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Network Products, NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault™
(For an FAQ on Domain Time II software click here)

Network Time Servers

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What is a Network Time Server?

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Why should I synchronize my network?

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What's important in selecting a Network Time Server?

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What is the difference between NTS-200 and TimeVault™?

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TimeVault uses three Reference Clock Sources -- Why?

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What is ACTS?

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What does ACTS cost?

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Who are your customers for Network Time Servers?
Network Time Protocol

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What is the Network Time Protocol?

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Is NTP an open source protocol?

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Where do I get RFC 1305?

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How does NTP work?

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Does NTP supply time to a computer or server?

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How accurate is NTP?

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NTP is a UNIX daemon. What does that mean?

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Where can I get NTP daemons?

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How many clients can I serve?

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Do I have to run UNIX computers to use NTP?

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I am already running NTP on a UNIX general purpose server. Why do I need your network appliance?

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How do I synchronize my network?

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What is Stratum?
» What type of Network uses the NTS-200 or TimeVault™?

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Will an NTS-200 or TimeVault™ work on my network?

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Where can I learn more about NTP?
Ordering/Service/Warranty

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What about Factory Service?

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What about local support in my area?

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How do I buy TrueTime's networking products?

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What is your warranty?

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What does upgrade support cost?

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How are upgrades handled?

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Can I get a warranty greater than the standard one year warranty?
Installations

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How do you set up a Network Time Server?

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How far can I install the antenna from the time server?

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What if the roof is more than 150 ft. (45 meters) away?

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I can't practically mount an antenna. What now?

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Can I use an existing GPS antenna instead of the one TrueTime supplies?

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How big is the antenna?

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I need to install the antenna over 150 ft. (45 meters) from the receiver -- what do I do?

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Can I install the antenna in the window?

Y2K

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Are your products Y2K compliant?
GPS for Time & Frequency

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I thought GPS was for position. Does it supply time?

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How accurate is GPS for network timing?

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What do I need to track GPS satellites?

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Will GPS work inside a building?

Network Time Servers

What is a Network Time Server?
The general descriptive term 'network time server' can apply to any instance of the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server software running on a computer/server platform. The product term, 'Network Time Server' generally applies to a network appliance (rack or tray mount), that acquires time from an external source, maintains time in its internal local clock, and supplies time to a connected network using the network time protocol NTP. TrueTime's NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault™ are 'Network Time Servers'.

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Why should I synchronize my network?
Many processes that occur within the network depend on accurate network timing. Further, more and more applications that support eBusiness and other enterprises are dependent on conducting their functions over the Internet. In summary:

Network Operations Applications
Log file accuracy, auditing & monitoring Transaction processing
Network fault diagnosis and recovery Software development
File time stamps Email
Directory services Legal and regulatory requirements
Access security and authentication Password and digital ID
Distributed computing  
Scheduled operations  
Real-world time values  
   

Network operations typically require the most accuracy, on the order of one to 10 milliseconds. Network synchronization provides a solid infrastructure and helps avoid costly downtime problems.

Applications typically require time stamping accuracy on the order of 100 milliseconds to 10 seconds. Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate why one second can make much difference. Usually it is because it is necessary to establish the order of events.

For a complete discussion see the white paper, The Importance of Network Time Synchronization (PDF - 53k)

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What's important in selecting a Network Time Server?
As in selecting any product or service there can be a long list of attractive features and TrueTime network time servers are no different. However, the list usually can be reduced to a few critical features that make a world of difference in installing and using the server, as well as some that may seem important but are not.

