GPS500um

INCLUDES ADDENDUM

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING A SCHNEIDER ION METER

WITH A GPS500

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

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DISCLAIMER Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Masterclock, Inc. (hereinafter MC) makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. MC shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. MC is not responsible for legislative changes to the Daylight Saving Time (DST) rules, nor to the systems relying on accurate time, which may be affected by such changes. Issues related to legislative changes to the DST rules are not covered under the Masterclock, Inc. limited warranty. See important limited warranty information on page 11.

FACTORY TESTED To ensure a successful installation to your local grounding and electrical specifications, your GPS 500 was thoroughly tested with its antenna prior to shipment.

ADVISORY NOTICE CONCERNING THE GPS SATELLITE SYSTEM AND THE GPS 500 GPS REFERENCE DEVICE Depending on many factors beyond the control of MC, the signals that are received from the GPS satellites are subject to interference, fading, satellite failure and other influences that could cause the GPS 500 to generate erroneous time and/or date information and, under some conditions, could prevent it from generating a Time Code signal and/or cause it to generate an erroneous Time Code signal. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the adequacy and suitability of this device for the intended use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction.................................................. 3

Installation ................................................... 4

Antenna Location ........................................ 5

Global Positioning System............................ 6

Antenna Placement...................................... 7

Antenna Options.......................................... 8

Lightening & Cable....................................... 9

Inputs/Outputs & Switches Diagram .......... 10

DIP Switches 1 & 2...................................... 11

DIP Switches 3 & 4...................................... 12

Operation.................................................... 13

Almanac & Power Outage........................... 14

Interval Blanking & Specifications............... 15

Troubleshooting .......................................... 16

Addendum - ION Meter Time Sync............. 18

Warranty Limitations & Repair................... 20

Declaration of Conformity ........................... 21

Contact ...................................................... 22 GPS 500 FEATURES: Generates SMPTE / EBU or IRIG-B Time Codes

Synchronized to atomic clocks in GPS satellites

-11.5 to +12 hour Time Zone offsets in 30-minute

increments

Automatic Daylight Savings (US and Canada time standard)

Multiple outputs

NMEA/Kinemetrics / Truetime serial protocol output

Wide power supply input range: 12 to 48 VDC Switch compatible interval blanking in the

Schneider Ion Meter

Switch compatible format and baud rate


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Introduction The GPS 500 is a precision IRIG-B or SMPTE Time Code generator. It provides a source of very stable Time Code and accurate time and date information. The GPS 500 receives reference time information from atomic clocks in GPS satellites.

The GPS 500 extracts timing reference from these signals and generates Time Code that is synchronized to within less than 10 microseconds of UTC (Universal Coordinated Time).

The GPS 500 can provide local time. Hour offsets of -11 to +12 hours (including half-hour offset and Daylight Savings) can be configured via DIP switches (p. X).

SMPTE The GPS 500 supports SMPTE Time Code. Defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, SMPTE is available in 30, 25, and 24- frames per second.

IRIG-B The GPS 500 supports IRIG-B. Defined by the Range Commanders Council, U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range. The format is used by military, government, power industry, and many other commercial and industrial applications. The GPS 500 generates IRIG-B in 1kHz modulated and un-modulated (pulse-width coded) format.

All formats of IRIG-B Time Code carry time-of-year information and BCD (Binary Coded Decimal). All formats also carry extended year/date and time zone information in the control functions (CF) as defined by the IEEE 1344 specification.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT The GPS 500 is not water- or moisture-proof. treat it as you would any other delicate electronic device and do not expose it to high humidity, excessive heat or physical abuse.


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Installation UNPLUG YOUR GPS 500 (IF POWERED UP) THEN FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS TO INSTALL AND CONFIGURE THE UNIT

STEP 1: CONFIGURE THE GROUND JUMPER [J5] AND SWITCHES Prior to plugging in the GPS 500,

unscrew the two screws at the back of the GPS 500 and gently pull out the circuit board.

