Time Machines TM2500C

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Time Machines TM2500C and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Installation

Location

Describes the ideal placement for the GPS antenna to ensure optimal signal reception.

Connections

Details the physical connections required for the Time Server, including power, network, and serial ports.

Configuration

Web Page Access & Defaults

Provides default login credentials and IP address for accessing the device's web interface.

Settings Page

Overview of the web interface for configuring device parameters like name, IP, and network settings.

Status Page

Displays real-time information about the device's operational status and GPS lock.

Update Page

Firmware Update Notes

Provides instructions and important notes regarding firmware updates and file extraction.

SNMP Setup

MIB File Download & Trap Notifications

Offers MIB file download and details supported SNMP trap notifications.

SNMP Enable & Version

Controls SNMP application startup and selects SNMP trap version (v2 or v3).

Notification Method & Security

Configures SNMP notification type and security settings for V3.

NTP Settings Page

NTP Server Control

Controls the starting and stopping of the NTP server service on the device.

Holdover & Remote Servers

Manages holdover limits, remote NTP servers, and authentication settings.

Manual Time Setting

Allows manual setting of the device's time via the web interface.

PTP Settings Page

Packet Output & Update Method

Configures packet output types and PTP sync/delay packet generation modes.

Core PTP Parameters

Covers delay mechanism, domain number, priority, and transmission method.

Multicast Configuration

Configures TTL and intervals for PTP multicast messages.

Advanced PTP Settings

Details 802.1AS configuration and remaining multicast settings.

About Page

Log Files & System Reboot

Provides options to download log files for diagnostics and reboot the system.

Troubleshooting

GPS Lock Issues

Addresses common problems with obtaining and maintaining GPS lock.

Factory Reset

Explains how to reset the device to its original factory default settings.

Specifications

Time Server Features

Details the technical features and specifications of the Time Server device.

GPS Module & Antenna Specs

Lists specifications for the GPS module and active patch antenna.

TM2500 C OCXO Timing Specs

Details the OCXO timing information and specifications for the TM2500C model.

The Time Machines PTP Network Time Server is a GPS-sourced time server designed to provide accurate time to all computers and time-keeping devices on a network. It supports both PTP (Precision Time Protocol) and NTP (Network Time Protocol) to ensure precise time synchronization without relying on an internet connection. This is particularly useful for maintaining time synchronization even if the internet connection is lost, as the device uses an active GPS antenna to receive time broadcasts from United States GPS satellites.

The device incorporates a high-precision internal clock based on an OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator). This allows the unit to continue serving accurate time even if the GPS antenna signal is lost, providing a holdover capability. The TM2500C model offers additional functionality compared to the TM2000B, featuring two SMB outputs for a 1PPS (Pulse Per Second) signal and a synchronized 10MHz reference signal.

Setting up and using the time server is designed to be straightforward. Users connect the included power supply and the GPS antenna to the base unit, then connect the base unit to the local network. Configuration is done via a web interface, accessible by browsing to the device's default IP address (192.168.1.20 from the factory). The web interface allows users to set network parameters and other device settings. Once configured, the system begins sending time packets to any device on the network requesting an update. The ability to set up two servers provides redundancy and increased capacity.

The device is compact and can be placed anywhere within the network layout. Its high-sensitivity GPS receiver can often acquire a lock on multiple satellites from within buildings or near a window, potentially eliminating the need for outdoor antenna installations.

Usage Features:

Time Synchronization: Provides accurate time via PTP and NTP protocols, sourced from GPS satellites.
Internal OCXO Clock: Features an OCXO for high-precision internal timekeeping, enabling accurate time service even during GPS signal loss (holdover).
TM2500C Specific Outputs: The TM2500C model includes SMB outputs for a 1PPS signal and a synchronized 10MHz reference signal. The 1PPS output is a 3.3V TTL signal derived from the GPS receiver, with a positive rising edge denoting the second boundary. The 10MHz output is also a 3.3V TTL signal, driven by DPLL hardware and synchronized to the 1PPS signal.
Flexible GPS Antenna Placement: The high-sensitivity GPS receiver allows for satellite lock from within many buildings or window locations, reducing the need for outdoor antennas.
Network Connectivity: Connects to the network via a 10/100 RJ45 port. Supports static or DHCP IPv4 addressing.
Serial Port: An output-only USB-Mini type serial port (enumerates as a COM port) provides basic status information at 115200,n81.
Web-Based Configuration: All parameters are accessed and configured through an intuitive web interface, using a default username/password of "admin/tmachine" and an initial IP address of 192.168.1.20.
Leap Second Management: Supports positive and negative leap second adjustments, reporting them via NTP and PTP protocols. The device's settings should only be changed when a new leap second is officially announced.
Password Protection: The web interface allows changing the default password for enhanced security.
NTP Server Control: Users can start and stop the NTP daemon from the settings page. By default, NTP support is enabled once a 3D GPS lock is achieved.
2D Fix for NTP (Optional): An option to allow the server to begin serving time with a 2D GPS lock, though a 3D lock is generally recommended for better accuracy and stability.
Holdover Limit: The device can be configured to extend its holdover limit indefinitely, allowing operation without GPS lock, though time will drift. This setting also influences PTP holdover behavior.
Remote NTP Servers: The device can be configured to obtain time from up to three remote NTP servers, allowing it to serve time quickly after booting up without waiting for GPS lock, or to operate without GPS entirely. If GPS lock is later obtained, it becomes the primary time source.
NTP Authentication: Supports authentication for NTP clients using MD5 and SHA1. Users can upload an ntp.keys file to enable this feature.
Manual Time Setting: The device's time can be manually set via the web page in UTC 24-hour format. Manual mode is overridden if GPS or peer NTP settings start providing time.
PTP Configuration: Offers various PTP settings, including packet output types (IPv4 UDP, 802.1AS), update methods (One-Step/Two-Step), delay mechanisms (End-to-End/Peer-to-Peer), domain number, priority settings, post-holdover behavior, and DSCP port settings.
Multicast Configuration: Allows setting Multicast TTL, Log Announce Interval, Log Sync Interval, Log Min Delay Request Interval, and Log Min Peer Delay Request Interval for PTP.
802.1AS Configuration: Specific settings for 802.1AS, including PTP Destination MAC, P2P Destination MAC, Sync Timeout Count, Max Neighbor Propagation Delay, and Transport Specific Field.
Status Page: Provides an information-only page displaying the current working state of the device, including time source, location (latitude/longitude from GPS), current date/time (UTC), number of satellites used, GPS fix status (No Fix, 2D, 3D), NTP lookups count, holdover time, MAC address, uptime, OCXO correction, DPLL status (TM2500C only), DPLL temperature (TM2500C only), software version, satellite details (ID, SNR, Azimuth, Elevation), NTP Peers, and PTP Clients.
Locator Data Query: Supports a simple UDP/IP protocol for other network applications to extract status and location information, compatible with TimeMachines' TM-Manager software.

Maintenance Features:

Firmware Updates: The device's firmware can be updated via the web interface by uploading an .img file. The process takes 20-25 minutes, and power should not be removed during this time.
OCXO Correction Save/Reset: The OCXO correction value, which helps maintain accurate time, can be saved or reset from the status page. Saving this value after a period of 3D GPS lock provides a more accurate starting point for the correction algorithm.
Download Log Files: A diagnostic feature that allows downloading a binary log file from the device, which can be used by TimeMachines for troubleshooting.
Reboot System: A software-based reset of the unit can be initiated from the web interface, taking 20-30 seconds to complete.
Reset to Factory Defaults: The device can be reset to factory default settings by pushing and holding the front panel button with a small object for 5 seconds. This is useful for recovering from forgotten passwords or unknown IP addresses.
Front Panel Indications: Three LEDs (POW, LOCK, SEC) provide visual status:
- POW: Indicates power reception.
- LOCK: Blinks for a 2D GPS lock, solid ON for a 3D GPS lock.
- SEC: Blinks once per second after a timing lock is achieved, indicating accurate time service. If LOCK blinks or turns off while SEC blinks, it means the internal time is accurate, but the device is trying to re-establish GPS timing lock.