Important features to consider:
100Base-T Ethernet Having a time server that supports both 10Base-T and 100Base-T accommodates modern networks as well as ones destined to be upgraded at some future point in time. If your network is going to grow you want your time server to keep pace with it.
Redundant time sources A dedicated network time server keeps the network synchronized to a Reference Clock Source. Redundancy provides the confidence you need to know that your network has accurate time. The NTS-200 relies on GPS for time. If for any reason GPS is not available it will revert to retrieving time from other NTP servers. The TimeVault relies first on GPS, then ACTS dialup, then on other NTP servers.
Time cross check There is no substitute for automatically checking the system clock against a third party clock. If the time is out of bounds, you are notified automatically.
NTP request throughput and accuracy While the ability to synchronize tens of thousands of clients is catchy marketing, the real test is in the ability of the time server to handle coincidental peak loading. Performance, or the ability to service a high volume of NTP requests and maintain accuracy and availability, is the key.
Easy to use: Keypads, SNMP, Browser interface Keypads make for quick and easy setup.
SNMP provides peace of mind.
Browser interface makes remote access intuitive.
Antenna cabling GPS synchronized time servers require a cable to connect the antenna on the roof to the server inside the building. Consider the cable type, cost to run and length. TrueTime servers use inexpensive cable and we offer a GPS Down/Up Converter for the especially long cable runs.
GPS receiver location Keep in mind the location of the GPS receiver. After lightning strikes the antenna you will find it cheaper to replace a GPS antenna than one with a combined antenna and receiver. TrueTime GPS receivers reside in the chassis and are protected from the elements.
Window Antenna/Single Satellite Timing In urban canyon environments where satellite visibility can be limited or when roof access is restricted, the automatic, single satellite timing mode provides accurate time with intermittent satellite coverage and can also track satellites using a window mounted antenna.
 
Less important features:
GPS receiver accuracy The key attributes of the GPS receiver in a network time server differ from those of other more precise time and frequency devices. An NTP client's ability to synchronize to the network time server is largely limited by the network and the oscillator on the client server, workstation, or PC. One to 10 milliseconds for client synchronization accuracy is typical for servers and workstations. PC's are doing good to get to 100 milliseconds. For this reason, the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) accuracy of the GPS receiver in a network time server is not a critical specification and more often than not is misleading with respect to the accuracy the customer will observe in his own network. Having the GPS receiver accuracy below the one millisecond level is all that is important.
Ancillary outputs TrueTime network time servers are optimized to provide IT professionals synchronization over a network using NTP. Our experience has shown that when more timing outputs are added such as 1PPS, IRIG-B, 10 MHz, etc., the cost and complexity increases. As with any device, the more complex, the higher the likelihood of failure somewhere in the system. We have found that the majority of our customers prefer reliability to outputs they have no real need for.
Price If you are considering a dedicated network time server you must have compelling reasons to do so. Part of your decision should be a consideration of product lifecycle and the level of effort to install and maintain the server. If you desire an easy-to-install, reliable, low maintenance time server that can keep pace with your network for years to come, you will find TrueTime network time servers to be the best available.

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What is the difference between the NTS-200 and TimeVault™?
First, let's establish the similarities:
  • GPS input: Acquire time from the GPS satellite constellation.
  • NTP Server: Synchronize local servers, routers, and workstations with NTP running over either 10 or 100 baseT networks.
  • NTP Client: Obtain time from local redundant servers or external public time servers.
  • High Performance NTP: Internal NTP Time Service architecture is very fast, supporting the highest NTP request rates available on a 100baseT network.
  • Excellent Remote Management: They support SNMP MIB II variables and an HTML control and status internal 'page'.

The NTS-200 Network Time Server is intended to support Network Synchronization requirements where 'trusted time' is not a particular issue. It is the baseline product, offering excellent cost/performance.

TimeVault™ is targeted to eBusiness and enterprise customers that require not only accurate time, but also 'trusted time'. It is uniquely able to synchronize to any of three remote Reference Clock Sources; GPS (as per NTS-200), the ACTS dialup directly to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and public NTP servers. When tracking GPS or getting time from ACTS, TimeVault's time cross check processor continually validates the selected source against a designated NTP server (public or private). TimeVault has additional security access features (password protection, function lockout, etc).

Click here for a detailed side by side comparison of the NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault

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TimeVault™ uses three Reference Clock Sources -- Why?
If accurate network synchronization is of very high importance to your organization and a critical function of network operations, TimeVault offers redundant reference clock sources. If for any reason the GPS fails from events like antenna failure, cable disconnect, lightning strike, etc. the unit will dial the NIST ACTS time service for the time. If ACTS cannot be reached then it will revert to user specified NTP servers. Users are notified via SNMP of all changes in reference clock status.

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What is ACTS?
It stands for Automated Computer Time Service. It is a service provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, in Boulder, Colorado. With this service, TimeVault executes a time transfer over a dialup telephone link to UTC(NIST). Further information can be found at http://www.bldrdoc.gov/timefreq/service/acts.htm

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What does ACTS cost?
The only cost is of the telephone call to (303) 494-4774 in Colorado or (808) 335-4721 in Hawaii.