Set the four banks of eight DIP switches and other items using the DIP Switch Charts (pages 5-6) as your guide.

By default the J5 ground jumper is off. In this state the GPS 500s system ground is floating or a virtual ground. Connecting the J5 ground jumper connects the system ground to the Earth ground (J4).

STEP 2:

SECURE THE BOARD Replace the circuit board within the case, and replace the two screws to secure the back.

STEP 3:

CONNECT THE SMA ANTENNA CABLE AND 9-PIN OUTPUT CONNECTOR Connect the GPS pre-amplified antenna (page 6) to the GPS 500s SMA input with the coaxial cable (if that option was ordered).

Make connections to the 9-pin terminal block (J2) according to your applications specifications and the inputs/outputs and switches diagram (p. 9).

STEP 4: CONNECT THE POWER CORD Important: First ensure that the J5 ground jumper is configured to your specifications before connecting power. Connect power to the 3-pin terminal block according to the inputs/outputs and switches diagram (p. 9).

Although the highest voltage inside the GPS 500 is 12 to 28 VDC (which is generally not dangerous to touch), accidentally shorting a trace or wire inside the unit with power-on could destroy or damage any one of the extremely sensitive electronic modules.

Accidentally shorting a wire or trace or subjecting the unit to a static discharge, even for a very small fraction of a second, can destroy these modules.

Such damage is not covered by the warranty.


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Antenna Location

INDOORS CAN BE A PROBLEM Obstructions may block signal reception if your antenna is not properly located. Try to find an unobstructed view of the sky.

In some cases this can be accomplished by placing a basic antenna adjacent to a window, magnetized to the included iron angle bracket that can be attached to the window frame.

However, in most cases good reception will require mounting a standard antenna outside of the building, perhaps on a roof. It is possible that the system will operate indoors and under certain obstructions, but this can only be determined by trial and error, ultimately leading to a successful installation.

Your GPS 500 package comes either alone or with the antenna of your choice.

BASIC ANTENNA OPTION The basic antenna comes complete with a right angle bracket for mounting and 15 feet (5m) of cable. Extensions are not available for this type.

STANDARD ANTENNA OPTION The Standard Antenna is generally mounted to PVC pipe and anchored to an outdoor wall. The cable must be attached during assembly. The standard antenna has the following specs:

Gain: 32dB pre-amplified

Voltage: 3.5-5 VDC - 27 mA (max)

Connector: SMA Female

Dimensions: 3.7dia x 5.5h in [9.3dia x 14h cm]

Weight: 6.7 oz (190 g)

Environment: -40 to +85C with high humidity

Included cable: 50 feet (15 m)

Cable extensions: up to 500 feet

Above: The basic antenna option includes 15 feet of attached cable and a right

angle iron bracket than can be attached to a window frame by screws or adhesive.

The magnetic head of the antenna is magnetized to the iron bracket.

Below: The standard antenna option

mounts on a PVC pipe, typically outdoors. Cable extensions, up to 500 feet, apply

only to this model.


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GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM AND PRECISE TIME AND FREQUENCY The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites that continuously orbit the earth. Each GPS satellite has on board several atomic clocks that are precisely synchronized to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) provided by the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO). Coded signals are broadcast by each of the satellites with the exact time and position of the satellite. All GPS receivers use an antenna to receive these signals. By using a GPS receiver optimized for time and not position it is possible to get extremely precise time synchronization with the satellites atomic clocks.

GPS Antennas and Cables

The signals from the GPS satellites operate in the semi-visible spectrum of the L1 band (1575.42 MHz) with a minimum signal level of -162.0 dBW. With this very low signal strength the GPS antenna must be able to see the sky to acquire the signals. Practically speaking the antenna must have a clear view of the sky and thus be mounted on a roof, or in some cases in a window. The antennas are relatively small, coffee cup size or smaller, and are connected to the GPS receiver typically via coaxial cable.

