cable (or similar).

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 2: Installing your Syncbox
2.6 - RS-232/RS-485 output (version dependent)
The RS-232/RS-485 output provides user programmable serial time and date messages and PPS (pulse per second) data. Please refer to section 5 (RS-232/RS-485 output) for connection and setup details.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

3 - Syncbox Control software
Please note: The USB drivers should be installed before connecting the Syncbox to your PC.
Syncbox Control is a Windows software application that acts as the control panel for your Syncbox. To change any setting on your Syncbox, connect it to your PC using the USB connection and open the Syncbox Control software. The Syncbox Control software is available for download from the World Time Solutions web site:
http://www.worldtimesolutions.com
3.1 - Installing the USB drivers
· Unzip the `Syncbox Control PC Software' download. · Run the installer application `SyncboxInstaller.exe'.

Fig 3.1 - The Syncbox Installer window
· Click `Install USB Drivers' (or `Install 64 bit USB Drivers' on 64 bit versions of Windows).
· Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the USB driver installation.
· Connect the Syncbox to your PC and follow the on-screen instructions.
3.2 - Installing the Syncbox Control software
· Click the `Install Syncbox Control Software' button.
· Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
· Once the software installation is complete, click the `Exit' button.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 3: The Syncbox Control software
3.3 - Using the Syncbox Control software
The main window of the Syncbox Control software uses a tab menu system. Tabs are provided for the setup of each output (Ethernet and Serial - please refer to sections 4 and 5 respectively), advanced settings and a general status tab. The General Status tab (shown in fig 3.2 below) shows the UTC time and date, and the GPS synchronisation status.

What is the self survey?
The Syncbox GPS Time Server is designed to provide highly accurate time data. In order to achieve this, the Syncbox needs to calculate its position precisely.
The first time you power up your Syncbox it will perform an automatic self survey (the survey takes 35 minutes to complete and requires the Syncbox to be locked to the GPS satellites). When the survey is completed, the Syncbox switches to a time only GPS mode (where the location is assumed not to change), significantly improving the timing accuracy.
Once the survey is complete, the location is stored in the Syncbox. This ensures accurate timing, even if the Syncbox is rebooted.
If you relocate the GPS antenna by a significant distance, the Syncbox will detect this and automatically perform another self survey.
Alternatively you can manually trigger this by clicking the `Restart self survey' button (see fig 3.3).

Fig 3.2 - The Syncbox Control software - General Status tab
The Advanced Settings tab (shown in fig 3.3 below) indicates the current software version in your Syncbox. There are also buttons to restore your Syncbox to its factory settings and to erase the stored location and restart the self survey.
Fig 3.3 - The Syncbox Control software - Advanced Settings tab

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

4 - The Ethernet port
Note: The Ethernet port is only available on Ethernet versions.
The Ethernet port enables synchronisation of NTP/SNTP clients over a network. With sub 30 sec timestamp accuracies and high bandwidth (5000 NTP requests per second) operation, the Syncbox is the ideal network timing solution for a wide range of applications.
4.1 - Programming the Ethernet port
All settings related to the Ethernet port are configured using the Syncbox Control software (refer to section 3 for further details). Figure 4.1 below shows the Ethernet configuration screen.

What is NTP?
Network Time Protocol (NTP) enables the synchronisation of computer clocks across data networks. It was originally proposed in the early 1980s and has been continually updated and used ever since.
Further information may be found at the home of the NTP project:
http://www.ntp.org

Fig 4.1 - The Syncbox Control software - Ethernet setup tab

The Syncbox Control software initially shows the currently programmed Ethernet settings. If you make a change to any of the Ethernet settings, the `Apply' and `Cancel' buttons will be enabled. Clicking the `Apply' button will reconfigure your Syncbox with the new settings. If you don't wish to apply your new setting, click the `Cancel' button.
4.2 - DHCP operation
The network interface can operate with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled or disabled. When DHCP operation is enabled, the Syncbox attempts to obtain network address settings automatically from a DHCP server on the network. With DHCP disabled, network address settings are manually entered into the unit.
If you configure the DHCP setting to `Obtain IP setting automatically' (DHCP enabled) and the Syncbox has obtained its network settings, the new settings will be displayed in the IP address, Subnet mask and Gateway text boxes.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

What is DHCP?
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) enables the automatic assignment of IP address settings on a TCP/IP network.
Upon connection to a TCP/IP network, a client device configured for DHCP operation communicates with the DHCP server and obtains an IP address lease.
The DHCP protocol is defined in RFC 2131, available for download from:
h t t p : / / w w w. r f c - e d i t o r. o r g