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Who are your customers for Network Time Servers?
Please see the partial list.

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Network Time Protocol

What is the Network Time Protocol?

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a UDP protocol for IP Networks. It was designed to synchronize the clock on client machines with the clock on network time servers. But NTP is just the protocol. The implementation of NTP requires separate client and server applications. TrueTime's NTS-200 is an excellent example of the server implementation of NTP. The client application runs on workstations such as Windows or Solaris. Using NTP packets, the client and server exchange time stamp data, ultimately setting the clock on the client machine very accurately to that of the time server.

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Is NTP an open source protocol?
Yes. It was developed at the University of Delaware by Dr. David Mills; under contract to DARPA. Version 1 was distributed in 1985. Version 4 is current. Internet RFC 1305: "Network Time Protocol (Version 3), Specification, Implementation, and Analysis"; David L. Mills; March 1992; is a 106 page description. Version 4 adds some secure authentication features so, RFC 1305 is still an excellent guide.

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Where do I get RFC 1305?
RFC 1305 is available in html or many other formats including PostScript and PDF.

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How does NTP work?
Superficially, NTP is a software daemon operating in a client mode, server mode, or both. The initial distribution is for UNIX servers and workstations. There are many secondary distributions for Windows NT, 2000 and other platforms. Regardless of the platform and operating system, it always works over UDP/IP.

The purpose of NTP is to reveal the offset of the client's local clock relative to a time server's local clock. The client sends a time request packet (UDP) to the server which is time stamped and returned. The NTP client computes the local clock offset from the time server. But network latencies, the need to prioritize multiple servers, and the requirement to be self-healing leads to a fairly complicated, yet robust algorithm.

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Does NTP supply the time to a computer or server?
Technically no. The purpose of NTP is to reveal client clock offset; not deliver time. The operating system (OS) delivers time. Processes within the NTP application program use this offset to adjust the client clock. Since the hardware implementation of computer clocks and the protocol to control them varies from computer to computer; it is necessary to download computer specific clock control software. If NTP is bundled with your computer OS, this has already been done. If you are downloading and installing NTP on a non-NTP aware OS; you will need to read the install instructions carefully regarding this point. This really only applies to installing NTP UNIX. The various third party NTP clients have clock control built in.

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How accurate is NTP?
It depends on how many hops occur between client and server, and other network latency inducing factors. Over Wide Area Networks, WANs, 10 to 100 milliseconds is typical. Within a Local Area Network, LAN, 0.5 to two milliseconds is typical. However, when operating an NTS-200 or TimeVault with GPS, their internal accuracy is one microsecond. The NTS-200 and TimeVault synchronize all of their clients to within 0.5 to ten milliseconds (assuming the clock setting kernel permits this).

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NTP is a UNIX daemon. What does that mean?
In the UNIX world, core operation programs that operate in the background while other applications are running are called daemons. NTP is such a daemon and as such, operates without attention while a UNIX platform performs other tasks.

By definition...

Daemon: <operating system> /day'mn/ or /dee'mn/ (From the mythological meaning, later rationalized as the acronym "Disk And Execution MONitor"); A program that is not invoked explicitly, but lies dormant waiting for some condition(s) to occur. The idea is that the perpetrator of the condition need not be aware that a daemon is lurking (though often a program will commit an action only because it knows that it will implicitly invoke a daemon).

For example, using ITS to write a file in the LPT spooler's directory would invoke the spooling daemon, which would then print the file. The advantage is that programs wanting files printed need neither compete for access to, nor understand any idiosyncrasies of the LPT. They simply enter their implicit requests and let the daemon decide what to do with them. Daemons are usually spawned automatically by the system, and may either 'live forever' or are regenerated at intervals.

Unix systems run many daemons, mainly to handle requests for services from other hosts on a network. Most of these get started as required by a single real daemon rather than running continuously.

Examples are cron (local timed command execution), rshd (remote command execution), rlogind and telnetd (remote login), ftpd, nfsd (file transfer), lpd (printing).

Daemon and demon are often used interchangeably, but seem to have distinct connotations. The term "daemon" was introduced to computing by CTSS people (who pronounced it /dee'mon/) and used it to refer to what ITS called a dragon.