Since the GPS signal is very weak the antenna usually amplifies the signal to drive it through the cable to the receiver. Antenna cable however offers some resistance and the GPS signal strength will attenuate as it travels down the cable. GPS receiver sensitivity is finite so if the cable length is too long the signal will be too weak for the receiver to detect it. Consequently it is very important to know the distance in advance between the antenna and the receiver so that the proper cable solution can be installed.

Antenna Types

There are two basic antenna types used with GPS timing receivers; roof mounted and window mounted. The roof mounted antenna is required for the more accurate GPS clocks since at least three satellites are required to be in view at all times to maintain timing accuracy, typically nanoseconds to UTC. The window mounted antenna is applicable for the network time servers which operate with a lesser degree of accuracy, typically microseconds or in some cases low milliseconds to UTC, and can function with as few as one intermittent satellite in view. The roof mounted antenna is always preferable since by nature of its location has the best view of the sky. A variation on the roof antenna is the GPS Down/Up converter used for very long cable runs. This is a special GPS antenna that receives the GPS signal and down

Typical roof antenna mounting


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converts it to a lower frequency that is then sent down the cable. Next to the GPS receiver is an up converter that converts the signal back to the original frequency and delivers it to the GPS receiver. This process is transparent to the GPS receiver.

Antenna Placement and Mounting

Roof Antenna Placement: When selecting a site for the roof antenna, find an outdoor location that provides full 360-degree visibility of the horizon. In most cases, this means locating the antenna as high as possible, such as on the roof. Any obstructions may degrade unit performance by blocking the satellite signals. Blocked signals can increase the time for satellite acquisition, or prevent acquisition altogether. A short mounting mast and hose clamps are provided with the roof antenna to mount the antenna to a pole or the peak of a building. The antenna mounting mast and clamps are well suited to attach the antenna to a vent pipe or mast affixed to the roof. The pipe must be rigid and able to withstand high winds without flexing..

Typical roof antenna mounting

GPS Receivers can be susceptible to reflected GPS signals called multipath. Multi-path interference is caused by reflected signals that arrive at the antenna out of phase with the direct signal. This interference is most pronounced at low elevation angles from 10 to 20 degrees above the horizon. The height of the mast/antenna may be extended upward to prevent multipath interference. The antenna should also be at least three to six feet (1-2 m) from a reflecting surface. Window Antenna Placement The window mount antenna is suitable for use only with the network time server products with appropriate versions of firmware. For window mounted antenna installations it is best to use a window with the best view of the sky. For windows with equivalent views, orientations that face the equator are preferred. Generally more satellites will be in view toward the equator than away from it, east or west facing windows will also work. Polar facing windows will also work but in general are not preferred. Windows that have the best view of the sky are always preferred regardless of orientation. Attach the antenna above the window sill versus at the top of the window. This will improve the upward visibility from the antenna to the sky. Note that some window glazing treatments may reduce or block the GPS signals, preventing the time server from acquiring the time.

Placement is preferred in Window with clear view of sky

This window is not a preferred location due to line of sight obstructions


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Antenna Cable Configurations/Options

Antenna cabling solutions typically vary depending on how far the antenna is installed from the GPS receiver. 150 feet (45 m) is the unaided cable length limit for many GPS timing receivers. Adding a GPS inline amplifier extends the cable length an additional 150 feet (45 m). Beyond 300 feet (90 m) alternative methods may be used. Figure 3 highlights the cable lengths and the antenna solutions that enable them.

In-line Amplifier

In-line amplifiers overcome signal attenuation in by amplifying the GPS signal, adding an additional 150 feet (45 m) in cablelength. The inline amplifier attaches directly in line with the antenna cable and uses the same power as the antenna; no extra wiring is required. Mounting the amplifier inside the mounting mast helps protect it from moisture and exposure to the elements. See Figure 4 for a typical mast mount application.