Section 4: The Ethernet port
If you configure the DHCP setting to `Use the following static IP settings' (DHCP disabled), the Syncbox uses the IP address, Subnet mask and Gateway as programmed in the Internet Protocol configuration window.
4.3 - NTP Broadcast
In a typical computer network, NTP operates in Unicast mode: an NTP client requests the time and the Syncbox responds directly to this request. However, in certain applications, it may be desirable to configure the Syncbox to operate in broadcast mode. When operating in NTP broadcast mode, as well as responding directly to Unicast NTP requests, the Syncbox additionally broadcasts NTP messages to all devices on the local Subnet. Broadcast messages are transmitted every 64 seconds.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

5 - RS-232/RS-485 output
Note: The RS-232/RS-485 output is only available on serial versions.
The RS-232/RS-485 serial output provides time and date information at both RS-232 and RS-485 signal levels. The data format can be chosen by the user from a list of more than 25 different formats. The serial port also outputs high accuracy PPS (pulse per second) data at RS-232 signal levels.
5.1 - Connecting to the RS-232/RS-485 output
The Syncbox has a female DB-9 (DE-9) D-Sub (DTE) connector. Table 5.1 shows the pin connections.

Pin 1 2 3 5 8 9 4, 6, 7

Signal PPS TXD RXD GND A B unused

Source Output Output Input
Output Output
-

Description RS-232 Pulse Per Second RS-232 Transmitted data RS-232 Received data Signal ground RS-485 data A (non-inverting) RS-485 data B (inverting) -

Table 5.1 - RS-232/RS-485 serial port pin connections

5.2 - Programming the RS-232/RS-485 output
The RS-232/RS-485 serial data outputs and the PPS output are configured using the Syncbox Control software (refer to section 3 for further details). Figure 5.1 below shows the Serial Port configuration screen.

Fig 5.1 - The Syncbox Control software - Serial Port tab

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

What is UTC?
In the early 1970s, with the increase in timing accuracy made available by modern atomic clocks, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) replaced Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the world's time scale.
Historically, GMT calculated the length of a day based on solar time patterns. UTC uses highly accurate atomic clocks as a calculation base.

Section 5: RS-232/RS-485 output
The Syncbox Control software initially shows the currently programmed settings. If you make a change to any of the Serial Port settings, the `Apply' and `Cancel' buttons will be enabled. Clicking the `Apply' button will reconfigure your Syncbox with the new settings. If you don't wish to apply your new setting, click the `Cancel' button.
5.3 - Serial data message format and repetition rate
Serial data is transmitted in one of more than 25 message formats. Available message formats are listed in appendix B.
The baud rate, data bits, parity and stop bits should be configured as required for your application.
RS-232/RS-485 data messages are transmitted aligned with the second edge. The Syncbox can be user-programmed to output a data string every second, or periodically (see Repetition Rate option in fig 5.1).
When set to the `on demand' repetition rate, the Syncbox will only output serial data on receipt of a valid transmission request character on the RS-232 RXD pin. Valid characters are `s' (0x73), `S' (0x53), `t' (0x74), `T' (0x54) and `?' (0x3f). The data transmission starts on the second edge after a valid request character has been received.
5.4 - Reference time zone
The RS-232 and RS-485 data messages can be output referenced to any of the preprogrammed time zones. Appendix C lists the preprogrammed time zones along with offsets from UTC.
Where applicable, the preprogrammed time zones incorporate seasonal time change information, allowing changes to occur automatically.
5.5 - PPS (pulse per second) output
The PPS (pulse per second) pin provides a high accuracy pulse every second, aligned with the second edge. The pulse is transmitted at RS-232 signal levels from pin 1 of the serial port.
The PPS pin is normally at a negative voltage level (RS-232 logic state 1). At the start of the second edge, the pin switches to a positive voltage level (RS-232 logic state 0). After the PPS pulse has ended, the pin switches back to a negative voltage level.
The width of the PPS pulse may be adjusted from 20 msec to 200 msec.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