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Where can I get NTP daemons?
Determine if your operating system has NTP built into it. If it does, then it is a simple matter of either enabling the NTP capability or taking advantage of it.

Versions of operating systems that do not have NTP "built-in" will require locating either freeware or shareware daemons. TrueTime's NTP Client Software Resource page is an excellent repository.

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How many clients can I serve?
The NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault™ have demonstrated the ability to handle tens of thousands of clients and still maintain millisecond level time stamp accuracy. And even greater numbers of clients can be served with a slight degradation in the time stamp accuracy.

While you probably won't have this many clients, it is important that this level of performance be available to handle peak NTP packet request loading conditions that can occur, and still maintain desired synchronization accuracy and packet throughput.

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Do I have to run UNIX computers to use NTP?
No. The NTP client/server software runs in the NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault™. Client software is still needed on machines wishing to make use of the server. Client software is much simpler. Third party NTP client programs are available to run on any Windows (95/98, NT, 2000) or Linux platform. Selection assistance is available from TrueTime, or at TrueTime's NTP Client Software Resource page.

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I am already running NTP on a UNIX general purpose server. Why do I need your network appliance?
In brief, it comes down to the accuracy, reliability, security and ease of use of the dedicated network time server. If time is important to your network operations or accurate timestamps are considered an important element of your eBusiness participation, you can't afford to leave time synchronization in the hands of a generic server. There is a risk of invalid time when a new program is installed, the hard disk crashes, the power cycles, or the clock resets.

Further, these network time servers have convenient front panel time displays and controls. They have remote management tools, like SNMP and an easy-to-use HTML interface you can operate from a conventional browser, anywhere on the net.

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How do I synchronize my network?
There isn't a quick answer to this. TrueTime offers many resources to assist in this process:

In summary, follow these steps:
  1. Break your organization down into Timing Dependent Entities (TDEs): departments, groups, subnets, and/or functions having discernibly unique synchronization requirements.
  2. Determine the timing requirements for each TDE: legal, operational, or mandated.
  3. Select the worst case scenario.
  4. Select Reference Clock Sources: i.e. UTC(NIST), UTC(USNO), GPS, and synchronization methodology to satisfy the worst case scenario.
  5. Establish hierarchical network timing topology:

    Stratum 0 Reference Clock Sources (like GPS)
    Stratum 1 Primary Time Servers - the NTS-200 or TimeVault™.
    Stratum 2 Secondary Time Servers; generally application servers, NOS servers, and/or routers.
    Stratum 3 Workstations, servers, Controlled Timed Devices (CTDs).
    Stratum 4-15 Further expands synchronization of workstations, servers, and CTDs.

  6. Install NTP client/server application software:

    Operating Systems, variants of UNIX, Linux, Windows 2000, and others come with NTP. NTP can be downloaded free from http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/

    Many 3rd party workstation client software packages are available. See TrueTime's NTP client software resource page.

    In many instances, workstations will synchronize, on boot, with the NOS server, i.e. with Novell ipx/spx; and later versions of MS Exchange Server.

  7. Develop a methodology for synchronizing non-NTP synchronized CTDs.

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What is Stratum?
The term "stratum" is referenced in both the network world and the telecommunications world.

Dr. David Mills, University of Delaware, is the author of the RFC 1305 that is NTP (Network Time Protocol). He developed a hierarchical structure in which Stratum 0 is the USNO clock. Stratum 1 is a radio receiver that receives the time from Stratum 0. Stratum 2 is a client that receives the time over a network connection from a Stratum 1 clock. Stratum 3 is a client that gets the time from Stratum 2... and so on to a theoretical Stratum 15.

In the telecommunications world, stratum refers to the holdover performance of an oscillator in the event of loss of synchronization. Stratum 1, Stratum 2, Stratum 3, and Stratum 4 are the most typical.

A Stratum 1 clock has an accuracy of 1.0 x 10-11, Stratum 2 has an accuracy of 1.6 x 10-8, Stratum 3 has an accuracy of 4.6 x 10-6, and Stratum 4 has an accuracy of 3.2 x 10-5.