GPS Down/Up converter The GPS Down/Up converter makes cable runs of 250 to 1500 feet (75 m to 457 m) possible. GPS signal down conversion requires a special GPS antenna and corresponding signal up-converter. The antenna module converts the signal down to a lower frequency that is less susceptible to attenuation, and transmits it the length of the cable to the up-converter. The up converter restores the signal to the normal GPS signal frequency for the receiver. The down/up conversion process is transparent to the GPS receiver. As with any precision GPS timing receiver, only cable delay and down conversion delays need to be entered into the receiver. Power is supplied by the GPS receiver. In the case of Bus level GPS receivers an external power supply is used. It is important to note that the cable used in GPS down/up conversion is different than the standard cable. Fiber Optic Links

Fiber-optic connections function as a transparent link between the antenna and GPS receiver equipment. These links eliminate the limitations of copper systems by enabling longer transmission distances while retaining the highest level of signal quality. In addition, fiber optics provide several other significant network advantages, including simplified network design, ease of installation, and immunity from EMI/RFI and lightning.


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Lightning Arrestor

In-line lightning arrestors are mounted on a low impedance ground between the antenna and the point where the cable enters the building. They require no additional power or wiring except the ground lead.

Cable Delay

GPS position as well as precise UTC time is determined at the point the GPS signals are received at the antenna. Since the antenna is typically attached to the GPS timing receiver via a cable, signal propagation delays through the cable cause the time calculated by the receiver to be slightly behind UTC. In GPS clocks with nanosecond and microsecond accuracies this is a critical factor. In products such as network time servers cable delay is not important because time transfer over IP networks degrades the time to the millisecond level.

Cable delay is a function of the cable type. RG-59 cable for example typically delays the signal 1.24 ns/ft. For 50 feet of cable (15 m) the delay would be 62 nanoseconds. Cable delay is removed by advancing the antenna signal inside the GPS receiver. In this example, advancing the signal +62 nanoseconds removes all cable latency. Solutions such as the GPS Down/up converter also introduce signal latency but this latency can also be removed by adjusting the signal. All precision GPS timing receivers with nanosecond or microsecond timing accuracy have the ability to compensate for cable delay.

Advanced Planning It is time well spent to estimate in advance the cable length from the GPS antenna to the receiver for any planned installation. Cable lengths that are too short or too long can each introduce problems. In some cases adding an inline amplifier and some extra cable may be a quick and economical solution. In other instances retrofitting for a GPS down/up converter may be necessary which will require installing a different cable type. Keep in mind that some extra cable coiled in a ceiling leftover from over estimating the cable length is not necessarily negative. Provided you know the length of the total cable, the cable delay can be accounted for and the timing accuracy maintained.


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Inputs/Outputs and Switches Diagram


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DIP Switches

SW1 controls Truetime/Kinemetrics, NMEA, Interval Blanking, Output Disable no GPS lock. ------------------------------------------------ 1 Truetime/Kinemetrics

Lock Indicator 0 = disabled 1 = enabled 2 ION meter Interval Blanking 0 = disabled 1 = enabled 3 Time Code (IRIG, SMPTE),

Truetime/Kinemetrics, and NMEA output if GPS is not locked

0 = disabled 1 = enabled 4 Truetime/Kinemetrics output on

RS232 and RS485 port 0 = disabled 1 = enabled 5 NMEA output on RS232

and RS485 port 0 = disabled 1 = enabled Select the NMEA output messages. Only output when NMEA is enabled. 678 000 = ZDA 001 = ZDA_GGA_GSA_RMC 010 = ZDA_GGA_VTG_GLL_GSA_RMC 011 = reserved 100 = ZDA_GGA_VTG 101 = reserved 110 = ZDA_GGA_VTG_GSV 111 = reserved