6 - Software updates
Occasionally, an updated software version may become available for the Syncbox. The updated software should be installed using the Syncbox Software Update Utility. The Syncbox Software Update Utility is packaged as part of the Syncbox Control software. The Syncbox Control software (including the Syncbox Software Update Utility) is available for download from the World Time Solutions web site:
http://www.worldtimesolutions.com
6.1 - Installing the Syncbox Software Update Utility
· If the USB drivers have not previously been installed on your PC, install them now using the Syncbox Installer software (see section 3.1).
· In the Syncbox Installer window, click `Install Software Update Utility' (see section 3).
· Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
· Once the software installation is complete, click the `Exit' button.
6.2 - Downloading the updated software version
· Visit the World Time Solutions web site and navigate to the downloads section on the Syncbox GPS Time Server page.
· Right click the new Syncbox firmware version and `Save link as...'
· Select a directory on your computer.
· Navigate to the new directory.
· Right click the new software zip file and select `Extract All...'
· Follow the instructions on screen to extract the zip file to a new directory.
6.3 - Applying a software update
BEFORE STARTING THIS PROCEDURE, PLEASE ENSURE THE SYNCBOX CONTROL SOFTWARE / SOFTWARE UPDATE UTILITY APPLICATIONS ARE NOT RUNNING. PLEASE ALSO DISCONNECT THE SYNCBOX FROM THE POWER SUPPLY.
· Connect the Syncbox to the PC using a standard USB printer cable.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Section 6: Software updates
· Insert a paper clip (or similar small implement) into the software update switch hole on the rear of the Syncbox (point 7 on the drawing in section 1.3.2).
· Whilst ensuring the software update switch is active (pressed in), apply power to the Syncbox.
· The Syncbox will power up in software update mode (the front panel status LED should be yellow - if not, please remove and reapply power ensuring the switch is pressed in).
The remaining steps are performed using the Syncbox Software Update Utility.
· Open the Syncbox Software Update Utility software.
· Click the `Browse' button. A `File Open' window will appear.
· Select the recently downloaded and extracted file (SyncboxT_x.x) and click `Open'. The new file version will now be displayed in the `New Software Version' text box.
· Click the `Start Update Procedure' button. The replacement software will now be uploaded into the Syncbox via the USB connection. The `Software Update Progress' section details the procedures being performed and overall progress.
· Once the update is complete, click on the `Exit' button.

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

A - Troubleshooting

Problem Status LED is Red and flashing once per second (indicates a time synchronisation error)
Status LED is Red and not flashing Status LED is Red and flashing fast Not responding to NTP requests
RS-232/RS-485 output error

Possible Cause The Syncbox is not yet synchronised after power up
Poor antenna sky visibility
The Syncbox is booting up There is an error
No connection to the network
The Syncbox is not synchronised to GPS satellites Serial port programming error

Solution
Even with a good view of the sky, the Syncbox may take up to 15 minutes to synchronise after power up
Ensure the antenna has a clear view of the sky (see section 2.2)
Wait for boot up to complete
The Syncbox will automatically reboot
Check Ethernet port configuration (see section 4)
Check network switch and CAT5 patch cable integrity
Refer to Time synchronisation error section above
Check Serial Port setup (see section 5)

Table A.1 - Troubleshooting guide

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

B - Serial message formats
The table below lists the message formats available from the RS-232 and RS-485 serial data outputs. Please refer to section 5 for further details.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Message format World Time Solutions standard format World Time Solutions long format World Time Solutions short format NMEA GGA NMEA RMC NMEA ZDA Spectracom NetClock/2 format 0 Spectracom NetClock/2 format 1 Spectracom NetClock/2 format 2 Spectracom NetClock/2 format 3 Spectracom NetClock/2 format 4 EES M100 EES M201 Meinberg Standard time string Computime Time String Sysplex 1 Wtn. format 1 Wtn. format 1 (without status) Wtn. format 2 Wtn. format 2 (with day of week) Racal XGU Tecton Darlex TAIP AL (Altitude / Vertical Velocity) TAIP CP (Compact Position) TAIP LN (Long Navigation) TAIP PV (Position / Velocity) TAIP TM (Time / Date) Motorola Binary Format `Ea' PPM (Pulse Per Minute)

Table B.1 - Serial message formats

Notes (03:30 & 03:31 only)

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

C - Serial output time zones
The Syncbox can output serial time and date data referenced to any of the following preprogrammed time zones. Time zone offsets followed by a * character indicates that the time zone has daylight saving changes (performed automatically).