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What type of network uses the NTS-150, NTS-200 or TimeVault™?
The term 'network' is really a topological term that describes many types of systems: telecommunications, power, or datacom. The NTS-200 and TimeVault strictly operate only with datacom networks, and there, only over TCP/IP inter-networks. These networks are characterized by passing information in packets using IP addressing and routing. Internet, with a capital 'I', is the pervasive TCP/IP network spanning the globe and incorporating millions of connections.

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Will an NTS-150, NTS-200 or TimeVault™ work on my network?
The NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault conform to the NTP specification. If the NTS-200 and TimeVault receive packet requests that comply with the NTP specification, accurate time will be provided. It does not matter where or from what platform the NTP packet requests originate.

NTP is built around the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). If your network supports Ethernet and UDP it should be compatible with TrueTime network time servers.

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Where can I learn more about NTP?
There is an excellent source of NTP material at the University of Delaware's web site. In addition, there is the NTP Usenet News Group, comp.protocols.time.ntp.

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Ordering/Service/Warranty

What about Factory Service?
Technical support and service is available from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday. Call (707) 528-1230 and ask for Service. We have skilled staff ready to assist you.

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What about local support in my area?
TrueTime has a nationwide network of local representatives that can provide local design, installation, and service support. Contact information is available on the TrueTime website.

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How do I buy TrueTime's Networking Products?
To purchase our products, please call (800) 328-1230 and ask for Network Sales. Or, proceed to the Contact Us page to find your local TrueTime representative.

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What is your warranty?
Each new product manufactured by TrueTime is warranted for defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment ("Limited Warranty"). Defects in material or workmanship found within that period will be replaced or repaired, at TrueTime's option, without charge for material or labor, provided the customer returns the equipment, freight prepaid, to the TrueTime factory under this limited warranty. TrueTime will return the repaired equipment, freight prepaid, to the customer's facility. This one year Limited Warranty does not apply to any software or to any product not manufactured by TrueTime.

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What does upgrade support cost?
TrueTime has Service Contracts available for a variety of time periods. You can buy a Service Contract at the time of original purchase, or you can purchase a Service Contract at a later time (even after expiration of your warranty). Our Technical Service Department can provide details for your particular requirement.

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How are upgrades handled?
The standard feature of upgradeable flash memory means that software upgrades can be accomplished via the Internet.

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Can I get a warranty greater than the standard one year warranty?
TrueTime has Service Contracts available for a variety of time periods. You can buy a Service Contract at the time of original purchase, or you can purchase a Service Contract at a later time (even after expiration of your warranty). Our Technical Service Department can provide details for your particular requirement.

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Installations

How do you set up a Network Time Server?
Installation of the TrueTime Network Time Server is a simple process. For GPS equipped units, the antenna is a relatively small device. For window installations the antenna is the size of large, thick coin and has a suction cup to hold it fast to the glass. The roof mounted antenna (about the size of a coffee cup) includes a threaded PVC pipe and hose clamps for attachment to an upright stanchion on the roof. The Belden 9104 antenna coax cable is relatively thin and flexible, making it easy to run to the server.

After plugging in the server to AC power, the unit is ready (after POWER ON) to receive the IP address, default gateway, and subnet mask information from your Network Administrator. The unit will automatically search for satellites and lock on to available signals. Time is then automatically set in the unit, and it is ready to respond to NTP client requests.

In the event of a loss of power, the unit maintains the original setup parameters in nonvolatile memory, so there is no need for operator intervention to restart the unit.

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How far can I install the antenna from the Network Time Server?
The standard configuration supplied with the NTS-150/NTS-200/TimeVault includes 50 ft. (15 m) of Belden 9104 Antenna Coax Cable with the L1 GPS Antenna (roof or window). The antenna can drive up to 150 ft. (45 m) of antenna cable. For longer cable runs we offer an optional GPS antenna inline preamplifier that extends the cable length to 300 ft. (90 m) or a GPS Down/Up Converter for cable runs up to 1500 ft. (457 m).

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What if the roof or window is more than 150 ft. (45 m) away?
An optional GPS antenna inline preamplifier that extends the standard cable runs up to 300 ft. (90 m) is available. A GPS signal down/up converter and cable package is available that can reach 1,500 feet (457 m).

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I can't practically mount an antenna, what now?
Buy TimeVault™. Although it's premier mode of operation is with GPS as the #1 Reference Clock Source, without GPS connected, it dials into the US National Clock in Boulder, Colorado, periodically synchronizing TimeVault to about five milliseconds. This time is continually monitored by cross checking the time against a user defined NTP server. TimeVault also functions well using public NTP servers as a time source.