SW2 controls Daylight Savings and Time Zone. Used when generating Time Code (IRIG, SMPTE) or Truetime/Kinemetrics output ------------------------------------------------------------ select the DST standard: 12 00 = no offset 01 = US/Canada standard 10 = European standard 11 = reserved 3 Makes the time zone offset negative 0 = positive offset 1 = negative offset 4 Adds 1/2 hour to the time zone offset 0 = no half hour offset 1 = add half hour offset Set the time zone offset in hours: 5678 0000 = no offset 0001 = 1 + hours 0010 = 2 + hours 0011 = 3 + hours 0100 = 4 + hours 0101 = 5 + hours 0110 = 6 + hours 0111 = 7 + hours 1000 = 8 + hours 1001 = 9 + hours 1010 = 10 + hours 1011 = 11 + hours 1100 = 12 + hours


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SW3 controls

Type of Time Code generated, Baud rate of RS232 and RS485

------------------------------------------------------ Select the type of Time Code to generate 1 = reserved 2 = reserved 3 = reserved 4 = reserved 5 0 = Turn off the PPS output when GPS is

not locked. PPS source is always the GPS receiver.

1 = Always output PPS. When GPS is locked, the PPS source is the GPS receiver. When GPS is not locked the PPS source is referenced to the internal Real Time Clock (TCXO RTC).

Set the baud rate for NMEA and Truetime/Kinemetrics output

678 000 = 9600 001 = 19200 010 = 38400 011 = 57600 100 = 4800 101 = reserved 110 = reserved 111 = reserved

SW4 controls

Time Code output type (SMPTE or IRIG), format and IRIG-B "Coded Expressions".

AM = Amplitude Modulation BCD = Binary Coded Decimal DCLS = Direct Current Level Shift PWM = Pulse Width Modulation SBS = Straight Binary Seconds TOY = Time Of Year.

1 0 = SMPTE Time Code 1 = IRIG Time Code 23 when SMPTE selected by switch 1 00 = SMPTE 30 frames per second 01 = SMPTE 25 frames per second 10 = SMPTE 24 frames per second 11 = Time Code output disabled 23 when IRIG selected by switch 1 00 = IRIG B00 DCLS (PWM) 01 = IRIG B12 AM 10 = reserved 11 = Time Code output disabled 45 when SMPTE selected by switch 1 00 = SMPTE - Leitch date encoding 01 = SMPTE - 309M date encoding

MM/DD/YY, time zone included 10 = SMPTE - 309M date encoding

Modified Julian Date (MJD), time zone included

11 = reserved 45 when IRIG selected by switch 1 00 = Coded expression 2, BCDTOY 01 = Coded expression 3, BCTOY, SBS 10 = Coded expression 7, BCDTOY,

BCDyear, SBS 11 = reserved 6 = reserved 7 = reserved 8 = reserved

Note: there are seven IRIG-B coded expressions output by a Masterclock MCR1000/ MCR5000 Time Code generator. The GPS 500 will output only the 3 listed above (switch 4,5).


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Operation

PRIOR TO POWER UP 1. Configure the Ground Jumper (p. 3) and set the DIP

switches to your desired settings (p. 4-5).

2. Secure the board (p. 3).

3. Install the antenna (p. 3, 6).

4. Attach all output wires to the terminal blocks (p. 3, 9).

5. Apply power (p. 3).

NORMAL OPERATION LED POWER INDICATOR AND GPS LOCK STATUS The small green light on the faceplate of the GPS 500 is the LED power indicator. After applying power the following indications will be visible.

INDICATION: One blink per second GPS is locked. Power is on.

INDICATION: Two blinks per second

GPS is not locked (it is freewheeling). Power is on. The time reference is the internal clock.

INDICATION: Off No blinking

No power.

FIRST FIX When the GPS 500 is initially powered up (after having been shipped to a new location) the typical time to first fix (time to acquire satellites and reference GPS time) is 2 to 5 minutes, but could be up to 25 minutes. A variety of factors, including atmospheric conditions, type of antenna, antenna location and antenna cable length, may extend the time to first fix.


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IMPORTANCE OF THE ALMANAC Almanac data is used to remember the previous satellites in use by the GPS 500.