UTC Offset 0 0* 0* +1 +1* +2 +2* +2 +2* +2* +2* +3 +3* +3.5* +4 +4.5 +5 +5.5 +5.75 +6 +6.5 +7 +8 +8* +9 +9.5 +9.5* +10 +10* +10* +11 +12 +12* +12* +12.75* +13 +14

City / Time Zone UTC/Reykjavik London/Dublin/Lisbon Casablanca Lagos/Algiers CET/Paris Cape Town/Johannesburg/Harare Athens/Sofia Cairo Jerusalem Beirut Amman Khartoum/Nairobi/Baghdad Moscow (old - pre 2012) Tehran Dubai/Moscow Kabul Karachi Mumbai/New Delhi Kathmandu Almaty/Dhaka Yangon Bangkok/Jakarta Singapore/Hong Kong/Beijing Perth Seoul/Tokyo Darwin Adelaide Brisbane Vladivostok Melbourne/Canberra/Sydney Suva Kamchatka/Anadyr Auckland Chatham Island Kiritimati

Table C.1 - Preprogrammed Serial Output Time Zones

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

Appendix C: Serial output time zones

UTC Offset -10 -9 -9* -8 -8* -7 -7* -6 -6* -6* -5 -5* -5* -4.5 -4 -4* -4* -3.5* -3 -3* -3* -3 -2 -1

City / Time Zone Honolulu Anchorage Vancouver/San Francisco Phoenix Edmonton/Denver Guatemala/San Salvador/Managua Winnipeg/Houston/Chicago Mexico City Lima/Kingston/Bogota New York/Toronto/Nassau Havana Caracas Santo Domingo/La Paz/San Juan Halifax Santiago Newfoundland Brasilia/Sao Paulo Montevideo Buenos Aires -

Table C.1 - Preprogrammed Serial Output Time Zones (cont..)

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

D - Specifications

Model Variations & Availability

Syncbox-S:

RS-232 and RS-485 level serial outputs and PPS output

Syncbox-N:

NTP/SNTP Ethernet output

Syncbox-SN:

NTP/SNTP Ethernet output, RS-232 and RS-485 level serial outputs and PPS output

Antenna Options, Cables and Accessories:

SD-105-ANT:

High-gain anti-jam timing antenna

SD-106-BRK:

L bracket for timing antenna

SD-107-SRG:

Standard lightning arrester

SD-108-SRG-PLUS:

Advanced lightning arrester

SD-201-TT03:

3m TNC-TNC antenna / arrester cable

SD-202-TT10:

10m TNC-TNC antenna / arrester cable

SD-203-TT25:

25m TNC-TNC antenna / arrester cable

SD-211-TS03:

3m TNC-SMA arrester / SD cable

SD-212-TS10:

10m TNC-SMA arrester / SD cable

SD-213-TS25:

25m TNC-SMA arrester / SD cable

Typical Performance Specifications

NTP timestamp accuracy: Typically within 30 sec of UTC

NTP client accuracy:

Dependent on network architecture, utilisation, delays and jitter. Clients typically synchronised to within 200 sec to 2 msec of UTC on a LAN.

NTP performance:

5000 NTP requests per second

RS-232/RS-485 output accuracy:

50 µsec

PPS output accuracy:

1 µsec

PPS output jitter:

30 nsec

Supported Protocols Ethernet protocols:
Serial protocols:

NTP v2 (RFC 1119), NTP v3 (RFC 1305), NTP v4 (RFC 5905), SNTP v3 (RFC 1769), SNTP v4 (RFC 4330), DHCP
More than 25 serial data formats

I/O Connections Ethernet connection: RS-232/RS-485/PPS: Setup: GPS antenna:
Power input:

10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX auto-sensing
DB-9 (DE-9) female D-Sub
USB 2.0 (full-speed)
SMA (supplied with active patch antenna and 3m captive cable)
5V DC power input, supplied with external power adapter

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

I/O Connections Ethernet connection: RS-232/RS-485/PPS: Setup: GPS antenna:
Power input:

10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX auto-sensing
DB-9 (DE-9) female D-Sub
USB 2.0 (full-speed)
SMA (supplied with active patch antenna and 3m captive cable)
5V DC power input, supplied with external power adapter

Mechanical, Electrical & Environmental Specifications

Dimensions:

112 x 33 x 92mm (4.4" x 1.3" x 3.6") (excluding removable wall fixings)

Weight:

0.5 kg

Power consumption:

0.5 AMPS (@ 5 VDC)

Operating temperature:

0 to 50 ºC

Relative humidity:

0% - 95%, noncondensing

Standards Compliance (v2 hardware versions)

Safety requirements:

BS EN 62368-1: 2024

Emission requirements:

BS EN 55032: 2015 +A1:2020

Immunity requirements:

BS EN 55035: 2017 +A11:2020

Radio equipment directive: EN 303 413: V1.2.1 (2021-04)

CE / UKCA:

Meets all applicable directives

RoHS:

RoHS compliant

Syncbox - GPS Time Server - User Manual - Version 4.1

World Time Solutions Limited Unit 2 Oxford Court, St James Road, Brackley, NN13 7XY, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1280 830 380 - sales@worldtimesolutions.com www.worldtimesolutions.com

References

Adobe PDF Library 9.0