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Can I use an existing GPS antenna instead of the one TrueTime supplies?
TrueTime strongly recommends the use of the antenna that comes with the GPS Network Time Server. If you have an installation that precludes use of the standard antenna, please contact a Product Specialist at TrueTime, and we can evaluate your application requirements, and make recommendations.

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How big is the antenna?
The standard L1 GPS roof mounted Antenna is 2.625 inches (6.67 cm) in diameter, and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height. It weighs 0.55 pounds (.250 Kg) (including the mounting nipple).

The standard L1 GPS window mounted antenna is approximately 2.00 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter, and 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) thick.

The optional GPS antenna inline preamplifier is approximately 3 inches long and 0.6 inches in diameter.

The optional GPS Down/Up Converter GPS Antenna is 4.4 inches (11.17 cm) in diameter and 2.1 inches (6.85 cm) in height. It weighs 0.60 pounds (.272 Kg) (including the mounting nipple).

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I need to install the antenna over 150 ft. (45 m) from the receiver -- what do I do?
TrueTime offers an optional GPS antenna inline preamplifier that extends the standard cable run up to 300 ft. (90 m), or a GPS Down/Up Converter option for use with antennas up to 1,500 feet (457 m) from the receiver.

Can I install the antenna in a window?
TrueTime offers a window mount antenna in addition to roof mounted antennas for the NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault servers. Mounting the antenna in the window will substantially reduce the number of satellites visible to the antenna. To accommodate for this and still maintain accurate time, the time server must have the Single Satellite Timing mode. This mode is standard on all NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault models after November 2002 (firmware version v008 or later). TrueTime NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault models with older firmware can upgrade at no charge to v008.

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Y2K

Are your products Y2K compliant?
All of TrueTime's products performed excellent into the year 2000. As part of our product development process, we simulate major events such as leap years, leap second changes, and millennia rollovers to assure proper operation.

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GPS for Time & Frequency

I thought GPS was for position. Does it supply time?
Most definitely. Since the first days of longitude determination in navigation, time is the REQUIRED 4th dimension. Although GPS was originally developed for precision ballistic missile targeting, it is now the #1 source of precision time in the world. Virtually all of our power, telecommunication, and networking infrastructure depends on accurate GPS timing for synchronization purposes.

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How accurate is GPS for network timing?
The GPS Receiver used in the NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault provides 1 microsecond accuracy internal to the units. Time out of these units is via NTP, which at best delivers 0.1 millisecond accuracy; a factor of 100 coarser than GPS accuracy. Network factors reduce client synchronization accuracy to one to 10 ms typically. You can not get any better time synchronization in a local network than you can from a GPS synchronized local time server.

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What do I need to track GPS satellites?
The NTS-150, NTS-200 and TimeVault™ are supplied with a GPS antenna (roof or window mounted), mounting kit, and 50 ft. (15 meters) of standard coaxial cable. The roof antenna (all weather) is mounted such that it has a view of most of the sky. The GPS satellite constellation consists of a minimum of 24 satellites with 12 hour inclined orbits. That means that there should always be plenty of satellites within the hemisphere to satisfactorily operate the system. Mount the antenna, string the cable, connect the cable to the back of the Network Time Server and wait several minutes for it to track satellites and obtain a time solution (note: if only part of the sky is in view, it may take longer to get the time).

For window mounted antenna installations it is best to use a window that faces the equator or has the best view of the sky. 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 preferred over those that don’t, 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.

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Will GPS work inside a building?
The GPS signal is a relatively low strength signal (~ -132dBm) at an extremely high frequency of 1,575 Megahertz. In order for the antenna to receive such a signal, it is necessary to have a relatively unobstructed view of the sky to view satellites within the GPS constellation. You can track satellites with a window mounted GPS antenna.

The primary concern with reception in a building window is that you effectively block off at least a 180° azimuth viewing angle for available satellites. The time server can accommodate this by deriving the time from as little as one intermittent satellite signal. However, the solar reflective coating found on many buildings today effectively reflects the GPS signal and may reduce the signal strength to a level the time server cannot track.

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Other TrueTime Time and Frequency Products

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