More importantly, the almanac remembers the number of leap seconds added to UTC time. If these were lost, it could take up to ten minutes after GPS lock before the almanac could be updated to include current leap second data. Thus, displayed time would be inaccurate by that number of lost leap seconds until the update arrived.

Almanac data could be lost after an extended power outage of two weeks or more. Thats because the almanac is in battery-backed RAM. This magnesium-lithium battery has a 9-year life and it is automatically recharged whenever power is present. Recharging from a completely drained condition could take up to 45 minutes.

LOST POWER Whenever the GPS 500 unit is powered down, the startup data is saved in the almanac with an internal backup battery. Current time is saved in an internal real time clock (RTC) that is temperature compensated (TCXO) for an accuracy of one minute per year. During a power outage, the RTC will maintain time for 2-4 weeks. When power is reapplied, the GPS 500 will restart much faster if the location, time and number of overhead satellites has not changed since the last power down.

POWER OUTAGE AND FREEWHEELING During continuous operation it is likely that your PCIe will experience unavoidable power outages that can last from a few seconds to several hours. When the power reappears the unit will automatically recover.

Freewheeling is an operational state in which there is no syncing source (i.e. GPS or Time Code). Any time a GPS or Time Code reference is dropped or lost timing is maintained by a TCXO oscillator accurate to 1 minute per year.

The transition to and from freewheeling mode is seamless-- it does not interrupt the synchronizing of the PC time.


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INTERVAL BLANKING During the following noted periods the GPS 500 does not output a timestamp, per the request of our customers needing these quiet intervals. MID-INTERVAL INTERVAL mm:ss - mm:ss xx: 00:00 58:45 - 01:15 xx: 05:00 03:45 - 06:15 xx: 10:00 08:45 - 11:15 xx: 15:00 13:45 - 16:15 xx: 20:00 18:45 - 21:15 xx: 25:00 23:45 - 26:15 xx: 30:00 28:45 - 31:15 xx: 35:00 33:45 - 36:15 xx: 40:00 38:45 - 41:15 xx: 45:00 43:45 - 46:15 xx: 50:00 48:45 - 51:15 xx: 55:00 53:45 - 56:15

Specifications

Time Reference When synchronized, the Time Code (SMPTE, IRIG) accuracy is

40 usec relative to the GPS satellite atomic clock. When the GPS is locked, the PPS output is connected to the GPS receiver for an accuracy of 60 nsec.

Should the GPS 500 lose GPS signal it will revert to an internal TCXO oscillator and maintain an accuracy of 1 minute per year. The PPS output is synchronized to the internal TCXO oscillator.

Outputs

SMPTE, EBU, 24, 25 or 30 FPS

IRIG-B - 1 kHz modulated, level - 5 Vpp IRIG-B unmodulated, single ended 5 V

PPS (Pulse Per second) 5 V-TTL, Accuracy 60 nsec (when GPS synchronized)

Serial Output via RS232/RS485 NMEA Kinemetrics/Truetime protocol

Date encoded references (IRIG 1344 and SMPTE Leitch date format or 309M)

Connectors Output : 9-pin terminal block Power plug: 3-pin terminal block Antenna: SMA female

Physical

Size: 5.5 x 4.13 x 1.5 in Weight: 17.3 oz 14 x 10.48 x 3.81 cm 490.5 g Case

Cover - off-white aluminum Front/rear panel - clear anodized aluminum

Compliance

CE marked Available for sale in EU FCC, Part 15, Class B, emissions

Power Supply

12 VDC external wall mount supplied, UL & CE listed 115/220, 50/60 Hz Supplied with US, Euro-plug, British or AUS/NZ

- others optionally available

Antenna Options

Basic antenna package includes magnetic GPS antenna and 15 (5m) of cable

Standard antenna package includes marine GPS antenna, mounting kit, and 50 (15m) of cable.

Operating Parameters

Temperature: 0 to +70C Humidity: Up to 90% (non-condensing at +25C)


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Troubleshooting

PROBLEMS: 1. Time Code generator is not locking to GPS. 2. The LED on the front panel is always steady ON. 3. Time Code generator is not outputting Time Code.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS: The LOCK LED will stay steady ON when the GPS 500 has never locked to GPS and is not outputting Time Code. The LOCK LED on the front of the GPS 500 will flash once per second when locked and twice per second when freewheeling.

Once locked, the unit can continue to output Time Code as long as the DC input power is not interrupted.

Wait at least 20-30 minutes if installing in a new location.

Check the GPS antenna, antenna cable, and connectors. Make sure the cables and connectors are not damaged and the LOCK LED threaded connectors are tightly coupled.

If you have not already done so, install or locate the GPS antenna outdoors with a clear/unobstructed view of the sky. Preferably on a rooftop or similar location such as a large open field or parking lot with an unobstructed view. While the GPS 500 may lock to GPS on some occasions with the antenna located indoors in a window, such use is not recommended.

Locate your GPS antenna away from satellite dishes or sources of

RF interference such as transmitters or other antennas. Try relocating your GPS antenna if you are experiencing problems.

Your antenna/antenna cable installation may be faulty.

Your antenna cable or connectors may be shorted or open.

You may be using too long of an antenna cable or improper

impedance cable.

You may have damaged the cable(s) or connector(s) during installation.

All Masterclock GPS 500 units are fully checked and system tested for proper operation before shipment. Unless physical damage is found, the unit is probably functional.

Please remember, for an initial startup at a new location the unit could take up to 30 minutes.

After the unit has acquired satellites at the new location the startup time is greatly reduced to less than a few minutes.


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PROBLEM: Time Code generator is not outputting the correct time or date.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS: 1. The GPS 500 Time Code generator has been freewheeling for some time. The LOCK LED will flash twice per second when freewheeling. Check the GPS antenna, antenna cable, and connections.

2. The Time Code generator is not referenced properly to UTC or to your local time zone. Set the configuration DIP switches appropriately. Note: the default configuration of the DIP switches is to generate UTC (GMT). Note: countries in the Western Hemisphere require the local time zone set to negative.

3. Your Time Code reader/display, which you are using to read the time, is not providing the time/date that you expect. Check the time zone and DST offset settings of the Time Code reader/display. Verify that you are not offsetting for time zone or DST at both the generator and the receiver.

4. Your Time Code reader/display device is not compatible with the Leitch date encoding for SMPTE or the IEEE-1344 date/year encoding for IRIG. Check the GPS 500 with a Masterclock Time Code display (such as the TCD200 or TCD series II) or other compatible device that uses Leitch date encoding or the IEEE-1344 encoding.

5. You may have set your switches/jumper with the unit powered on. The unit will read the switch configuration settings only during power up. Restart the unit by removing then reapplying the DC input power.

PROBLEM: Clock did not properly negotiate the daylight time to standard time (or vice-versa) transition.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS: 1. The DST enable switch is in the incorrect position.

2. You Time Code generator or the TCD clock that you are using to read the time from the generator does not have the correct DST firmware installed.

Important Note: To reduce risk of damage to your GPS 500 unit, configure and connect the unit to the antenna only with the DC input power removed. Observe standard ESD protection practices when handling, configuring, or installing the GPS 500.

If these troubleshooting tips do not resolve your problem

please view the Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ) section of the support area at

www.masterclock.com for additional information


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Addendum: Instructions for Adding Time Sync to the Ion Meter

SETUP THE SCHNEIDER ION METER TO RECEIVE TIME SYNC FROM THE MASTERCLOCK GPS500 Install the ION Setup software. The user manual and the setup application can be found on the following web page: http://www.memt.com.br/support.html

UNDER COMMUNICATIONS 1. Set the COM port to: RS-485 or RS-232 (depending on

your choice of ports for the meter and GPS 500)

2. Set the protocol to: GPS - Truetime/Datum

3. Set the Baud Rate to: 9600

4. No handshake, or, RTS + Delay

UNDER CLOCK 1. Set your Time Zone to the correct offset

2. Set the Time Sync Type to: UTC.

3. Set the Truetime time stamp to: UTC referenced

UNDER COMMUNICATIONS 1. Set Time Sync Source to: either COM1 or COM2 2. The ION 8xxx meters: most commonly use COM 1 3. The ION 7xxx meters: most commonly use COM2 4. Since the DST offset is zero do not enter a DST setting.

GPS500 SWITCH SETTINGS The switch settings should be configured as below:

1. Install J5: Connects system ground to earth ground

2. Set interval blanking to: Enabled

3. Output Truetime/Kinemetrics time stamps: only when GPS is locked

4. Set serial port settings to: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit

5. PPS output pulse comes from internal RTC when there is no GPS lock


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GPS 500 DIP Switch Settings

DIP switches on the GPS 500 should be set the following configurations:

SW1 ------------------------------------------------ 1 On 2 On 3 Off 4 On 5 Off 6 Off 7 Off 8 Off

SW2 ------------------------------------------------ 1 Off 2 Off 3 Off 4 Off 5 Off 6 Off 7 Off 8 Off

SW3 ------------------------------------------------ 1 Off 2 Off 3 Off 4 Off 5 On 6 Off 7 Off 8 Off

SW4 ------------------------------------------------ 1 On 2 Off 3 Off 4 On 5 On 6 Off 7 Off 8 Off


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Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY The following Masterclock, Inc. Product Warranty extends only to the original purchaser.

Masterclock (MC) warrants every GPS 500 against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of sale. If MC receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, MC will, at its option, either repair or replace defective products.

Should MC be unable to repair or replace the product within a reasonable amount of time, an alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product to MC. This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights. Other rights, which vary from state to state or province to province, may be available.

EXCLUSIONS The above warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the customer, customer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation and maintenance (if applicable).

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS MASTERCLOCK MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. MC SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

In any state or province which does not allow the foregoing disclaimer, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose imposed by law in those states or provinces is limited to the one-year duration of the written warranty.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL MASTERCLOCK BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

In any state or province which does not allow the foregoing exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the customer may have other remedies.

HARDWARE REPAIR SERVICE You may return your GPS 500 to MC for repair service at any time. First, however, please contact the factory at 1-636-724-3666 for a RMA (Returned Merchandise Authorization) form.


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Contact Us

Masterclock, Inc. 2484 West Clay Street St. Charles, MO 63301 USA website www.masterclock.com USA and Canada 1-800-940-2248 1-636-724-3666 1-636-724-3776 (fax) International 1-636-724-3666 1-636-724-3776 (fax) Sales [email protected] Technical Support [email protected]

DISCLAIMERInformation contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Masterclock, Inc. (hereinafter MC) makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fit...FACTORY TESTEDTo ensure a successful installation to your local grounding and electrical specifications, your GPS 500 was thoroughly tested with its antenna prior to shipment.ADVISORY NOTICE CONCERNING the GPS SATELLITE SYSTEM AND THE GPS 500 GPS Reference deviceDepending on many factors beyond the control of MC, the signals that are received from the GPS satellites are subject to interference, fading, satellite failure and other influences that could cause the GPS 500 to generate erroneous time and/or date i...OPERATING ENVIRONMENT/indoorS can be a problemstandard Antenna optionPOWER OUTAGE AND FREEWHEELINGINTERVAL BLANKING

GPS 500 FEATURES:CaseCompliancePower SupplyAntenna OptionsLIMITED WARRANTYExclusionsWarranty Limitations

Hardware REPAIR ServiceYou may return your GPS 500 to MC for repair service at any time. First, however, please contact the factory at 1-636-724-3666 for a RMA (Returned Merchandise Authorization) form.

Documents

GPS500um